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Best Extended Car Warranty Companies of 2026
We found the best extended car warranties to help you avoid costly repairs.
Updated:
We compared coverage, plan options, cost, and reviews of the top extended auto warranty companies. Our top picks include Endurance, American Dream Auto Protect, and Select Auto Protect. Learn how extended auto warranties work and get tips on choosing the best one for your vehicle.
Endurance Warranty offers four different levels of coverage making them best in coverage. They also offer a breakdown stipend.
- Great Coverage
- Breakdown Stipend Available
- Accepted by 350,000+ Mechanics
American Dream Auto Protect offers three standard protection plans, but also allows customers to customize their plan to fit their needs. The company offers coverage for vehicles newer than model year 2000.
- Great Customization Options
- Get 1 Month Free
- Easy sign up process
Select Auto Protect offers auto warranty coverage to customers across the United States. The company covers any car in good working condition, despite the car’s age or mileage.
- Great for High Miles
- Coverage for older cars available
- Select any ASE-Certified mechanic
4.3
For its combination of affordable prices, good coverage (even for high mileage vehicles) and extra benefits, Omega Auto Care is our top pick and wins the Best Value award.
- Roadside Assistance Included
- Coverage up to 250k miles
- Highly rated
4.6
CARCHEX is known for providing excellent customer service by offering an instant quote on their website. Plan benefits include car rental, towing and 24/7 roadside assistance.
- Great Service
- Many Systems Covered
- Nationwide Coverage
4.5
CarShield is a well-known car warranty company that helps customers deal with the high cost of auto repairs. Avoid unexpected automotive expenses with one of CarShield’s six plans.
- Great Reputation
- 6 Plan options
- Compare plans
Our Search for the Best Extended Car Warranty Companies
We evaluated 12 popular auto warranty providers and selected six companies that stood out for their exceptional customer service, comprehensive coverage, and competitive value.
We consulted with car repair professionals to gain a well-rounded perspective on what’s most important when choosing a warranty provider.
We analyzed customer feedback and automatically eliminated companies with a Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating of C or lower. We then ranked the remaining companies based on the sentiment and volume of their verified customer reviews. A higher number of authentic reviews for a company resulted in it ranking higher on our list.
We prioritized companies that are available nationwide and selected providers that cover drivers in all 48 contiguous U.S. states, as well as the District of Columbia. We eliminated companies that only serve certain types of drivers, focus strictly on business services, or cover just specific vehicle types.
We selected companies that are easy to work with and provide pricing and coverage information online. We did not favor those that required a phone call or an in-person visit.
Auto Warranty Company Reviews
We focused our list of best car warranty companies on those that exhibited excellence in our top three categories.
Endurance Auto Warranty Review
Great Coverage
|
It can be challenging to cover just what you want with a car warranty, and that’s why Endurance made our list for best coverage. With their 30-day guarantee, car owners can get a feel for a full month of warranty protection without any obligation. You will be issued a refund if the warranty does not meet your expectations to give you plenty of time to decide if the level of service you selected is appropriate for your needs. Note that this free trial period also coincides with the plan’s waiting period, so you usually won’t get service during this time.
Endurance contracts directly with service contract providers so there is less cost compared to buying directly from a dealer. Their range of four coverage options for car owners covers most of the repairs you would need, and even their high-mileage plan balances a reasonable monthly cost with coverage for major systems such as the engine, transmission, and air conditioning. Every service level includes roadside assistance and rental car benefits.
Endurance’s plans go from basic needs to bumper-to-bumper with many of these plans including a generous benefit of $150/day for expenses you incur as a result of a breakdown including the cost of food and lodging. Customers can also add on high-tech coverage options for GPS and backup cameras, as well as benefits for hybrid vehicles. Most plans range from a few hundred dollars to a thousand dollars or more per year. Deductibles average $100 per term.
Or, read our comprehensive Endurance car warranty review.
American Dream Auto Protect Review
Great Customization Options
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American Dream Auto Protect offers flexible extended car warranty plans tailored to individual needs. With customizable coverage options and the convenience of monthly payments, drivers can enjoy peace of mind knowing their vehicle is protected. The inclusion of roadside assistance in every plan adds an extra layer of security for on-the-go lifestyles.
Or, read our comprehensive American Dream Auto Protect review.
Select Auto Protect Review
Great for High Miles
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Select Auto Protect covers any standard passenger vehicle regardless of age, as long as it’s in good working condition. The company pays your mechanic directly, so you don’t have to submit claims and wait to get reimbursed. You can choose any mechanic to repair your vehicle with a Select Auto Protect car warranty, as long as they are ASE-certified.
You have a choice of three coverage levels with a Select Auto Protect extended car warranty. All plans include payments for roadside assistance if you get a flat tire, run out of gas, need a tow or other service. There’s no deductible for this benefit.
Hopefully, your vehicle won’t break down multiple times over the term of a Select Auto Protect warranty plan. However, there is no limit on the number of service calls, so you won’t get buried by auto repair bills if your car has repeated breakdowns.
Check out our full review of Select Auto Protect.
Omega Auto Care Review
Roadside Assistance Included
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Omega offers just three service plans, but customers have been satisfied with their return on investment. As an auto warranty provider that allows you to have your car fixed by any licensed mechanic, Omega has earned a reputation for being easy to work with. Customers simply show their mechanic their coverage card, and most repair facilities can take it from there. Omega reviews mention timely service and that the process is straightforward. Most covered repairs only require a $100 deductible.
Omega offers coverage options for cars with odometers running up to 250,000 miles, and higher-mileage vehicles are eligible for the powertrain-only plans. Drivers of older cars can have the most expensive repairs covered with plan premiums that are typically affordable. Omega does not pay for pre-existing issues or those caused by neglect and requires vehicle owners to have regular maintenance services done along with keeping reliable records. Omega adheres to these policies to be able to sell their warranties at a lower cost for coverage. All plans provide roadside assistance, rental car fees and trip interruption coverage.
Check out our full review of Omega Auto Care.
CARCHEX Review
Great Service
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One thing we like about CARCHEX is how they offer customers access to the best auto repair mechanics, which eliminates doubts about the quality of your car’s repair. Customers can input their geographic region, coverage needs, and type of car on the CARCHEX website to get a wide range of service and pricing options. Even customers with hard-to-cover makes and models are usually able to get at least one coverage option from CARCHEX.
CARCHEX has an excellent reputation in the industry as well. As one of the largest providers of coverage, it has partnerships with many of the top warranty administrators and can provide competitive pricing to a broader range of customers. Their A+ Better Business Bureau rating is a result of over ten years of experience responding quickly to customer complaints and issues. They partner with CARFAX to provide a trusted solution for people who want to take their car buying and care into their own hands. CARCHEX also offers many other vehicle services, such as roadside assistance plans, auto financing, car inspections and standard auto insurance coverage.
Read the full CARCHEX review.
Additional Car Warranty Companies We Considered
RepairBanc offers flexibile payment plans (annual or monthly), a money back guarantee, and affordable prices based on your car’s age and mileage. For more information, read our comprehensive RepairBANC Car Warranty review.
Extended Car Warranty Buying Guide
By the time you’re finished reading this article, you’ll not only be able to choose the best car warranty, but you’ll be a more prepared auto warranty shopper.
This buyer’s guide explains how extended auto warranties work, what the warranties cover (and what they don’t), and offers tips on what to look for when buying a car warranty policy.
Top Car Warranty Tips:
- Understand what an extended warranty covers
- Know what you’ll pay for coverage (and service)
- Ask the right questions before you buy
Understanding Extended Warranty Coverage
Do you know the difference between a traditional car warranty and an extended warranty? Know what you are buying to understand the financial benefits.
When most people hear “car warranty,” it is about the manufacturer’s warranty that comes with any new car, covering a range of possible defects for a period, such as three or five years or so many miles driven.
Many auto dealers offer an extended warranty on certain parts and labor for an additional fee that takes effect once the manufacturer’s warranty expires.
Beyond that, there is another type of warranty that is more like a service contract. This auto warranty is what most people look for when shopping outside of a dealer for coverage on parts and labor for a used car. The companies on our list offer these types of service contracts.
Lesson: Know the difference between types of warranties.
Auto warranties vary by company and coverage level, but they are most likely to cover parts and repairs to major automotive systems, such as the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. They are available for cars of any age or condition, but are unlikely to cover repairs for damage caused by neglect.
The higher levels of coverage will add in more systems such as the heating/cooling, electrical, steering, and brake lines, and may be referred to as “bumper to bumper” warranites in that they cover nearly everything that came standard with the car.
Wear and tear plans cover regular damage or wear to items such as carpet rips, cigarette burns, or chipped paint.
More expensive plans also cover roadside assistance services.
How You’ll Pay for a Car Warranty
Each company we evaluated bills differently, but many offer monthly payment options. Most offer one-year contracts with a discount for paying up front.
In addition to the cost of your warranty, you will be responsible for any repairs or parts until the deductible is met. Deductibles vary by company and level of service plan.
Lesson: Add up the costs.
You will get to choose your preferred service professional to do your covered vehicle repairs, and they will be compensated directly by the car warranty company. A plan with fully-covered services means it’s unlikely that you will have to pay anything out of pocket after the deductible.
Additional charges aren’t always covered by your plan, however. A transmission repair covered by the plan may also have some non-covered parts or services, such as a filter or a cosmetic finish.
Ask the Right Questions Before You Buy Auto Warranty Coverage
Many people don’t realize that they have purchased the wrong auto warranty plan until they try to use it. The best time to know coverage details is well in advance of any payments on your plan.
Most car warranty companies offer multiple ways for customers to contact their customer service team. Each of the companies we selected is available via phone, online chat, or email. Contact the customer service or sales team with any doubts you have regarding coverage and get the details you need to make a satisfactory purchase.
Related Car Warranty Resources
Readers of this car warranty guide also read these related articles.
Extended Car Warranty vs. Manufacturer’s Warranty
Learn the differences between the warranties that come with new vehicles and what comes with an extended car warranty.
Extended Car Warranties For Cars Over 100,000 Miles
When your car has more than 100,000 miles, getting an extended auto warranty could make sense. Find out what you need to know.
What Voids Your Vehicle’s Car Warranty?
Your car’s warranty does not always cover repair services, especially if you’ve voided it unintentionally. Find out what mistakes to avoid.
More Related Articles
Frequently Asked Questions about Car Warranties
No. While new car manufacturers generally offer auto warranties, used car buyers often find the original manufacturer’s warranty has expired. The value of buying an extended auto warranty is it offers new car warranty protections to buyers of used cars.
Many car warranty companies specialize in older cars or those with over 95,000 miles on them. Even antique vehicles can qualify for specialty car warranty plans.
Yes and no. While insurance can cover your car for collision damage or weather events, you may not have protection for things that go wrong with your car over time. Car insurance doesn’t pay out unless an accident of some type happens.
Since extended service plans don’t cover pre-existing failures or needed repairs, this short time after you buy a policy ensures that you’re not just buying coverage because you know you’ll need a repair. This practice protects car warranty companies from having to pay out on existing problems and also prevents them from needing to send an inspector to qualify your car for eligibility. The waiting period ensures people won’t take advantage of the plan by waiting to sign up when something goes wrong.
Most reputable car warranty companies allow you to choose from a list of approved car repair providers in your area. Always ask if your preferred mechanic is an approved provider for the policy you are considering. Remember that the warranty company needs to approve all repairs ahead of time, no matter who does the work.
When you decide to sell your car, what happens to the warranty? You can usually transfer the paid portion of the warranty to the new owner, but an additional fee may apply. If the new owner wants to continue coverage after your original policy expires, it is their responsibility to purchase a new warranty. You generally cannot get a refund for the remaining time left on a warranty.
Unless you have specifically requested information about an extended car warranty, you should not receive unsolicited calls or offers of car coverage. The FTC has issued a statement warning consumers about scams involving companies that act as auto warranty dealers. Do not give your information to a company or person you have not made contact with first yourself.
Concluding Thoughts on Car Warranties
Taking care of your vehicle ensures 10-15 years of reliable and safe transportation, provided you make the necessary repairs as they happen. Maintenance can be expensive; a good auto warranty plays a role in keeping costs down over time.
To help you choose the best extended car warranty for your vehicle, we analyzed many car warranty companies and chose six that stood out from the rest. We recommend the companies on our list above because they meet our criteria and provide excellent service, coverage, and value.