Buying a high-quality used car can be a smart financial decision, but it does come with some risk that the car could break down. One way to mitigate this risk is to buy an extended warranty. However, it can be tough to know where to start looking for the right long-term vehicle protection plan.
The best used car warranty companies differ slightly from the best extended warranty companies. In general the best providers for used cars offer high mileage limits and options for long terms.
You can start comparing quotes from extended warranty companies with the tool below:
Which companies offer the best used car warranty coverage?
In our industry-wide review of aftermarket warranty providers, we found that Carchex, Endurance, CarShield, Omega Auto Care and Autopom offer the best long-term vehicle protection plans for used cars.
Although we give Carchex a slightly lower overall rating than Endurance, it takes the top spot here due to its generous mileage limit. Autopom is our second-ranked provider overall, but it comes in fifth place for used car warranties due to its relatively low mileage limit for coverage.
| Provider | Our Rating | Coverage Levels | Longest Term | Mileage Limit | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4.7 | 6 | 8 years | 200,000 | Check Price | |
CarShieldLearn More | 4.4 | 6 | 10 years | 300,000 | Learn More |
CarchexLearn More | 4.5 | 5 | 10 years | 250,000 | Learn More |
4.6 | 3 | 7 years | 150,000 | Check Price | |
4.4 | 3 | 15 years | 250,000 | Check Price |
Best used car warranty companies
The sections below provide further details on each of our picks for the top used car warranty companies.
Carchex
4.5
Our thoughts
What we like
Carchex has been in business since 1999 and maintains partnerships with respected names like Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, CARFAX and RepairPal. It has coverage available for up to 10 years or 250,000 miles, which makes it a great choice for used vehicles.
Carchex plans are available in all 50 states. Carchex also carries an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which means it has a history of responding to customer complaints on the site.
What we don’t like
The cost of Carchex plans can be on the high side. It’s also a little troubling that customers on BBB only give the company 1.9 out of 5.0 stars, although this rating isn’t out of step with many other warranty providers.
Coverage
Here are some details on the five extended warranty plans Carchex offers:
- Titanium: The highest level of coverage Carchex offers, this plan is similar to a factory warranty. It’s an exclusionary plan, which means it provides bumper-to-bumper coverage with only a short list of exclusions.
- Platinum: This is a stated-component plan, which means it covers a wide variety of clearly listed parts.
- Powertrain Plus: A step up from a powertrain warranty, this midlevel plan covers the powertrain, air conditioning and various electrical components.
- Powertrain: Powertrain warranties cover the essential components that power your vehicle. Key engine, transmission and drive axle elements are protected.
- Extra Care: This coverage option is for essential parts outside of the powertrain, such as the electrical system, suspension, steering and braking.
All Carchex plans come with the following perks:
- Roadside assistance ($125 per occurrence of towing, lockout services, spare tire installation, fuel delivery and jump-starts)
- Rental car reimbursem*nt for up to $100 per day ($60 per day for rideshare services)
- Trip interruption benefits of up to $125 per day for a maximum of five days when you experience a covered breakdown more than 100 miles from home
Cost
The quotes we received for Carchex plans for different vehicles and plans ranged from $130 to $150 per month. Even with discounted rates of between $90 and $120 per month, keeping a month-to-month Carchex plan for several years can get pretty expensive.
Best used car plan
Carchex plans are generally excellent options for used cars, with the Powertrain Plus option offering the best mix of coverage and value. Along with protection for the engine, transmission and drive axles, the Powertrain Plus plan covers your vehicle’s air conditioning and various electrical components.
Endurance
4.7
Our thoughts
What we like
Endurance is our pick for the best extended car warranty overall, and it’s also a fine option for higher-mileage used cars as well. The company separates itself from the competition by providing coverage directly to consumers. In other words, there’s no administrator or middleman to go through when you need covered repairs.
Endurance was founded in 2006 and offers extended warranty plans in 49 states. In California, the company offers mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) instead. The main distinction here is that MBI plans are regulated by state insurance commissions, while aftermarket extended warranties are not. The coverage you receive from these protection plans is similar.
What we don’t like
There isn’t much to quibble with when it comes to Endurance extended warranty plans. Our only complaint is that the company’s 200,000-mile coverage limit is lower than some of its competitors. For a used car that you’d like to keep on the road for many years, you may be better served by a provider with higher limits.
Coverage
Although its site only lists three coverage options, Endurance actually has six plans available. Here’s a quick breakdown of Endurance warranty coverage options:
- Supreme: This is bumper-to-bumper coverage for your vehicle that’s similar to a new vehicle warranty.
- Superior: As a slight step down from the Supreme plan, this covers hundreds of components that are clearly stated.
- Secure Plus: This is an expanded powertrain warranty that protects the steering, braking and electrical systems.
- Secure: This is Endurance’s basic powertrain coverage option.
- Select Premier: This expanded powertrain warranty is a great option for higher-mileage used cars.
- Advantage: This is a unique coverage option that includes mechanical breakdown protection and regular maintenance like oil changes and diagnostic services.
Along with roadside assistance, rental car coverage, and trip interruption benefits, all Endurance plans come with a free year of Endurance Elite benefits. This program includes:
- Key fob replacement (up to $500)
- Repair or replacement of up to two tires per year
- Total loss protection (up to $1,000 toward a replacement vehicle)
- Collision discount (up to $500 per covered collision toward your car insurance deductible, with a maximum benefit of $1,000)
Cost
The quotes we gathered from Endurance ranged from around $89 to $115 per month based on coverage terms. With all these estimates attached to plans that last two and a half years, the total cost of an extended warranty could be seen as average or even slightly above even though the monthly costs are low or average.
Best used car plan
The Endurance Secure Plus plan is designed for high-mileage vehicles and is the provider’s best option for used cars. Along with the engine, transmission and drive axles, this plan covers your older vehicle’s brakes, steering, air conditioning and various electrical components.
CarShield
4.4
Our thoughts
What we like
CarShield is an excellent choice for a used car extended warranty due to mileage limits that reach 300,000. The provider is known for low prices and flexible monthly payment options. CarShield also offers six levels of coverage, with one reserved for motorcycles and ATVs.
What we don’t like
CarShield’s month-to-month payment model gives you more flexibility than some other providers’ plans, but the monthly cost can be a bit high. It’s also hard not to be troubled by the company’s C- rating on BBB.
Coverage
Here’s a look at CarShield’s five coverage options for cars:
- Diamond: This is similar to a new vehicle bumper-to-bumper warranty with only a handful of coverage exclusions.
- Platinum: A stated-component plan, the Platinum option covers your car’s engine, transmission, starter, water pump, fuel pump, air conditioning and cooling system.
- Gold: This expanded powertrain warranty covers the water pump, alternator, and starter in addition to engine, transmission and drive axle components.
- Silver: CarShield’s affordable basic powertrain plan is perfect for older vehicles.
- Aluminum: This plan protects specific high-tech electrical components, air conditioning, sensors, seals and gaskets.
All CarShield plans include 24-hour roadside assistance, towing benefits, trip interruption coverage and rental car reimbursem*nt.
Cost
CarShield’s Gold plan is probably the best option for a used car warranty. This vehicle service contract is designed for cars with more than 100,000 miles, covering the engine, transmission, water pump, starter, alternator, air conditioning and even power windows.
Best used car plan
The Endurance Secure Plus plan is designed for high-mileage vehicles and is the provider’s best option for used cars. Along with the engine, transmission and drive axles, this plan covers your older vehicle’s brakes, steering, air conditioning and various electrical components.
Omega Auto Care
4.4
Our thoughts
What we like
Omega Auto Care features five coverage levels available in all 50 states, including three different powertrain warranty options. If you use a RepairPal-certified facility for covered repairs, Omega will waive your deductible.
It also offers programs that cover oil changes, battery replacement, brake pads and shoes, and a free safety inspection, which is rare in the extended warranty industry.
What we don’t like
While we like the maintenance benefits Omega Auto Care offers, it’s tough to know exactly which perks are available with which plans. The sample contracts the provider features on its website do not include specific information about these benefits.
We also don’t like that we weren’t able to get quotes from this provider.
Coverage
Here’s a quick summary of Omega Auto Care’s five extended warranty options:
- New Exclusionary: This exclusionary plan is reserved for vehicles up to 7 model years old and with less than 100,000 miles.
- Used Stated Coverage: Omega’s stated-component plan is for cars up to 10 model years old and with less than 150,000 miles. This midlevel coverage option protects most key vehicle components.
- Powertrain Enhanced: This plan covers powertrain components along with air conditioning, fuel systems and various electrical elements in cars with up to 250,000 miles.
- Powertrain Plus: Adds electrical components and air conditioning to basic powertrain coverage for vehicles with up to 250,000 miles on the odometer.
- Powertrain: This Omega’s most affordable coverage. It protects the engine, transmission, and drivetrain of vehicles with up to 250,000 miles.
The following benefits are included with all Omega Auto Care plans:
- Roadside assistance, including towing, jump starts, fluid delivery, lockout service and flat tire changes using your inflated spare (up to $100 per occurrence)
- Road hazard coverage (maximum benefit of $400 per year for tire repairs and replacements)
- Rental car reimbursem*nt (up to $30 per day with maximum benefit of $150)
- Trip interruption benefits for covered breakdowns more than 100 miles from home (up to $75 per day for three days)
Cost
When we reached out to Omega Auto Care for price quotes for its coverage plans, we were unable to get into contact with the sales department. While we couldn’t get quotes, the customer service representative we did reach was friendly, not pushy, and was thorough in explaining plan options.
Best used car plan
Omega’s Powertrain plan is the best option for a used car, as it covers vehicles with up to 250,000 miles. You can also upgrade to either the Powertrain Plus or Powertrain Enhanced plan. Both of these plans cover additional components beyond the engine, transmission and drive axles.
Autopom
4.6
Our thoughts
What we like
Autopom — which stands for “automotive peace of mind” — offers vehicle service contracts in most states and MBI policies in California. Autopom has many positive reviews from customers online, which is rare in this industry. A quick claims process and responsiveness of agents are frequently mentioned in these customer reviews.
What we don’t like
The only real drawback with Autopom is that its mileage limits aren’t as generous as the other providers in this lineup. Coverage is available only up to the 150,000-mile mark.
Coverage
Here are the coverage levels you can choose from with Autopom:
- Exclusionary: This is similar to a new car factory warranty with only a short list of excluded components.
- Mid-Level: Most of the major vehicle systems are covered by this plan, including the engine, transmission, drive axle, steering, braking, air conditioning and electrical components.
- Powertrain Plus: This is essential coverage for the engine, transmission, drive axle and air conditioning. Basic electrical items are also protected. This plan is ideal for high-mileage vehicles.
Roadside assistance, trip interruption reimbursem*nt and rental car coverage are included with every Autopom warranty plan.
Cost
We gathered quotes for Autopom’s Exclusionary and Powertrain Plus plans. The quotes we received were in line with average costs for the industry. Prices ranged from about $82 per month to around $112 per month, with total costs right around $2,800.
Best used car plan
Autopom’s Powertrain Plus plan is likely your best bet for used car coverage. This plan goes beyond the engine, transmission and drive axles to cover air conditioning and basic electrical components.
What is a used car warranty?
When you buy a used car, it may have some of its factory warranty coverage remaining. Car dealerships also include some degree of warranty coverage with used vehicles they sell. Certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles typically come with some type of protection as well.
The problem with CPO and used car warranties is that they don’t last very long. Even if you receive fairly comprehensive coverage with your used car purchase, it may only last a year or 12,000 miles.
This is why purchasing an extended car warranty from a third-party company is generally the best way to go. Aftermarket extended car warranty companies give you more flexibility than a manufacturer’s warranty when it comes to repair shops, coverage terms and payment options.
Used car warranty exclusions
We outlined what vehicle components are covered by various extended warranty coverage levels above, but what isn’t covered by these vehicle service contracts? Here are a few common exclusions from used car warranties:
- Damage from aftermarket modifications
- Damage from collisions or environmental factors (that’s where your car insurance company takes over)
- Damage from lack of routine maintenance
- Damage from vehicle misuse like racing or driving over curbs
- Routine maintenance services like oil changes, tire rotations and wheel alignments
- Wear-and-tear components such as brake pads and wiper blades
What does a used car warranty cost?
An extended warranty for a used car can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000 or more in total depending on a host of factors. Your vehicle’s age and mileage are key criteria, as older cars with high odometer readings are more prone to expensive repairs.
The following variables also play major roles in determining how much you pay for a used car warranty:
- Coverage level: Exclusionary warranty plans cost more than basic powertrain warranties.
- Deductible: Setting your deductible higher will result in lower warranty costs and vice versa. Remember that a higher deductible means you’ll pay more out of pocket for covered repairs.
- Vehicle type: Exotic vehicles, sports cars and expensive SUVs will cost more to cover than standard sedans and other daily drivers.
- Provider: Warranty costs vary by provider. That’s why it’s so important to compare free quotes from multiple companies before you make a decision.
To give you a clearer idea of how much a used car warranty might cost, here are some quotes we received from our top-rated providers to cover a 2020 Hyundai Elantra with 30,000 miles.
| Warranty Provider | Plan Type | Terms | Monthly Price | Total Price | Deductible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endurance | Exclusionary | 2.5 years/40,000 miles | $90 | $2,703 | $100 |
| Endurance | Midlevel | 2.5 years/40,000 miles | $90 | $2,697 | $100 |
| Autopom | Exclusionary | 5 years/100,000 miles | $112 | $2,827 | $100 |
| Carchex | Exclusionary | Unlimited/month-to-month | $140 | N/A | $100 |
| Carchex | Midlevel | Unlimited/month-to-month | $130 | N/A | $100 |
| CarShield | Exclusionary | Unlimited/month-to-month | $140 | N/A | $200 |
Final take: Carchex is the best provider for a used car warranty
Carchex, Endurance, CarShield, Omega Auto Care and Autopom are our top picks for used car warranties. Each of these extended warranty companies offers high-quality coverage with flexible coverage terms and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
To get the best extended car warranty for your budget and coverage needs, be sure to compare quotes online and read the fine print in your vehicle service contract before buying a plan.
Our rating methodology for warranty companies
We analyze, rate and rank top vehicle service contract providers to help you discover the right one for your needs. The best auto service contract companies offer transparency, affordability and expansive coverage options, among other qualities.
We rate companies using our objective scoring methodology. We assess brands on factors that are important to consumers like you — including cost, coverage, market standing, trustworthiness and customer experience. After scoring companies on a 100-point scale, we simplify final scores into the 5-star ratings you see in our content.
BBB scores are accurate as of February 2024.
Daniel RobinsonHomefront
Daniel Robinson is a content writer specializing in auto insurance, car warranties and car shipping. He has written about these topics for MarketWatch and Jalopnik. Daniel studied American literature and technical writing at East Carolina University. He is based in eastern North Carolina and spends his spare time cooking, playing guitar and getting schooled in video games by his 12-year-old son.
