Who offers auto warranty plans?

There are lots of companies offering warranty coverage for your car. They work very similarly to health insurance: you'll pay more for higher coverage, some things are covered and some aren't, and your policy will have a time limit. You can shop around for auto warranty plans just like insurance, too: you don't have to go with the plans offered at the dealership.

How much do auto warranties cost?

That depends on your car and your coverage. On a new vehicle, you might pay $25/month for bumper-to-bumper coverage, but an older vehicle's premium could be three times that. You can usually pay in full or monthly, with no difference in total cost.

My car is brand new. Why would I buy a warranty?

The cost of your auto warranty will never be cheaper than when your car is new. But, you'll want to read the terms of your plan very carefully. While warranty plans at the dealership usually start from the time the manufacturer's warranty runs out, third-party plans often start from the date you purchase them. That could mean you're paying twice for the same coverage.

My car is old or has a lot of miles. Can I get a plan?

Probably. Each provider sets the limit for coverage, but there are options for cars with up to 150,000 miles! Most auto warranty plans are available for cars that are 20 years old or newer.

Are there any exclusions in what's covered?

YES! The most important part of choosing an auto warranty plan is knowing what's covered and what isn't! Even comprehensive plans don't cover items with normal wear-and-tear, like brake pads and tires. The most user-friendly plans usually give you a list of what isn't covered - and if it's not on that list, it's covered!

Is there a satisfaction guarantee?

Sometimes, but it's usually limited to the first 30 days after the purchase date. Again, be sure to read the terms of your auto warranty plan very carefully, to avoid any unpleasant surprises when you go to use your policy for the first time.

Can I use my warranty at any mechanic?

Almost all plans let you use the mechanic of your choice. Some providers will reduce your deductible if you go to one of their network partners.

Are auto warranty plans legitimate?

Despite all of the annoying spam phone calls you've gotten, desperately trying to contact you about the expiring warranty on your car, auto warranty plans are a real thing. And, when you choose a plan from a reputable provider, you can save thousands of dollars on car repairs.

Best Auto Warranty Plans for March 2026

Item: The Best Auto Warranty Plans - Summary Reviews
Rating: 5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Friday, March 13th We evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

2026 Auto Warranty Plan Reviews

Where is the best place to get an auto warranty today? Many car owners love that new-car feeling - until their manufacturer's warranty runs out and something breaks, leaving them to pay the unexpected repair cost. Others purchase used but still want the assurance that a car warranty provides. This is where extended vehicle service plans come into play. Since you never know when something will need to be repaired, having such a policy for your car may be just what you're looking for. If paid monthly, these plans can provide an affordable way to deal with costly fixes.

5.0

EXCELLENT

Best Option

Toco

Coverage up to 250,000 miles
Your mechanic or choice of repair shop to perform work
Perks include 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car coverage, and Openbay+ membership

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EXCELLENT

5.0

On the Toco website

Offering auto warranty plans in 46 states since 2013, Toco provides a monthly subscription for drivers desiring unexpected repair coverage. With quick online quotes that provide listings of covered components, this warranty provider makes it easy for shoppers to compare plans. High mileage cars can find coverage here as well as commercial use and rideshare cars. By providing roadside assistance and giving customers the opportunity to cancel coverage at any time, Toco stands out as a favorite with consumers, rising to the top of our list of best auto warranty plans on the market.

4.5

GREAT

Great

Olive

Three plan options with monthly subscription
Take it to your mechanic or use theirs
Towing and rental car perks

Read Full Review

GREAT

4.5

On the Olive website

Drivers seeking a monthly plan for a limited term will discover olive as an excellent option throughout the United States. Since 2019, their option for car owners to pay over time for extended vehicle warranties that provide coverage without a long waiting period has scored well with reviewers. While they don't offer plans for all cars, policies may be transferred with the sale of your auto. The reviews are still coming in for this newer monthly-fee auto warranty company, but we're confident enough to place olive as one of our top choices for vehicle service plans.

4.0

VERY GOOD

Very Good

autopom!

Broker who works with other providers to offer plans
Work may be done by your own mechanic or one of their network shops
Roadside assistance, towing, rental, and trip interruption coverage

Read Full Review

VERY GOOD

4.0

On the autopom! website

Vehicle owners who want to compare multiple extended warranty plan options should check out autopom!, a broker offering support for more than 15 years. While you won't get an online quote from them, browsing the website will allow you to learn more about auto warranty products in general and help you make informed decisions. Many perks may be included in their warranties, depending on which provider you go with. Acting as a helpful go-between when you need extra help, autopom! is high on our list of options to use when shopping for an extended warranty for your vehicle.

3.9

VERY GOOD

Very Good

Endurance

Three plan options
Use your mechanic or one from their network
Pay monthly for coverage up to 40,000 miles or 30 months

Read Full Review

VERY GOOD

3.9

On the Endurance website

For two decades, Endurance has provided three levels of extended warranty services for cars. Tens of thousands of pleased customers give them the highest ratings for their service. Plus, their plans can be paid for with monthly payments. With easy online quotes and extra perks not provided by competitors, Endurance stands out as an excellent option when comparing vehicle service plans.

3.5

GOOD

Good

CARCHEX

Five plan options
Work can be done at any licensed repair shop
Website full of helpful general information

Read Full Review

GOOD

3.5

On the CARCHEX website

Since 2003, CARCHEX has offered auto warranty policies to service vehicles and help consumers avoid high repair costs. With a 30-day guarantee and transferable policies, they have some benefits. However, their website doesn't tell much about which cars are covered or provide online quotes for service plans. There's also been a recent decline in their customer satisfaction, which leads us to rate CARCHEX as a just-above-average option.

3.4

GOOD

Good

1 800 Warranty

Four plan options
Use their vetted repair shops
Perks include roadside assistance and ID Theft Protection

Read Full Review

GOOD

3.4

On the 1 800 Warranty website

Since 2019, owners of older cars have found coverage with 1 800 Warranty. With plans that can be paid down or prepaid, there's something for all budgets. Providing roadside assistance and multi-car discounts, there are some great perks involved with their plans. However, policyholders must use the 1 800 Warranty network of repair facilities, and reviews of their services are mixed, leading us to rank them as just a mid-tier option for vehicle protection plans.

3.0

AVERAGE

Average

CarShield

Five levels of coverage
Covers high-mileage vehicles, rideshares, and motorcycles
Choose your mechanic or one of their preferred repair shops

Read Full Review

AVERAGE

3.0

On the CarShield website

For more than two decades, CarShield has "shielded" drivers, providing auto warranty plans to help with unexpected car repairs. They offer coverage for vehicles that many companies don't allow, including motorcycles, ATVs, and salvaged title cars. Multi-car discounts encourage you to get protection for all of your vehicles, though no quotes are available online. Unfortunately, the high number of low reviews brings CarShield down to a "just okay" rating as an extended auto warranty provider.

2.0

SUBPAR

Subpar

Premier Auto Protect

Three tiers of plan options which are customizable
Has specialty contracts for RVs, motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, scooters, and personal watercraft
Work with your favorite repair shop or one of their vetted partners

Read Full Review

SUBPAR

2.0

On the Premier Auto Protect website

Drivers with unique vehicle needs may find Premier Auto Protect to be the place for their extended auto warranty plans. Covering almost everything - including RVs, motorcycles, and personal watercraft - Premier Auto Protect has offered something for everyone since their founding a decade ago. Their discounts for AARP and USAA members stand out. However, their lack of online quotes, lower number of overall reviews, and high number of complaints combined puts them as a below-average choice for us.

1.5

WEAK

Weak

Select Auto Protect

Three plan options
Any licensed repair shop can complete the work
Perks include roadside assistance, trip interruption benefits, towing, and gas refill services

Read Full Review

WEAK

1.5

On the Select Auto Protect website

The website for Select Auto Protect misleads and confuses shoppers. The BBB gives them a failing grade, and poor customer reviews are alarming. Though they offer a money-back guarantee and their policy is transferrable, we would look elsewhere for an extended warranty for your car.

1.0

POOR

Poor

Complete Car Warranty

Submit request for a quote
Third-party vendor
In business since 2019

Read Full Review

POOR

1.0

On the Complete Car Warranty website

When shopping for an extended warranty, having information to make your decision is essential. Complete Car Warranty fails to offer any guidance or even more than a simple landing page to gather leads under the guise of offering a quick quote. With nothing to rate them on, we recommend choosing a higher rated company to provide your car warranty.

Continued from above...

Where is the Best Place to Get an Auto Warranty Today?

Many car owners love that new-car feeling - until their manufacturer's warranty runs out and something breaks, leaving them to pay the unexpected repair cost. Others purchase used but still want the assurance that a car warranty provides. This is where extended vehicle service plans come into play. Since you never know when something will need to be repaired, having such a policy for your car may be just what you're looking for. If paid monthly, these plans can provide an affordable way to deal with costly fixes.

While many consumers realize that they can purchase one of these extended warranty plans at a dealership, savvy ones know they are also available for private purchase - not just at the time the car is bought, but also anytime you feel you want some protection from the high costs that can result from a mechanical failure.

The key is to think about whether or not the policy is worth what you're paying, what's excluded, and the overall coverage provided. Unfortunately, many policies have so many exclusions that their policyholders don't get the benefits they thought they were paying for. On the other hand, reputable companies provide plans that are excellent investments to give you peace of mind and help you out in the case of a major repair.

Plans vary by tiers of coverage and provider, but most auto warranty plans don't cover the little things like an oil change or new brakes. Think about if you want to simply cover the powertrain or if you're hoping for extensive bumper-to-bumper protection. Make sure you maintain the vehicle as directed by the manufacturer's schedule of service, too. If you don't, you may void your auto warranty. Pre-existing conditions are not covered, either, and there's typically a waiting period before they will pay any claims.

When comparing auto warranty companies, there are many factors to consider. We suggest making sure to consider these first:

Coverage. Do you know which of the car's systems are covered by the auto warranty? Look for a complete listing to be spelled out. Spending a lot of money on a vehicle service plan only to find out your air conditioning isn't covered can be quite the shock when you're stuck paying the bill.
Service. How do you contact the company and what kind of customer service do they offer? This is essential because you will likely be contacting them to put this warranty to use. Unlike accident protection insurance which is for "what if" protection, your vehicle's components eventually will need to be replaced and your policy should offer appropriate coverage. Each plan will handle claims differently, so knowing how it works can save you frustration later on.
Reputation. What does the Better Business Bureau say about this company? You should avoid providers with lots of complaints. Will the warranty company pay when you make claims or avoid your calls and waste your time? Check out the reviews to see what customers have said. We'd recommend skipping those with significant numbers of negative reviews.
Price. Of course, price is a key consideration. Why spend more than you have to or break your budget with a plan that doesn't do what you need? Some places allow monthly payments while others require a lump sum upfront. Others are monthly subscription plans, so know what you're committing to and be sure you're comfortable with the price.

At Top Consumer Reviews, we know that unexpected breakdowns can lead to costly repairs and financial hardship. If you're considering an auto warranty plan, we want to help you find the best ones for your personal situation. That's why we have rated and ranked these providers so you can choose the one you prefer to help you get back to driving when you encounter various bumps along the highway of life.

The Basics of Auto Warranties

Cars are expensive investments, whether you like to purchase new or pre-owned. In protecting that investment and to avoid future repair expenses on your car, you may want to consider purchasing an auto warranty.

Most new and some used cars are covered by some sort of warranty when purchased. For example, new cars are usually covered by a manufacturer's warranty. These warranties vary greatly and are limited in duration. They may cover a variety of repairs until either a time limit or mileage limit such as three years or 36,000 miles. Once you reach that time or mileage limit, the warranty will either totally expire or much of what it covers will be void.

Some manufacturers also offer various program warranties on specific used or pre-owned cars, usually called "certified used" or something similar, that extend the original manufacturer's warranty or parts of the warranty.

If you plan on keeping the car past the life of the manufacturer's warranty, you may want to consider purchasing an extended warranty. Extended warranties are insurance policies against expensive, unforeseen repairs. In essence, extended warranties are actually service contracts. They cover expenses incurred that your warranty doesn't cover.

Unlike manufacturer's warranties, extended warranties are purchased separately from your car. They can be purchased either through the original manufacturer or through a third-party, independent warranty company. In some cases, you'll receive offers to purchase extended warranties in the mail or over the phone from the manufacturer just as the original manufacturer's warrantee is expiring.

Extended warranties are all different. They each differ on what repairs are covered, how much is covered, duration of the coverage and cost of the warranty. Before purchasing any extended warranty, determine what is still covered on the warranty you possess, determine how long past the life of the warranty you'll keep the car, what you want covered and for how long.

When researching the details of the warranty you want to purchase, look for information on the policy's deductible, whether the policy is transferable if you sell the car and whether repairs can be done anywhere or only with specific shops. Also, look for specifics on what is covered and what is not. For instance, does the warranty cover breakdown of parts as well as wear and tear? A warranty that only covers breakdown requires the part to break before the warranty will pay to replace it. A wear and tear policy will cover parts that need to be replaced because they are too worn to work efficiently.

Purchasing an extended warranty can be a smart investment. Don't forget to research the warranty specification and the companies offering them online before making the purchase.