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 Canadian Car Warranties for July 2025

Item: The Best Canadian Car Warranties
Rating: 5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Friday, July 18th 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.

2025 Canadian Car Warranty Reviews

Here you can see how Olive and Global Warranty match up head-to-head in a battle for the Best Canadian Car Warranties in 2025.

Olive

Covers new and used vehicles up to 10 model years or 225,000km
3 plans to choose from
Can use the mechanic of your choice

Olive is a more recent entry among providers of car warranty plans in Canada, but that hasn't stopped the company from earning a strong reputation (including an "A" rating from the BBB). There's no 30-day waiting period on coverage, and you can choose from three tiers of protection. However, because Olive isn't available nationwide and covered vehicles have to be newer than 10 years old, many Canadians won't be able to use this service for auto warranties.

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Global Warranty

Plans include long- and short-term coverage, tire & rim protection, GAP coverage, and options for RVs
Coverage available for vehicles of any make, any model, any year (but only when purchased through a dealership)
60-day/4000km "test drive" on warranty plans

Global Warranty, headquartered in Ontario, has been a key player in the car warranty industry for over 30 years, serving more than two million Canadians through a vast network of 8,000 dealerships nationwide. The Bronze to Platinum plans in their Ultimate series encompass everything from powertrain components to bumper-to-bumper coverage, with additional add-ons available if you need specific benefits. However, Global Warranty's coverage is exclusively accessible through dealership vehicle purchases, limiting options for those with privately-bought vehicles. Despite an "A+" rating and accreditation from the BBB, these factors contribute to Global Warranty being considered "just average" in the realm of Canadian car warranty providers.

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Whether you're buying a brand new car or a gently used resale, the prospect of an extended warranty plan may be on your radar. An extended warranty could be a shrewd financial decision, to help you have a cushion against the inevitable costs of future repairs.

Are extended warranties worth the investment? From a reputable company, absolutely. We've all experienced the frustration of a major malfunction just as the manufacturer's coverage runs out - or, even worse, a mere few days after driving that "as-is" car off the used car lot.

But here's a nugget of wisdom: buying the extended warranty directly from the dealer might not be your savviest move. Dealers often slap on hefty mark-ups, and their coverage might not be as comprehensive or flexible as you'd like. Fortunately, Canada boasts several reputable auto warranty companies, providing stellar coverage at competitive prices.

Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of what these extended warranty plans entail. Similar to car insurance, these plans range from covering just the major systems, like the powertrain, to offering comprehensive bumper-to-bumper protection, excluding only normal wear and tear. So, while they'll handle your in-dash electronics going haywire, don't expect them to foot the bill for your fresh set of brakes or wiper blades.

As you embark on the quest to find the ideal car warranty plan in Canada, keep these essential factors top of mind to guide your decision-making:

Coverage. Make sure you're crystal clear on what's covered and what's not. Opt for a plan that offers you the most coverage within your budget.
Service. Be aware of what you'll have to do to get repairs done. Is it required that you use an in-network mechanic, or is the repair shop of your choice fair game? Will you front the repair costs and turn in the receipts for reimbursement, or does the warranty company settle the bill directly with the mechanic?
Reputation. What's the word on the street as you look into customer experiences? Are claims processed smoothly? Does the provider enjoy a solid rapport with both customers and mechanics?
Price. How much will you pay for your auto warranty coverage? Is it a one-time lump sum or a monthly commitment? And, most importantly, how long before it kicks in - especially if your new vehicle still has a manufacturer's warranty lasting a year or more?

For a comprehensive rundown of your options in the Canadian car warranty marketplace, check out the reviews here at Top Consumer Reviews. Our experts have meticulously reviewed and ranked the best choices, arming you with the knowledge to pick the perfect plan for your vehicle. We're confident that your chosen warranty plan will provide the peace of mind that accompanies knowing you're covered when the unexpected road bumps appear!

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.

Olive vs Global Warranty

2025 Canadian Car Warranty Reviews

Olive

Global Warranty

Canadian Car Warranty FAQ