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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.
Tuesday, March 19th
Ensurall, a family-owned Canadian business with almost 50 years of experience, has been a stalwart in protecting car owners from hefty repair costs. Fully insured by Unica Insurance, a subsidiary of La Capitale General Insurance, Ensurall has maintained an "A+" rating and accreditation from the BBB for decades.
3 tiers of service
For warranty coverage here, you can choose from three plans: Powertrain Plus, Essential Components, and Fully Loaded Coverage, each providing well-rounded benefits tailored to your car's needs and your budget. We encourage you to look at the handy comparison chart on the Ensurall site, so that you'll know what's covered and what's not. But, it tends to follow what you'd normally see elsewhere: Powertrain Plus covers powertrain/seals and gaskets/AC/electronics, Essential Components adds on ignition systems/suspension/brakes, and so on.
Best coverage for cars under 6 years old
Ensurall's plans are particularly attractive for cars under 6 years old, offering higher coverage eligibility without per-claim maximums.
Start quote process online, finish with a phone call
To see your options, click on the "free quote" button, and provide details about your car, including its year, make, model, odometer reading, purchase price, and special features. However, keep in mind that the quote process involves waiting for an Ensurall representative to reach out via phone or email.
Perks include your choice of mechanic and car rental allowance
Regardless of your plan, you have the freedom to choose any mechanic when you're ready to make a claim, and every plan includes trip interruption benefits and a car rental allowance for extended repairs.
#1 for customer satisfaction
Although there are a few limitations here (they won't cover cars more than 10 years old, and plans aren't offered to residents of British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Alberta), Ensurall really stands out with respect to customer satisfaction. We found review after review from loyal clients who said they've used Ensurall to cover multiple vehicles over many years. "Over the 5 years of the policy, I had four repairs that were covered" and "I would not hesitate to purchase an additional warranty from Ensurall down the road" (from a customer who purchased two policies) are just two examples of the glowing praise from happy Canadians who have trusted these auto warranty policies.
Still our first choice for car warranties in Canada
Ensurall continues to be our #1 pick among Canadian car warranty options. There are no hidden costs or surprises when it's time to make a claim, customers are almost universally thrilled with the value of their policies, and you can trust Ensurall will have your back. This should be the first place you look for an auto warranty in Canada.
AutoPair, a relatively recent entrant in the Canadian car warranty industry, has quickly established a strong reputation in just a few years. Accredited by the BBB with an "A-" rating, and with plenty of 5-star ratings from satisfied customers since our last evaluation, AutoPair has become a standout choice for auto protection.
3 plans with upfront pricing
AutoPair distinguishes itself by providing dealership-level coverage at a fraction of the cost, and they tell you upfront what you'll pay. No need to wait for a quote, and no upcharges based on the kind of car you drive. We love that! The three car warranty plans are:
No deductibles
Even better, you won't pay a deductible on any of the car warranty plans offered through AutoPair. However, if you're covering a "premium class" vehicle like an Audi or Land Rover, or an "exotic class" vehicle like a BMW M Series or an Alfa Romeo, expect a surcharge to get your repairs done ($299 and $499, respectively).
30-day waiting period
While AutoPair implements a 30-day/1500km waiting period before filing a claim, this precaution ensures that customers don't exploit the coverage immediately after purchase. The company's rationale is to reasonably verify that the plan isn't obtained solely for repairing a pre-existing issue. However, it's true that malfunctions may occur within this waiting period, posing a slight risk (but one that's common in the car warranty industry as a whole).
Keep your favourite mechanic
You can visit any mechanic you like when making a claim on an AutoPair policy. The company aims to resolve claims within 12-24 hours of submitting the diagnostics from the repair facility of your choice: payment will be made to the AutoPair debit card you received after signing up for your policy, or as an e-transfer directly to you, whichever you prefer. From there, you pay the mechanic directly. It doesn't get much easier.
Reputation has gone from good to great
As we mentioned earlier, AutoPair's reputation has gotten even more established since the last time we checked them out. It was gratifying to read comment after comment from verified clients who said that the warranty policies deliver what they promise, repairs go smoothly, and there are no icky surprises at any step of the way.
Fantastic option for car warranties in Canada
We're pleased to move AutoPair's rating up quite a bit. We're huge fans of the no-quote-needed pricing, and all signs indicate that the company will continue to establish its rightful place as an auto warranty provider that Canadians can trust.
Embarking on the road of vehicle ownership comes with its share of uncertainties, and Canadian car owners have found help within the comprehensive and cost-effective car warranty plans offered by Obvi. With nearly a decade of operation, this company has emerged as a reliable ally for drivers seeking financial protection against unexpected repair costs.
Choose from 3 plans
With a steadfast commitment to delivering value, Obvi stands out by offering comprehensive and cost-effective car warranty plans that address the financial concerns associated with unexpected repair costs:
Affordable and can be paid in full or on a monthly plan
Affordability takes center stage with Obvi, and an instant quote provides a transparent view of the costs associated with your chosen plan. With payment options ranging from 3 to 24 monthly payments (unless you prefer to pay in full), Obvi makes comprehensive coverage accessible to a broader audience. You can also opt for plans with $0 deductible, though the $100 deductible option isn't exactly cost-prohibitive itself. We love that, during the online quote process, you can find out exactly what your warranty will cost: no need to wait for someone to contact you. On a basic, relatively new Honda Civic with some manufacturer warranty remaining, the top-tier package only cost $1,738 plus tax for 7 years of coverage when we ran the quote
Only offered in four provinces
While Obvi's roots are firmly planted in Western Canada, currently serving British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, its strategic growth plans hint at a broader reach in the future. Still, since that service area hasn't changed since our previous evaluation, we're disappointed that Obvi hasn't expanded to cover more Canadians quite yet.
No inspection if you're still covered by manufacturer warranty
One notable feature that sets Obvi apart is its approach to vehicle inspections. For those still enjoying the protection of a comprehensive manufacturer's warranty, Obvi skips the inspection requirement, streamlining the process for eligible candidates. This user-friendly aspect aligns with Obvi's commitment to making getting a car warranty as hassle-free as possible.
Use any mechanic you like
Flexibility is a cornerstone of Obvi's offerings, providing vehicle owners the liberty to choose any mechanic or repair facility. This freedom empowers customers to address their vehicle's needs on their terms.
Great reputation
In its near decade of operation, Obvi has earned its stripes. The company's dedication to transparency, integrity, and customer satisfaction is underscored by its impressive "A+" rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (with no complaints).
Excellent option if you're in their coverage area
If you live somewhere that Obvi serves and your vehicle is eligible, we encourage you to get an online warranty quote right away. You'll love the transparency in pricing and the ability to use any mechanic you already know and trust. We really hope to see Obvi expand its reach in the future, because we really like what they have to offer for auto warranties in Canada.
Olive, a newer name in the realm of Canadian auto warranty plans, is committed to offering you the assurance and peace of mind you desire. Specializing in mechanical breakdown coverage, Olive shields you from unexpected and expensive repairs, prioritizing convenience and savings for its customers. With a remarkable 59% of their clientele being first-time buyers, Olive's fully online model allows you to effortlessly manage your policy anytime, anywhere.
Easy-to-understand eligibility requirements
Olive's coverage plans span a wide range of auto brands, including luxury ones like BMW and Mercedes, and eligibility is straightforward. Your vehicle needs to be less than 10 years old and have racked up fewer than 225,000km. Pre-existing conditions also aren't covered (whether you knew about them at the time of sign-up or not). On a positive note, coverage starts the day after sign-up, with no vehicle inspection required, and you can easily transfer it to a new owner if you sell your vehicle.
May not be available in your province or territory
We do wish that Olive would come out and say in which provinces they do and don't offer warranty plans. Otherwise, it's just trial and error; since we always use Nunavut as a test case, we can tell you that there are no plans available to residents of that territory, at a minimum, nor in Quebec or Nova Scotia (two more random addresses we tried). Your best bet is to jump right to the online quote page before you get too excited about the options here.
3 plans to choose from
What are those options? There are three plans to choose from:
Coverage (and exclusions) are clearly spelled out
We recommend that you look at the Coverage page to see what's included and excluded for each tier of warranty protection. Click where it says Engine to get a dropdown of other vehicle systems (like Transmission or Instrumentation), and compare the checkboxes on each of the three plans.
You pick the mechanic
In the event of a breakdown, Olive allows you to choose any local service provider for repairs with no restrictions on mechanics. Your dedicated Olive Coverage Advocate guides you through the process, leaving you responsible only for the deductible and non-covered expenses. Olive covers the remaining expenses, including parts and labour, and even offers reimbursement of up to $100 for towing to an auto shop.
Fixed monthly cost
Olive's commitment to flexibility and customer satisfaction is evident in its easy cancellation policy, operating on a monthly fixed pricing structure. The price-lock guarantee ensures the agreed-upon price remains consistent throughout your subscription, with no unexpected increases.
Solid reputation
Olive's Canadian operations have a solid "A" rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, with no complaints filed there. Third-party review sites consistently show satisfied customer reviews, averaging a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating.
Worth a look if you qualify
Overall, Olive has a few limitations that keep it from a higher ranking among Canadian car warranty options: it's not available nationwide, and for anyone with a car that's 10 years old or more, there won't be any coverage offered. But, as far as reputation goes, Olive is a great choice to look into if your vehicle qualifies and you live within their service area.
Navigating the world of car warranties can be frustrating, leaving you fielding calls from companies you've never heard of "calling you about your car's extended warranty" . Fortunately, Global Warranty, based in Ontario, has been a player in this field for over three decades. With a track record of serving over two million Canadians and a sprawling network of more than 8,000 dealerships nationwide, Global Warranty is a prominent name in the industry. However, as you consider your options for car warranty coverage, you may want to weigh the pros and cons before you sign on the dotted line here.
Autos and more can be covered here
Global Warranty offers a spectrum of auto warranty plans, ranging from RV coverage to roadside assistance. Our focus, however, is on the Ultimate Series, as it meets the needs of most Canadians searching for reliable car warranty coverage.
New plans and coverage types
Since our last evaluation, this company has made some changes to how they structure their Ultimate car warranty plans, renaming them and switching up some of the benefits. So, if you checked out Global Warranty in the past, pay attention because you might see something new:
Add-ons can round out lower tiers of coverage
If you just want the coverage of a lower-tier package with a few of the benefits of a higher warranty plan, there are add-ons that can get that done. 24/7 roadside assistance (valid throughout Canada and the USA), diesel components, and lift kits are some of the extras you might want to consider for your car.
Pricing will vary
What does it cost? Naturally, that depends entirely on the car you're covering and where you're buying it, so you'll need to get a quote to get the details. All Global Warranty plans have a $150 standard deductible, but there's an add-on to make it a $0 deductible if you prefer.
Some decent benefits
No matter which plan you choose, coverage here is available for all makes, models, and years. That coverage can also be deferred to start when your manufacturer powertrain warranty expires. Every tier gives you a 3-month free trial of SiriusXM satellite radio, too. And, you've got 60 days or 4000km to exchange your vehicle if you're not satisfied.
Must use an authorized repair facility
So, what's the process if you need a repair that you think is covered under your warranty? You'll need to reach out to the Global Warranty team via toll-free number during regular business hours. The claims department will identify the closest authorized repair facility, where an inspection will be done. If the terms and conditions of your coverage are met and your repair is authorized, payment will be made directly to the mechanic/shop, excluding any deductible you have or any non-covered charges.
Clients aren't 100% satisfied
Globally Warranty's reputation is still a bit of a mixed bag. Among the reviews and complaints offered by the company's customers, it's what you'll find with most car warranty providers: many people are satisfied, but there are some who feel like they didn't get what they paid for. From their perspective, repairs that ought to have been covered by their plan either didn't get paid for at all, or the reimbursement was much lower than they anticipated. It's not like a few dozen complaints is a lot for a warranty company that has covered millions of Canadians nationwide, but it's worth pointing out that not everyone is thrilled by the service here.
Consistently good grades from the BBB
On the other hand, we're encouraged by the company's "A+" rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, and that's been consistent across the years that we've evaluated this Canadian car warranty company. We've actually given Global Warranty a bump up in our own rating, specifically for having such a consistent track record with the BBB.
You can only get these warranty plans through the dealership
But, here's the final catch: you can only get coverage from Global Warranty when you purchase a vehicle from a dealership. That's why you won't find any process for getting a quote or signing up on their website. And, because the pricing is partly determined by the dealers themselves, you could pay a drastically different amount depending on where you buy your car. No wonder some customers felt that they didn't get what they paid for.
Not the best or the worst
So, if you're being offered an extended warranty at the place you're shopping for a vehicle, there's no reason to reject Global Warranty outright. They've been around a long time, and they offer multiple levels of coverage to fit your budget. However, because that's the only way to get protection, it leaves out a lot of us who might want to get coverage for a privately-bought car, or for a vehicle that still has OEM warranty remaining but it's been years since the original purchase. All of that combines to make Global Warranty "just average" on our list.
GuardTree, a unique player in the Canadian auto warranty scene, sets itself apart with a focus on monthly subscription plans and an eco-friendly twist - using part of your premiums to offset your car's CO2 emissions. Prioritizing accessibility, affordability, and environmental responsibility, GuardTree offers a range of features across several tiers of coverage.
Transparent monthly premiums
GuardTree's online quote platform is user-friendly. You can easily customize your plan by entering vehicle details, deductible preferences, and claim limits. The pricing is transparent, with monthly premiums displayed instantly, allowing you to see and adjust costs on the spot. The coverage spans a wide range of components, with a clear list of exclusions available on their website.
No guesswork
What you pay will depend on how much you're willing to chip in towards a deductible, how much coverage you want per claim, and what you can afford for your monthly cost. For example, the most affordable monthly plan is priced at $49.95/month; it comes with a $500 deductible and a $2,500 limit per repair. The most expensive coverage is $85.95/month, but you'll only have a $100 deductible and a more generous $5,000 limit per claim. There's no guesswork here.
Read through what's covered
You'll still want to browse the What's Covered section, to ensure you're crystal clear on what GuardTree will pay to fix. In that section, you can get more information on some of the included benefits, like roadside assistance, trip interruption coverage, and the car rental benefit.
Use any licensed mechanic
When the time comes to make a claim, you can use any licensed mechanic of your choice. Give him or her the GuardTree phone number, and they'll work out the details. GuardTree will pay your mechanic directly, leaving you just with the deductible to pay out of pocket.
Reputation has moved from great to excellent
We're happy to see that GuardTree's reputation with the Better Business Bureau has continued to be positive, moving from an "A-" to an "A+" rating and gaining accreditation, with zero complaints filed there in the last three years. That's pretty impressive for a car warranty company.
Only in Ontario
Unfortunately, GuardTree hasn't expanded its service as we'd hoped to see over the time between our previous evaluation and this one. You're only eligible if your car is registered in Ontario (and you don't spend more than 6 months of the year outside of Canada). Your car has to be within 13 model years and have no more than 200,000km at the time of purchase. Plus, we found that there are plenty of vehicle makes that won't qualify for warranty coverage: in the FAQ alone, you'll see that Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and most other luxury brands aren't eligible for GuardTree protection.
Too many limitations
That leaves us with no choice but to drop GuardTree in our rankings. We had been hopeful that the service would continue to expand going forward. That hasn't been the case, and since only Ontario residents can get car warranties from GuardTree, many Canadians will be left out by this service. GuardTree will be held back until they're an option for more people nationwide.
You're undoubtedly going to come across the CarShield name as you begin your research. But, let's start by saying that CarShield is a predominantly American company. Despite offering a .ca website, almost everything you'll find there is geared towards our neighbours to the south. In other words, if you're looking for a proudly Canadian car warranty provider, this isn't it. But, since they've covered over a million vehicles between the two nations, it's worth looking into what they have to offer.
2 warranty plans
In Canada, CarShield presents two distinct warranty plans to potential customers. The New Car Diamond plan mirrors the coverage found in a brand-new vehicle's manufacturer's warranty. On the other hand, the Gold plan covers a reduced set of components, such as the engine, transmission, alternator, starter, and power windows.
View a sample contract
For those who want to get into the specifics, sample contracts for each plan are conveniently accessible on the CarShield site in both English and Spanish (but not French, as you'd expect from a company trying to serve Canadian customers: just another example of how this service isn't exactly geared towards us).
Getting a quote will have you waiting for a call
But, you'll ultimately have to wait for a CarShield representative to reach out to you, in order to find out what coverage might be available. Even after you click the green button and answer a few questions about your vehicle, you'll just get a "Congrats" message that explains that a rep will contact you. That's not our favourite way of shopping around for auto warranty protection, especially since CarShield is tight-lipped about the details of their packages.
Some benefits... maybe
According to the CarShield website, you could have a plan that offers no deductible, roadside assistance, and rental car coverage. All plans include courtesy towing and the ability to visit any ASE-Certified repair facility you like.
Customer feedback is pretty troubling
But, can you really? We're not confident about that after reading numerous reviews from CarShield customers who say that their favourite mechanics refused to work with this car warranty company. That's a red flag if we ever saw one. Then, looking at what the Better Business Bureau tells consumers, it gets worse.
Way too many complaints
Not only does the BBB give CarShield a "D" rating overall, but it also indicates that there's a pattern of complaints that include failing to cover repairs, not cancelling policies on request and providing refunds, providing poor customer service, and leaving customers without vehicles by taking too long to take and process claims. Despite reassuring the BBB back in 2020 that they take such complaints seriously, CarShield still had almost 3,500 complaints filed with the BBB in the most recent three-year period. That makes us think that the vast majority of the positive reviews with Trustpilot (over 40,000 of them) aren't on the up-and-up. Another big red flag.
Disappointing choice for car warranties in Canada
We weren't feeling too reassured by CarShield the last time we evaluated their auto warranty coverage, and unfortunately nothing has changed for the better since then. You'll face the likelihood of denied claims, long wait times before getting your car fixed, and less-than-attentive customer service overall. That "D" from the BBB and the thousands of corresponding rants from unhappy clients should be all you need to know.
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:
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!
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.
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