Luis Pazos 
Shopping for an extended car warranty might not be the most exciting task, but it can bring significant peace of mind. The best-extended car warranties ensure that your car is repaired during a covered breakdown, and the coverage will even pay for the repairs.
Choosing the right extended car warranty company can be challenging because there are many reputable providers out there. It’s essential to compare them based on the coverage they offer, their ratings and reviews, and the benefits they provide. While Endurance is often considered one of the top providers, we’ve compared the top six companies in this space to help you choose the best one for your needs.
Table of Contents
- Key Factors for Choosing Extended Car Warranties
- Best Extended Car Warranties of June 2024
- Other Companies We Considered
- How We Evaluated Extended Car Warranties
- Important Information About Extended Car Warranties
- Conclusion: Best Extended Car Warranty for 2024
Key Factors for Choosing Extended Car Warranties
When comparing extended car warranties, price is important, but so is the coverage. Some warranties offer almost complete coverage, including maintenance, while others only cover specific components.
Be aware that some warranties have waiting periods before you can use them, so make sure you understand your plan’s waiting period. You can usually get a free quote online, but check prices from at least three to four providers to ensure you get quality protection at an affordable price.
Best Extended Car Warranties of June 2024
Endurance
Endurance is a major provider in the U.S., backed by an AM Best “A” rated insurance company. They offer various plans, from basic to their top-tier Advantage plan that includes maintenance. Being a direct provider, Endurance manages your coverage from quote to claim.
Select Auto Protect
Operating for over 30 years, Select Auto Protect offers plans usable at any ASE-certified repair facility. They provide three main plans: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each plan offers varying levels of coverage, with Platinum covering the most components.
CarShield
Founded in 2005, CarShield offers five extended warranty plans ranging from basic “Aluminum” to comprehensive “Diamond” coverage. They also provide warranties for motorcycles and ATVs.
Complete Car Warranty
Established in 2019, Complete Car Warranty provides highly customizable plans, including five CarGuard coverage levels and additional plans within Matrix and Royal levels. Roadside assistance and nationwide repair options are included.
CarChex
Since 2003, CarChex has been a trusted extended warranty provider with an A+ BBB rating. They offer five levels of coverage, from Bronze to comprehensive Titanium, including benefits like towing, rental car coverage, gas delivery, and trip interruption insurance.
Autopom!
Autopom! also holds an A+ BBB rating. They offer various warranty plans with benefits like a 30 to 60-day money-back guarantee, 24-hour roadside assistance, and trip interruption reimbursement. Coverage ranges from Powertrain Plus to near new car warranty levels.
The Best Extended Car Warranties of 2024
| COMPANY | KEY FEATURES | COVERAGE OPTIONS |
|---|---|---|
| Endurance | Direct Provider, Backed by an AM Best “A” Rated Insurance Company | Six Plans from Basic to Advantage with Maintenance |
| Select Auto Protect | 30+ Years, Covers Cars of Any Age, Make, Model | Silver (Basic), Gold, Platinum |
| CarShield | Founded in 2005, Warranties for Motorcycles & ATVs | Five Plans: Basic “Aluminum” to Diamond (Bumper-To-Bumper) |
| Complete Car Warranty | Established in 2019, Customizable Plans, Nationwide Repair Options | Five Levels of CarGuard (PowerTrain to Platinum), Matrix and Royal Levels |
| CarChex | Founded in 2003, A+ BBB Rating | Five Levels: Bronze to Titanium, Includes Towing, Rental Car Coverage, etc. |
| Autopom! | A+ BBB Rating, 30 to 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee, 24-Hour Roadside Assistance | Four Plans: PowerTrain Plus to Exclusionary (Near New Car Warranty) |
Other Companies We Considered
We reviewed numerous extended warranty providers, and these companies narrowly missed our top list:
ForeverCar
Operating since 2015, ForeverCar provides four levels of extended warranty coverage with benefits like rental car coverage, 24-7 roadside assistance, and travel expense reimbursement.
Olive
Olive allows you to get a free online quote without speaking to an agent, but they only offer three plans and have limited user reviews since launching in 2020.
How We Evaluated Extended Car Warranties
We chose the best extended car warranty companies based on multiple factors:
- Multiple Plans: Selected companies offer at least three tiers of coverage.
- Repair Shop Options: Allow repairs at many ASE-certified shops or any certified mechanic.
- Money-Back Guarantees: Most provide a 30 or 60-day guarantee.
- Included Benefits: Looked for added perks like roadside assistance, trip interruption insurance, and rental car coverage.
Important Information About Extended Car Warranties
When comparing warranties, consider these factors:
- Waiting Periods: Know how long before your coverage kicks in.
- Deductibles: Choose a deductible you can afford.
- Vehicle Limitations: Some makes and models might not qualify.
- Length of Coverage: Understand the duration of coverage and what happens afterward.
- Not Car Insurance: Extended warranties are different from car insurance.
The FTC warns that auto service contracts rarely cover all repairs and maintenance, so watch out for exclusions and fine print. They also note that service contracts often limit payments for towing or rental car expenses.
Conclusion: Best Extended Car Warranty for 2024
Extended car warranties can provide valuable peace of mind on the road. With numerous options available, choosing the right one depends on your specific needs. Endurance is a top choice, but other providers like Select Auto Protect and CarShield also offer excellent features. Key factors to consider include waiting periods, affordable deductibles, vehicle limitations, and coverage length. Always read the fine print to avoid potential issues and ensure a smooth, worry-free journey.
