Best 2022 Coverage & Cost

The best used car warranty companies are Endurance, CARCHEX, CarShield, and Protect My Car, based on their cost, coverage, reputation and customer experience.

Affiliate Disclosure

It’s no different for used car warranty companies. You want to find an extended warranty company that protects your used car with good coverage and comes with a reputable track record. 

There are great used car warranty companies out there–you just have to know where to look. We’ve spent time comparing coverage and reputation between the best used car warranty companies to help you in the shopping process. This buyer’s guide can help you understand what you need to know and what you need to look for in a warranty for your used car, as well as who offers the best options for you.

It’s always best to get multiple quotes from top providers to find the best extended warranty for your used car.

Best Used Car Warranty Companies

The companies below offer the best used car warranties:

Used Car Warranty Companies	Star Rating (Out of 10.0)	Coverage Limit	Superlative
1. Endurance	9.6	200,000+ miles	Best Used Car Warranty Coverage
2. CARCHEX	9.4	250,000 miles	Best for High-Mileage Cars
3. CarShield	9.0	300,000 miles	Most Affordable
4. Protect My Car	8.7	125,000 miles	Best Long-Term Financing

Best Used Car Warranty

Below, we detailed the top warranty providers for used cars on their reviews, coverage options, coverage limit, added perks, and industry standing.

#1 Endurance: Best Used Car Warranty Coverage

Endurance extended warranties, also known as vehicle service contracts, can cover used cars up to eight years and over 200,000 miles. That’s a generous coverage window compared to many other providers you can find on the market. Endurance warranty plans are available in every state except California.

• Select Premier: Designed with high-mileage vehicles in mind, this tier offers coverage for powertrain, air conditioning and other electric components
• Supreme: Bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage with only a a few exclusions
• Superior: Covers hundreds of stated components
• Secure Plus: Covers powertrain components as well as some electrical systems
• Secure: Basic powertrain coverage for the engine, transmission and water pump
• EnduranceAdvantage™: Covers mechanical breakdowns as well as maintenance, which is uncommon for an extended car warranty

All Endurance car warranties come with roadside assistance, which includes towing and other emergency services. Plans also come with rental car reimbursement and trip interruption coverage. In addition, each plan comes with one year of Endurance Elite Benefits.

This includes:

• Tire repair/replacement
• Key fob replacement
• Collision discount
• Total loss protection

Endurance has a C rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and is not accredited by the organization. However, based on the company’s high-level partnerships, industry awards and longevity, it has plenty of credentials that speak to its strong reputation in the industry.

#2 CARCHEX: Best for High-Mileage Cars

Out of the used car warranty companies on our list, CARCHEX offers the warranty plans the longest coverage term — up to 250,000 miles. That makes it a great option for covering older vehicles.

Here is what each CARCHEX extended car warranty covers:

• Titanium: Exclusionary bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage much like a factory warranty
• Platinum: Stated-component coverage for hundreds of parts and systems
• Gold: Protection for all major systems and best suited for high-mileage vehicles
• Silver: Covers essential systems
• Bronze: Protects drivetrain components like the drive axle, engine and transmission

Here’s what’s included in each CARCHEX plan:

• 24/7 roadside assistance
• Trip interruption service
• Rental car reimbursement
• Towing
• Gas delivery

CARCHEX holds an A+ BBB rating as well as accreditation from the organization. The company also has partnerships with several high-profile auto industry brands, such as CARFAX, Edmunds.com and Kelley Blue Book (KBB).

#3 CarShield: Most Affordable

CarShield warranties offer covered repairs for vehicles with up to 300,000 miles. The company was started in 2005 and today is the most popular provider we’ve researched. Over 22,600 reviewers on Trustpilot give CarShield an average 4.0-star rating, and the company has over 3,000 ratings between Google and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) as well. 

Here are the coverage options you have with CarShield:

• New Car Diamond: Exclusionary bumper-to-bumper coverage
• Platinum: Covers the engine, transmission, air conditioning, electrical system and more
• Gold: Mid-tier coverage for some of your most essential components as well as a few accessory parts
• Silver: Basic and affordable powertrain coverage
• Aluminum: Covers many electronic and computer-related parts and problems
• Motorcycle and ATV: Covers motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles

CarShield also offers more affordable monthly payments than many used car warranty companies we researched. If you drive a high-mileage vehicle or one whose model years are well in the past, it would be worth getting a quote from CarShield to see what prices are available.

#4 Protect My Car: Best Long-Term Financing

The longest coverage term from Protect My Car extends to 125,000 miles, which isn’t as long as the other used car warranty companies on our list. It also has the fewest levels of coverage among these providers. 

Here are Protect My Car’s three extended auto warranty plans:

• Supreme: Offers bumper-to-bumper coverage for most mechanical and electrical parts, including the turbocharger and high-tech equipment, similar to your original manufacturer’s warranty
• Select: Best suited for cars over 50,000 miles and covers essential components such as the steering, front and rear suspension and brakes
• Driveline: Protects the engine, transmission, drive axle and fuel system

However, Protect My Car is one of the few providers that offers prepaid routine maintenance coverage plans along with auto repair coverage. You can get this kind of coverage with one of the company’s Ambassador Maintenance Plans. These plans cover a fixed portion of most car repairs (except wear-and-tear items) along with maintenance items like oil changes and tire rotations. 

The company is in good standing with its customers, as it has a 4.5-star rating from the BBB and a 4.6-star rating on Trustpilot.

Used Car Warranty Cost

In our research, we reached out for quotes from different providers for coverage for a 2012 Subaru Outback with 88,000 miles. Depending on how long you make payments for, you could get extended warranty coverage for about $70 to $108 per month.

Because the CARCHEX plan offers a longer coverage term, it’s helpful to look at plans in terms of extended car warranty cost per year of coverage. When you take the total price divided by years, you get a price per year of about $534 for Endurance and $432 for CARCHEX. It’s important to keep in mind though that terms also come with a mileage limit, so if you hit your maximum mileage first, your cost per year of coverage would vary.

How Much Is A Warranty On A Used Car?

Used Car Warranty Companies	Plan	Term Length	Monthly Payment	Total Price
Endurance	Secure with a $100 deductible	5 years/51,000 miles	$70 for 36 months	$2,671
CARCHEX	Silver with a $100 deductible	6 years/60,000 miles	$108 for 24 months	$2,592
CarShield	Gold with a $100 deductible	Unlimited	$99 monthly	Varies depending on term length
Protect My Car	Driveline with a $100 deductible	4 years/unlimited miles	$79 for 48 months	$3,842

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Best Used Car Warranty Plans

Car warranty plans aren’t one-size-fits-all. Your particular needs, budget, vehicle, and the region you live in will affect which particular used car warranty option is best for you. This is why we getting quotes from multiple providers in order to determine what plan from what particular used car company fits best for you. Below is our shortlist of used vehicle warranty plans that are the best fit for different situations:

• CARCHEX Titanium: CARCHEX Titanium is the best warranty offered by CARCHEX and covers nearly every part on the vehicle for 5-10 years.
• Endurance Select Premier: This plan is designed to cover a vehicles most essential components. It is designed for vehciles with up to 150,000 miles or 20 years old, making it an excellent choice for used cars.
• Protect My Car Driveline: Protect My Car driveline protects a vehicles most important components and is available for cars between 4-10 years old with more than 80,000. This is a great option for used car owners who want mid-range protection. Coverage lasts for up to 5 years and 125,000 miles.
• CarShield Gold Plan: Covers a variety of major and minor vehicle parts, including your water pump, alternator and starter. CarShield Gold is great for those who want powertrain plus protection at an affordable price.

What To Look For When Choosing Used Car Warranty Coverage

There are a few things to look for in used car warranty companies.

• Coverage limits: Considering the mileage that your vehicle can have, you’ll definitely want to find a provider that covers plenty. If your car is past the 200,000-mile mark, CARCHEX would be the best option at that point.
• Customizable coverage: When you get a quote, the company will probably give you multiple options of time and mileage for a single plan. You can usually customize coverage according to your driving habits and whether you drive more or less than the average person. 
• Plan choice: You’ll also want to shop with used car warranty companies that have many plans to choose from. Different levels of coverage will cover different systems on the car, and they’ll have different price points, too. 
• Transferable: If you plan on selling your vehicle in the next couple of years, make sure the company offers transferable car warranty plans All of the providers we’ve covered today allow you to transfer the warranty to a secondary buyer.

Types of Used Car Warranties

Unlike with manufacturer’s warranties, you have many options to choose from when getting a used car warranty. Each provider offers different types of services, but most services can be grouped into a few major categories known as coverage levels. While there are many used vehicle warranty plans, there are only a few basic coverage levels, which we describe below:

Bumper-to-bumper warranty: Many drivers value having a warranty that covers any repairs their vehicle needs. A bumper-to-bumper warranty covers even the smallest repairs, such as oil changes and tire replacement. Of course, bumper-to-bumper warranties are more expensive than less comprehensive warranties, but they are ideal for drivers who want all repairs taken care of in exchange for a consistent monthly payment.

Stated component warranty: Stated component warranties have a long list of items that are covered. Of course, stated component warranties vary widely in terms of what types of repairs they cover. Many stated component warranties have very long contracts, and drivers need to read these contracts thoroughly to ensure they get the coverage they are seeking.

Powertrain warranty: Some drivers only need their warranty to cover powertrain repairs that can cost thousands of dollars. In general, powertrain warranties cover damage to any component that delivers power to a vehicle’s wheels.

Remember, you’ll find different prices because extended car warranty costs are based on your unique situation. Get free quotes from a few reputable extended car warranty companies so you can compare plans and pricing.

How long is a warranty on a used car?

Used car warranties protect your vehicle for a predetermined time or distance in miles. Most used car warranties provide coverage for up to 3 years/36,000 miles. This means the warranty covers repairs for the first three years after signing or after you’ve driven 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI)

MBI is another auto protection product that covers the cost of vehicle repairs. The major difference between MBI and an extended warranty is that MBI is sold as a policy add-on by your car insurance company. Typically, MBI policies have limited coverage options compared to third-party warranty providers.

Manufacturer Extended Auto Warranty

Many auto manufacturers sell their own branded protection plans. In terms of price and coverage, these plans compare well with third-party warranty providers. However, they come with some serious limitations. While an aftermarket service plan can be used at any ASE-certified repair facility, most manufacturer warranties will only cover repairs done at brand dealerships.

In addition, most service plans from manufacturers only have one or very few coverage options. By comparison, third-party warranty companies typically offer several levels of coverage that give you more choice over what components you do or do not want to protect.

Many manufacturers also place stricter limits on the age, mileage, and model of the car you want to protect. Some limit you to only certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles. Aftermarket warranties, on the other hand, tend to have options for a much wider range of vehicles.

Best CPO Warranty

A CPO warranty is an extended warranty of protection that is backed by the manufacturer and lasts longer than the new vehicle factory warranty on vehicles that have been certified by the automaker after passing a thorough inspection. Below are our rankings for the CPO programs with the best used car warranty:

1. Mitsubishi: Powertrain warranty period of 10 years/100k miles from in service date; bumper to bumper period of 5-years/60k miles; No deductible, includes roadside assistance. 
2. Kia: 10 year/100k mile powertrain warranty from in-service date; 1 year/12,000 miles from purchase date. Includes roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip-interruption coverage. 
3. Hyundai: 10 years/100k mile power-train warranty from in-service date. 5 year or 12,000 miles from purchase date. 
4. Honda: Powertrain warranty period is 7 years or 100,000 miles from in-service date; bumper-to-bumper period is 1 year or 12,000 miles from purchase date. No deductible, comes with roadside assistance. 
5. Acura: Bumper-to-bumper warranty lasts 6 years or 100,000 miles from in-service date. No deductible; comes with complimentary maintenance, roadside assistance, and concierge service. 

Best Used Car Manufacturer Warranty

In some cases, automakers offer vehicle service contracts for used cars that aren’t involved with the company’s CPO program. These manufacturer-backed extended warranties usually have strict eligibility standards and have to pass an inspection in order to be able to receive coverage. Below are the best used car manufacturer warranties:

1. Hyundai CPO Wrap Service Contract: This service contract enhances the original CPO warranty for 10 years/150,000 miles, covering 1,500 components, nationwide service, enhanced 24-hour roadside assistance, trip interruption coverage, towing, rental car reimbursement, transferrable coverage.
2. Lexus L/Certified VSA: 5 years, unlimited miles, bumper-to-bumper coverage, 24/7 AAA roadside assistance, substitute transportation, travel protection, $0 deductible, transfer of coverage to new owner limited to one transfer. Extends basic CPO warranty for certified Lexus vehicles, coverage begins when standard CPO coverage expires.
3. BMW Extended Service Contracts Platinum: includes Bumper-to-Bumper coverage for up to 7 years/100,000 miles beyond the BMW CPO warranty; includes 24-hour roadside assistance, 100% BMW replacement parts.
4. Mopar Maximum Care For Pre-Owned Vehicles: bumper to bumper coverage up to 5 years/unlimited miles beyond the CPO warranty; rental services, roadside assistance, trip reimbursement. Begins after CPO warranty expires for Chryster, Ram, Jeep, and Dodge.
5. KIA Distinction Platinum CPO Coverage: bumper-to-bumper coverage that your existing Kia warranty by up to 120,000 miles, includes alternate transportation coverage, towing assistance, travel coverage, fluids coverage, maintenance work that can be done at 6,000 service centers nationwide and transferability.

Used Car Warranty Comparison

The chart below provides an extended car warranty comparison with prices from Endurance and CARCHEX (two popular/trusted 3rd-party providers) and the average manufacturer warranty:

Warranty Specification	Typical Factory Warranty	Endurance Warranty Services	CARCHEX
Start Period	3 years/150k miles	Anytime	Anytime
Longest Plan	8 years	8 years/200k+ miles	10 years/250k miles
Plan Options	1-2	6	5
Transfer Policy	Yes, 1 transfer limit	Yes	Yes
Deduct.	$50+	$0+	$0+
Road-side Assistance	Yes	Yes	Yes
Rental Benefit	Yes	Yes	Yes
Repair Network	Authorized Dealers	ASE Certified Facilities	Nearly 30,000 US repair centers
Refund Policy	30 Days	30 days	30 days
Pricing	Contact Dealer For Info	Get Quote	Get Quote

Can You Get An Extended Warranty For Used Cars Over 100k?

As the chart above shows, the best used car warranty companies provide solid coverage options for pre-owned vehicles with high mileage. Endurance and CARCHEX, both of which are rated as are top two aftermarket providers for used cars, offer extended warranties for cars over 8 years and 200,000 miles. Compared to manufacturer-backed extended warranties, this is much more comprehensive regarding coverage terms. For more info on high mileage car warranties, check out our extended warranty for cars over 100k miles review article.

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Do Dealerships Offer Extended Warranties On Used Cars?

You can purchase extended warranties from dealerships. While the warranties offered by dealerships are usually manufacturer extended warranties or CPO warranties, some dealerships even offer aftermarket extended warranties for used cars. If a dealer is offering to finance a warranty package that comes with a used car they are selling you, this extended warranty will likely cost much more because the loan accrues interest just like your car loan.

Also, whether you are purchasing the warranty with financing or not, it is a good chance that the dealer is marking up your used car warranty for added sales commissions. If the dealership is offering to sell you a warranty from a third-party provider, we recommend calling the provider directly to make sure you aren’t being charged a marked-up price for your coverage.

How To Buy Buy A Warranty For A Used Car

Knowing the ins and outs of dealing with used car warranty companies can be difficult. Don’t worry! We;re here to help. In order to make the best purchase decision, you’ll want the best coverage that fits your price and needs. Follow the steps below to achieve this:

1. Decide If You Need An Extended Warranty
2. Figure Out Whether Or Not A Used Car Warranty Is Worth It And How Much You Are Willing To Pay
3. Determine Which Type Of Used Car Warranty Provider Fits Your Needs
4. Speak directly with at least three providers about their prices and coverage options
5. Don’t be afraid to negotiate and look for discounts
6. Figure out which offerings your car is eligible for and what plan best fits your needs.

Used Car Still Under Warranty?

Another thing to think about is whether the used car you have or are thinking of buying is still under a factory warranty of some kind. If it’s a newer vehicle, it may still have bumper-to-bumper coverage.  After the bumper-to-bumper warranty expires, a powertrain warranty could continue for a couple of years. You’ll want to know the limits of the factory warranty period to maintain coverage for repairs once it expires. 

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Is A Used Car Warranty Worth It?

So, how do you tell if an extended car warranty is worth it? Well, the first place to start is your monthly budget. Can you afford to pay for a $1,000 or $2,000 repair out of the blue? Repair costs depend on the make, model and mileage of your vehicle, along with how well you maintain it. 

Additionally, used car warranties provide full coverage when a major repair becomes necessary. New transmissions cost over $5,000, and replacing an engine can cost over $10,000. Most people do not have enough money to cover the cost of a major repair out of pocket. Having your vehicle break down could mean not being able to get to work or not being able to see loved ones. Consequently, many drivers feel more comfortable when they have a used car warranty that protects them from unaffordable repair bills.

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Extended Warranty for Used Cars

An extended warranty can save you money on the cost of expensive vehicle repairs after a mechanical breakdown, but extended warranties on used cars are not the best choice for everyone. In some cases, the cost of an extended warranty will not exceed the cost of covered repairs, so you may save in the long run by starting a repair savings account when you purchase your car and paying out of pocket in the event of a breakdown.

In other cases, extended car warranties pay for themselves and then some – especially if you drive an unreliable vehicle or a car that typically incurs higher-than-average repair costs. You can check sites like RepairPal to get an estimate of your vehicle’s reliability ratings and common repair prices.

Additionally, if you’re not able to save money quickly to cover major unexpected breakdowns, extended warranties on used cars can be worth it for the peace of mind that your car repairs will be covered in full even if you’re still paying off your warranty.

The chart below describes some of the most expensive parts replacements that may be covered by an extended warranty. If you’d feel comfortable saving up enough to pay for these replacements on your own, you probably won’t need an extended auto warranty for your used car. But if not, a vehicle protection plan could be a great investment.

Repair	Average Cost*
Head gasket replacement	$1,287 to $1,659
Transfer case replacement	$2,807 to $2,905
Transmission replacement	$5,109 to $5,286
Hybrid battery replacement	$6,999 to $7,081

How Used Car Warranties Work

If you decide to purchase an extended warranty on a used car, you will have many providers and plan options to choose from. Most manufacturers offer extended warranty plans, but third-party providers are often cheaper and offer more flexibility. 

Coverage levels for extended warranties on used cars range from basic powertrain warranties that cover only the parts that make the car move – like the engine, transmission and drive axle – to exclusionary bumper-to-bumper extended warranty plans, which cover nearly all mechanical and electrical parts.

If your car needs a covered repair, contact your plan administrator and take your vehicle to a licensed repair facility. Most extended warranty providers pay the repair shop directly, minus your deductible. Typical deductible options are $0, $50, $100 and $200, but may vary by provider.

Be sure to read your contract carefully so that you have a full understanding of what is and is not covered before you sign on the dotted line. All extended warranty contracts have exclusions, and not every component will be covered, even under the most extensive plans.

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How to Find the Best Used Car Extended Warranty

So, how do you know whether extended warranties on used cars are worth it when shopping providers? The best used car warranty companies will combine comprehensive coverage with low costs and superior customer service.

Drivers looking for extended warranties on used cars typically have two options: a manufacturer extended warranty or a third-party vehicle service contract. Most manufacturer extended warranties can only be purchased before your factory warranty expires. If you purchase a used vehicle no longer covered by its original factory warranty, you’ll need to turn to a third-party provider for your extended warranty needs.

Price is an important factor in choosing an extended warranty, but it should not be your only consideration. Make sure you choose a reputable extended car warranty company with a known claims-servicing record, and remember that if a quote seems too good to be true, it probably is. 

Conclusion: Used Car Warranty Companies

In this article, we analyzed the best used car warranty companies, along with their coverage, plans, and costs. Our review rated Endurance the best used car warranty company. Below are common frequently asked questions about used car warranties and the research methodology experts at the Detroit Bureau used to review the providers mentioned in this article.

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Methodology

The Detroit Bureau collects data from every major car warranty provider to formulate rankings of the best warranty companies. Our in-depth rating system takes into account coverage, pricing, transparency, customer satisfaction and ratings from industry experts. Each provider is given a weighted score in five categories, as well as an overall score out of 10.0.

We recommend auto warranty companies based on these rankings, but we also encourage you to perform your own research and compare quotes to find the best coverage.