AAA Extended Warranty Review

Best Car Warranty Companies

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The American Automobile Association (AAA) is primarily known for its roadside assistance services, but the company also sells AAA extended warranty plans. So why haven’t you heard of them? Since each AAA club operates differently, coverage and availability depends on where you live.

Our experts researched AAA extended warranty plans to help you decide if its coverage is right for you. We will explain the company’s coverage options, pricing, customer service reputation, and availability to see how it stacks up against the best extended car warranty companies in the nation.

You don’t need to wait until after your factory warranty expires to begin looking for an extended vehicle protection plan. It doesn’t hurt to start comparing quotes from multiple providers and preparing your budget.

It is certainly worth looking into a AAA extended warranty. The quotes and financing terms you receive may be among the most competitive you’ll find, especially among reputable extended warranty providers. That being said, we always recommend getting at least three quotes so you can compare providers side by side.

AAA has been a roadside assistance provider since 1902. It is not a single company, but rather a confederation of associated motor clubs across the US that provides a range of automotive services to nearly 60 million members. As such, plan offerings and details may vary by region. This article will discuss vehicle service contracts for the Carolinas. Service plans for other regions are likely to be similar but may vary.

All AAA extended warranty contracts are underwritten by Westco Insurance Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AmTrust Financial Group.

All AAA extended warranties come with a standard deductible of $100. That deductible is waived if your vehicle is serviced at an AAA-approved repair shop.

Here’s a closer look at the quote we received for the Ford:

These prices are within average ranges, though they're on the less expensive side. Considering the generous financing terms, this is one of the better-priced plan options in the industry. However, you must be an AAA member to purchase an AAA extended warranty. If you are not already a member, you’ll need to factor the cost of an AAA membership into your final calculations. AAA membership costs can vary by region and membership level. The cheapest level of membership for AAA Carolinas is around $60 a year.

All AAA extended warranty contracts include a 60-day money-back guarantee (30 days for pre-owned vehicles). Depending on your state, you may have to pay a $50 cancellation fee. Contracts can be canceled after the trial period, and you will receive a prorated refund.

If you experience a mechanical breakdown and require unexpected repairs, bring your vehicle to the repair facility of your choice. Vehicles can be serviced at any licensed repair facility in the US and Canada, but the deductible is waived if repairs are completed at an AAA-approved auto repair facility.

Next, provide the repair technician with your AAA extended warranty plan information. After the service facility diagnoses the problem, it will contact AAA for car repair authorization. Assuming the repair is authorized, it will be carried out, and AAA will pay the facility directly to cover the repair costs—minus your deductible.

In general, AAA is a well-regarded and highly respected organization. Wesco Insurance Company, the backer of AAA service contracts, has an A- (Excellent) financial strength rating from AM Best. This rating indicates an excellent ability to pay out on customer claims.

CARCHEX has been selling extended auto warranties for over 20 years. This is notable in the fast-changing car warranty industry where many companies fail within a couple of years. CARCHEX offers five different levels of coverage with terms that last for as long as 10 years or 250,000 miles. Among top-tier providers, it offers some of the lowest prices. Multiple deductible choices allow for more plan customization to fit your budget.

You can find out more about the company in our CARCHEX review.

Our rating: 4.4 out of 5.0

Our research found this provider to be the best for used cars.

In 2020, Endurance was named on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in the US. Endurance is our highest-rated provider and a reliable choice for an extended car warranty.

An Endurance auto warranty offers an impressive range of coverage and pricing options. There are six different coverage levels and four deductibles to choose from. Endurance extended warranty plans last for as long as 8 years or 200,000+ miles.

Learn more about coverage in our complete Endurance warranty review.

Q & A

Does AAA offer extended auto warranties?

Some AAA member clubs do offer extended auto warranty plans, like the Carolinas. However, plan availability depends completely on your location since each motor club offers different automotive services.

What is the average cost of an extended auto warranty?

In our 2021 extended auto warranty survey, we found that most drivers paid between $1,500 and $2,500 for an extended car warranty. Your own costs, however, will depend on your specific circumstances and your vehicle.

When should I purchase an AAA extended warranty?

You should purchase an AAA extended warranty before your vehicle's manufacturer warranty expires. If you have a used vehicle, you should consider purchasing it before your limited warranty expires for peace of mind.