5 Best Used Car Warranty Companies (2023 Complete Guide)

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If you’re planning to keep an older vehicle, it’s likely that you’ve considered the purchase of a used car warranty. Even the most reliable cars face issues as they age, making expensive and unexpected repairs a very real possibility.

We’ve reviewed various used car warranty plans, their average costs, and overall customer reviews to discover the best extended car warranty companies of 2023. Read on to learn whether a used car warranty would be the right choice for your aging vehicle.

The exact coverage details of a used car warranty depend on the plan you choose. From a basic powertrain plan up to an exclusionary warranty that includes routine maintenance, most providers have options to fit any needs or budget.

The best coverage for your vehicle depends on its reliability and age. As vehicles grow older and add extra miles, repair needs change and cars become more likely to break down. A used car warranty can help protect your wallet against unexpected repair bills.

Used Car Warranty Exclusions

Even if you get an exact copy of a manufacturer warranty for your used car, some parts aren't covered at the repair facility. Below are some common exclusions from vehicle service contracts:

The exact cost of your warranty plan will depend largely on how extensive and long-lasting your contract is. Expect to spend more money if you opt for a yearslong extended warranty that cover nearly every component on your vehicle.

Below are quotes from five used car warranty companies for a bumper-to-bumper warranty on a 2017 Ford Explorer with 45,000 miles. All plans came with a $100 deductible.

CARCHEX offers an exceptional value for its bumper-to-bumper coverage, which lasts significantly longer than other options and costs around the middle of the pack. CarShield is also a strong choice, while Protect My Car justifies its higher rates with long-term payments and superb customer service.

Powertrain Used Car Warranty Costs

We also received quotes for a basic powertrain warranty, which is typically the lowest level of coverage that used car warranty companies offer. These quotes were for a 2012 Honda Civic with 88,000 miles. All plans came with a $100 deductible.

One detail worth noting for extended car warranty costs is that used car warranty providers often require a down payment. This is separate from your monthly payment, and you must pay it before coverage starts.

Drivers should make sure to review the fine print of their contract to see if the company has cancellation of transfer fees. It’s common for providers to offer a full refund within the first 30 days of warranty coverage.

Whether you’re buying a bumper-to-bumper warranty or a basic powertrain warranty, there’s no set guideline for used car warranty costs. The price of your vehicle service contract typically depends on:

If you prefer to know that unexpected and expensive repair costs such as the ones above will be covered, a used car warranty is a wonderful option for you.

Extended Warranty Survey Results

In 2021, we polled 1,000 consumers who had bought an extended auto warranty or considered buying a warranty for their vehicle. Of those respondents, nearly 41 percent said they were happy with their purchase because it covered needed repairs. Meanwhile, another 24 percent said they were satisfied despite not filing a warranty claim.

About 22 percent of respondents paid less than $1,500 for their coverage, and another 45 percent paid between $1,500 and $2,500.

Endurance stands out for its comprehensive coverage and benefits for used cars. Drivers have access to six levels of coverage ranging from powertrain coverage to bumper-to-bumper protection. You’ll also receive one free year of Endurance Elite Benefits, which include perks such as tire repairs and replacements, a collision discount, and key fob replacements.

With the EnduranceAdvantage™ plan, the highest level of coverage, you can get coverage for up to 8 years/200,000+ miles.

Known for its breadth of coverage, Protect My Car is another solid choice among used car warranty companies. Protect My Car offers three warranty plans — Supreme, Select, and Driveline. With Protect My Car’s highest levels of protection, you will have a $100 deductible. With its two lowest levels of protection, you will have a $200 deductible. A $0 deductible option isn’t available.

Protect My Car receives 4.5 stars out of 5.0 from the BBB, an outstanding performance in the extended warranty industry. It offers coverage in every state except for Alaska, California, Hawaii, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Washington.

CarShield is a well-known used car warranty company with mileage limits reaching up to 300,000 miles. This provider is popular for its low-cost used car warranty options, and positive CarShield reviews often focus on the value of the company's protection plans.

In addition to five extended warranty plans for cars, CarShield offers coverage for motorcycles and ATVs. This is a rarity in the industry, as most providers will only offer protection for standards cars and trucks.

autopom! is another third-party extended warranty provider with a strong reputation. The company has an A+ rating from the BBB as well as a 4.6-star customer rating out of 5.0 on the BBB website. Your vehicle can have coverage for up to 7 years/150,000 miles when you pick an autopom! plan.

It's possible to get autopom! coverage in every state except for California, where the provider offers mechanical breakdown insurance. MBI coverage is extremely similar to a vehicle service contract, so drivers in the Golden State can still take advantage of the positives that come with autopom! protection.

A used car warranty, also known as an extended auto warranty, is a simple way to make sure that unexpected repair costs are covered down the road. They exist to offer peace of mind to drivers and to remove the hassle that comes with mechanical breakdowns when they occur.

When Should I Buy a Used Car Warranty?

Most new car limited warranties expire somewhere between three and five years after the car's original in-service date. After this time, most drivers have to pay out-of-pocket for damages resulting from parts defects or workmanship errors. This is where used car warranty plans come in.

With used car warranty coverage, certain vehicle components will gain extended protection against defective components or workmanship flaws. Extended warranties usually also come with added benefits such as roadside assistance, towing services, and rental car reimbursement. Combining all of these together, drivers gain peace of mind on the road, regardless of their vehicle's age and mileage.

To see how much you could save on repairs with a vehicle protection plan, consider comparing free quotes on used car warranties from Endurance, CARCHEX, Protect My Car, CarShield, and autopom!

Any of these companies will protect older and higher-mileage vehicles with quality coverage at relatively reasonable rates. Expect to gain peace of mind when using these providers, as their extended warranty plans receive superb reviews from a large majority of drivers.

Q & A

Who has the best used car warranty?

The best used car warranty plans are from Endurance, CARCHEX, Protect My Car, CarShield, and autopom! All of these providers offer extensive and long-lasting coverage for older and high-mileage vehicles.

What is the normal warranty on a used car?

The length of a warranty varies by automaker, but a typical car warranty covers parts ranging from the engine to air conditioning. Many automakers offer a certified pre-owned warranty, which extends portions of the original warranty.

What is the best warranty for a used car?

Top warranties for used cars provide protection for everything from your drivetrain and drive axle to your electrical system. The best warranty for a used car is usually a plan that carefully protects your vehicle's powertrain against costly repairs.

What is covered under a used vehicle warranty?

The auto repairs handled under a used car warranty depend on the protection plan and what coverage the vehicle is eligible for. Some coverage plans only cover essential powertrain components. Higher-tier plans include options such as electrical components and GPS. Usually excluded from coverage is routine maintenance such as wiper blade replacement, oil changes, and brake pad replacement.

Can you buy an extended warranty on a used car?

Yes, you can buy an extended warranty on a used car unless your vehicle has reached certain mileage limits. Generally, third-party warranty companies can cover vehicles for 200,000 miles or more.

Do car warranties transfer?

Car warranties generally do transfer, but there’s usually a small transfer fee.

Can you take a car under warranty to any dealership?

Cars under a third-party warranty can normally be taken to any licensed dealership. On the other hand, manufacturer extended warranties usually require customers to have their vehicles serviced only at their own dealerships.