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Based on reputation, cost, and coverage, Endurance, autopom!, CNA National Warranty, Toco, and CarShield are the best car warranty companies of 2024.
Crash Course:
- After in-depth industry research, we found that Endurance is the best car warranty company, and we name it Best Overall for 2024.
- Third-party car warranty companies each offer different coverage options and perks, which is why it’s best to shop around and compare coverage from the most reputable providers.
- On average, car warranty plans will cost between $1,794 and $4,270. Prices will vary based on provider, vehicle type, and deductible amount.
Our editorial team has spent dozens of hours combing through the research and comparing the best car warranty companies available. In this article, we’ll explain our top six choices, providing an in-depth look at each company’s business practices and industry reputation. We’ll also discuss what factors are worth considering when deciding which car warranty company is right for you.
Best Extended Car Warranty Companies
Our editorial team researched and compared dozens of auto warranty providers in the industry. To find the best and more reputable car warranty companies, we considered the cost and coverage options of each provider in the market and also placed a heavy emphasis on industry reputation and customer experience.
What Are the Best Car Warranty Companies of 2024?
| Reputable Extended Car Warranty Company | Industry Standing Score | Overall Score | Award | Year Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endurance | 4.6 | 4.6 | Best Overall | 2006 |
| autopom! | 4.3 | 4.6 | Best Claims Process | 2009 |
| CNA National Warranty | 4.9 | 4.3 | Best for EV Coverage | 1982 |
| Toco | 5 | 4.4 | High Mileage Limit | 2012 |
| CarShield | 4.8 | 4.3 | Affordable Monthly Payments | 2005 |
As the table illustrates, the best car warranty companies are Endurance, autopom!, CNA National Warranty, Toco, and CarShield based on our industry-wide study. In the sections below, we’ll discuss each top car warranty company in detail.
1. Endurance: Best Overall
Year Established: 2006
Corporate Headquarters: Northbrook, Illinois
Availability: All states except California
We chose Endurance as the best car warranty company in the industry for 2024. The company stands out from the competition as a direct supplier, meaning it administers its warranty contracts to drivers directly with no middleman involved. Most other third-party warranty providers outsource their contracts to other service teams or underwriting companies.
Expand the section below to read more about Endurance.
2. autopom!: Best Claims Process
Year Established: 2009
Corporate Headquarters: Lake Forest, California
Availability: Varies by plan
If you’re looking for an extended car warranty company with an excellent customer service reputation, a solid claims process, and a range of affordable coverage options, autopom! is worth considering. The company is known for its amazing customer service representatives who advocate for customers who feel their car repair claims were unjustly rejected.
3. CNA National Warranty: Best for EV Coverage
Year Established: 1982
Corporate Headquarters: Scottsdale, Arizona
Availability: 50 states
CNA National Warranty Corporation has been around for over 40 years. It’s also backed by CNA Financial, which is one of the oldest commercial insurance companies in the U.S. CNA National Warranty plans are only available through dealerships, so it can be difficult to find specific pricing information online.
4. Toco: High Mileage Limit
Year Established: 2012
Corporate Headquarters: West Hills, California
Availability: 45 states (not available in California, Arkansas, Missouri, Washington, or Wyoming)
Toco is one of the few warranty providers that administers all its vehicle protection plans. The company features high mileage limits, which makes it an ideal option if you want to keep your used car on the road for many years to come.
5. CarShield: Affordable Monthly Payments
Year Established: 2005
Corporate Headquarters: Cottleville, Missouri
Availability: 49 states (excluding California)
Since 2005, CarShield has sold over 2 million vehicle service contracts, making it one of the largest extended car warranty companies in the industry. The provider’s vehicle service contracts are administered by other parties, like American Auto Shield, which is backed by insurers with an “excellent” financial strength rating.
Extended Car Warranty Companies: What to Know
When shopping for extended car warranty coverage, it’s best to look for reputable extended car warranty companies that have a strong customer service reputation, affordable rates, and an array of coverage options. The sections below will touch on how the best car warranty companies are determined by consumers and our editorial team.
What Is a Car Warranty Company?
While a “car warranty company” could technically mean any company (like automakers or insurance providers) that offer extended car warranties, the term is most commonly used to refer to third-party companies that specialize in brokering and/or administrating aftermarket vehicle service contracts.
Extended Auto Warranty Providers
Though extended car warranties can be purchased from various types of companies, the two most common extended auto warranty providers are the automakers, which are usually the companies that manufacture the covered vehicle, and independent car warranty companies, which specialize in brokering and/or administering aftermarket vehicle protection plans.
There are pros and cons to buying coverage from each of these types, which we’ll explain in detail below.
Extended Warranties From An Automaker
Buying extended coverage directly from an automaker ensures your vehicle receives genuine parts for auto repairs and factory-trained technicians for repair work. Despite this, these warranties have some disadvantages:
- Limited repair shop choices: Most automakers require drivers to have their vehicle repaired at a dealership or branded repair centers. For most drivers, this can be difficult as some manufacturers only have a few dealerships nationwide.
- Expensive vehicle service contracts: You may find that the price of a vehicle service contract for an automaker is more expensive.
- Fewer coverage options: Generally, automakers only offer one to three vehicle protection plans. Depending on your needs, you may not have enough coverage or pay extra for unnecessary coverage.
- Purchasing periods: Some dealerships allow you to purchase an extended warranty before your factory warranty expires, while others require you to get it at the time you purchase your new vehicle.
Aftermarket Car Warranty Companies
Aftermarket (or third-party) car warranty companies are providers that offer extended car warranties for certain repairs. Most operate as brokers, while another company backs the vehicle service plans.
While these companies may not always offer guaranteed manufacturer parts, there are some advantages to buying a plan from them, including:
- More affordable coverage: You’re more likely to find affordable rates with reputable extended car warranty companies than an automaker, especially if it’s a luxury brand. That said, while the costs are lower overall, if you choose a third-party company, you will likely need to pay a deductible for repair costs.
- More repair shop choices: Most third-party warranty companies will allow you to take your car to any certified repair shop after a mechanical breakdown.
- More coverage options: You can typically find third-party warranty providers with five to six different coverage levels, which can often fit different drivers’ needs.
- Purchasing periods: Almost all aftermarket warranty companies sell plans for used vehicles outside of the new vehicle limited warranty period.
Compare Car Warranty Companies
In October 2023, our editorial team polled 1,000 respondents to find out their experience with car warranty companies. We found that around 59% of respondents purchased an extended warranty from an automaker, while 21% had purchased from a third-party extended car warranty provider.
57% of survey respondents reported that coverage was the most important factor when determining where to purchase. Only about 14% said cost was the most impactful consideration.
Cheapest Car Warranty Companies
We recommend comparing quotes from providers featured on our list of best car warranty companies, all of which offer specific packages that provide quality, affordable coverage Below are quoted prices our researchers received from the best car warranty companies (excluding CNA, as its plans are only available through select dealerships):
| Car Warranty Provider | Vehicle Type and Mileage | Plan Name | Term Length | Extended Car Warranty Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endurance | 2015 Nissan Altima with 120,000 miles | Superior | 2.5 years/40,000 miles | $3,710.30 |
| autopom! | 2021 Nissan Altima with 42,000 miles | Exclusionary | 4 years/unlimited miles | $125.75 per month for 24 months |
| Toco | 2015 Nissan Altima with 120,000 miles | Yellow | Unlimited; month-to-month | $96.50 per month |
| CarShield | 2015 Jeep Cherokee with 120,000 miles | Gold | Unlimited; month-to-month | $149.99 per month |
On average, a plan providing extended coverage from a car warranty company costs between $1,794 and $4,270. Common factors that will influence your extended car warranty costs include:
Reputable Extended Car Warranty Companies: What To Look For
While price is an important factor for customers when choosing a car warranty company, one of the most common causes of dissatisfaction for existing customers are issues with claims denials.
While many claims denials result from customers not thoroughly understanding the contract they purchased, unscrupulous car warranty companies with a history of misleading customers do exist. For this reason, to help ensure you get what you pay for and are happy with the purchase, finding a trustworthy provider is crucial when choosing a car warranty company.
There are a few criteria you can use to judge whether or not a warranty provider is one you can depend on, which we highlight in below:
Car Warranty Company Customer Reviews
You can find customer review scores for warranty companies on Trustpilot, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, just to name a few. But no one website will give you the full picture, so it’s best to read reviews across multiple sites. For example, we noticed that customer review scores tend to be lower on the BBB because customers typically only go to this site looking to resolve an issue.
A reputable warranty provider will have lots of favorable reviews. Look for mentions of an easy claims process and supportive representatives as signs that the company will be there for you when you need them.
And while a few bad reviews are expected for any company, watch out for complaint patterns. If you see more than a few negative reviews that consistently mention bad business practices, such as scam calling after requesting a quote, it could be a legitimate problem.
Positive Industry Reputation
Industry rating organizations can give you insight into how other professionals see a company. We look closely at how the BBB and financial analyst AM Best rate warranty companies.
A company’s BBB rating reflects how well it handles customer complaints. A high rating indicates that a company is responsive and effective in resolving issues. Companies with low ratings haven’t done a good job of dealing with complaints. The BBB offers an explanation of a company’s rating if you click the text “reasons for rating” under the grade.
AM Best assesses companies’ financial strength in the form of a letter grade. We take a look at the underwriters that warranty companies use to service claims on their contracts. Their AM Best grade tells us whether the underwriter is in good enough financial shape to guarantee claims payouts.
Car Warranty Claims Process
You want to be able to easily use your coverage when you need it. That is, after all, why you bought it. But not every company makes it simple to use your coverage. Customer reviews can give you an idea of how easy a company is to work with and how quickly they settle claims.
Whether or not a company pays vehicle repair shops directly is also an important consideration. Some providers will cut a check to the facility, meaning you’ll only be responsible for the deductible if you have one. But others reimburse you after you’ve paid the bill yourself.
Transparency Regarding Coverage and Exclusions
Claims denials are one of the most common issues in the warranty industry. While reputable extended car warranty companies make it clear what is and isn’t covered, others hide key details in the fine print of your contract, such as part specifications and the length of your waiting period.
So while you should always read every contract in its entirety before signing, look for companies that make their business practices and their coverage clear and easy to understand.
Long-Standing Company History
As the market for vehicle service contracts grows, so does the number of providers. While there are certainly some excellent car warranty companies that have jumped in in the last few years, there are also plenty just looking to make a quick buck.
If a company has been around for a while, it’s a good sign that it has served customers well and isn’t a rip-off. Newer companies might be a great option but may require a little more scrutiny in other areas.
Red Flags: Warning Signs of a Bad Extended Warranty Company
While the best auto warranty companies offer quality and dependable coverage, not all warranty providers live up to their promises. Some companies provide coverage that’s difficult to use, and others, are basically just scams looking to make a quick buck.
The worst form of scams related to car warranty companies comes from individuals that impersonate telemarketers working on behalf of car warranty companies in order to illegally obtain your personal information and commit various forms of fraud. There are, however, ways to spot untrustworthy providers and outright frauds:
- Look At Industry Ratings: Ratings from professional organizations are a good place to start investigating a company. The BBB rates companies based on how they handle complaints from customers. Their rating of a warranty company can give you a clue as to how easy a company is to work with. A poor rating from the BBB and especially any alerts are a clear sign you might want to look for another provider.
- Read Customer Reviews: Other customers can be a great source of information about a company and the experience of working with them. It’s normal for companies to have a few bad reviews here and there. But a high proportion of negative reviews compared to positive ones is a red flag, as are any consistent patterns noted in negative reviews.
- Avoid Scam Calls: If you are interested in purchasing a car warranty, reach out to the car warranty companies you are interested in directly for a quote. Never trust a cold caller with your personal information.
Best Auto Warranty Companies: Conclusion
With so many options on the market for extended car warranties, it can be hard to know who’s the best in the business. Our team did extensive research on the best extended car warranty companies and ranked them based on industry standing, coverage, affordability, and customer service.
Endurance and Olive scored the highest in our reviews, but the best company for you will depend on what kind of coverage you need and how much you want to pay. That’s why we always recommend shopping around and getting free quotes from several providers.
Car Warranty Companies: FAQ
Below are frequently asked questions about car warranty companies:
What are the top-rated extended auto warranty companies?
Our research team identified Endurance, CarShield, and autopom! as great choices for extended coverage. We picked these providers because of their coverage options, cost, and customer experience. That said, the right choice for an extended warranty company will depend on the customer’s needs.
What is the most reliable car warranty company?
In our research, we found that Endurance was the most reliable car warranty company overall. The direct warranty provider offers six coverage levels, with unlimited mileage for many plans. It also offers several plan benefits, such as roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage.
Who has the highest-rated extended auto warranties?
During our research, we found that Endurance offered the highest-rated extended auto warranties. The company offers six plans ranging from bumper-to-bumper coverage to powertrain coverage. It even has a plan that combines an extended warranty with scheduled maintenance, known as EnduranceAdvantage.
What is the best way to buy an extended warranty for a car?
The best way to buy an extended warranty for a vehicle will come down to your personal preferences. You can purchase an extended warranty through the automaker or dealership where you bought your car or a third-party extended car warranty company. Automaker plans offer genuine parts for covered repairs and factory-trained technicians, while third-party plans are more flexible and tend to have more coverage options.
Is CarShield a good extended warranty company?
Yes, CarShield is a good extended warranty company. Our review team gave it an overall score of 4.3 out of 5.0 and recognizes it for having Affordable Monthly Payments in 2024.
When should you not buy an extended warranty?
It’s best to wait instead of buying an extended warranty when you purchase your car, since you likely won’t need it for several years. You should consider waiting until your manufacturer’s warranty is nearing expiration or the deadline to purchase coverage is approaching.
What are the top 5 manufacturer extended car warranties?
Based on our research, we found that the best factory extended car warranties are offered by Hyundai, Lexus, Kia, BMW, and Buick.
Our Methodology
Our expert review team takes satisfaction in providing accurate and unbiased information. We identified the following rating categories based on consumer survey data and conducted extensive research to formulate rankings of the best extended auto warranty providers.
- Industry Standing: Our team considers Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, availability, and years in business when giving this score.
- Coverage: Because each consumer has unique needs, it’s essential that a car warranty company offers an array of coverage options. We take into account the number of plans offered by each provider, term limits, exclusions, and additional benefits.
- Affordability: A variety of factors influence cost, so it can be difficult to compare quotes between providers. Our team performs ongoing secret shopper analyses for different vehicles, mileages, warranty plans, and locations to give this rating.
- Customer Service: Reputable extended car warranty companies operate with a certain degree of care for consumers. We take into account customer reviews, BBB complaints, and the responsiveness of the customer service team.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
