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According to our research, Endurance, CARCHEX, CarShield, CNA National, and Omega Auto Care are the best used car warranty companies overall in 2024.
Crash Course:
- Third-party warranty providers tend to offer more options and flexibility than manufacturer used car warranties.
- The average cost of used car coverage in 2024 is between $1,000 and $3,500, based on results from our most recent warranty survey.
- When shopping for used car warranties, consider their added benefits, excluded parts, and repair shop networks.
A used car warranty can help protect owners of older vehicles from surprise bills and expensive repairs. But purchasing one isn’t the right decision for everyone, and some providers are more reputable than others.
Our research experts put together this guide to help you make an informed decision about buying an extended warranty for your used vehicle. We’ll go over the ins and outs of vehicle service plans and take a look at the best extended auto warranty companies from our 2024 industry-wide study.
Top Used Car Warranty Companies
After conducting thorough research, our team picked the providers listed below as the best used car warranty companies for 2024.
Top Rated Used Car Warranty Companies
| Best Used Car Warranty Companies | Overall Rating | Award | Coverage Levels | Highest Mileage Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endurance | 4.6 | Best Overall | 6 | Unlimited |
| CARCHEX | 4.3 | Best Reputation | 5 | 250,000 |
| CarShield | 4.3 | Affordable Monthly Payments | 8 | 300,000 |
| CNA National | 4.3 | Best for EV Coverage | 4 | Unlimited |
| Omega Auto Care | 4.2 | Best Added Benefits | 5 | 250,000 |
Let’s go into further detail about each of these providers. Expand the sections below to learn more about each company, the plans it offers, and its pros and cons.
#1 Endurance: Best Used Car Warranty Provider Overall
Endurance earned the top spot in our general auto warranty study, but it also makes a great option for used car warranties. As one of the only direct providers in the industry, Endurance offers high-quality coverage at affordable rates with a simple, straightforward claims process.
Endurance: Quick Facts
Year founded: 2006
Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating: A-
Number of plans: Six coverage levels
Highest mileage limit: Unlimited
Affordability: Endurance claims to save you up to 60% more than brokers
Featured plan: The EnduranceAdvantageTM plan covers cars up to an unlimited amount of miles and is best for used vehicles and high-mileage vehicles
Endurance Pros and Cons
| Endurance Pros | Endurance Cons |
|---|---|
| Your choice of licensed repair facility | Lack of customizable plan options |
| Endurance takes care of all claims itself | Endurance Elite Benefits are only free for one year |
| Many plans feature unlimited mileage |
Endurance Warranty Plans
Endurance currently offers six car warranty plans for drivers, with many unlimited-mileage protection options:
- Supreme: This exclusionary bumper-to-bumper warranty provides maximum protection for your vehicle with only a short list of exclusions.
- Superior: This vehicle protection plan offers the highest level of stated-component coverage.
- Secure Plus: This plan offers drivers premium powertrain-plus protection and a short waiting period.
- Select Premier: This option is designed specifically for high-mileage vehicles and protects the most essential components of your car, such as your engine and transmission.
- Secure: The most affordable vehicle service contract offers basic powertrain coverage.
- EnduranceAdvantageTM: This plan offers extensive component and maintenance coverage.
Endurance Warranty Benefits
Every Endurance auto warranty comes with roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage. Drivers also receive one free year of Endurance Elite Benefits. Some of this program’s perks include:
- Tire repair or replacement
- Key fob repair or replacement
- Total loss protection
- Collision discount
Read more: Endurance Warranty Review
Best Overall Warranty Provider
#2 CARCHEX: Best Used Car Warranty for Best Reputation
CARCHEX is one of the oldest and most respected warranty providers in the industry. And when it comes to used car warranties, it’s also the best, according to our 2024 auto warranty study. CARCHEX offers multiple coverage options for vehicles up to 250,000 miles at affordable prices and includes benefits like roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement.
#3 CarShield: Best Used Car Warranty for Affordable Monthly Payments
CarShield is one of the few providers to offer coverage specifically designed for electronic components like GPS navigation systems, sensors, and entertainment systems. This makes the provider a strong option for owners of used luxury vehicles especially. With options for vehicles with up to 300,000 miles, CarShield is also worth considering for high-mileage used cars.
#4 Omega Auto Care: Best Added Benefits
Omega Auto Care stands out as another reliable option for used car coverage because it offers both maintenance coverage and tire hazard protection on all plans. These benefits can help you keep your car in good shape. Aside from that, Omega Auto Care offers five plans that run the gamut from factory coverage to basic powertrain protection.
#5 CNA National: Best for EV Coverage
CNA National Warranty Company wraps up our list for the best used car warranty companies. This company is different from our other top picks because it only sells plans through dealerships and not to customers directly. But if you come across a CNA warranty while shopping for a used car, you can be confident the plan is worth it.
What Is a Used Car Warranty?
A car warranty covers the cost of repairing mechanical failures that happen within a certain coverage period. New cars come with factory warranties that average three years or 36,000 miles of coverage, though some last longer. An extended car warranty – also known as a vehicle protection plan or a vehicle service contract – is a plan you can purchase to maintain coverage after your factory warranty expires.
Do Used Cars Have Warranties?
Some used cars come with warranties from the dealership. In many cases, these are packaged with certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles. These cars have been inspected by the dealership and are typically only a few years removed from their original warranty coverage.
In addition, some extended coverage plans transfer over to the new owner when a vehicle is sold. That means you may find used cars other than CPO vehicles that come with warranty coverage.
Can You Get a Warranty for a Used Car?
You can get a warranty for most used cars. Manufacturer extended warranties often have relatively tight mileage and model year restrictions. However, many aftermarket warranty providers offer plans for much older vehicles with hundreds of thousands of miles.
Should I Buy an Extended Warranty for a Used Car?
A used car warranty is well worth it for many drivers. But whether or not it’s worth it in your case depends on the vehicle and personal preferences.
Used Car Warranties: What To Consider
Here are a few points to consider when deciding whether or not a vehicle protection plan is worth it for you:
- Financial value: Some cars are more likely to need repairs than others, and fixes are more expensive for certain models. The more likely your used vehicle is to suffer a mechanical breakdown, the more likely it is that you’ll use enough of your warranty coverage to make it worth the cost.
- Expense management: For many people, making regular monthly payments is easier than setting aside thousands of dollars for auto repairs. If you prefer regularity with your expenses or have trouble saving, extended car warranties offer additional value.
- Peace of mind: Covering your used vehicle with an extended warranty means not having to worry about whether you’ll be able to afford surprise repair bills. Protection plans for used cars can help make owning one a little more worry-free.
Used Car Warranty Costs
The cost of a used car warranty varies greatly based on your vehicle, the type of coverage you choose, and other factors. In our most recent auto warranty survey, around half of extended warranty customers said they paid between $1,000 and $3,500 in total for their coverage. The most popular $500 segment was $1,000 to $1,500 on our survey. The survey was part of our annual auto warranty study and collected answers from over 1,000 warranty customers around the U.S.
In the following sections, we’ll go over the main factors that affect the cost of used car coverage. We also provide sample quotes from our secret shopper study to compare.
Used Vehicle Warranty Cost Factors
Some of the key variables that affect the cost of a used vehicle service contract include:
- Type of used car: Generally speaking, pricier and larger cars will cost more to protect.
- Coverage deductible: When you choose your deductible, setting it lower will increase the price of your plan.
- Coverage plan: Coverage for more components will typically cost more than plans that only offer limited protection.
- Warranty company: Coverage costs vary between providers, even for similar plans on the same vehicle.
- Used car mileage: Higher-mileage vehicles are more likely to have mechanical issues. As a result, it usually costs more to cover them.
- Vehicle age: Older cars are more likely to suffer from mechanical breakdowns than new ones, making warranties for aging models more expensive.
Used Vehicle Warranty Cost Estimates
Our research team got quotes for exclusionary bumper-to-bumper coverage from each warranty company for a 2021 Nissan Altima with 42,000 miles. Here are the prices we received from the top used car warranty companies:
| Car Warranty Provider | Plan Name | Term Length | Extended Car Warranty Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Endurance | Supreme | 2.5 years/ 40,000 miles | $2,663.30 |
| CARCHEX | Titanium | Unlimited | $149/month |
| Olive | Complete Care | 3 years/ 185,000 miles | $2,396.52 |
| CarShield | Diamond | Unlimited | $149/month |
| Omega Auto Care | New Exclusionary | 6 years/ 72,000 miles | $3,120** |
**This quote for Omega Auto Care is based on a 2018 Toyota Camry.
All of the warranties we got quotes for had deductibles of $100.
How Does a Used Car Warranty Work?
An extended warranty works by covering car repair costs for items that fall under the coverage terms listed in the contract. Which components are covered depends on the type of warranty plan you purchase. These contracts also come with exclusions that dictate parts and sources of damage that the warranty won’t cover.
Types of Used Car Warranties
Extended car warranty companies offer a variety of coverage plans. However, the majority of these plans fall into three main categories. Expand the section below to learn more about each of these coverage levels.
Used Car Warranty Exclusions
Used car service contracts can cover a lot, but there are some things they almost never protect. Some of the most common used vehicle warranty exclusions include:
- Wear-and-tear components such as windshield wiper blades, brake pads, and tires
- Routine maintenance services like oil changes and wheel alignments
- Damage from misuse
- Damage caused by aftermarket parts and modifications
- Pre-existing damages
- Damage caused by a collision
Some providers do include coverage for many of these items, but that’s an exception to the rule. Providing coverage for things like maintenance services and wear-and-tear parts is uncommon, but a major benefit when offered.
How To Shop for a Used Car Warranty
A vehicle service plan is a big financial decision. Like with any other major purchase, it pays to be a smart shopper. Learning how to shop strategically for a used car warranty can help you find the best car coverage at a reasonable price.
Where To Buy a Used Car Warranty
If you want to purchase coverage for your pre-owned vehicle, you have a few choices. Which option is best for you depends on both your vehicle and personal preferences.
Used Car Dealership
Many used car dealerships offer warranty plans through partner providers. You may be offered one when you buy your vehicle.
In general, these plans are often marked up to make room for the dealer to make a profit. That doesn’t mean you should always ignore them, however. Many used vehicle dealerships will still sell you a plan at a later time, so you can compare their offers with those from other options before deciding.
Vehicle Manufacturers
Some used vehicles are eligible for an extended warranty from their manufacturer. Depending on the automaker, they can sometimes provide a strong value for the cost.
However, these plans also often come with key limitations. Most automakers require you to purchase a manufacturer’s extended warranty within a certain time frame – typically within the new vehicle factory warranty period. In addition, many of these coverage plans require you to have your car serviced at dealership shops, limiting your options for repair facilities.
Third-Party Used Car Warranty Providers
You can also purchase an extended warranty for a used vehicle from one of many independent coverage providers. These companies offer a few distinct advantages over your other options.
Advantages of Third-Party Used Car Warranties
Some of the biggest advantages of extended car warranties from independent providers include:
- More choices: Most independent warranty providers offer greater plan options than automakers.
- Larger repair network: Aftermarket warranty providers allow you to get vehicle repair work done at any shop authorized by National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE®), including at your local neighborhood mechanic.
- Purchase flexibility: While you typically have to buy an extended warranty from an automaker before your factory warranty expires, most third-party providers allow you to purchase coverage at almost any time. You can also purchase your coverage online or over the phone.
- Free quotes: You can request free car warranty quotes from independent providers to compare rates and coverage options.
What To Look for in a Used Vehicle Warranty
Not all warranty providers and plans offer the same quality of service and value as one another. Many of the coverage plans you find online may look similar, but the differences are in the details.
There are a few things you should expect from an extended warranty provider and contract. These include:
- Useful benefits: Roadside assistance and related services are included in most extended warranty plans. Make sure these perks are parts of your contract.
- Direct pay policy: Find a service contract that pays for auto repair bills upfront rather than reimbursing you later. Reimbursement could take months in the worst cases.
- Large repair shop network: Some extended car warranty companies don’t allow you to choose your own repair facility. A good third-party warranty will let you have your covered repairs done by any ASE-certified mechanic*.
- Reasonable deductibles: If a deductible is required, your car repairs should always cost more than the deductible.
- Strong industry reviews: Search a company’s BBB rating to gauge trustworthiness and find common customer reviews and complaints.
- Few and reasonable limitations: Is there a mileage limit or waiting period on the contract? Some companies don’t actually provide coverage for high-mileage vehicles.
- Reliable underwriters: Service contracts underwritten by car insurance companies are more reliable, so stick to these. Insurance regulations require companies to maintain enough financial reserves to pay for claims.
These are all important factors to consider during your research. Don’t allow price to be your only driving factor as you buy an extended auto warranty.
*Certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
What To Avoid When Buying Used Car Coverage
Just as there are many features to look out for in a service contract, there are also red flags to avoid. Poor-quality providers can be frustrating to work with and may not even deliver the services you agreed to.
Expand the section below to see some of the most important warning signs to watch out for.
Best Used Car Warranties: Conclusion
A used car warranty can be worth the cost even if you don’t use all of the coverage you pay for. It can be a valuable tool for managing the expenses of owning an older vehicle and avoiding the stress and hassle of worrying about unexpected repair bills.
You have several options for where to get an extended warranty for your used vehicle, but third-party providers tend to offer the most flexibility and options. Our editors named Endurance and CARCHEX as the best warranty providers for used cars, but any company that made our top five is worth looking into.
Which provider offers the best price and plan for you depends on your vehicle and preferences. Comparing multiple offers can help you make the right choice for a used car warranty.
Pre-Owned Car Warranties: Additional Reading
To help car owners make an informed decision about warranty providers, our researchers conducted several head-to-head reviews of top companies in the industry. These include:
If your used vehicle has a lot of miles on it, you may want to read our team’s in-depth look at the best extended warranties for cars over 100k miles. You’ll find reviews of the best coverage plans for high-mileage cars to help you make the right choice.
Used Car Warranty Companies: FAQ
Here are a few frequently asked questions about buying used car warranties.
What are the top-rated extended auto warranty companies?
Our research team named Endurance, CARCHEX, CNA National, CarShield, and Omega Auto Care as some of the best auto warranty providers. These companies earned that distinction based on their services, reputations, and cost.
Is it worth getting an extended warranty on a used car?
Cars become more prone to mechanical breakdowns as they age, which means more time spent in the repair shop. An extended warranty on an older vehicle can help offset these out-of-pocket costs, but there’s no guarantee that a protection plan will cover every repair. It may be less worth it to buy an extended warranty for used vehicles with a strong reputation for reliability, such as models made by Honda and Toyota.
How much is an extended warranty on a used car?
An extended warranty on a used car can cost as little as a few hundred dollars to as much as several thousand. It depends on the car, plan provider, length and amount of coverage, and deductible.
Will my extended warranty coverage start right away?
Most extended warranties don’t start until after 30 days or a certain number of miles, usually either 1,000 or 3,000.
What is an aftermarket warranty?
An aftermarket warranty is coverage from a third-party company. These warranties don’t always use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. This shouldn’t have serious effects, but it’s often better to have parts that are specifically made for your car model.
Can you buy an extended warranty on a used car?
You can buy an extended warranty on a used car from a wide variety of sources. Some car manufacturers offer their own extended warranties, but you can also purchase coverage from one of many reputable used car warranty companies on almost any vehicle.
Is there a 30-day warranty on used cars?
Some states, such as California, have laws that require a certain category of car dealerships to have a 30-day warranty on used cars that they sell. However, the vast majority of states and used car dealers don’t fall under these laws.
Can you take a car under warranty to any dealership for repairs?
If you have a manufacturer’s warranty, you’ll most likely need to take your car to the dealership for repairs. However, with most third-party used car warranty companies, you can take your vehicle to the certified repair facility of your choice.
Do car warranties transfer?
In most cases, car warranties transfer when the vehicle changes ownership. A used car warranty is attached to the vehicle identification number (VIN) and it will cover repairs for the duration of the warranty period, as long as its premiums are paid for.
Is a used car warranty the same as mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI)?
Used car warranties and MBI policies serve the same purpose in that they cover the cost of unexpected car repairs due to mechanical failure. However, MBI policies are typically add-ons sold by car insurance companies, whereas used car warranties are sold by auto manufacturers and independent providers.
Who has the cheapest used car warranty?
Olive was the cheapest option overall for used car coverage in our 2024 warranty study. You’ll also likely find affordable rates from CarShield and Concord Auto Protect. Remember that because prices are individualized, these providers may not be the cheapest for you and your vehicle.
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.
