Used Car Warranty Companies
Used car warranty companies Endurance, CARCHEX, CarShield, and Protect My Car are the top used auto warranty providers, based on the our extensive reviews.
Best Used Car Warranty
When you want to buy a used car, you’re looking for dependability. 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 good 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.
It’s always best to get multiple quotes from top providers to find the best extended warranty for your used car.
Used Car Warranty Reviews
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.
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 | 200,000 miles | Most Affordable |
| 4. Protect My Car | 8.7 | 125,000 miles | Best Long-Term Financing |
Best Extended Warranty For Used Cars
Companies that provide the best extended car warranties for used cars include Endurance, CARCHEX, CarShield, and Protect My Car. Below, we detailed the best used car warranties based on their performance in our best extended car warranty review, 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 8 years and over 200,000 miles. That’s a generous coverage window compared to many other providers you can find on the market.
- 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 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+ rating from the BBB 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.
#3 CarShield: Most Affordable
CarShield warranties offer covered repairs for vehicles with up to 200,000 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 a 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 has 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.
Best Used Car Warranty
While Endurance, CARCHEX, CarShield, and Protect My Car are the best used car warranty companies, you can also get used car warranties for automakers. Since automakers specialize in manufacturing vehicles, they aren’t typically considered “car warranty companies” like the one’s we reviewed above. With that said, no discussion of the best used car warranty is complete without also discussing the best certified pre-owned warranties and the best manufacturer extended warranties:
Best CPO Warranty
A CPO warranty, or certified pre-owned warranty, is an extended warranty of protection that is backed by the manufacturer and lasts longer than the new car 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Hyundai: 10 years/100k mile power-train warranty from in-service date. 5 year or 12,000 miles from purchase date.
- 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.
- 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 manufacture-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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Best Used Car Warranty Plans
Car warranty plans aren’t one-size fits all, as you’re particular needs, budget, vehicle, and the region you live in will affect which particular used car warranty plan is best for you. This is why we getting quotes from multiple providers in order to determine what plan from what parrticular used car company fits best for you. Below is our shortlist of used vehicle warranty plans that are the best fits in for those with various needs:
- 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.
Used Car Warranty Ratings
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 |
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.
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:
- Decide If You Need An Extended Warranty
- Figure Out Whether Or Not A Used Car Warranty Is Worth It And How Much You Are Willing To Pay
- Determine Which Type Of Used Car Warranty Provider Fits Your Needs
- Speak directly with at least three providers about their prices and coverage options
- Don’t be afraid to negotiate and look for discounts
- Figure out which offerings your car is eligible for and what plan best fits your needs
In the following sections, we’ll review each of these steps so you’ll be best equippted to make a sound purchasing decision when dealing with used car warranty companies.
Do I Need Warranty On A Used Car?
Because the price of an extended warranty is only slightly higher than the price of a new car warranty, purchasing an extended warranty for a used car may only be worth it if you aren’t financially prepared to cover unexpected vehicle costs or your vehicle is unreliable. If you fall into either of these categories or are willing to pay more in total in exchange for the peace of mind of knowing you are covered, we only recommend purchasing an extended warranty on a used car if the vehicle has passed the expiration date for the factory warranty.
Also, are you confident that you know your car’s service history? If you don’t have a solid history of maintenance on the vehicle, who knows what was replaced last. You can get an inspection when you’re looking at a used car, but an inspection can’t tell you everything about the car’s history. Having coverage from one of the best used car warranty companies can provide peace of mind in these situations.
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.
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 |
Should You Buy A Warranty On A Used Car?
Due to increasing prices for new vehicles and the fact that the value of new cars depreciate as soon as you drive them off the lot, more Americans are buying used vehicles. While choosing to buy a used vehicle may lower your car payment (or keep you from having a car payment at all), doing so also increases the risk that you will have higher maintenance costs. To counter this increase in risk, getting an extended warranty can be a good idea for many, although there are some important factors to consider.
For example if you drive an older vehicle, you may need a plan with higher mileage restrictions. If you drive on long commutes, you may need a wide coverage network for repair services. If you live in a region that has snow for many months of the year, you may want your plan to have a more extensive rust perforation coverage. For many of the same reasons people choose to extend their factory warranty, getting an extended warranty on a used vehicle be an enticing option for many.
Today’s cars are built to endure for longer periods of time than ever before. In the recent past, many drivers retired their vehicles once they hit 100,000 miles, and few buyers wanted a high-mileage vehicle. Today, however, cars are on the road for an average of 12.1 years, and the market for used vehicles continues to grow every year. Consequently, drivers are increasingly using their vehicles beyond the term of the 36,000 mile warranty that comes with most new vehicles. To continue enjoying coverage, drivers can purchase a used car warranty that covers most repair bills when major mechanical failures occur.
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.
For example, Mazda drivers spend $462 on average per year for maintenance and repairs, according to RepairPal. The brand has low repair costs overall compared to other brands. At the same time, a single head gasket repair for a Mazda CX-5 can cost between $1,143 and $1,370. A Mazda extended warranty can help with these costs.
Buying A Car Warranty On A Used Car
After considering factors like your tolerance for unexpected costs, the reliability of your vehicle, whether or not you can afford to pay out of pocket for unexpected repair costs, and how many miles you drive annually, and how long you plan on keeping the vehicle, you may come to the conclusion that an extended warranty on a used car is for you.
Because the best coverage options are available in terms of both cost and variety during this period, we recommend purchasing an extended warranty for used vehicles that have under 80,000 odometer miles.
For most drivers, the main advantages of getting an extended warranty are overall cost savings and peace of mind.
Warranty Options For Used Cars
As previously mentioned there are three primary warranty options for used cars: aftermarket extended car warranty companies, manufacturer-backed extended warranties, and certified-pre owned warranties. While we’ve provided reviews for the best warranties in each category, we have yet to discuss which is best. Each of the three warranty options for used cars have pros and cons, which we discuss below:
Used Car Extended Warranty Companies
On the other hand, third-party used car warranty companies will let you add a plan long after the factory warranty has expired, so you don’t have to actually purchase a vehicle to be able to get the warranty. When considering a car warranty when buying used cars, third party plans also let you take your car to any licensed repair shop, while manufacturer-backed plans will require you to use repair facilities at dealerships. Some used car warranty providers can repair vehicles at less cost by sending a high volume of clients to an in-network repair shop that agrees to discount its prices.
Along with the benefits of more flexible plan options, wider service networks, and the ability to purchase your plan at any time, the major benefit of purchasing a third party extended warranty for a used vehicle is that third party providers offer extended warranty plans for vehicles with much higher mileage than manufacturer-backed extended warranties. Also, the providers we covered today all have long eligibility periods.
*Some roadside assistance providers like AAA offer extended car warranties in specific regions like AAA Carolinas or AAA mid-Atlantic. All in all, these providers are less specialized and may have smaller coverage networks than the best extended warranty companies.
CPO Warranty
Certified Pre-Owned vehicles are used vehicles purchased from the manufacturer that meet a certain level of quality, as specified by the automaker. Generally, CPO vehicles are lower mileage, late model vehicles that pass inspection standards.
CPO warranties work much like factory warranties, in that they come as a part of purchasing a vehicle. For this reason, CPO warranties are the only real extended “warranty” for used vehicles because they are not service contracts. Along with the benefits of manufacturer backing, OEM parts, and service provided by factory-trained technicians, the pricing structure of a CPO warranty means that the warranty is built in with the cost of the vehicle.
Also, some manufacturers extend the original basic warranty to 6 years/unlimited mileage, a warranty plan that is especially appropriate if you plan on putting alot of miles on the vehicle. All things equal, two if you are considering a car with and a car without a manufacturer certification, the CPO vehicle is usually the better deal.
Used Car Manufacturer Warranty
You can get an extended warranty from the manufacturer in certain situations. Though it’s usually more restricted than their extended warranties for brand new vehicles and vehicles still under the factory warranty, most manufacturers offer extended warranties for vehicles that are still under a certified pre-owned contract.
Be aware that some manufacturers only allow secondary car owners to purchase an extended warranty on the day they buy the used vehicle from a dealer. If you purchase a used car from a private party, you might not be able to get an extended warranty from the manufacturer.
Additionally, some manufacturers offer service contracts for “qualified” used vehicles. While this options offer the same strengths and limitations as already discussed, choosing a manufacturer backed extended warranty for a used car may be beneficial if you are purchasing it to extend a CPO warranty. Similarly, if you buy a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle, you can usually extend the CPO warranty on the purchase day but not after you take it home.
Best Warranty For Used Cars
Third party aftermarket car warranty companies provide the best warranties for used cars because they offer more flexibility, coverage options, and better prices. While CPO warranties are worth it when you can find a vehicle that meets all of the criteria for a car that fits your lifestyle, you can’t simply purchase a CPO warranty separately to fit your vehicle in the same way you can purchase an aftermarket extended warranty for any used car.
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 financing for 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.
Buy Used Car Warranty Online
You can buy a used car warranty in a few different ways, but all of the used car warranty companies we’ve covered today sell plans online, which makes things easy. Purchasing a used car warranty online allows you to get a quick and easy quote. When you’re ready for a quote, you can either fill out an online quote form or call the company directly.
Usually, all you have to do is fill out a simple form and then you will later receive a call from someone from the used car warranty company. When purchasing a used car warranty online, make sure to read all of the info you can about the coverage, plans and prices offered by the used car warranty company. In most cases, you can find sample contracts online which are the most accurate way to determine the coverage provided by a particular warranty plan.
Where To Buy An Extended Warranty For A Used Car
Based on the info above, it is pretty clear the best place to purchase an extended warranty is directly from the used car warranty company. Since most providers have monthly payment plans, adding your extended warranty costs to your car payment doesn’t make sense because you are adding interest to payments that are usually interest free.
On top of this, when you purchase an extended warranty directly from the used car warranty company, you don’t have to purchase it with the vehicle and you can cancel anytime you’d like, usually for free within the first 30 days and with a pro-rated refund after that. All of these benefits come with the added benefit of not having to pay marked-up prices to the dealership.
Can You Buy A Car Warranty Later?
Used car warranties are contracts that seek to provide coverage that is similar to a manufacturer’s warranty. Used car warranties are often referred to as extended warranties. Drivers purchase used car warranties from third-party providers that are not affiliated with manufacturers. However, many drivers purchase extended warranties at the dealership when they first buy their vehicle.
Used Car Warranty Quote
An easy and steam-lined quote process is highly desired when dealing with a used car warranty company, as nobody enjoys pushy salespeople who withold important information and put unneeded pressure on potential customers. When looking for a used car warranty we recommend getting quotes from at least three used car warranty companies, which can usually be done either online or by phone. All of the providers on our extended car warranty companies list also offer 30-day money-back guarantees. Take that time to read the fine print and ask any questions if you’re unsure about something.
Used Car Warranty Deals
Getting quotes from at least three companies is the starting point for getting a good price on a used car warranty. When you speak to a representative from the provider, make sure to ask about what discounts are available. Many providers offer discounts for veterans, seniors, and police officers. You can also get a multi-car discount if you purchase more than one policies or a significant discount if you purchase the entire policy upfront. Additionally, some companies even partner with insurance providers and will offer a bundling discount if you purchase an extended warranty with an insurance policy. Finally, don’t be afraid to negotiate with the customer service rep in order to get a better deal.
Below are some of the best used car warranty companies that provide the best deals:
Used Car Warranty Coverage
Once you find a quote for a plan that you like, you can purchase it online or over the phone. Before you sign the dotted line, make sure you understand the most important part of your used car warranty: the coverage. Reading the contract and understanding your coverage length, deductible costs, exclusions and restrictions, cancellation and transfer policies, added benefits, and claims process are all incredibly important details that you should make sure to fully understand before purchasing protection from a used car warranty company.
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.
Car Warranty Plans For Used Cars
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, the 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.
Used Vehicle Warranty Companies: Conclusion
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.
Used Car Warranty Reviews: FAQ
Is a vehicle protection plan the same thing as an extended warranty?
Extended warranties go by several other names, including auto protection plans, vehicle service contracts and others. But they all refer to the same idea — paying a premium to protect yourself from unexpected repair bills.
Do you need to pay a deductible if you have an extended car warranty?
Usually, yes. Most extended car warranties have a deductible you’ll need to meet before the warranty company pays the remainder.
Who has the best used car warranty?
Based on our research, our experts chose Endurance as Best Overall among the extended car warranty providers we reviewed.
Can you buy an extended warranty on a used car?
You can purchase an extended warranty on a used car at almost any point in the vehicle’s life. Keep in mind that new cars come with an original warranty from the manufacturer, so check to see if you have any preexisting coverage beforehand.
Is there a 30-day warranty on used cars?
In the United States, some dealers may offer a 30-day warranty on a used vehicle, but it’s not a standard practice. The car’s manufacturer may offer a certified pre-owned (CPO) warranty if it meets certain conditions.
Do car warranties transfer?
Many auto warranties are transferable to subsequent vehicle owners, usually for a small administrative fee. To see if your protection plan is transferable, read the fine print of the contract. Used car warranties are usually sold as fixed installment agreements that you cannot get out of if you sell your car. However, most used car warranties can be transferred to a buyer, so they increase the value of your car. You can then use the surplus amount from the sale of your vehicle to pay off the remaining balance of your warranty plan. Warranties can also be transferred if you gift your vehicle to another person. However, you should be sure to read your contract to ensure that your warranty is fully transferable. Also, be aware that most warranties cannot be transferred to drivers in another state.
What payment terms do used car warranty companies offer?
Most drivers pay for used car warranties with monthly payment plans, which allows you to spread out the cost of costly unexpected plans into smaller predictable installments. Some installment agreements seek to pay off the full cost of a long-term warranty in only a few months while other agreements involve installments that are paid across the entire term of the warranty. Generally, drivers can save money by paying upfront, but the cost of doing so is usually several thousand dollars.
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.
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