The best used car warranty companies differ slightly from the best extended warranty companies based on coverage terms and mileage limits. Carchex is our pick for the best used car warranty company because of its 10-year/250,000-mile plan options.
Endurance, our top overall pick, ranks No. 2 in coverage for used vehicles with its 8-year/200,000-mile coverage for used cars and option to cover maintenance benefits. CarShield comes in third place with a 10-year/300,000-mile option, though falls short of first and second place due to the price of its plans.
Before learning more about the best extended warranties for used cars, request a free quote from Endurance below:
Which companies offer the best used car warranty coverage?
In our industry-wide review of aftermarket warranty providers, we found that Carchex, Endurance, CarShield, Omega Auto Care and Autopom offer the best long-term vehicle protection plans for used cars.
Although we give Carchex a slightly lower overall rating than Endurance, it takes the top spot here due to its generous mileage limit. Autopom is our second-ranked provider overall, but it comes in fifth place for used car warranties due to its relatively low mileage limit for coverage.
Best used car warranty companies
The sections below provide further details on each of our picks for the top used car warranty companies.
What is a used car warranty?
When you buy a used car, it may have some of its factory warranty coverage remaining. Car dealerships also include some degree of warranty coverage with used vehicles they sell. Certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles typically come with some type of protection as well.
The problem with CPO and used car warranties is that they don’t last very long. Even if you receive fairly comprehensive coverage with your used car purchase, it may only last a year or 12,000 miles.
This is why purchasing an extended car warranty from a third-party company is generally the best way to go. Aftermarket extended car warranty companies give you more flexibility than a manufacturer’s warranty when it comes to repair shops, coverage terms and payment options.
Used car warranty exclusions
We outlined what vehicle components are covered by various extended warranty coverage levels above, but what isn’t covered by these vehicle service contracts? Here are a few common exclusions from used car warranties:
- Damage from aftermarket modifications
- Damage from collisions or environmental factors (that’s where your car insurance company takes over)
- Damage from lack of routine maintenance
- Damage from vehicle misuse like racing or driving over curbs
- Routine maintenance services like oil changes, tire rotations and wheel alignments
- Wear-and-tear components such as brake pads and wiper blades
What does a used car warranty cost?
An extended warranty for a used car can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000 or more in total depending on a host of factors. Your vehicle’s age and mileage are key criteria, as older cars with high odometer readings are more prone to expensive repairs.
The following variables also play major roles in determining how much you pay for a used car warranty:
- Coverage level: Exclusionary warranty plans cost more than basic powertrain warranties.
- Deductible: Setting your deductible higher will result in lower warranty costs and vice versa. Remember that a higher deductible means you’ll pay more out of pocket for covered repairs.
- Vehicle type: Exotic vehicles, sports cars and expensive SUVs will cost more to cover than standard sedans and other daily drivers.
- Provider: Warranty costs vary by provider. That’s why it’s so important to compare free quotes from multiple companies before you make a decision.
To give you a clearer idea of how much a used car warranty might cost, here are some quotes we received from our top-rated providers to cover a 2020 Hyundai Elantra with 30,000 miles.
Warranty Provider | Plan Type | Terms | Monthly Price | Total Price | Deductible |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Endurance | Exclusionary | 2.5 years/40,000 miles | $90 | $2,703 | $100 |
Endurance | Midlevel | 2.5 years/40,000 miles | $90 | $2,697 | $100 |
Autopom | Exclusionary | 5 years/100,000 miles | $112 | $2,827 | $100 |
Carchex | Exclusionary | Unlimited/month-to-month | $140 | N/A | $100 |
Carchex | Midlevel | Unlimited/month-to-month | $130 | N/A | $100 |
CarShield | Exclusionary | Unlimited/month-to-month | $140 | N/A | $200 |
Final take: Carchex is the best provider for a used car warranty
Carchex, Endurance, CarShield, Omega Auto Care and Autopom are our top picks for used car warranties. Each of these extended warranty companies offers high-quality coverage with flexible coverage terms and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
To get the best extended car warranty for your budget and coverage needs, be sure to compare quotes online and read the fine print in your vehicle service contract before buying a plan.
Our rating methodology for warranty companies
At Homefront, we analyze, rate and rank top vehicle service contract providers to help you discover the right one for your needs. The best automotive service contract companies offer transparency, affordability and expansive coverage options, among other qualities.
We rate companies using our objective scoring methodology. We assess brands on factors that are important to consumers like you — including cost, coverage, market standing, trustworthiness and customer experience. After scoring companies on a 100-point scale, we simplify final scores into the 5-star ratings you see in our content.
BBB scores are accurate as of February 2024.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.
Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
Go Back to Top