The Best Extended Car Warranties of 2022: Most Reputable Reviewed

The Best Extended Car Warranties of 2022: Most Reputable Reviewed
The Best Extended Car Warranties of 2022: Most Reputable Reviewed
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One of the best extended car warranties from a reputable company can save you money by covering the cost of repairs to vital car components after the factory warranty has expired. New cars come with a warranty issued by the manufacturer, but coverage only lasts for the first three years or so.

If you want continued peace of mind, you can purchase an extended warranty from either the manufacturer of the vehicle or a private company. Extended warranties cover repairs needed due to defects or vehicle malfunction, for a length of time or mileage maximum that is agreed upon in the contract. Learn more about the benefits of each of these top car warranty companies to compare features and make your choice.

Best Extended Car Warranties of 2022

1. Endurance – Best Overall Extended Car Warranty

Endurance Extended Car Warranty Pros:

  • • Direct provider eliminates third parties
  • • Fast claims processing with 24/7 access
  • • Repairs covered directly
  • • Excellent reputation and service
  • • Use any ASE-certified mechanic

Endurance Extended Car Warranty Cons:

  • • Unavailable in California
  • • Coverage term lengths are hard to find on the website
  • • Lowest cost plans have limited benefits

Endurance offers some of the best extended car warranties. Choose from a variety of plans that fit your coverage preferences and budget. You can even cover your older vehicle that has high mileage at a reasonable rate. Get great service from a reputable company that is well-known and trusted.

Premium Cost for Endurance Extended Car Warranties: 4/5

Get affordable coverage that can be customized to fit easily into your budget. The average premium cost for a car warranty with Endurance is $120. If you pay your annual premium upfront, you could be eligible for a discount.

Endurance Long-Term Car Protection Plan Options: 5/5

Endurance gives you the option to tailor a plan to get only the coverage and services that you need. They also offer plans for cars as old as 20 years and with up to 200,000 miles.

There are two lines of coverage, Elite and Advantage, that both offer multiple plan options. They range from highly affordable basic coverage to maximum coverage that has only a few exclusions. Advantage plans also cover vehicle maintenance.

Claims Processing for Endurance Car Coverage: 4.7/5

Endurance administrates and handles claims directly, with no third parties. Simplify matters and speed up claims processing times by addressing all of your issues and concerns directly to them.  File a claim by phone or online. Select your mechanic from a large network and get the cost of both labor and parts covered.

Extras and Add-Ons offered by Endurance: 4.7/5

There are plenty of extras and benefits included with your plan. Use the convenient mobile app to access your policy details or alert roadside assistance, receive tire coverage equal to the reimbursement cost of two tires each year, or get a replacement car key or fob with a value of up to $500.

Any time you purchase one of Endurance’s warranty plans, you automatically receive one free year of the Elite Benefits. There is also an option to add the Supreme Highline coverage for luxury vehicles.

Endurance Long-Term Car Protection Customer Satisfaction: 4.8/5

A convenient mobile app and multiple options for customer service make accessing your benefits simple and fast. The majority of customer reviews report excellent customer service and satisfaction with their plans, rates, and service.

Endurance Extended Auto Warranty Overall Score: 4.6/5

2. Carchex – Best for Plan Options

Carchex Extended Car Warranty Pros:

  • • 25 levels of coverage to choose from
  • • Multiple add-ons available
  • • Affordable premiums

Carchex Extended Car Warranty Cons:

  • • Not a direct provider
  • • Coverage for exotic cars is limited
  • • No specific plans for motorcycles

Carchex is unique in that they offer a huge number of plans to choose from. Select from 25 options to get the coverage you need at a price you can afford. Further customize your plan by adding additional coverage from a long list of popular options, such as windshield repair.

Premium Cost for Carchex Extended Car Warranties: 4.7/5

With an impressive range of plans to choose from, there is a great plan at an affordable price for almost any vehicle and owner. The amount you pay depends upon the level of coverage you require, but the average premium cost is between $100 and $200 per month.

Carchex Long-term Car Protection Plan Options: 5/5

Carchex has five tiers of coverage; Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Titanium, with multiple plans that equal a total of 25 packages to choose from. Select from term lengths that range from monthly coverage up to 10 years.

Claims Processing for Carchex Car Coverage: 4/5

Carchex is not a direct provider, but instead acts as a warranty broker. This means they don’t administer plans directly. Some customers report claims that take a long time to process, or that don’t cover certain repairs.

Reviews in this area are mixed, as the customer experience is highly subjective. Always read all the details of your policy to be sure you select the coverage and terms that make sense for your needs.

Extras and Add-Ons offered by Carchex: 4.1/5

All plans include 24/7 roadside assistance, towing, rental car coverage, and trip interruption. This is fairly standard for the companies that offer the best extended car warranties. Carchex also has several add-ons you can purchase that include key replacement, windshield repair, and a reducing deductible.

Carchex Long-term Car Protection Customer Satisfaction: 4.2/5

With access to support 24/7, you can get help whenever you need it. Overall, most customers are satisfied with the service and plan options at Carchex. Being able to choose from a large number of plans and the flexibility to take your vehicle to a repair shop you prefer are favored customer benefits.

Carchex Extended Auto Warranty Overall Score: 4.4/5

3. CarShield – Best for Range of Vehicles

CarShield Extended Car Warranty Pros:

  • • Coverage for Motorcycles and ATVs
  • • Multiple plans
  • • 24/7 roadside assistance

CarShield Extended Car Warranty Cons:

  • • Not a direct provider
  • • Plan terms can be confusing
  • • Some plan reimbursement limits are low

CarShield stands out from other companies with the best extended car warranties because they offer packages for motorcycles and ATVs. These plans can be difficult to find with other companies. You also have the option to choose from six plans, depending upon the level of coverage you prefer. Plan premium costs are budget-friendly.

Premium Cost for CarShield Extended Car Warranties: 4.2/5

Enjoy multiple payment options and deductibles as low as $0 with CarShield. Premiums are affordable, with the average cost falling in the price range of $100 to $130 per month.

CarShield Long-term Car Protection Plan Options: 4.8/5

CarShield’s plans start at basic coverage with the Silver plan and increase coverage levels with the Gold, Platinum, and Diamond plans. You can also get coverage for motorcycles and ATVs, or specialty coverage with the Aluminum plan for computer and electrical systems.

Claims Processing for CarShield Car Coverage: 4/5

As a car warranty broker, CarShield does not write or administer claims themselves. This can cause some confusion when customers need to file claims and don’t know who to call.

Claims processing is fairly standard in terms of the time it takes to process. Only specific parts are covered in the warranty, so read your agreement before making your purchase.

Extras and Add-Ons offered by CarShield: 4.3/5

All CarShield plans include roadside assistance, trip interruption, and rental car reimbursement. The specialty coverage and plans for a wider range of vehicles are beneficial for many customers.

CarShield Customer Satisfaction: 3.8/5

Customer service reviews for CarShield are mixed. There are a higher number of customer complaints than with other companies, although the majority of reviewers still report receiving excellent service and feeling satisfied.

CarShield Extended Auto Warranty Overall Score: 4.2/5

4. Concord Auto Protect – Best for Customer Service

Concord Auto Protect Extended Car Warranty Pros:

  • • Exceptional customer service
  • • Direct provider
  • • 30-day refund policy

Concord Auto Protect Extended Car Warranty Cons:

  • • No customization of plans
  • • Limited number of plans
  • • Claim options limited due to consequential loss clause

If you are looking for great customer service and support, then Concord Auto Protect is a fantastic choice. They are known for their attentiveness and fast response times. The downsides of purchasing your extended warranty through this company include limited plan options and potential claims refusals and excluded parts.

Premium Cost for Concord Auto Protect Extended Car Warranties: 4/5

It’s difficult to obtain an exact figure for the premium cost without requesting a quote. Most customers report that costs are relatively low, with monthly rates less than $100. While you may be paying less for your car warranty, Concord Auto Protect requires that you pay up front, instead of spreading the cost out over several months.

Concord Auto Protect Long-term Car Protection Plan Options: 3.5/5

There are three coverage tiers to choose from. Powertrain offers basic coverage, Advanced falls in the medium range, and the Premium plan is the most comprehensive.

Claims Processing for Concord Auto Protect Car Coverage: 3.7/5

Concord Auto Protect is another direct provider, so they administer their policies and process claims through their own company. You will never need to contact a third party. This greatly simplifies the claims process and makes it easier to know who to contact with questions and concerns. Another advantage is that the repair shop you choose is paid directly, so you don’t need to pay anything out of pocket.

However, pay attention to the consequential loss clause. Only specified components are covered and will be reimbursed. Things like normal wear, regular maintenance, broken windshields, and tires are excluded from coverage.

Extras and Add-Ons offered by Concord Auto Protect: 4/5

All Concord Auto Protect plans are transferable and come with a 30-day refund policy. You also have access to several convenient extras that are included with your plan. Examples include towing allowance, trip interruption and rental car reimbursement, and lockout service.

Concord Auto Protect Extended Warranty Customer Satisfaction: 4.4/5

With Concord Auto Protect, you have access to 24/7 phone support. Customer service is excellent and you can reach support via phone, email, chat, online form, or through the customer portal.

The company has more than 20 years of experience and goes above and beyond to be highly responsive and offer better customer engagement. The more limited coverage options and exclusions are a drawback that should be considered.

Concord Auto Protect Extended Auto Warranty Overall Score: 3.9/5

5. Infinite Auto Protection – Best Value Extended Car Warranty

Infinite Auto Protection Extended Car Warranty Pros:

  • • Flexible plans customized to your budget
  • • Basic plans at minimal cost
  • • Direct provider and claims processing

Infinite Auto Protection Extended Car Warranty Cons:

  • • Cost of plans not listed on the website
  • • Choice of three plans may not cover all needs
  • • Not available in Washington, Nevada, or Missouri

Infinite Auto Protection has a range of plans that can be customized to fit nearly any budget. Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of taking your car to any ASE-certified mechanic for repairs.

Most claims are processed quickly, although there can be some issues with uncovered parts or lack of reimbursement if you receive new parts of a higher quality than what is outlined in your plan. You can avoid this by reading your policy thoroughly to understand what is and is not covered.

Premium Cost for Infinite Auto Protection Extended Car Warranties: 4.6/5

Plan costs start very low, with the option to purchase higher coverage at an additional cost. However, it’s difficult to determine exact premium pricing without requesting a quote.

Infinite Auto Protection Long-term Plan Options: 4.7/5

With Infinite Auto Protection, you can select one of three tiers of coverage. The Foundation plan is low-cost and covers only the essentials. The Modern plan offers medium coverage. The Prime plan is the most comprehensive option available and an excellent choice for vehicles with GPS navigation.

Claims Processing for Infinite Auto Protection : 4.5/5

Claims processing is typically fast, and the process is straightforward. That being said, Infinite Auto Protection has up to 60 days to approve your claim, so you may need to wait longer if any questions or policy clarifications are needed.

Extras and Add-Ons Offered by Infinite Auto Protection: 4.7/5

Each plan with Infinite Auto Protection includes 24/7 roadside assistance, towing, rental car reimbursement, and your choice of mechanic for repairs. There is also a 30-day refund policy available if you haven’t filed a claim. A cancellation fee of $25 applies if you wish to cancel and have already filed a claim.

Infinite Auto Protection Customer Satisfaction: 4/5

Most customers are quite happy with the service and accessibility of the range of plans available. One downside is that several contract clauses allow certain claims to be denied. Review your contract so you understand which components are covered and what the quality standards are.

Infinite Auto Protection Extended Warranty Overall Score: 4.5/5

Honorable Mention:

  • • Toco
  •  • ForeverCar
  • • Protect My Car

How We Selected the Best Extended Car Warranties

There are several factors to take into consideration when selecting the best extended car warranties. We based our reviews and ratings upon the criteria that are most important to customers:

  • • Affordability of premiums
  • • Value of coverage
  • • Range of plans to choose from
  • • Reputation of the company
  • • Claims processing speed and difficulty
  • • Accessibility of repairs and service
  • • Included perks
  • • Exclusions from coverage

Overall, the five companies reviewed here rated the best in these areas, providing customers with the best coverage at affordable rates.

Buying Guide for the Best Extended Car Warranties

Read through these frequently asked questions to get a better understanding of extended car warranties.

Do I Need an Extended Warranty?

Car repairs can be quite costly. If you are in a financial position to comfortably afford an extended car warranty premium, then it could be well worth it. Consider the cost of typical repair work for your vehicle, along with its condition. In some cases, the cost of the premium outweighs the benefit of a warranty. Ultimately, it depends on the level of risk you are willing to take on.

What’s Covered by an Extended Warranty?

There are several basic coverage levels that you can find with most companies. These are:

  • • Powertrain, which covers the engine and all parts responsible for generating or transmitting power. This is usually the lowest-cost option.
  • • Powertrain Plus, which provides the above basic coverage along with some additions.
  • • Bumper-to-bumper, which are comprehensive policies that include coverage for mechanical systems, with some exclusions. Policy premiums at this tier are more expensive.
  • • Named component contracts, which only cover the specific list of components outlined in your contract.

Along with the parts and services that are included in your plan, confirm the length of your policy. You can choose from monthly plans to those that offer years of coverage. There may also be a maximum mileage stipulation you should be aware of.

Exclusions are another crucial part of your warranty. Most plans have limitations on what is covered. Your claim may even be denied if damage occurred due to lack of routine maintenance or was caused by a system malfunction.

Quality of parts replacement can also influence your claims. This is referred to as “betterment.” If a replaced part is of a higher quality than the original, it may be considered an upgrade and not covered under your warranty.

How Do Claims Work?

When something goes wrong, it’s essential that you understand how to file a claim. Direct providers process claims in-house, so you should reach out to the company you purchased your warranty from to make the claim.

Warranty brokers don’t service claims, and you will need to know the name and number of who you need to contact. How to do this varies by company. You may need to make a phone call or file online through the website.

Another important question to answer is how your claim will be paid. Some companies require you to pay the mechanic and they will reimburse you later, while others pay them directly. If you worry about the cost of paying for repairs up front, look for a direct-paying company.

What Is the Cost?

Your premium cost depends upon your:

  • • Level of coverage
  • • Car age and mileage
  • • Make and model
  • • Deductibles
  • • Policy add-ons
  • • Warranty maximums

Premiums can vary widely, so review the coverage to determine what your vehicle needs and what you want to avoid paying extra for, such as services you don't require.

Are There Additional Benefits Included With My Warranty?

The value of your extended car warranty plan may be increased by perks and additions that the company includes at no additional cost. Some of the most common are roadside assistance, trip interruption, and reimbursement for a rental car.

Some other benefits that can affect the worth of your policy are the ability to transfer the warranty or cancel your plan. You should also find out which repair facilities you are permitted to take your vehicle to. The list could be extensive and allow you to choose, or you may have limited options.

How Do I Choose the Best Extended Car Warranty for Me?

Your individual needs and vehicle type will determine which extended car warranty is best for your needs. Take the time to do some research and compare rates and coverage from three or more companies.

Think about the specifics of your vehicle. Is the make and model of your vehicle known to break down frequently? Is your car new, or has it seen some years and racked up mileage? You want to purchase a policy that has real value to you, so read the terms and choose the plan that gives you the most benefits at a price you can afford.

Top 5 Best Extended Car Warranties Comparison Guide

  • • Great for used or high-mileage vehicles
  • • Two coverage lines that each offer multiple plans
  • • Premium Cost: $120 per month average
  • • Road side assistance, discounts, tire repair and replacement, Endurance Elite membership, trip interruption
  • • Exclusions: Policies unavailable in California
  • • Wide range of plan options
  • • Five plan tiers to choose from, with a total of 25 coverage options
  • • Premium Cost: $100 to $200 per month on average
  • • Roadside assistance, towing, choose from 30,000 repair facilities, rental car reimbursement, trip interruption
  • • Exclusions: Not all plans available in covered states
  • • Best for range of vehicles, including motorcycles and ATVs
  • • Six plan tiers to choose from
  • • Premium Cost: $100 to $130 per month on average
  • • Roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, trip interruption
  • • Exclusions: GPS and navigation not covered for motorcycles
  • • Outstanding customer service
  • • Three plan tiers to choose from
  • • Premium Cost: Quote required; reported to be low-cost
  • • Roadside assistance
  • • Exclusions: Some repairs and parts excluded. View your policy to get a full list of exclusions
  • • Value on a budget
  • • Three plan tiers to choose from
  • • Premium Cost: Quote required, reported to be low-cost
  • • Roadside assistance, towing, choose your repair facility, rental car reimbursement
  • • Exclusions: Some commercial vehicles excluded

Final Thoughts on Selecting the Best Extended Car Warranties

Purchasing one of the best extended car warranties can be a great way to lower your risk of being responsible for costly repairs. Since every vehicle and owner's needs are different, you must obtain quotes from several trustworthy companies before you make your selection.

Compare the rates along with the coverage options to choose a car warranty that provides the level of coverage you need for your vehicle. Always read the policy so you fully understand what is covered and excluded. This knowledge helps you avoid any surprises later on, and makes filing a claim easier.

This content is distributed by Digitalworktools

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