Extended automobile warranty reviews reveal that choosing between auto warranty companies requires evaluating coverage depth, customer service quality, claim approval rates, and value for money. The best automobile extended warranty companies balance affordable.
This guide compares the top 10 extended car warranty companies based on coverage options, pricing, customer reviews, and overall value. You’ll discover which aftermarket warranty reviews matter most, whether USAA extended car warranty is available, and detailed insights on Empire Auto Protect reviews, Century Warranty Services reviews, and the critical question: which is better CarShield or Endurance?
Top Best Extended Car Warranty Companies Compared
These best extended car warranty companies represent the most reliable options currently available based on coverage quality, customer satisfaction, and value.
| Company | Best For | Monthly Cost | Max Mileage | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endurance | Comprehensive coverage | $130-$180 | 200,000 miles | 4.5/5 |
| CARCHEX | Luxury & exotic vehicles | $140-$200 | 250,000 miles | 4.6/5 |
| CarShield | High-mileage vehicles | $100-$150 | 300,000 miles | 4.2/5 |
| Olive | Online convenience | $120-$160 | 140,000 miles | 4.3/5 |
| Protect My Car | Budget coverage | $90-$140 | 200,000 miles | 4.1/5 |
| Auto Warranty | Older vehicles | $110-$150 | 175,000 miles | 4.0/5 |
| autopom! | No waiting period | $125-$165 | 150,000 miles | 4.2/5 |
1. Endurance – Best Overall Extended Car Warranty
Endurance earns the top spot among best extended car warranty companies for comprehensive coverage that rivals factory warranties. The company’s Supreme plan covers nearly everything except wear items and maintenance.
Why Endurance Ranks #1:
- Supreme plan offers near-bumper-to-bumper coverage
- Covers vehicles up to 200,000 miles
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Elite Benefits include total loss protection
- 24/7 roadside assistance and towing included
- Mobile app for easy claim filing
- BBB A+ rating with 4.5/5 customer reviews
Considerations:
- Higher monthly costs ($130-$180) than budget competitors
- Waiting period required before coverage activates
- Online quotes require phone call for final pricing
Endurance stands out for transparency in contracts and responsive customer service. The company consistently ranks among top rated auto warranty providers in aftermarket warranty reviews for actually approving legitimate claims without excessive delays.
Coverage options range from basic powertrain ($130/month) to comprehensive Supreme plans ($180/month). The Elite Benefits package adds tire coverage, key fob replacement, and collision discounts worth $3,500 in additional value.
2. CARCHEX – Best for Luxury & High-End Vehicles
CARCHEX specializes in luxury vehicle coverage where other extended automobile warranty companies often decline or charge prohibitive rates. Their Titanium plan provides exclusionary coverage listing only what’s NOT covered.
Why Choose CARCHEX:
- Platinum and Titanium plans cover luxury brands (BMW, Mercedes, Audi)
- Covers vehicles up to 250,000 miles
- 10-year maximum coverage duration
- Flexible payment plans available
- Covers lesser-known components (struts, ball joints, HVAC)
- BBB A+ rating with excellent claim approval rates
Considerations:
- Premium pricing ($140-$200/month) for luxury coverage
- Quote process requires personal information
- Waiting period applies to new coverage
CARCHEX earns consistent praise in automobile extended warranty reviews for honoring expensive luxury vehicle repairs without extensive claim denials. European car owners report particularly positive experiences with electrical system and transmission coverage.
3. CarShield – Best for High-Mileage Vehicles
CarShield accepts vehicles up to 300,000 miles, making it the best extended car warranty for older, high-mileage cars rejected by most competitors. This positions CarShield uniquely among auto warranty companies.
CarShield Advantages:
- Highest mileage limit (300,000 miles) in industry
- Month-to-month contracts (no long-term commitment)
- Lower starting prices ($100-$150/month)
- Free roadside assistance included
- Direct payment to repair facilities
- Six coverage tiers from basic to comprehensive
Considerations:
- BBB F rating due to complaint volume
- Frequent customer complaints about claim denials
- Pre-existing condition exclusions strictly enforced
- Contract exclusions can limit actual coverage
CarShield provides valuable coverage for vehicles other companies won’t touch. However, extended automobile warranty reviews emphasize the importance of reading contracts thoroughly and maintaining complete service records to avoid claim denials.
Which Is Better: CarShield or Endurance?
The question “which is better CarShield or Endurance” depends entirely on your vehicle and priorities. This head-to-head comparison reveals the winner for different situations.
Endurance Wins For:
- Better customer service: A+ BBB rating vs F rating
- More transparent contracts: Fewer exclusions and clearer language
- Higher claim approval rates: Based on customer reviews
- Comprehensive Supreme plan: Coverage quality exceeds competitors
- Elite Benefits package: $3,500+ in additional value
- Vehicles under 200,000 miles: Best coverage for this range
CarShield Wins For:
- Vehicles over 200,000 miles: Up to 300,000 accepted
- Lower monthly payments: $100-$150 vs $130-$180
- Month-to-month flexibility: Without annual contracts
- Immediate coverage availability: Faster enrollment process
- Budget-conscious buyers: Prioritizing price over service
The Verdict:
Endurance provides better overall value for most drivers with vehicles under 200,000 miles. CarShield serves a specific niche for high-mileage vehicles rejected elsewhere. Choose Endurance for better service and fewer headaches. Choose CarShield only if your mileage exceeds competitors’ limits or you need rock-bottom pricing.
4. Olive – Best for Online Purchase Convenience
Olive revolutionized the extended warranty industry by offering completely online purchasing without sales calls. The Complete Care plan provides comprehensive coverage through a user-friendly digital platform.
Key features: No waiting period, instant online quotes, transparent pricing, coverage up to 140,000 miles, 24/7 roadside assistance. Monthly costs range from $120-$160 depending on vehicle and coverage level.
Olive works best for tech-savvy buyers who prefer digital transactions over phone sales. The company maintains solid 4.3/5 ratings in aftermarket warranty reviews for straightforward contracts and reasonable claim processing.
5. Protect My Car – Best Budget Option
Protect My Car offers the most affordable entry-level coverage among reputable best automobile extended warranty companies. Plans start at $90/month for basic powertrain coverage.
While budget-friendly, Protect My Car maintains reasonable claim approval rates and covers vehicles up to 200,000 miles. The Supreme plan ($140/month) provides comprehensive coverage comparable to pricier competitors.
Budget-conscious buyers appreciate the low monthly costs, though customer service doesn’t match premium providers like Endurance or CARCHEX.
Additional Extended Car Warranty Companies to Consider
Empire Auto Protect
Empire Auto Protect reviews show mixed results. The company offers competitive pricing ($95-$145/month) and covers vehicles up to 150,000 miles. However, customers report inconsistent claim approval and aggressive sales tactics.
Empire Auto Protect works through authorized dealerships, which provides convenience but adds markup to pricing. Better options exist among top 10 extended car warranty companies for most buyers.
Century Warranty Services
Century Warranty Services reviews indicate average performance in the extended warranty space. The company provides basic coverage at moderate prices ($100-$140/month) but doesn’t excel in any particular category.
Century Warranty Services maintains acceptable BBB ratings (B+) without major red flags. However, superior alternatives like Endurance and CARCHEX offer better value for similar monthly costs.
USAA Extended Car Warranty
USAA extended car warranty doesn’t exist as a standalone USAA product. USAA discontinued its vehicle service contract program several years ago. USAA members seeking extended coverage must purchase from third-party auto warranty companies like Endurance, CARCHEX, or CarShield.
Former USAA warranty customers report being redirected to partner providers. No USAA-branded extended warranty is currently available, despite online searches for the term.
What Does Ford Extended Warranty Cover?
What does Ford extended warranty cover depends on the specific Ford Protect plan selected. Ford offers Premium Care (comprehensive bumper-to-bumper), Extra Care (powertrain plus major components), and Basic Care (powertrain only).
Ford Premium Care covers:
- Engine and transmission components
- Electrical systems and computers
- Air conditioning and heating
- Steering and suspension
- Brake components (excluding pads and rotors)
- Fuel delivery system
Ford extended warranties cost $1,500-$3,500 upfront depending on coverage level and vehicle. Third-party extended automobile warranty companies often provide similar coverage at lower total cost through monthly payment plans.
For complete Ford extended warranty details, visit FordProtect.com or contact Ford dealerships directly.
Extended Warranty Red Flags to Avoid
Not all automobile extended warranty companies operate honestly. Watch for these warning signs:
- Pressure sales tactics demanding immediate purchase
- Refusing to provide sample contracts before payment
- BBB F ratings with unresolved complaint patterns
- Promises of “bumper-to-bumper” coverage on basic plans
- No physical address or contact information
- Extremely low prices ($50-60/month) indicating limited actual coverage
Legitimate best automobile extended warranty companies provide transparent contracts, reasonable time to review terms, and documented business addresses with verifiable customer service.
Final Recommendations
After comparing the top 10 extended car warranty companies, these recommendations suit different buyer needs:
Best Overall: Endurance for comprehensive coverage, excellent service, and reliable claim approval.
Best for Luxury Cars: CARCHEX for European and high-end vehicle expertise.
Best for High Mileage: CarShield for vehicles over 200,000 miles rejected elsewhere.
Best Budget Option: Protect My Car for affordable basic coverage.
Best Online Experience: Olive for completely digital purchasing without sales calls.
The best extended car warranty depends on your vehicle age, mileage, budget, and service priorities. Compare quotes from at least three top rated auto warranty companies before deciding. Focus on coverage quality and claim approval rates over just monthly price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best extended car warranty company?
The best extended car warranty company is Endurance for comprehensive coverage and excellent customer service with BBB A+ rating, though CARCHEX excels for luxury vehicles and CarShield works best for high-mileage cars over 200,000 miles.
Which is better: CarShield or Endurance?
Endurance is better than CarShield for most buyers due to superior customer service (A+ vs F BBB rating), better claim approval rates, and more transparent contracts, while CarShield only wins for vehicles over 200,000 miles or budget-focused buyers.
How much does extended car warranty cost?
Extended car warranty costs range from $90-$200 monthly depending on coverage level and provider, with budget companies like Protect My Car starting at $90/month and comprehensive plans from Endurance or CARCHEX costing $130-$200/month.
Does USAA offer extended car warranty?
No, USAA extended car warranty doesn’t exist as USAA discontinued its vehicle service contract program years ago, and USAA members must purchase extended warranties from third-party companies like Endurance, CARCHEX, or CarShield instead.
What does Ford extended warranty cover?
Ford extended warranty (Ford Protect Premium Care) covers engine, transmission, electrical systems, air conditioning, steering, suspension, brake components, and fuel delivery, costing $1,500-$3,500 upfront depending on coverage level and vehicle model.
Are extended car warranties worth it?
Extended car warranties are worth it for high-mileage vehicles (100,000+ miles), luxury brands with expensive repairs, and owners who can’t afford $3,000-$5,000 emergency repairs, but not worth it for reliable vehicles or those with adequate emergency savings.
What are the top rated auto warranty companies?
The top rated auto warranty companies are Endurance (4.5/5), CARCHEX (4.6/5), Olive (4.3/5), autopom! (4.2/5), and CarShield (4.2/5) based on BBB ratings, customer reviews, claim approval rates, and overall service quality.
How do I choose the best extended warranty?
Choose the best extended warranty by comparing coverage depth, customer service quality (BBB ratings), vehicle mileage limits, monthly cost versus value, contract flexibility, and aftermarket warranty reviews from actual customers before purchasing.
