There comes a time in a car owner's life when their factory warranty is about to expire and they sit and contemplate whether they need an extended warranty or not. An extended warranty, better known as a service contract covers unexpected repair costs due to mechanical breakdowns or failures just like a factory warranty. In this article, we will try and simplify the process of finding an extended warranty that suits your needs by streamlining the decision-making process based on simple parameters.

Overview: What Matters To Warranty Consumers?

Evaluating extended warranties isn't as easy as it sounds. With so many options in the market, it is difficult to make a decision based on a quick google search. So here are a few key points that can help you make an informed decision as a prospective buyer.

- Cost of the plan

- Term length and mileage cap

- Components covered under the plan

- Company reputation

- Customer reviews and BBB ratings

- Ease of claims process

How Much Does An Extended Car Warranty Cost?

There's no single answer to this question. Similar to life insurance, there are a number f factors such as age, risk, amount of cover, etc. that apply to an extended warranty program and as a result, the prices can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand per annum. Here are the factors that determine how much an extended warranty program costs:

- Age of the vehicle

- Mileage of the vehicle

- Buying from a dealership versus a third-party provider

- Vehicle year, make, and model

- Level of coverage

- Number of high-tech components in the vehicle

- Driving habits and routine vehicle maintenance

- Deductible set

If you're not sure about the value an extended warranty offers, we have an in-depth guide about whether or not extended car warranties are worth it.

What Should I Consider Before Buying An Extended Warranty?

When buying an extended warranty, always make sure you go with a provider that best suits your requirements. This is why we recommend you, the buyer, evaluate the parameters and compare a few warranties side-by-side to know if the provider in question can cater to your requirements. Here's a list of parameters to consider before buying an extended warranty:

- Industry Standing

- Coverage

- Cost

- Customer ratings

- Transparency

- Professional ratings

We know this is a lot to take in, so you should swing by our in-depth guide that discusses how to choose the best extended car warranty.

How Do I Get A Quote For An Extended Warranty?

Thanks to the wonders of the internet, getting a quote is as simple as typing in the details of your vehicle which include vehicle’s year, make, model, and mileage and a quote should pop right up. All reputed companies offer such services on their website. Alternatively, you could call the provider's customer service representative and they will be able to provide you with the same information over the phone.

Some companies might require an inspection as well but once you get the quote it's all about finding a plan that fits your budget. When evaluating different extended warranty plans, make sure you check the price including the monthly payments and deductibles. In any case, we recommend comparing providers and always keeping an eye out for discounts and concessions.

Has your factory warranty already expired? Here's how to extend your warranty coverage before it's too late!

What Is The Best Extended Auto Warranty Company?

In our experience, Endurance is the best-extended warranty provider overall. Here's a list of our top five extended warranty providers. You should also learn about the five basic types of car warranty services to make sure that you're getting exactly what you need.

Endurance:

Endurance is our pick of the lot in the extended warranty business and has established itself for its class-leading customer service and coverage options. They offer coverage for cars up to 20 years old and 200,000+ miles which makes it ideal for used car owners. They offer hassle-free inspection after which the claim can be filed, making the entire process foolproof and they aim to ensure that you don't miss minor details which might cause you trouble in the future.

- Coverage for cars up to 20 years old

- Basic powertrain warranty options are available

- Inspection required before a claim can be filed

- Extra perks with all-inclusive membership

- Join & save $300 on a protection plan

They also offer membership benefits called Endurance Elite which is bundled in for the first year, free of charge, and offers services like:

- Tire repair or replacement

- Key fob repair or replacement

- Collision discount

- Total loss protection

- 24/7 roadside assistance

Plans Offered:

- Supreme: Bumper-to-bumper exclusionary warranty that covers most components of your car

- Superior: Stated-component coverage for hundreds of parts

- Secure Plus: Enhanced powertrain plan that covers steering, electrical, and braking systems

- Secure: Most affordable plan focused on protecting essential components

- Select Premier: Protection for high-mileage vehicles

- EnduranceAdvantage™: Covers mechanical breakdowns as well as maintenance such as oil changes and engine diagnostics.

CARCHEX

With over 21-years of experience in the industry, CARCHEX is one of the most established players, and with an A+ rating from Better Business Bureau (BBB), it is also one of the most reputed warranty providers. CARCHEX offers coverage for cars with up to 250,000 miles which makes them a great choice for people who plan to purchase a warranty for their heavily used vehicles. They offer a wide range of policies some of which offer industry-leading claim filing processes. CARCHEX should be on your list when shopping for an extended warranty.

CARCHEX has been in business for more than 21 years and is known for its strong industry reputation. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) rates CARCHEX at A+, and the extended warranty provider partners with experts such as Edmunds.com and Kelley Blue Book. With coverage for vehicles with up to 250,000 miles, CARCHEX works with highly rated administrators such as American Auto Shield to offer various plan options.

- Covers cars with up to 250k miles

- First-rate full-coverage protection for new and used vehicles

- The claim filing process depends on the policy

- No-haggle, low-price guarantee

- A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau

Plans Offered:

- Titanium: Exclusionary protection similar to a bumper-to-bumper factory warranty

- Platinum: The highest level of stated-component coverage

- Silver: Protection for all major systems and a good choice for vehicles with over 60,000 miles

- Gold: Enhanced powertrain coverage for major components

- Bronze: Basic powertrain coverage for high-mileage vehicles

Protect My Car

Protect My Car is one of the top consumer-rated warranty providers with over sixteen years of experience in the business backed by high BBB. They offer combo plans that include maintenance packages along with the added warranty and even go the extra mile by offering services like Oil changes and tire rotation for added convenience. Coverage for older vehicles and long-term payment options are other highlights that make Protect My Car one of our top picks.

Protect My Car offers three extended warranty options with coverage options for vehicles with up to 125,000 miles on the odometer. Owners of used cars beyond 125,000 miles should look into the company's Ambassador Maintenance Plans for discounts on routine maintenance and repairs.

Plans offered:

- Supreme: Coverage for most vehicle systems

- Select: Coverage for major vehicle systems and a good choice for vehicles with over 50,000 miles

- Driveline: Enhanced powertrain coverage for essential systems

CarShield

With a 4.1 out of 5 rating on google, CarShield is a highly reputed extended warranty provider, they have built a reputation for having some of the best agents in the business, who ensure hassle-free settlement. These plans are also some of the cheapest in the business. They are also the only warranty provider to offer coverage for motorcycles and ATVs, and even offer a specialized plan specifically for high-tech vehicles.

They cover used vehicles with up to 300,000 miles and offer added benefits like 24/7 roadside assistance, flexible payment options, and the ability to choose a garage of your choice, they have built a reputation for their excellent customer service which makes them one of our top picks.

Plans Offered:

- Diamond: Bumper-to-bumper warranty offering comprehensive coverage

- Platinum: Stated-component plan that covers the engine, transmission, electrical system, air conditioning, and more

- Gold: Mid-level plan covering a variety of essential systems

- Silver: Basic powertrain coverage for your engine, transmission, and drivetrain

- Aluminum: Coverage for high-tech electronics

Autopom!

Autopom is another warranty provider known for its exceptional customer service as evidenced by its A+ rating from the BBB. They offer extended warranty packages for cars up to 10 years old/140k miles. With convenient claim filing processes and a 30-day money-back guarantee, they go the extra mile in customer satisfaction by allowing you to choose the workshop of your choice.

Plans Offered:

- Exclusionary: Covers the most mechanical and electrical components for your vehicle.

- High-Level: Named-component plan with coverage for the engine, transmission, steering, fuel system, and more

- Mid-Level: Coverage for the most important systems of your vehicle

- Powertrain Plus: Enhanced powertrain coverage for the engine and more

Uproar:

Uproar is based out of Seattle, Washington, but it’s not like any other extended car warranty company out there. Uproar bills itself as an innovator, which makes a lot of sense considering it’s the first extended warranty company to offer a 100-percent digital, subscription-based experience. The main highlights of uproar include an instant quote and signup online, same-day coverage, no long-term commitments, transparency, and no aggressive salespeople or robocalls. They are BBB accredited and have five-star ratings from both Google and Consumer Affairs.

Olive:

With one of the highest satisfaction rates in the industry, a result of their extremely reasonable pricing structure, Olive is yet another provider that has built up quite a fan following. And the cheaper prices mean you can set aside those saving and use them towards routine maintenance.

- For cars up to 10 years old/ 140k miles

- 100% online extended warranty solution with customizable plans

- File claims online 24/7

- Affordable monthly payments

- Call for a quote & get a free $5 gift card

Forever Car

This brand is a well-reputed one and offers a plethora of options. There Platinum Plus warranty plan covers repair costs for both mechanical breakdowns and wear-and-tear items such as windshield wipers, fuses, light bulbs, and brake pads.

- 4 distinct warranty plans spanning a wide price range

- Cut repair costs with full protection for your vehicle

- Inspection required before a claim can be filed

- Deductibles range from $0 to $500