Best Used Car Warranty
Based on our industry-wide study, Carchex, Endurance, Omega Auto Care, and Everything Breaks are the best used car warranty companies.
With our #1 rated provider, 
Motor1 Reviews Team Take:
- The best used car warranty companies accept cars with high mileages and provide quality coverage regardless of vehicle age.
- Used vehicle coverage can be worth it for owners who don’t want to deal with the unexpected repair costs of unreliable older models.
- Certain used vehicles may come with a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle warranty—our team found that Mitsubishi, Hyundai, and Kia offer the best CPO warranties.
Used car warranty companies promise to cover repairs as cars age, but not all deliver on that promise equally. That’s why our review team spent over 1,475 hours researching dozens of companies through secret shopping, surveying customers, analyzing reviews, and comparing car warranty quotes.
In this article, we’ll reveal our recommendations for the best used car warranty companies. These providers have the best extended car warranties due to strong claims reputations and a wide variety of coverage plans.
What Does a Used Car Warranty Cover?
Used car warranty companies offer multiple plans that cover different lists of vehicle components. Below are the three main coverage types you’ll find:
- Bumper-to-bumper: A bumper-to-bumper warranty is most similar to the new vehicle limited warranty and covers all parts not specifically listed as exclusions in the contract. Because of this, it’s commonly known as an exclusionary warranty.
- Stated-component: These plans protect most major components such as the air conditioning and electrical systems, but they’re less comprehensive than bumper-to-bumper plans. Stated-component coverage only protects what’s written in the contract and is often considered best for high-mileage vehicles.
- Powertrain: A powertrain warranty covers the most essential systems the car needs to function, like its engine, transmission, and drive axles. Because powertrain coverage is pretty basic, you’ll also find that it’s the cheapest coverage option.
Even with a used car, you’ll likely be eligible for a bumper-to-bumper warranty from most third-party providers. Note, though, that many people searching for used car warranties consider stated-component coverage instead of full bumper-to-bumper protection.
Used Car Warranty Exclusions
Note that warranties are meant to pay for auto repairs when car parts fail or break as a result of normal use. This means a used car warranty won’t pay for damages caused by a car accident, poor weather, or lack of proper maintenance. Providers also exclude damages covered by car insurance companies and wear and tear parts like brake pads, wiper blades, and tires.
Vehicle protection plans generally won’t cover the following:
- Regular maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations
- Unauthorized vehicle repairs
- Repairs that upgrade the car
- Aftermarket parts
- Cosmetic items such as paint, glass, and fabric
- Parts covered by the car’s manufacturer
Extra Benefits of a Used Car Warranty
Most extended car warranty plans come with extra benefits beyond the repair contract. These usually include roadside assistance, rental car coverage, and trip interruption. In most cases, you’ll need to cover these costs yourself and then submit receipts later on for reimbursement.
- Roadside assistance: This covers towing services, fuel deliveries, lockout assistance, spare tire changes, and battery jump-starts.
- Rental car reimbursement: This covers rental car costs while your own vehicle is in the shop for a covered repair. Warranty plans usually limit coverage to a set amount per day and set a maximum number of days.
- Trip interruption: This covers certain food and lodging costs if your car breaks down far away from home.
In our experience, most used car warranty companies offer all three benefits on stated-component and bumper-to-bumper coverage contracts. Some offer all three with powertrain plans, while other companies may just offer roadside assistance.
Used Car Warranty Cost
A used car warranty can cost between $1,500 and $4,000 in total depending on the provider, coverage plan, and term length. Some companies require you to pay the entire cost upfront, while others allow you to make monthly payments of about $100 to $200 per month. On top of your monthly payment, some companies require a down payment of up to $300.
Best Used Car Warranty Companies
The best used car warranty companies offer several coverage options, affordable pricing, and a good customer experience. In our research, we found that Carchex, Endurance, Omega Auto Care, and Everything Breaks offer comprehensive coverage and high mileage limits for used vehicles.
See how the top used car warranty providers compare in the table below (or jump to our review methodology). You can also learn more about these companies and about the warranty industry in our comprehensive Car Warranty Guide.
| Best Used Car Warranty Companies | Longest Coverage Term | Maximum Mileage | Coverage Levels | Maintenance Plans? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
#1 Carchex |
10 years |
250,000 |
5 |
No |
|
#2 Endurance |
8 years |
Unlimited |
6 |
Yes |
|
#3 Omega Auto Care |
15 years |
250,000 |
5 |
Yes (maintenance benefits) |
|
#4 Everything Breaks |
Not listed |
250,000 |
5 |
Yes |
|
Industry averages* |
8.4 years |
167,000 |
4.7 |
13 out of 46 reviewed companies offer maintenance |
Note: All of our top picks offer 30-day money-back guarantees.
*For comparison, we included industry averages for these factors.
We’ll look at each company in detail in the next sections. For reference, our average overall rating for 44 companies we reviewed is 4.0 out of 5.0.
#1 Carchex
#2 Endurance
#3 Omega Auto Care
#4 Everything Breaks
Best CPO Warranty Programs
Some used vehicles may come with a certified pre-owned (CPO) warranty that protects your auto from any possible defects. During our research, we found that Mitsubishi, Hyundai, and Kia offer the best CPO manufacturer’s warranties.
| Vehicle Manufacturer | CPO Warranty | Additional Benefits | CPO Vehicle Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Mitsubishi |
10-year/ 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty |
Battery jump starts, flat tire changes, gas delivery, lockout assistance, and towing to the nearest dealership |
Under 5 years/ 60,000 miles |
|
2. Hyundai |
10-year/ 100,000-mile powertrain warranty 5-year/ 60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty |
Roadside assistance, trip-interruption coverage, and rental car reimbursement |
Under 5 years/ 80,000 miles |
|
3. Kia |
10-year/ 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty 1-year/ 12,000-mile Platinum coverage (covers many assemblies, including brake linings, glass, tires, and more) |
Roadside assistance, trip interruption coverage, rental car coverage, lockout services, and flat tire changes |
Under 5 years/ 60,000 miles |
Mitsubishi
For manufacturers, Mitsubishi offers the best CPO warranty in the industry. All CPO vehicles come with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty or a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty from the vehicle’s original in-service date for all other parts.
The Mitsubishi CPO warranty features additional benefits like roadside assistance, which comes with flat tire changes, gas delivery, and battery jump-starts.
Hyundai
Similar to Mitsubishi, Hyundai offers strong CPO warranty coverage with long term limits. Drivers are offered a CPO powertrain warranty that lasts for 10 years or 100,000 miles or the remainder of the 5-year/80,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.
Hyundai CPO vehicles also come with a 10-year/unlimited mile roadside assistance plan and a 10-year/100,000-mile hybrid/EV battery warranty for electric models.
Kia
Kia’s CPO warranty lasts up to 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain or 1 year/12,000 miles for Platinum coverage, which covers all other parts and begins on the vehicle’s purchase date. The CPO warranty also includes a 10-year/unlimited miles roadside assistance plan, along with travel breakdown and rental car coverage.
Used Car Warranty Buyers Guide
With so many options, it can be difficult to make a decision on a used car warranty. Next, we’ll go over what to know when shopping for an extended warranty on your used car.
Buying a Used Car Warranty
When you’re shopping for a used car warranty, consider getting multiple quotes from different companies. You may find out your car is eligible for different types of coverage from various providers.
It can often be helpful to call a company representative and have them walk you through the different plans. But hold your ground if you want to take time to consider your options. You can call them back to make the purchase, as quotes are often good for 30 days.
After you find out the type of coverage you can get and the price, you’ll sign a contract electronically with the company to purchase a used car warranty. At that point, the waiting period starts. Usually, you need to wait 30 days and a few hundred miles before using warranty coverage. This is so the company doesn’t pay for pre-existing issues.
The way you pay for the used car warranty will depend on what the company offers. You might want to pay for the whole plan upfront to save a bit on the total cost, or you could make monthly payments. Some companies charge payments for the duration of the plan while others lump payments into the first one, two, or three years.
Important Used Car Warranty Questions
Along with big-picture questions such as your level of vehicle protection and how much you’re willing to pay, here’s a short list of questions to ask during your search:
- Is the used car warranty company known for reliable and fast customer service?
- Does the company have high ratings from expert sources?
- What are customers saying in online reviews?
- Can you file claims on the weekend?
- How many years has the company been in business?
- Do the customer service representatives seem more eager to make a sale than meet your needs?
- Are warranty plans transferable?
- What other benefits are offered with the provider’s warranty plans?
- Are there restrictions, limitations, or inconveniences outlined in the fine print?
What to Look for in Used Car Warranty Companies
From coverage plans to what customers have to say, there’s lots to consider when comparing the best used car warranties. The best car warranty companies are known for reliably paying out claims on repairs and parts that are under contract. For this reason, buying from dependable used car warranty companies helps you get the best value.
If you’re thinking about purchasing a used car warranty, here are some items to consider:
- Reputation: The used car warranty company’s reputation is key. Much of your satisfaction with the warranty plan will depend on how helpful customer service representatives are throughout the entire process.
- Industry reviews: Websites like the BBB and Trustpilot can give insight into customers’ experiences and help you find the best used car warranty.
- Transparency: Make sure you can easily locate sample contracts on the company’s website easily. Also, see if there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Coverage terms: Consider how long you plan to keep the vehicle, what parts need to be covered, and what it would cost to cancel or transfer coverage.
- Price: The best used car warranty companies should be able to provide coverage at a price you’re comfortable with, and the plan should be as flexible as possible. You should have $0 deductible options along with your choice of a repair shop.
It’s important to consider these questions whether you’re looking at an automaker-backed plan, one from a third-party extended warranty company, or coverage in the form of mechanical breakdown insurance.
Should I Buy a Used Car Warranty?
Whether you should get a used car warranty depends on your needs and budget. Some drivers may prefer to pay for car repairs as they arise, while others may not be able to afford unexpected expenses out of pocket.
If your car doesn’t experience any major issues, you’ll spend more money on the extended warranty than on auto repairs. However, used car warranties offer peace of mind and offset repair costs if you purchase a car that’s no longer under its original factory warranty.
Is a Used Car Warranty Worth It?
To determine whether a used car warranty is worth it, research common issues for your car’s make and model year when warranty shopping. Note that your make and model, as well as the year of your car, will impact your used car warranty cost as well.
Use resources like RepairPal and Edmunds to estimate how much you’d pay in repair costs over the next few years. If these costs exceed what you feel comfortable spending on your vehicle, an affordable monthly payment for a used car warranty could be useful.
Used Car Extended Warranty Survey
Our research team polled 1,000 consumers in May of 2024 across the U.S. who bought an extended warranty from either a third-party company or auto manufacturer. Coverage options, cost, and extra benefits were the most important factors to consumers as they considered buying an extended warranty.
Here are some additional takeaways from the survey:
- 30 percent got their warranty from an auto manufacturer
- 8 percent bought a plan from Endurance
- 41 percent purchased full bumper-to-bumper coverage
- 96 percent were slightly or very satisfied with the warranty while 4 percent were slightly or very unsatisfied.
- The most popular cost range respondents paid for their warranty was $1,000 to $1,500.
Used Car Warranty Pros and Cons
Below, we’ll discuss several advantages and drawbacks of a used car warranty.
Used Car Warranty Pros
Below are some strong reasons to consider purchasing a used car warranty:
- You won’t pay for repairs out of pocket: The chance of your car suddenly requiring an expensive repair increases as the vehicle ages. If you aren’t able to pay for a $1,000 or $2,000 repair bill out of pocket, a used car warranty provider may be worth considering.
- You’ll gain peace of mind: With an extended car warranty, you’ll have a set monthly budget for auto repairs. In this way, a warranty acts as a sort of insurance for car repairs, protecting you against bank-breaking bills.
- You can keep your car longer: If you love your used vehicle and want to keep it for years to come, a used car warranty will help you do so by covering future repair costs. The sooner you purchase an extended car warranty, the sooner you can lock in a low rate for the long term.
Used Car Warranty Cons
Below are reasons to potentially consider avoiding a used car warranty:
- Extended warranties don’t cover everything: A used car warranty isn’t a promise to pay for every repair that your car may need. After your vehicle breaks down, you’ll need approval from your claims administrator before repairs are made. Your claim could be denied if the contract doesn’t cover a certain part or breakdown.
- Used car warranties can be expensive: If you have thousands in savings to use for car repairs, it’s probably not worth it to purchase a used car warranty. While it’s not fun to foot a pricey repair bill, you could save more money by not purchasing an extended car warranty.
- You may not keep the used car for long: If you plan to buy a different car in the near future, purchasing a used car warranty may not be worth it. However, most extended warranties are transferable and could improve the car’s resale value.
Best Used Car Extended Warranties: Bottom Line
We used our findings from 1,475 hours of research to rate the seven best used car warranty companies according to industry standing, coverage, cost, transparency, and customer service. Based on that criteria, we found that Carchex is the best provider of used car coverage plans. We’d also recommend Endurance, Omega Auto Care, and Everything Breaks.
Used Car Warranty Companies: FAQ
Below are several frequently asked questions regarding the best used car warranty companies:
Can you buy an extended warranty after purchase?
Yes, you can buy a used car warranty after you purchase the vehicle. Some auto manufacturers may only sell extended warranties when you buy the vehicle, but third-party providers offer more flexibility.
How long are most used car warranties?
Generally, the sweet spot for a used car warranty is three to six years long. Most people know they’ll own a car for this long and want to have protection on it during that time. If you buy a used car warranty and sell the car, most companies also let you transfer the warranty to a secondary owner.
When is it too late to buy an extended car warranty?
If your car has more than 200,000 miles, it may be too late to purchase a used car warranty from some companies. Most companies limit coverage to 200,000 or 250,000 miles, but Endurance doesn’t have a mileage limit. Because a company expects to cover more repairs on an older car, it’s cheaper to get a used car warranty early in your car’s life. Some companies also won’t cover cars older than 20 years.
Can you negotiate an extended warranty on a used car?
You might be able to negotiate a used car warranty depending on where you get it. This is more likely if you shop from a used car dealer and can haggle in person. We’ve also found some online providers are open to negotiating if you are shopping around and have competing prices to show them. Companies may also have special discounts if you ask for them.
Methodology
In an effort to provide accurate and unbiased information to consumers, our expert review team collects data from dozens of extended auto warranty companies to formulate rankings of the best providers. Companies receive a score in each of the following categories, as well as an overall weighted score out of 5.0 stars.
- Industry Standing: Warranty providers with a history of strong business practices and endorsements from experts receive the highest scores in this category.
- Coverage: This rating is based on types of extended warranty plans available, coverage terms, and added benefits like roadside assistance.
- Cost: Our research team reviews sample quotes for a variety of plans and vehicles. Companies with lower prices per year of coverage receive the best scores.
- Transparency: This score takes into account contract transparency and the availability of a money-back guarantee.
- Customer Service: We comb through customer reviews and perform our own shopper analysis to get a sense of the responsiveness and helpfulness of each warranty company.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
