The Best Extended Car Warranty Companies

There are a lot of auto warranty companies out there, and some of them offer better deals than others. Some of them even provide better coverage packages, so it’s important to shop around and get free quotes before settling on one provider.

Purchasing an extended car warranty can save you money in the long run by covering expensive repair costs after your factory warranty expires. Some providers also include extras like roadside assistance, trip interruption and rental reimbursement coverage. The best extended car warranty companies make it easy to compare plans and cost, as well as help you determine which coverage options are right for your vehicle and budget.

Carchex: A nationwide company, Carchex offers four tiers of coverage and covers vehicles up to 20 model years with up to 200,000 miles on the odometer. Its plans can be purchased either up front or as a monthly payment plan, and customers can get additional benefits such as merchant discounts, ID theft protection tools, key fob replacement, and repair finance options up to $5,000.

Warranty Direct: An industry leader, Warranty Direct provides a comprehensive selection of coverage plans, with the option to buy a standalone warranty or add it onto your existing auto loan or lease contract. Its service agreements cover mechanical repairs for parts and components up to a certain number of years and miles, and it allows you to choose between an in-house network or an outside repair facility. Its plans start at $3,500 for basic maintenance and go up to $30,000 for major components, and you can choose whether or not to purchase deductibles.

Toco: This top-rated warranty company is BBB accredited and has a high customer satisfaction rating. Its plans are affordable and offer solid protection, and its policy review period is generous. It also offers a number of additional services, including roadside assistance, a 24/7 claims hotline, ID theft protection and an emergency response team that sends a trained technician to your location.

Be aware that most warranties have language in their contracts that requires drivers to perform the manufacturer’s recommended routine maintenance, or risk having their claims denied. This is an important point to keep in mind when choosing a warranty provider.

Buyer Beware: Many of the top complaints from people who have bought car warranty coverage involve items that should be covered by the plan, but aren’t. For example, normal wear and tear items like brake pads, mufflers and windshield wipers are usually not included in a warranty plan, and this can lead to frustration for drivers who expect these things to be covered.

The best extended car warranty companies will have an easy-to-use website that lets you see how much each plan costs, as well as what is and isn’t covered by each plan. They will also explain the claims process, as well as any limitations or exclusions to the coverage. Taking the time to research and compare costs and coverage options before making a decision can save you a lot of headaches in the future.