Extended Car Warranties: Are They Worth It?

An extended car warranty is a warranty that covers issues with mechanical or electrical parts that the regular manufacturer’s warranty may not cover. Extended car warranties are completely optional.

Pros

• Protection from high repair costs: Helps cover major repairs after your manufacturer’s warranty expires.
• Predictable expenses: Offers peace of mind with fixed costs instead of unexpected bills.
• Optional extras: Many plans include perks like roadside assistance, rental car coverage, or trip interruption protection.
• Useful for high-risk vehicles: Especially helpful if you own a model known for mechanical issues.
• Increased resale value: Some extended warranties are transferable, which may boost your car’s resale appeal.

Cons

• Limited coverage: Some plans only cover a narrow list of parts (inclusion warranties).
• High upfront or monthly costs: You might pay more in premiums than you ever claim in repairs.
• Exclusions and fine print: Many warranties have strict terms, requiring specific maintenance or denying common repairs.
• Not always used: If your car stays reliable, the warranty may never pay for itself.
• Potential provider issues: Some third-party companies have poor reputations or go out of business, leaving you uncovered.

Here’s what extended car warranties cover and don’t cover, generally.

What They Cover

What extended car warranties cover depends on the type of warranty. There are two main types: original equipment manufacturers and aftermarket/third-party warranties.

• Original equipment manufacturers: Otherwise known as OEMs, these warranties come from the car manufacturers directly. While powertrain warranties cover engine/transmission defects, bumper-to-bumper coverage options, or limited warranties, OEMs cover things like the major components under the hood, power seats, electronics, and navigation systems. OEMs extend the length of the coverage and the allotted mileage of your existing warranty, given that they come from the same manufacturer by definition. Some OEMs even include roadside assistance, which is a nice touch if you don’t already have this service.
• Aftermarket/third-party warranties: Aftermarket warranties are from third-party vendors. The coverage is often more limited than with OEMs, so you may only be able to get your car fixed at certain places. Plus, you’ll probably have to pay for the services at the repair facility or shop and then be reimbursed, which could be inconvenient and time-consuming.³ If you still prefer to buy your extended car warranty from a third party, make sure to choose a trustworthy company (more on that below).

What They Don’t Cover

• No matter which type of warranty they are, extended car warranties don’t cover routine maintenance, otherwise known as wear and tear.⁴

The cost of extended car warranties varies, but a sample price would be in the $1,500 to $1,850 range, with deductibles ranging from $0 to $250. Learn more about the best extended car warranties to dive deeper into warranty costs.

Extended car warranties work similarly to auto insurance policies. You’ll choose a deductible, and then, if you have a warranty from your manufacturer, it will cover certain repair costs. On the other hand, if you have a third-party warranty, you’ll have to pay for repairs and then get reimbursed later.

How Long You’re Covered

Extended warranties last for either a time period or a mileage, whichever comes first. While different warranties have different limits, an example would be a 20-year, 25,000-mile warranty.

Can You Transfer It?

Whether or not you can transfer your warranty depends on the company, so you should definitely ask your salesperson about this before you buy.

How to Check if a Car Is Under a Warranty

If you’re not sure whether or not your vehicle is under warranty currently, follow these steps to find out:

1. Find the vehicle identification number (VIN), which is unique to your vehicle. You can find it in these spots:

• • Outside of the windshield
  • On the inside of the driver’s side door
  • Under the hood
  • In the spare tire compartment
  • In your vehicle’s paperwork

1. Check your odometer for the mileage.
2. Call the dealership where you bought your vehicle or any of the vehicle manufacturer’s dealerships to ask about your warranty.

If you’ve weighed the pros and cons and decided to purchase an extended car warranty, make sure you get the best one for your needs.

Extended Car Warranty Companies

We’ve outlined everything you need to know about extended warranties from the most trusted companies around if you decide to go the third-party route. Choosing the right company is the most important part of purchasing an extended car warranty.

Make sure to research the company and check your state’s consumer protection office for complaints, along with the Better Business Bureau. Look out for reviews that mention customer service, monthly payments, and the vehicle service contract.

We’ve also reviewed several extended warranty providers: 

• Autopom Extended Warranties
• Carchex Extended Warranties
• CarShield Extended Warranties
• Concord Extended Warranties
• Endurance Extended Warranties
• Omega Extended Warranties
• Toco Extended Warranties

Auto warranty scams are less common than they were in 2021 and 2022, but they still happen. You may receive a call or text from someone claiming to be a manufacturer, insurance provider, or dealer, offering you a warranty or telling you that your current warranty has expired. To avoid being scammed:

• Don’t share your personal information: If you don’t already know the person on the line, don’t tell them any of your personally identifiable information (PII), such as your Social Security number, full name, payment information, bank account information, or driver’s license number.
• Don’t pick up unknown numbers: Your safest bet is to only respond to calls from numbers you recognize. But remember that scammers can spoof caller ID, so even if it says it’s from a certain company, it may not be. To check, go on the company’s website and cross-reference the phone number.

What to Do If You’re Scammed

Today’s scammers are pretty sophisticated, so it’s easy to fall for an auto warranty scam. If you’re scammed, file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission, or FCC. You won’t get any individual damages, unfortunately, but you could help the FCC identify and prosecute scammers.

You can contact the FCC in three ways:

1. File an online complaint at https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us.
2. Call 1-888-225-5322.
3. Write the FTC at the following address, including your name, contact information, address, and information about your complaint:Federal Communications Commission
   Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau
   Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division
   45 L Street NE
   Washington, D.C, 20554

Check out the FCC’s website to see an audio sample of a real-life auto warranty scam.⁶

If you’ve paid the scammer, also make sure to contact your bank or credit card company.

What’s the difference between an auto warranty and a vehicle service contract?

Let’s explain both in a little more detail.

Auto Warranty

An auto warranty is a contract that says a company will fix certain malfunctions or defects in a given time period. Sometimes, for both used cars and new cars, these warranties are included in the car’s purchase price.

Auto Service Contract

An auto service contract, otherwise known as an extended warranty, is a contract where a company agrees to perform or pay for certain services and repairs. You can buy it at any time, and unlike auto warranties, auto service contracts could cover wear and tear like oil changes. However, they’re probably not worth it if your auto warranty is still active, as most people never have to use their auto service contracts anyway.

Extended car warranties aren’t essential for everyone, but they can offer peace of mind if your vehicle is prone to breakdowns or your budget can’t absorb surprise repair costs. They’re most valuable for drivers with older, less reliable cars or those planning to keep their vehicles well beyond the factory warranty period. If you drive a newer or reliable car and your budget can afford repairs, extended warranties aren’t usually worth it.

Not all plans are created equal—so be sure to read the fine print, compare providers, and weigh the costs against the likelihood of repairs. Make sure the warranty is exclusionary, meaning it covers everything except what it excludes specifically. Avoid inclusion warranties, which only cover the specific items listed. Compare the cost of the warranty to the estimated cost of repairs it would cover.

Before spending money on a warranty, also make sure you’re getting the best deal on your car insurance. Compare top providers and find the best auto insurance for your needs to protect yourself from unexpected costs on and off the road.