Best Extended Car Warranties of 2025

• Premier Auto Protect, CarShield, Nova Warranty, Endurance, and Fidelity are our top picks for best extended car warranties for various categories.
• Most vehicle service providers offer 30-day money-back guarantees if you’re not satisfied for any reason.
• An extended warranty may not be the best option for some drivers — always read the fine print and carefully assess costs to determine if it makes financial sense for you.

Car warranties are a better fit for people who want predictable repair costs, drive high-mileage or older cars, or don’t have an emergency fund set aside for unexpected breakdowns. If your vehicle is still under a strong manufacturer warranty, you’re driving a reliable model (like a Honda, Toyota, or Subaru), or you can afford repair costs out of pocket, an extended warranty may not be cost-effective.

Research the Provider’s Reputation

Before you buy an extended car warranty, research the company to learn more about customer reviews and its track record overall. A reliable provider will offer transparent contracts and responsive claims service. Check for accreditation with the Better Business Bureau and see how quickly claims are paid out.

Understand Coverage Details and Exclusions

Extended warranties can vary quite a bit in what they cover. Read the contract carefully to see which repairs, parts, and systems are included, and which are excluded. Pay attention to deductibles and whether repairs must be done at certain shops.

Compare Quotes from Multiple Providers

Shopping quotes from different warranty providers is one of the best ways to find the most competitive price, coverage terms, and added benefits like roadside assistance.

Evaluate Your Car’s Age and Reliability

Some cars are more prone to repairs than others. If your vehicle is newer and still under a manufacturer’s warranty, you might not need an extended plan yet. Conversely, if you’re driving an older or high-mileage car, the extra protection can save you significant repair costs.

Calculate the Total Cost Versus Potential Repairs

An extended warranty makes sense if it costs less than the repairs you’re likely to face. Review your vehicle’s common repair issues and estimated costs. If the math favors the warranty—or if you value the peace of mind—then it could be a worthwhile investment.

Believing All Warranties Cover Everything

One of the biggest misconceptions about extended car warranties is that they’re “all-inclusive.” In reality, many plans are highly specific. Failing to read the fine print can lead to denied claims and unexpected bills.

Overlooking Transferability and Cancellation Terms

Before you purchase, ask whether the warranty can be transferred to a new owner or canceled for a refund. If not, it may impact your car’s resale value and your ability to recoup your money if you change your mind.

Assuming More Expensive Means Better Protection

Some drivers pay extra for features they don’t need, or could find cheaper elsewhere. Compare coverage along with cost to avoid overpaying.

Thinking You Must Buy From the Dealership

Dealerships sell extended warranties, but they’re not the only place you can buy one. Reputable third-party providers offer competitive plans, often at lower prices.

When testing out and reviewing extended warranty providers, we paid attention to a handful of key factors.

• Eligibility: We considered who companies cater to in terms of state, vehicle makes, model years, mileage, and pre-existing conditions.
• Buying process: We like companies that allow customers to get quotes and buy their coverage both online and over the phone. We also prefer companies that don’t require pre-inspections.
• Coverage: The more coverage, the better. In particular, we prefer companies that offer 24/7 roadside assistance and rental car coverage while your car is being repaired under a covered claim.
• Claims process: We like companies with a wide network of repair facilities across the country. We also prefer companies that pay the repair shop directly and offer customers a deductible per visit, not per repair. Ideally, deductibles cost around $100 and are not proportional to the repair cost.
• Pricing: The average minimum monthly cost of extended warranties is $108, while the average annual cost is $1,300. We prioritize companies close to or below these averages, with money-back guarantees and no cancellation fees.
• Customer service: Companies should ideally offer customer service support, including claim filing, both online and over the phone.
• Third-party ratings: We consider third-party ratings from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot. We prefer companies with a BBB rating of B or higher, while the BBB customer rating should ideally be four stars or higher. The same goes for the Trustpilot score. Additionally, we prefer companies that are BBB-accredited.
• Mobile app: Lastly, we consider whether a company has a mobile app, and we prefer mobile apps with at least three stars on the Apple and Google Play stores.