The best extended car warranties of June 2026

An extended car warranty can cover a variety of repairs after your manufacturer's warranty expires. 

Also known as vehicle service contracts, these plans range from limited named-component warranties to bumper-to-bumper plans, which cover almost everything. 

CNBC Select has picked the best extended warranties based on affordability, the age of the car, the claims process and more. See our methodology for more on how we made our picks.

Find the right extended car warranty

Best extended car warranties 

Who’s this for? While most extended warranty companies outsource servicing contracts to third parties, Endurance stands out for administering its own plans and claims. If something goes wrong, there's just one company to deal with.

Standout benefits: All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee and 12 months of Elite Benefits, which include roadside assistance, key fob replacement, a $500 discount on collision repairs and coverage for tire and windshield repairs (from road hazards). Endurance has no age restriction for acceptance and customers can take their car to the mechanic of their choice.

Who’s this for? Olive has plans starting at $49 a month, making it a good option for budget-minded drivers. All three of its plans last up to 3 years or 185,000 miles on the odometer.

Standout benefits: Olive's enrollment process is simple — view sample contracts online, then enter your information and purchase a plan instantly, without any waiting period or inspection.

Who’s this for? CarShield doesn’t have an age limit on vehicles and approves cars with up to 300,000 miles on the odometer, twice the industry average. 

Standout benefits? CarShield covers specialty, foreign and luxury vehicles, which are often excluded from extended warranties. It also offers plans for motorcycles and ATVs. 

Who’s this for? With an A+ from the Better Business Bureau and an enviable 4.7 out of 5 stars on TrustPilot, Autopom has a reputation for knowledgeable customer service agents and quick response times. 

Standout benefits: Autopom provides 24/7 roadside assistance and lets you choose any repair shop certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.

Who’s this for?  CarChex offers five levels of customizable coverage for a total of 21 different contracts, ranging from basic powertrain coverage to bumper-to-bumper protection. Highly regarded in the industry, it's received accolades from Edmunds, Carfax and Kelley Blue Book.

Standout benefits: CarChex's partners pay repair shops directly, so you don't have to play middleman. Many plans include roadside assistance, trip interruption benefits and rental car and rideshare coverage.

Toco Warranty: Founded in 2012, Houston-based Toco administers its own plans, so you won't be passed off if you have a claim. Month-to-month contracts are available, which is great for flexibility, but usually means higher rates than if you could commit to a three-year contract. In addition, the mandatory waiting period is 90 days, three times the industry average.

American Dream Auto Protect: American Dream customers can choose from three customizable tiers, and all plans include benefits like roadside assistance and rental reimbursement. Rates are not readily available online, however, and coverage may be more comprehensive than most drivers really need.

Everything Breaks: With five plans and coverage for vehicles up to 250,000 miles, Everything Breaks offers a lot of flexibility. It has a mixed customer service record, however, with Trustpilot and Consumer Affairs reviews complaining about difficulty with the claims process and with canceling their policies.

An extended car warranty covers repairs to specified parts after the manufacturer's warranty expires. You’re protected for a set number of years or miles, and your plan can cover the entire car (bumper-to-bumper) or just named components, like the powertrain or electrical system.

An extended warranty may be provided by the car manufacturer and sold by the dealership or come from a third-party company, like the ones listed here.

Premiums vary by plan, provider and the car’s make, model, age and mileage. The rates we reviewed ranged from $40 to $200 a month, with discounts for paying upfront or annually.

There is also a deductible, which can range from $100 to $500. 

There are a host of extended warranty options, but most fall into these five categories:

1. Bumper-to-bumper warranty: The most comprehensive plan, this covers repairs to major mechanical and electrical systems, including the engine, drivetrain, axles, AC and electrical systems. Any exclusions are listed in the contract.

2. Powertrain warranty: Covers most internal engine parts and the transmission. This can be a more cost-effective option for older vehicles or those with high mileage.

3. Drivetrain warranty: Covers the parts that make your vehicle move, like the transmission, driveshaft, axle shafts and wheels. The engine is not covered, however.

4. Named component warranty: This covers specific parts listed in your contract, like the transmission, drive axle, steering or cooling system. If you have concerns about one part of your car, this could save you money over a bumper-to-bumper warranty.

5. Wrap policy: Extends coverage after a bumper-to-bumper warranty has expired.

Add-ons can include roadside assistance, trip interruption protection, rust and corrosion coverage and repairs to emission systems. Most extended warranties don’t cover tires, brakes or windshields, regular maintenance, pre-existing damage, cosmetic repairs or issues caused by misuse, neglect or poor maintenance. 

What to know about the benefits and drawbacks of extended warranties.

Pros

• Covers mechanical repairs after the manufacturer’s warranty expires
• May include rental coverage, roadside assistance and even food and lodging if you’re stranded.
• Customers can usually choose the repair shop.
• Helps keep your vehicle running smoothly and improves its resale value.
• A transferable warranty can be a bargaining chip if you sell your car. 

Cons

• Premiums can cost you more than the repairs you get while under contract. 
• Tires, brake pads, windshields and routine maintenance are usually excluded.
• Doesn’t cover pre-existing problems or damage caused by poor maintenance. 
• The claims process can be overly complicated, and your claim may ultimately be rejected.

1. Determine whether you want full bumper-to-bumper coverage, a named component warranty or some other service contract.
   
2. Ensure any company you’re considering approves vehicles of your car’s age and mileage and operates in your state.
   
3. Ask questions about what different plans cover, any exclusions or limitations, how long your contract will last for and how often it can be renewed.
   
4. Ensure the warranty covers anyone who drives your car and is transferable if you sell it.
   
5. Choose a provider that lets you pick your repair shop and that pays the mechanic directly.
   
6. Look for flexible contract terms, including monthly, annual and multi-year plans, which may come with a discount. 
   
7. Read customer reviews and check the company’s ratings with the Better Business Bureau and other reputable review sites.

The Federal Trade Commission has issued alerts about robocalls from scammers who “warn” you that your car’s manufacturer’s warranty is about to expire. You may be asked to share personal details or your credit card information to renew your policy.

In 2024, the FTC refunded more than $450,000 to consumers harmed by a company that promised expensive extended automobile warranties “using deceptive telemarketing tactics.”

Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true — research warranty companies with the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission.

New cars usually come with a manufacturer’s or dealership warranty that covers defects for a limited time.

You can purchase additional coverage from the dealership, usually for up to 3 years or 36,000 miles. but you can also get an extended warranty from a third party. It covers your vehicle after the manufacturer’s warranty expires and may cover repairs the original warranty excluded.

It may also add benefits like roadside assistance and replacement rental cars, prompting some customers to get an extended warranty before the manufacturer’s warranty expires.

Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) and extended warranties offer similar coverage, but there are key differences.

• MBI is typically obtained through a car insurance company, while extended warranties are sold by the manufacturer or a third-party provider.
• MBI is typically included in your existing insurance premiums. Extended warranties can be paid for upfront, annually or monthly.
• Extended warranties are more likely to include roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and other non-repair perks.
• MBI often allows the policyholder to choose their garage, while extended warranties typically work with a list of approved repair shops.

An extended warranty makes more sense if your car is older but still within the coverage limit.  Older cars are more likely to have worn-out parts that need repairs and an extended warranty can cushion the financial blow if you have work done on your engine, transmission or cooling system.

But if your car doesn’t have any issues, you’ve spent hundreds or even thousands of dollars on nothing.

Rates are lower for newer cars, but your manufacturer’s warranty may already cover the issue. In fact, you typically have to file a claim with the manufacturer before you can be approved for reimbursement on your extended warranty. 

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice to help them make informed financial decisions. Every warranty review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.

To determine the best extended car warranties, CNBC Select analyzed more than 20 companies offering extended car warranty coverage.

To narrow our list, we focused on rates, age and mileage restrictions and the number and variety of plans available. Sample rates were based on a 2022 Hyundai Elantra with 100,000 miles.

We also incorporated customer service reviews based on Better Business Bureau grades and scores from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners complaint index.

All of the providers on our list offer roadside assistance and other benefits and allow customers to choose their own repair shop.

We also considered CNBC Select audience data when available, such as general demographics and engagement with our content and tools.

Based on that criteria, our selections for the best extended car warranties are:

• Best for high-mileage vehicles: Endurance
• Best for affordability: Olive
• For used cars: CarShield
• For customer satisfaction: Autopom
• For plan variety: CarChex

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