Key points
You can get a car warranty quote online, by phone or in person at a local dealer.
You’ll need to share basic details about yourself and your vehicle to get a quote.
As you compare options, consider coverage levels, cost and customer reviews.
It’s simple to get a car warranty quote for your used or new car; you just have to provide some basic information about yourself and your vehicle. You can usually go through the process quickly online from the comfort of your home or office.
As you obtain quotes from a few providers, compare important factors such as coverage levels, duration, cost, terms and conditions, and customer reviews.
By getting multiple quotes and shopping around for an extended car warranty, you’ll be more likely to find the best car warranty for your particular budget and goals. Let’s look more closely at car warranty quotes and what they entail.
Our top pick
4.5
Market Standing:4.6
Coverage Options:4.9
Customer Service:4.1
Cost:4.3
Quick facts
Endurance offers coverage for up to 8 years or 200,000 miles, but it only offers long-term plans.
- Our top pick for auto warranty
- Mileage covered:Up to 200,000 miles
- Longest term:Up to 8 years
- Money-back guarantee:30 days
- Coverage options: 6 plans
- Discounts:First-time applicant discount
Pros and cons
Pros
- Six coverage plans
- Mechanical breakdown and maintenance benefits
- First-time application discount
Cons
- No unlimited or month-to-month plans
- Elite benefits only free for the first year
- Three of its six plans aren’t listed on its website
How do you shop for a car warranty?
Each car warranty company has its own process for offering quotes. You can typically get a warranty quote online or via phone call. You may even be able to receive a free quote in-person at a local dealership at the same time you’re buying a vehicle. Regardless of your chosen method, be prepared to provide information about yourself and your car.
Information needed for a car warranty quote
- Your name
- Your phone number and/or email address
- The make, model and year of your vehicle
- The current mileage and condition of your car
- The vehicle identification number (VIN) for your vehicle
While some providers send quotes to your email, others have customer service representatives call you and ask for additional information or discuss a few different coverage options. If you prefer an entirely online process, you can find it. Many warranty companies offer completely online quote and purchase options.
What factors should you consider when choosing a provider?
Once you’ve researched a few warranty options, compare them to determine the best fit for your situation. Here are several factors to consider.
Level of coverage
Car warranties and vehicle protection plans can vary greatly by type and provider. Look closely at the coverage details and exclusions to understand which systems and components are covered. Pay attention to perks, such as roadside assistance that covers towing and fuel delivery, trip interruption coverage and rental car reimbursem*nt.
Cost
Whether or not it makes sense to spend more or less on a vehicle warranty depends on your goals and priorities.
“Consider how you’ll be using the vehicle and how long you plan to keep it. It’s worth investing a little more now to ensure you don’t pay later for costly repairs — particularly if you plan to keep the car for several years or longer, or if you know you’ll be driving it long distances regularly,” said Scott Kunes, chief operating officer at Midwest-based Kunes Auto Group.
Deductibles
The deductible is what you’ll pay out of pocket before your warranty kicks in and covers your car repairs. The ideal deductible depends on your savings for repair bills, risk tolerance and preferences.
“Car owners who opt for a warranty with a higher deductible may find themselves paying out of pocket for some repairs. For example, if the repair is $250 but your deductible is $300, it makes no sense to utilize the warranty. But if your deductible is $50, it’s a significant savings,” Kunes explained.
Customer reviews
Reviews on reputable third-party sites, such as the Better Business Bureau or Trustpilot, can be invaluable when comparing car warranty quotes. Look for positive and negative trends from current and former customers to understand whether a certain provider will meet your needs.
Risk tolerance
“If you’re the kind of person that has cash available for an unexpected expense, maybe a lower cost and lower coverage policy is for you,” Kunes said. If you’d prefer to avoid any unexpected bill, he said adding a full-coverage warranty to your monthly payments may be worth the extra cost.
How much do extended warranties cost?
Several factors will affect what you’ll pay for an extended auto warranty or vehicle service contract, such as provider, vehicle type, plan type and coverage terms. Based on quotes we received from various warranty providers, the average car warranty cost is $2,845 in total or $108 per month.
Below are quotes we got for some of the best extended car warranties. We used different vehicles and mileages to get a larger scope of each plan’s cost.
| Provider | Plan Type | Vehicle | Coverage Terms | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endurance | Exclusionary | 2020 Ford Fusion with 55,000 miles | 2.5 years/40,000 miles | $3,099 |
| Autopom | Exclusionary | 2016 Toyota RAV4 with 105,000 miles | 4 years/unlimited miles | $2,702 |
| Olive | Exclusionary | 2020 Ford Fusion with 55,000 miles | 3 years/185,000 miles | $4,675 |
| Endurance | Midlevel | 2020 Ford Fusion with 55,000 miles | 2.5 years/40,000 miles | $3,033 |
| Olive | Midlevel | 2020 Ford Fusion with 55,000 miles | 3 years/185,000 miles | $3,506 |
| Endurance | Powertrain | 2020 Toyota RAV4 with 55,000 miles | 2.5 years/40,000 miles | $2,824 |
| Olive | Powertrain | 2020 Ford Fusion with 55,000 miles | 3 years/185,000 miles | $3,272 |
What affects your extended warranty cost?
Let’s dive deeper into how coverage length, plan type, provider and vehicle type will influence your car warranty quotes.
Coverage length
Plan type
Vehicle type
Provider
The length of extended warranty plans can differ. Generally, bumper-to-bumper warranties last as long as three years or 36,000 miles, while powertrain warranties can last for five years or 60,000 miles — or even longer. As you compare quotes, look at each plan’s start and end dates. Longer coverage often results in a higher price.
There are many coverage plans available. A warranty with comprehensive coverage will cost more than one that offers just the basics and only covers essential components, such as the drivetrain. “Pay more for your warranty now, and you’ll likely pay less when the car needs repair — but the opposite is also true,” Kunes said.
The make, model, year and mileage of the car will also impact the cost of your warranty. This is because luxury cars with expensive parts cost more to repair. Also, older cars with more miles are more likely to break down. “In both of these cases, the warranty will cost more than for, say, a 3-year-old Camry with 70,000 miles,” Kunes explained.
You can buy a car warranty from a dealer or third-party company. You can expect reputable providers who have been in the business for some time to charge more.
What are the types of extended car warranties?
The three main types of extended car warranties are bumper-to-bumper, midlevel and powertrain. Here’s a closer look at each one.
Bumper-to-bumper
Bumper-to-bumper coverage is comprehensive in that it covers the cost of repairs and parts for most vehicle components. These are considered exclusionary and mimic your new car warranty because they cover almost everything between your car’s bumpers. This level of coverage usually includes the engine, brakes, heating and air conditioning system, advanced electronics, safety features and more.
Midlevel
Midlevel coverage is a stated-component warranty that is typically a blend between bumper-to-bumper and powertrain levels of coverage. Depending on the provider or plan, they could be more basic and only include your engine and transmission or more comprehensive and apply to car repairs for additional components like your fuel pump and air conditioner.
Powertrain
Powertrain warranties are designed to reimburse you for everything that moves your car. It may protect you from high repair costs whenever your engine, transmission or front and rear wheel drive systems break down.
What’s next?
A basic online search is a good place to start if you’re ready to get a few car warranty quotes and find the best price on a manufacturer’s warranty. You’ll find out which companies offer quotes and be able to begin the process online.
You can also stop by a local dealer or wait until you’re ready to buy a car to obtain a quote in person. As you receive quotes for warranty coverage, read them carefully and compare your options.
“Car warranties can vary widely in terms of coverage and pricing, so it’s important to read the fine print. Look for what is and is not covered as well as any hidden fees. Research the company offering the warranty and read reviews,” Kunes said.
