Best Extended Car Warranty Companies in September 2026
We analyzed 18 extended car warranty companies, from the national names to the smaller brokers and administrators, and found two of them, Protect My Car and Concord Auto Protect, no longer trading. The six below are ranked on the things that decide whether a plan pays out when you need it: whether the seller administers its own contracts, how old and high-mileage a car it will take, the waiting period, the price of real quotes, and what the BBB and Trustpilot record looks like. Every fact was checked against the company's own site or contract in September 2026.
We may receive compensation when you click on links to products. Our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Advertiser Disclosure.
How to Choose an Extended Car Warranty
Six details decide whether a plan actually pays out when something breaks:
Who Pays the Claim
A direct provider sells the contract and also approves and pays the claim. A broker sells you a contract that a separate administrator honors. Find out which one you are buying from before you sign.
Eligibility Window
How old and how high-mileage a car the company will take, and whether it can sell in your state. If your car does not qualify, nothing else on the page matters.
Waiting Period
The days and miles you must drive before you can file a claim. 30 days and 1,000 miles is standard; some run to 90 days, and one provider has none at all.
Predictable Cost
The monthly price plus the deductible you pay per repair visit. A plan you can budget for beats a cheap headline price that changes the moment you file.
Coverage Tiers and Caps
Powertrain, stated component or exclusionary, and the aggregate cap on what the plan will ever pay. Make sure the cap is above the value of your car.
Flexibility and Extras
Money-back windows, month-to-month terms, transfer rights, and the roadside, rental and trip-interruption benefits that decide what a breakdown actually costs you.
How We Rank Extended Car Warranty Companies
Six factors, each checked in September 2026 against the company's own website or contract, its BBB profile and Trustpilot. Partner compensation does not change the order.
Contract Structure
Whether the seller administers and pays its own claims, or brokers contracts to a third-party administrator. Direct providers rank higher because the company you chose is the company you will deal with when a claim is disputed.
Eligibility
Maximum vehicle age and mileage accepted, and the states where the company can sell. A wider window fits more drivers, and we note where a provider sells regulated mechanical breakdown insurance instead.
Coverage and Terms
Plan tiers, waiting period, deductible, aggregate caps, direct payment to the shop, and transferability. We read the contract, not the sales page, for each of these.
Price
Advertised starting prices and independent 2026 quotes from NerdWallet, CNBC Select, Cars.com and Automoblog. Nobody publishes a rate card, so real quotes are the only honest comparison.
Customer Record
BBB rating, accreditation and complaint volume; Trustpilot score and review count; regulatory actions and litigation. A government-action notice or a settlement is weighed, not hidden.
Extras
Roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, trip interruption and maintenance benefits. These decide what a breakdown costs you beyond the repair bill itself.
Top 6 Extended Car Warranty Companies
Endurance
#1Endurance is the largest direct provider in the category, and that is what earns it the top spot. On most plans the company that sells you the contract is the company that approves and pays the claim, which is the single biggest difference between a good warranty experience and a bad one. It has paid $300 million in claims since 2012, covers vehicles up to 20 years old with no mileage cap, and offers seven tiers, from the powertrain-only Secure to the exclusionary Supreme and the Advantage plans that bundle up to $3,500 a year of maintenance. Prices start around $79 a month and a typical plan runs $100 to $160. It is not perfect: the BBB complaint count is high for the size of the business, a class action over sales practices is working through the Illinois courts, and Massachusetts and California buyers get a different or no product.
Bottom line: The strongest all-round pick. Direct administration, the widest eligibility window and a real claims history. Read the waiting period and the cancellation terms before you sign, and compare at least one quote against Toco or Olive.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Direct provider for most plans: Endurance sells, administers and pays the claim, with no middleman
- $300 million in claims paid since 2012 and more than 2.3 million vehicles protected
- Seven plans from basic powertrain to exclusionary Supreme, plus Advantage plans that add up to $3,500 a year of maintenance
- No mileage cap and vehicles up to 20 years old accepted; pays the repair shop directly
- Elite Benefits add tire, windshield and key fob cover, free for the first year
Cons
- Not sold in Massachusetts; in California it sells mechanical breakdown insurance instead, administered by Marathon
- 30-day and 1,000-mile waiting period before claims
- High BBB complaint volume for its size, with a class action over sales practices proceeding in Illinois
Coverage & Plans
Plans
- Secure: Powertrain only: engine, transmission and drive axle.
- Secure Plus, Select Premier, Superior: Stated-component plans that add named systems such as air conditioning, electrical, steering, suspension and cooling.
- Supreme and Supreme for Highline Vehicles: Exclusionary coverage: everything except a short list of exclusions.
- Advantage (Preferred, Plus, Prime): Coverage with up to $3,500 a year of maintenance included.
Terms and Limits
Eligibility: vehicles 20 years old or newer; no mileage restrictions on most plans. Waiting period 30 days and 1,000 miles; deductibles $0 to $200; pays the licensed repair facility of your choice directly. 30-day money-back guarantee; prorated refund after, less an administrative fee; transfer fee applies.
Extras Included
Roadside assistance 24/7 and rental reimbursement of $30 a day up to $150 per breakdown on all plans. Elite Benefits: up to four tire repairs or replacements a year, $500 windshield repair, $500 key fob replacement, first year free.
Claims & Company Record
BBB rating A, accredited; Trustpilot 4.1 from more than 15,000 reviews. The BBB complaint count is high for the size of the business, and a class action over sales practices is proceeding in Illinois. Founded 2006, Northbrook, Illinois; direct administrator of most plans since 2012.
Availability: Not available in Massachusetts; California customers get mechanical breakdown insurance underwritten by Security National.
A BBB letter grade measures how a company responds to and resolves complaints, not how its customers rate it, so the two often disagree. Records verified September 2026 against the sources below; complaint counts move over time. This record is published for disclosure and is not scored into our rating or rank.
Sources: Trustpilot
CarShield
#2CarShield sells more vehicle service contracts than anyone else, and it is the realistic option once a car passes the point where other providers stop returning calls. Contracts are written on vehicles from model year 1995 with up to 300,000 miles, renew month to month, and come in six tiers plus specialty plans for motorcycles, ATVs and electric vehicles. The FTC's own filing puts typical pricing at $80 to $120 a month; independent quotes run higher on newer cars. Two cautions. CarShield is a broker whose contracts are administered by its sister company American Auto Shield, so the seller is not the payer. And in 2024 it paid $10 million to settle FTC charges that its ads overstated what plans covered, with refund checks mailed in December 2025. That has not changed our view that CarShield is the right choice for a high-mileage car if you read the contract first.
Bottom line: Choose CarShield for an older or high-mileage vehicle nothing else will cover, and choose the plan by reading the exclusions rather than the commercial. The FTC order now binds what it can claim in its advertising.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The largest seller in the country: more than 2 million vehicles covered and over $1 billion in claims
- Accepts vehicles up to 300,000 miles and model year 1995 onward, about twice the industry norm
- Month-to-month contracts that renew monthly, with a full refund in the first month if no claim is made
- Six plans from powertrain to exclusionary Diamond, plus motorcycle, ATV and EV cover
- Trip interruption up to $125 a day for four days and rental cover up to 14 days
Cons
- Paid $10 million to settle FTC charges in 2024 over deceptive advertising; refunds went out to 168,179 customers in December 2025
- A broker, not the payer: contracts are administered and paid by American Auto Shield, a CarShield company
- Not sold in California, and the contract we reviewed caps claims at $10,000 per term
Coverage & Plans
Plans
- Diamond: Exclusionary coverage, the closest thing to a factory warranty.
- Platinum, Gold, Gold Select: Stated-component plans covering named systems.
- Silver: Powertrain: engine, transmission and drive axle.
- Aluminum: Electrical systems.
- Motorcycle/ATV and EV plans: Specialty coverage for motorcycles, ATVs and electric vehicles.
Terms and Limits
Eligibility: model year 1995 and newer, up to 300,000 miles. Waiting period 25 days and 500 miles, or 40 days and 250 miles, whichever is met first; deductibles $0 to $250. The contract we reviewed caps claims at $10,000 per term. Month-to-month contracts; full refund within the first month with no claim, prorated after less a cancellation fee. Any ASE-certified repair facility; administrator may pay the shop directly. $50 transfer fee within 30 days of sale.
Extras Included
Rental up to 7 days, or 14 for engine or transmission replacement; trip interruption $125 a day up to 4 days; roadside via Roadside Protect.
Claims & Company Record
BBB A+, accredited since 2024 with a government-action notice; Trustpilot 4.1 from more than 56,000 reviews. In 2024 CarShield and its administrator American Auto Shield agreed to pay $10 million to settle FTC charges that their advertising overstated what plans covered; the FTC mailed refund checks totaling more than $9.6 million to 168,179 customers in December 2025. Founded 2005, St. Peters, Missouri; broker whose contracts are administered by American Auto Shield, Lakewood, Colorado.
Availability: Not available in California; may refer a licensed California mechanical breakdown insurer.
A BBB letter grade measures how a company responds to and resolves complaints, not how its customers rate it, so the two often disagree. Records verified September 2026 against the sources below; complaint counts move over time. This record is published for disclosure and is not scored into our rating or rank.
Sources: Trustpilot · Federal Trade Commission
CARCHEX
#3CARCHEX is the veteran of the category and the one with the widest plan ladder. Six plans run from Powertrain to the exclusionary Titanium, with Powertrain Plus available month to month and a separate plan for electric vehicles, on terms up to 10 years or 250,000 miles. Claims are paid straight to any of more than 30,000 licensed repair facilities. The trade-off is that CARCHEX is a broker: your contract is issued by Liberty STF and administered by one of eight third-party companies, so the firm that sold you the plan is not the firm that pays the claim. Its review scores are the weakest on this page, and independent 2026 quotes ran $140 to $220 a month, so get a second quote before signing.
Bottom line: The right pick if you want the widest choice of tiers and a long track record, and you are prepared to check which administrator is behind your contract. Compare the quote against Endurance before you commit.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Selling vehicle protection since 1999, with six current plans from Powertrain to exclusionary Titanium and a dedicated EV plan
- Named among the top six extended warranty companies by Expert Market Research in January 2026
- More than 30,000 repair facilities, and the provider pays the shop directly
- 30-day money-back guarantee for any reason; plans run up to 10 years or 250,000 miles
- Roadside assistance, towing, rental car and trip interruption included on every plan
Cons
- A broker: contracts are provided by Liberty STF and administered by third parties including American Auto Shield, Assurant and Zurich
- Trustpilot score of 3.0 and a BBB customer score of 1.74 from a small number of reviews
- Quotes in 2026 ran $140 to $220 a month, the highest here, and it is not sold in California
Coverage & Plans
Plans
- Titanium: Exclusionary coverage.
- Platinum: Stated-component coverage.
- Powertrain Plus: Powertrain coverage available month to month.
- Powertrain: Engine, transmission and drive axle only.
- Extra Care: Additional stated-component coverage.
- Electric Vehicle: A dedicated plan for electric vehicles.
Terms and Limits
Terms up to 10 years or 250,000 miles. 30-day waiting period; deductibles $0 to $200 on most plans. 30-day money-back guarantee for any reason; prorated refund after, less a $75 fee and claims paid. Any licensed repair facility nationwide, more than 30,000; claims paid directly to the shop. Transfer fee $50, or $40 in Florida.
Extras Included
Roadside assistance, towing, rental car and trip interruption included on every plan.
Claims & Company Record
BBB A+; Trustpilot 3.0 from about 1,600 reviews, and a BBB customer score of 1.74 from a small number of reviews. Founded 1999; current company since 2003; Baltimore, Maryland. Broker: contracts provided by Liberty STF, Inc. and administered by American Auto Shield, American Guardian, Assurant, Enterprise Financial Group, National Administration Services, Royal Administration, The Warranty Group and Zurich.
Availability: Not available in California; may refer a licensed mechanical breakdown insurer.
A BBB letter grade measures how a company responds to and resolves complaints, not how its customers rate it, so the two often disagree. Records verified September 2026 against the sources below; complaint counts move over time. This record is published for disclosure and is not scored into our rating or rank.
Sources: Trustpilot
autopom!
#4autopom! is the small broker with the best customer record in the category: a 4.7 Trustpilot score, BBB accreditation since 2010 and a handful of complaints. It sells three tiers, an Exclusionary plan that covers nearly everything except maintenance items, a Mid-Level stated-component plan and Powertrain Essentials, through administrators including Mercury Select and Royal Administration. Plans start at $78.99 a month and it is one of the few names here that can sell in California, where it operates as licensed mechanical breakdown insurance. Because it is a broker, claims are handled between your repair shop and the administrator rather than by autopom! itself, and eligibility limits vary with the administrator behind your contract.
Bottom line: The pick if you want a low-pressure buying experience and the best reviews on the page, especially in California. Ask which administrator backs your quote and read that company's contract.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Trustpilot 4.7 from more than 440 reviews and only five BBB complaints in three years, the cleanest record here
- Plans start at $78.99 a month, and independent quotes on a 2021 vehicle came in at $120 to $126
- Sells in California as regulated mechanical breakdown insurance, which most competitors cannot
- Three clear tiers: Exclusionary, Mid-Level and Powertrain Essentials, backed by administrators such as Mercury Select and Royal Administration
- Full refund within 30 days, or 60 in some states, and 24-hour roadside, rental and trip interruption on every plan
Cons
- A broker: autopom! does not administer claims, its partner administrators do
- Eligibility caps of roughly 140,000 to 150,000 miles depend on the administrator
- Waiting periods run 30 days and 1,000 miles, longer on some plans
Coverage & Plans
Plans
- Exclusionary: Covers nearly everything except maintenance items.
- Mid-Level: A stated-component plan covering named systems.
- Powertrain Essentials: Engine, transmission and drive axle.
Terms and Limits
Eligibility caps of roughly 140,000 to 150,000 miles depend on the administrator. Waiting period 30 days and 1,000 miles as standard; deductible typically $100. Full refund within 30 days (60 in some states); prorated after.
Extras Included
24-hour roadside assistance, rental assistance and trip interruption on all plans.
Claims & Company Record
BBB A+, accredited since 2010; Trustpilot 4.7 from about 440 reviews, and only five BBB complaints in three years, the cleanest record on this page. Selling since 2010, Lake Forest, California; licensed vehicle service contract broker. Administrators include Mercury Select Management, Royal Administration Services, Enterprise Financial Group and Integrity Vehicle Group.
Availability: Sold in California as mechanical breakdown insurance regulated by the state Department of Insurance.
A BBB letter grade measures how a company responds to and resolves complaints, not how its customers rate it, so the two often disagree. Records verified September 2026 against the sources below; complaint counts move over time. This record is published for disclosure and is not scored into our rating or rank.
Sources: Trustpilot
Toco Warranty
#5Toco is the month-to-month option. There is no long-term contract, you can cancel whenever you like, and independent quotes on 2021 to 2025 vehicles came in at $72 to $97 a month, the lowest on this page. Coverage is set by your odometer at the time of the claim, from the exclusionary Orange plan under 100,000 miles down to Green, which covers the engine, transmission and turbo past 200,000 miles, with a flat $100 deductible and direct payment to any state-licensed shop. The caution is financial: Toco's holding company filed for Chapter 11 in September 2025, had its plan confirmed in March 2026 and closed the case in June 2026, and the business now operates as Verdoro LLC. Coverage continued throughout, but read the obligor line on your contract. The 90-day waiting period is also the longest here.
Bottom line: The best way to try a warranty without a multi-year commitment, and the cheapest quotes we found. Weigh the long waiting period and the recent bankruptcy against that flexibility.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Month-to-month plans you can cancel at any time, with the lowest quotes on this page at $72 to $97 a month
- Direct administrator with a single $100 deductible per repair visit, and the plan pays the shop directly
- Four coverage levels set by your odometer at claim time, from exclusionary Orange to Green for engines over 200,000 miles
- BBB A+ with a 4.79 customer score, and 4.2 on Trustpilot
- Roadside assistance, rental, trip interruption and Openbay+ maintenance discounts included
Cons
- Went through Chapter 11 from September 2025 to June 2026 and now trades as Verdoro LLC; check the obligor on your contract
- 90-day and 1,000-mile waiting period, the longest here (30 days in Georgia)
- Not available in California, Massachusetts, Missouri or Washington; contracts are not transferable outside Florida
Coverage & Plans
Plans
- Orange: Exclusionary coverage for vehicles under 100,000 miles at claim time.
- Yellow: Stated-component coverage to 150,000 miles.
- Blue: Stated-component coverage to 200,000 miles.
- Green: Engine, transmission and turbo to 250,000 miles.
Terms and Limits
Eligibility: under 20 years old and under 200,000 miles at enrollment; $15,000 aggregate limit. Waiting period 90 days and 1,000 miles (30 days and 1,000 miles in Georgia); $100 deductible per repair visit. Month-to-month, cancel any time; full refund within 30 days with no claims, prorated after less a $100 fee. Contracts are not transferable outside Florida.
Extras Included
Roadside assistance, rental $40 per four labor hours up to $200, trip interruption $100 a day up to $300, Openbay+ maintenance discounts.
Claims & Company Record
BBB A+, accredited 2025, 4.79 from 136 reviews; Trustpilot 4.2 from about 590 reviews. Toco's holding company filed for Chapter 11 in September 2025, had its plan confirmed in March 2026 and closed the case in June 2026; the business now operates as Verdoro LLC d/b/a Toco Warranty. Operating since 2012, Houston, Texas. Provider Toco US, LLC; administrator Toco Warranty Corporation; insured by Technology Insurance Company.
Availability: Not available in California, Massachusetts, Missouri or Washington.
A BBB letter grade measures how a company responds to and resolves complaints, not how its customers rate it, so the two often disagree. Records verified September 2026 against the sources below; complaint counts move over time. This record is published for disclosure and is not scored into our rating or rank.
Sources: Trustpilot
Olive
#6Olive is the only provider here whose coverage starts tomorrow. There is no inspection and no waiting period, the whole purchase happens online without a sales call, and the monthly rate is fixed for the term with the option to cancel at any time. Three plans, Powertrain, Powertrain Plus and Complete Care, come with three deductibles each, and the contracts are administered and paid by QBE, a global insurer. The trade-offs are eligibility and extras. Olive only takes vehicles up to 10 model years or 140,000 miles, it offers no roadside assistance or trip interruption, and with a 2020 launch it has the shortest history on the page. Quotes ran from about $50 a month on a new Toyota to $150 on a 2021 Ford Escape.
Bottom line: The pick if you want cover now and would rather not talk to a salesperson. Newer, lower-mileage cars only, and you will need your own roadside plan.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Coverage starts the day after purchase with no inspection and no waiting period, unique on this page
- Quote and buy entirely online at a fixed monthly rate, cancel any time, with nine deductible options
- Backed by QBE, a global insurer, which administers the plans and pays any ASE-certified shop directly
- Plans transfer to a new owner within 30 days of sale at no stated fee
- BBB A+ and accredited since launch, with quotes from about $50 a month on newer cars
Cons
- Launched in 2020, the shortest track record here, and only a dozen BBB reviews to judge it by
- No roadside assistance and no trip interruption; rental is capped at $35 a day for five days
- Eligibility ends at 10 model years or 140,000 miles, the tightest window on the page
Coverage & Plans
Plans
- Powertrain: Engine, transmission and drive axle only.
- Powertrain Plus: Stated-component coverage adding named systems.
- Complete Care: Exclusionary coverage.
Terms and Limits
Eligibility: up to 10 model years or 140,000 miles; coverage runs to 12 years or 185,000 miles. No waiting period and no inspection; coverage active the day after purchase. Three deductibles per plan ($100, $250, $500). Fixed monthly rate for the term; cancel any time; full refund within 30 days with no claims. Any ASE-certified repair shop; Olive pays the shop directly. Transferable to a new owner within 30 days of sale.
Extras Included
Rental up to $35 a day for five days; towing up to $100 per claim. No roadside assistance or trip interruption.
Claims & Company Record
BBB A+, accredited since 2020, with only a dozen BBB reviews to judge it by; launched April 2020, the shortest track record on this page. Launched by Repair Ventures, LLC; plans administered by QBE Administration Services, with QBE Insurance Corporation underwriting California mechanical breakdown insurance.
Availability: Not available in Massachusetts.
A BBB letter grade measures how a company responds to and resolves complaints, not how its customers rate it, so the two often disagree. Records verified September 2026 against the sources below; complaint counts move over time. This record is published for disclosure and is not scored into our rating or rank.
Sources: Better Business Bureau
Among the 18 companies we evaluated: Protect My Car, Concord Auto Protect, Premier Auto Protect, American Dream Auto Protect, Route 66 Warranty, Warranty Direct, ForeverCar, Uproar.car, Omega Auto Care, American Auto Shield, Royal Administration Services and EasyCare.
Quick Comparison of All Providers
Swipe left to see more columns →
| Provider | Best For | Max Mileage | Price Range | Deductible | Roadside | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Editor's Choice  #1 Endurance | Best Overall | No mileage cap | $79-$160/mo | $0-$200 | Yes, included | Get Quote | |
 #2 CarShield | Best for High Mileage | 300,000 miles | $80-$170/mo | $0-$250 | Yes, included | Get Quote | |
 #3 CARCHEX | Best Plan Variety | 250,000 miles | $140-$220/mo | $0-$200 | Yes, included | Get Quote | |
 #4 autopom! | Best Customer Reviews | 140,000-150,000 miles | $79-$126/mo | Typically $100 | Yes, included | Get Quote | |
 #5 Toco Warranty | Best Month-to-Month Contract | 200,000 miles to enroll | $72-$97/mo | $100 | Yes, included | Get Quote | |
 #6 Olive | Best for No Waiting Period | 140,000 to enroll, 185,000 covered | $50-$150/mo | $100-$500 | No | Get Quote |
Nobody publishes a rate card. Price ranges are monthly payments from independent 2026 quotes on plans of 18 to 36 months; request a quote for a price specific to your vehicle.
The Extended Car Warranty Buying Guide: What Actually Matters in 2026
What these contracts really are, who pays the claim, what a plan costs, and the plain math on whether one earns its place in your budget.
What an Extended Car Warranty Actually Is
None of the companies on this page sells a warranty. They sell a vehicle service contract: a promise to pay for covered mechanical breakdowns, after a waiting period, at a licensed repair shop, minus your deductible. Only a manufacturer can sell a true warranty. The distinction matters because a service contract is regulated as a contract, not as insurance, in most states, which is why California forces these companies to sell "mechanical breakdown insurance" instead and why several of them do not sell there at all.
Who pays the claim?
Every contract has three roles: the seller who takes your money, the administrator who approves and pays claims, and the insurer who backs the administrator if it fails. Endurance and Toco are their own administrators. CarShield's administrator is its sister company American Auto Shield. CARCHEX and autopom! sell contracts administered by other firms. Olive's administrator is QBE. Ask who the administrator is before you sign, because that is who you will be arguing with.
Three Levels of Coverage
Powertrain: engine, transmission and drive axle only. The cheapest plan and the one that protects against the most expensive single failures. Endurance Secure, CarShield Silver, CARCHEX Powertrain, autopom! Powertrain Essentials, Toco Green and Olive Powertrain sit here.
Stated component: a list of named systems, typically adding air conditioning, electrical, steering, suspension and cooling. If a part is not on the list, it is not covered. Endurance Superior, CarShield Gold and Platinum, CARCHEX Platinum, autopom! Mid-Level, Toco Yellow and Blue, and Olive Powertrain Plus.
Exclusionary: everything is covered except a short list of exclusions, usually wear items, maintenance, cosmetics and pre-existing conditions. The closest thing to a factory warranty. Endurance Supreme, CarShield Diamond, CARCHEX Titanium, autopom! Exclusionary, Toco Orange and Olive Complete Care.
Read the exclusions, not the marketing
The FTC's 2024 case against CarShield turned on the gap between what the ads implied and what the contract excluded. On an exclusionary plan the exclusions list is the whole story, so read it before you pay.
What an Extended Car Warranty Costs in 2026
Nobody publishes a rate card, so we collected quotes from four independent review desks in 2026 and the companies' own starting prices. The ranges below are monthly payments on plans of 18 to 36 months.
| Company | Advertised from | Independent 2026 quotes | Example vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Endurance | $79/mo | $88 to $160 | 2022 Camry, 60,000 mi: $125 to $129 by tier |
| CarShield | Under $100/mo (FTC: $80 to $120) | $43 to $170 | 2021 Ford Escape: $149 |
| CARCHEX | Not published | $140 to $220 | 2021 Ford Escape, 50,000 mi, Platinum: $191 |
| autopom! | $78.99/mo | $120 to $126 | 2021 Ford Escape, Exclusionary: $120 |
| Toco | Not published | $72 to $97 | 2021 Ford Escape, Orange: $76 |
| Olive | Not published | $50 to $150 | 2021 Ford Escape, Complete Care: $150 |
What Moves the Price
The car:
- Age and mileage: a 2017 Honda at 80,000 miles quoted 20% to 200% more than a 2025 model at the same company
- Brand: European luxury models quote $40 to $90 a month above a Toyota or Honda
- Powertrain complexity: turbos, dual-clutch gearboxes and hybrids cost more to cover
The plan:
- Tier: exclusionary plans cost roughly $5 to $30 a month more than powertrain
- Deductible: moving from $100 to $250 or $500 lowers the premium; Olive offers three per plan
- Term: monthly plans (Toco, CarShield) cost more per month than a paid-up multi-year contract but carry no commitment
Ways to Pay Less
- Get three quotes. The same 2021 Ford Escape quoted $76 at Toco and $191 at CARCHEX.
- Choose the deductible you can actually pay. A $250 deductible instead of $100 saves money every month and costs $150 once per claim.
- Buy powertrain if the car is reliable. For a Toyota or Honda with a clean history, the engine and transmission are the only bills worth insuring.
- Use the 30-day window. Every company here refunds in full within 30 days if you have not claimed, so you can hold a quote against a competitor's.
- Ask about the first year of extras. Endurance's Elite Benefits are free for year one and $29 a year after.
Which Plan Fits Your Situation
Start from your car, not from the company. Age, mileage and how long you plan to keep it decide which providers will even quote you.
| Your situation | What to look for | Start with |
|---|---|---|
| Newer car, under 100,000 miles, keeping it for years | Exclusionary plan from a direct provider | Endurance Supreme, or Olive Complete Care for instant cover |
| Car over 150,000 miles or older than 15 years | Wide eligibility window | CarShield, or Endurance (no mileage cap) |
| You want coverage starting this week | No waiting period | Olive |
| You do not want a multi-year commitment | Month-to-month contract | Toco, or CarShield's monthly plans |
| You live in California | Licensed mechanical breakdown insurance | autopom!, Endurance, Olive |
| Motorcycle, ATV or electric vehicle | Specialty plan | CarShield, or CARCHEX EV plan |
| You want the best-reviewed buying experience | Low complaint count, high review scores | autopom! |
Seven Questions to Ask Before You Pay
- Who administers the contract? If the answer is not the company you are talking to, look that administrator up.
- What is the waiting period? 30 days and 1,000 miles is standard. Toco's is 90 days. Olive has none.
- What is the deductible, and is it per visit or per repair? Per visit is better; two covered parts in one visit cost one deductible.
- Is there an aggregate cap? Toco caps total claims at $15,000; the CarShield contract we reviewed caps at $10,000 per term. Make sure the cap is above the value of your car.
- Does the plan pay the shop directly? All six here say yes or may do so. You should not be fronting a $4,000 bill.
- What does cancellation cost after 30 days? Prorated refunds are standard, but administrative fees run from $50 to $100 and claims paid are deducted.
- Is it transferable? A transferable plan adds resale value. Toco's is not outside Florida; the others charge $0 to $50.
Red flags
Robocalls about your "expiring warranty" do not come from any company on this page. Walk away from any seller that will not send the full contract before you pay, quotes a price that is only good "today", or cannot tell you who the administrator is. Check the BBB profile for a government-action notice: Concord Auto Protect carried one before it disappeared.
Is an Extended Car Warranty Worth It? The Honest Answer
It is worth it when the cost of the plan over its term is less than the repairs you would otherwise pay for, and when a surprise $3,000 transmission bill would be a real problem. For a reliable car with a good service history and an emergency fund, self-insuring often wins. For an older car, a complex European model, or a household that cannot absorb a large bill, a plan with a direct provider and a fair deductible is a reasonable buy.
Whatever you decide, every company on this page offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if no claim has been made, so the cost of finding out is a phone call and a contract read.
How We Checked These Facts
We started with 18 companies and removed two that have stopped trading: Protect My Car, which the BBB marks as out of business and whose website no longer sells plans, and Concord Auto Protect, whose domain is parked, whose phones are disconnected and which faces a lawsuit from the Pennsylvania Attorney General. Of the rest, we set aside brokers with weak complaint records, administrators that sell only through dealers, and brands too small to have a public claims history, and compared the remaining six. We do not buy contracts or file claims ourselves, and no provider publishes a claim approval rate, so we do not invent one. Last updated September 8, 2026.
Sources
- Company facts: each company's own website and contract, checked in September 2026.
- Customer record: Better Business Bureau profiles (rating, accreditation, complaint volume, government-action notices) and Trustpilot scores and review counts.
- Price: advertised starting prices plus independent 2026 quotes from NerdWallet, CNBC Select, Cars.com and Automoblog.
- Regulatory actions: the Federal Trade Commission's 2024 CarShield settlement and refund program; Illinois class-action filings; Toco's Chapter 11 case, September 2025 to June 2026.
- Market: Expert Market Research's January 2026 ranking of extended warranty companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions drivers ask most before buying a vehicle service contract.
Which extended car warranty company is the best?
Endurance is our top pick for most drivers because it is a direct provider for most of its plans, has paid $300 million in claims since 2012, and accepts vehicles up to 20 years old with no mileage cap. CarShield is the pick for high-mileage cars, Toco for a month-to-month contract, autopom! for the best customer reviews, and Olive if you want coverage that starts tomorrow.
What is the difference between a direct provider and a broker?
A direct provider such as Endurance or Toco sells the contract and also administers and pays the claims. A broker such as CarShield, CARCHEX or autopom! sells you a contract that a separate administrator honors. Brokers are not inherently worse, but when a claim is disputed you are dealing with a company you never chose, so find out who the administrator is before you buy.
Is an extended car warranty worth it?
It is worth it when the cost of the plan over its term is less than the repairs you would otherwise pay for, and when a surprise $3,000 transmission bill would be a real problem. For a reliable car with a good service history and an emergency fund, self-insuring often wins. For an older car, a complex European model, or a household that cannot absorb a large bill, a plan with a direct provider and a fair deductible is a reasonable buy.
How much does an extended car warranty cost in 2026?
Independent quotes we reviewed in 2026 ranged from about $50 to $220 a month. Toco quoted $72 to $97, autopom! around $120 to $126, Endurance $79 to $160 on typical plans, CarShield $80 to $170, Olive $50 to $150, and CARCHEX $140 to $220. Price depends on the vehicle's age, mileage and brand, the coverage tier, the deductible and the term.
Which company covers high-mileage cars?
CarShield accepts vehicles from model year 1995 with up to 300,000 miles. Endurance has no mileage cap on most plans and accepts vehicles up to 20 years old. Toco enrolls cars under 200,000 miles and covers them to 250,000. Olive and autopom! stop at roughly 140,000 to 150,000 miles.
Is there a waiting period?
Yes for everyone except Olive. Endurance, CARCHEX and autopom! use 30 days and 1,000 miles. CarShield's contract uses 25 days and 500 miles or 40 days and 250 miles, whichever comes first. Toco's is the longest at 90 days and 1,000 miles, or 30 days in Georgia. Olive coverage starts the day after purchase with no inspection.
What happened with CarShield and the FTC?
In 2024 CarShield and its administrator American Auto Shield agreed to pay $10 million to settle FTC charges that their advertising overstated what plans covered, including claims about free rental cars and any-shop choice. The FTC mailed refund checks totaling more than $9.6 million to 168,179 customers in December 2025. The order restricts what CarShield can claim in its marketing.
Can I cancel an extended car warranty?
Every company on this page offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if no claim has been made (autopom! extends it to 60 days in some states). After that, refunds are prorated and most companies deduct an administrative fee, typically $50 to $100, plus any claims paid. Toco and CarShield renew month to month, so cancelling simply stops the next charge.
Can I use my own mechanic?
Yes. Endurance, CarShield, CARCHEX, autopom!, Toco and Olive all let you use any licensed or ASE-certified repair facility in the US, and all except autopom! state that the administrator pays the shop directly. Call the claims line before the shop starts work; authorization first is a condition of every contract.
Why are Protect My Car and Concord Auto Protect not on this list?
Both have stopped trading. The Better Business Bureau marks Protect My Car as out of business and its website no longer sells plans. Concord Auto Protect has a parked website, disconnected phone numbers, an F rating from the BBB and a pending lawsuit from the Pennsylvania Attorney General. We do not recommend buying a contract from either.
Contact Us
Have questions about our reviews? We'd love to hear from you.