Having a factory warranty when you purchase a new car is fantastic for peace of mind. Knowing any parts that fail prematurely due to manufacturing faults will be repaired or replaced free of charge means you can drive with total confidence that your finances are fully protected. When that manufacturer’s warranty expires, though, you’re instantly out in the cold, and any future repair bills will come straight out of your pocket. As a result, smart drivers find additional coverage through an extended auto warranty.

If you’re reading this, chances are you have some idea of the coverage options you want for your used car but aren’t totally sure who to sign up with. There are so many providers serving American drivers (with some offering significantly better coverage than others) that deciding on just one can be a tough job. But we’re here to help.

This comprehensive guide has everything you need to know to compare the major automotive warranty players, including information on each company, their claims processes, and car warranty company FAQs.

About the Different Car Warranty Companies

There are hundreds of extended warranty and aftermarket providers, with new ones popping up almost daily. We’ve whittled it down to some of the best car warranty companies, so you can get a feel for who they are, how long they’ve been in business, and whether they’ve maintained a good reputation.

CARCHEX

Based out of Maryland, CARCHEX has been offering extended warranty coverage since 2004 and is now one of the most well-known providers in America. Prior to that, they were primarily a car inspection company, which is still a service they offer to this day — as well as auto insurance. They’re a reseller of coverage as opposed to a direct administrator, with five core plans on offer: Powertrain Warranty, Powertrain Plus, Platinum, Titanium, and Extra Care. CARCHEX doesn’t operate in California, but they can recommend a mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) provider in the state.

CarShield

CarShield was founded in 2005 and operates out of Missouri. They have a range of six core plans, with additional coverage options for motorcycles/ATVs, and electric vehicles. A few added benefits are included with each plan, plus rental car reimbursement if you select higher levels of coverage. CarShield also does not offer coverage in California; however, they may refer you to a licensed MBI provider.

Ox Car Care

Ox Car Care is a California-based extended warranty provider founded in 2015. They only offer three plans: Gold, Platinum, and Diamond, ranging from a “powertrain plus” contract to a more comprehensive program. Most of these include 24/7 roadside assistance and added benefits like tire road-hazard reimbursement, emergency fluid delivery, flat tire assistance, dead-battery jump starts, and lockout service.

Endurance Warranty

Established in 2006 and based in Illinois, Endurance has spent the past two decades saving American car owners serious money on unexpected repair costs. Thousands of drivers have trusted us for their auto protection and customized coverage based on their needs and budget. We offer specialty coverage for high-mileage cars, vehicles up to 20 years old, maintenance benefits, and even rideshare and delivery driver coverage. We also offer add-on options for hybrid and Tesla electric vehicles (EVs).

Our award-winning customer service team has been recognized for excellence for over two decades, ensuring you receive top-tier support. As a direct administrator for most of our plans, we eliminate middlemen, making claims hassle-free. With industry-leading benefits, we provide exceptional vehicle protection and value for your money.

The Claims Processes

If you can’t rely on your provider to do their part when a breakdown occurs, your extended warranty contract isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on. As well as a negative reputation, a complex claims process is another red flag. The more hurdles that stand between you and getting back on the road, the worse you can expect your overall experience to be.

CARCHEX Claims

Despite them not being a direct administrator of their plans, the CARCHEX claims process is described as straightforward. Similar to Endurance, their coverage is accepted at any licensed repair facility nationwide, with CARCHEX and the mechanic working together to decide whether your repair is eligible under the terms of your contract.

CarShield Claims

Another provider that isn’t a direct administrator, CarShield works primarily with American Auto Shield to offer coverage to car owners. Their claims process follows the standard model of taking your vehicle to an authorized shop and letting CarShield handle the rest.

Ox Car Care Claims

Ox Car Care is the direct administrator of their extended warranty plans, which can offer drivers less hassle than working through a third party. Their claims process is fairly standard, with the car repairs facility being paid directly for any covered work.

Endurance Warranty Claims

At Endurance, we know that breakdowns can be extremely stressful, so we ensure our claims process is as straightforward and transparent as possible. Simply use your 24/7 roadside assistance and towing benefit to have your vehicle towed to the certified repair shop of your choice, let the mechanic there know you have Endurance coverage, and they’ll get in touch with us.

You may need to authorize tear down or inspection, but providing the repair is covered under your contract, all that’s left to do is pay any applicable deductibles. If your car is being worked on longer than expected, all Endurance auto protection plans include replacement vehicle reimbursement and trip interruption costs to ensure inconvenience is kept to a minimum.

Car Warranty Company FAQs

Still have questions about car warranty companies? You might find the answers in our extended warranty FAQs:

How does Endurance compare to CarShield, CARCHEX, and Ox Car Care?

When comparing Endurance with other vehicle service contract providers, Endurance is the clear winner. Some factors might be a close call, but Endurance undoubtedly beats the competition in terms of plans, pricing, benefits, eligibility, flexibility, claims process, and customer service. It’s how we’ve earned the title of America’s Best Vehicle Protection Plan Provider.

What factors should I consider when choosing a car warranty company?

There are a number of factors you should consider when choosing a car warranty company, including:

• Company background: Where are they based, and how long have they been in business? Generally, those who have been around for longer will be safer pairs of hands, but that isn’t a hard and fast rule.
• Company reputation: Companies might say they’ll deliver, but the proof is in their reputation. Take a look at their Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to get an idea of how well they deal with complaints, and check out review aggregators like Trustpilot to hear what customers have to say.
• Plans and pricing: Plan variety is usually a good sign, as it increases both the chances of suitable coverage and your eligibility. If you find a plan that suits your needs, you also need to see if it suits your budget.
• Added benefits: Third-party vehicle service contract providers are incentivized to offer added benefits to give you maximum value for money, but some offer more than others.
• Other things to consider: One major thing you might want to consider is whether the provider is the direct administrator of their plans, as this can make the claims process much less painful. If their plans are also transferable to subsequent owners, it can give you greater selling power should you decide to part ways with your vehicle.

Are Endurance plans more expensive than competitors like CarShield or CARCHEX?

Absolutely not. In fact, you might be surprised to find that Endurance plans are very affordable. Not only does our most basic plan (Secure) come at a lower monthly fee, but our freedom to be flexible with plan inclusions means we can even tailor our more comprehensive contracts to better suit your needs and budget. We also often run money off deals when you call to take out a new plan, so you can get America’s best quality coverage without overspending.

Which car warranty company offers the best customer service?

Endurance’s customer service team is multi-award-winning, recently picking up accolades such as Customer Service & Support Team of the Year at the 2024 Golden Bridge Awards. This is a testament to their dedication to serving each and every Endurance policyholder, giving them the help they need to find the right plan and get the most out of it. Our Endurance advisors are available quickly via phone or email, so get in touch and find out for yourself.

How do I know if my repair claim will be approved?

You shouldn’t have issues getting your repair claim approved — providing that the component in question is covered under the terms of your contract, there are no pre-existing conditions associated with it, and you’ve continued to comply with all terms (e.g., following your manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule). Upon visiting a certified mechanic or dealership and notifying them of your Endurance contract, they’ll get in touch with us to inspect and approve the claim. You should find out right there and then whether you’re good to go, as we reimburse auto shops directly.

Do all these warranty providers cover similar auto repairs and parts?

Yes and no. You’ll find that the majority of warranty providers offer similar packages, but when you dive into the details, some are much more comprehensive than others. For example, Endurance often protects electrical components that other providers won’t go near, with the option to add more high-tech parts if you’d like to. Make sure you compare contracts with a fine-tooth comb because you may find that one provider you’re considering doesn’t offer covered repairs anywhere near as much as you might have assumed at first glance.

When It Comes to Quality Coverage, The Only Way Is Endurance

While there’s certainly some tough competition in the extended warranty industry, Endurance comes out on top for pretty much every metric. It’s the reason we’re one of the longest-serving auto protection plan providers in the country, and it’s why you should get in touch.

To find out more about our plans, call an Endurance advisor at (800) 253-8203 or visit our eStore to see your price now. We also have an extended warranty blog with more articles like this one, so if you’d like to keep reading, make sure to head on over.