Extended Manufacturer Car Warranty
Ford, Volkswagen, and Toyota offer some of the best extended manufacturer car warranties.
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Key Points:
- Extended manufacturer car warranties cover out-of-pocket expenses for specific repairs.
- Manufacturer plans usually max out at 80,000 to 150,000 miles.
- Third-party warranties can offer more flexibility in coverage, cost, and mileage limits.
If you’re on the fence about what auto manufacturer to choose for your next vehicle, you might want to know which ones offer better coverage after the factory warranty expires. In this article, we’ll rank some of the best extended manufacturer car warranty plans. We’ll also recommend a few of our top picks for best extended car warranties from third-party providers.
An extended car warranty refers to mechanical breakdown coverage offered by a vehicle manufacturer. However, this term is often mistakenly used to describe coverage from third-party companies. Independent providers offer similar protection through vehicle service contracts, but we’ve used the terms interchangeably in this article for convenience.
Best Extended Manufacturer Car Warranty
Having compared extended warranties from over 30 vehicle manufacturers, we narrowed down five programs that offer great coverage. When they relate, you’ll see some of these warranties apply to multiple brands.
| Manufacturer | Extended Car Warranty Plan | Coverage Levels | Maximum Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford/Lincoln | Ford Protect/Lincoln Protect | 4 | 10 years or 175,000 miles |
| Volkswagen | Drive Easy | 3 | 10 years or 150,000 miles |
| Toyota | Vehicle Service Agreement | 3 | 10 years or 125,000 miles |
| Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram | Mopar Vehicle Protection | 2 to 4
(depending on the dealer) | 8 years or 125,000 to 150,000 miles
(depending on plan and dealer) |
| Hyundai | Hyundai Protection Plan | 3 | 10 years or 100,000 miles |
Best Extended Manufacturer Car Protection Plans
1. Ford Protect And Lincoln Protect
Where to buy: Through the dealership or online
When to buy: Before the factory warranty expires at 3 years/36,000 miles for Ford and at 4 years/50,000 miles for Lincoln
Repair network: Ford or Lincoln dealerships
Benefits: Roadside assistance, trip interruption reimbursement, rental car coverage
Lincoln is the luxury brand of Ford, so both companies offer similar extended protection plans. The protection plans are PremiumCare, ExtraCare, BaseCare, and PowertrainCare. The only difference is that Ford also offers electric vehicle versions of the first three plans for its EV models.
These plans can cover up to 10 years or 175,000 miles. This is the highest mileage of any extended manufacturer car warranty. Plans have multiple deductible options.
| Ford and Lincoln Plan | Extended Manufacturer Warranty Coverage |
|---|---|
| PremiumCare | This bumper-to-bumper plan covers over 1,000 components. |
| ExtraCare | This plan covers 113 components on most major systems of the vehicle. |
| BaseCare | This plan covers 84 components on crucial systems of the vehicle. |
| PowertrainCare | This plan covers 29 components related to the powertrain, which includes the engine, transmission, and drive axle. |
Read more: Ford extended warranty or Lincoln extended warranty
2. Volkswagen Drive Easy
Where to buy: Through a Volkswagen dealership
When to buy: Before or after the factory warranty expires
Repair network: Volkswagen dealers or other authorized service providers
Benefits: Towing and roadside assistance, trip interruption, and rental car coverage
For a car manufacturer, Volkswagen offers another notable extended warranty. You can get coverage for up to 10 years or 150,000 miles. This is quite a generous period compared to many other manufacturer extended warranties. Deductible options are $0, $100, or $250. You can also get a disappearing $100 deductible, which means you don’t pay anything if you visit the dealership that sold the plan.
| Volkswagen
Drive Easy Plan | Extended Manufacturer Warranty Coverage |
|---|---|
| Platinum | This bumper-to-bumper warranty covers nearly any mechanical breakdown. |
| Gold | This mid-level plan covers the powertrain plus the climate control, shocks, suspension, fuel system, and electrical system. |
| Powertrain | This basic plan covers the engine, transmission, drivetrain, and hybrid drive components. |
Read more: Volkswagen extended warranty
3. Toyota Vehicle Service Agreement
Where to buy: Toyota dealerships
When to buy: Purchase before 3 years/36,000 miles
Repair network: Toyota dealerships in the U.S. and Canada
Benefits: Trip interruption coverage, rental car reimbursement, roadside assistance
Toyota offers three Vehicle Service Agreements: Platinum, Gold, and Powertrain. The Platinum vehicle service contract can last up to 10 years or 125,000 miles, which is plenty of time for enjoying peace of mind that repairs are covered. Deductible options are $0 or $100 (or a $100 disappearing deductible).
| Toyota
Vehicle Service Contract | Extended Manufacturer Warranty Coverage |
|---|---|
| Platinum | This plan lasts up to 10 years/125,000 miles and covers almost any breakdown except for excluded items. |
| Gold | This mid-level plan can last up to 8 years/125,000 miles. It covers many systems like the A/C, brakes, and electronics. |
| Powertrain | This powertrain warranty covers the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. It can last up to 6 years/100,000 miles. |
4. Mopar Vehicle Protection (Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram)
Where to buy: Directly from dealerships or online in some cases
When to buy: Before the vehicle has 8 years/100,000 miles
Repair network: Any Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram dealership
Benefits: Rental car reimbursement, trip interruption, key fob replacement, and roadside assistance
Stellantis* owns Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, and Ram. Mopar® is the parts manufacturer for these brands and it also supplies extended vehicle protection plans. Plans are very similar for each brand, though there can be slight differences in the maximum mileage offered or the number of options. You might also find more options at your local Stellantis dealership.
Mopar plans also offer some benefits not seen from many other manufacturer warranty companies. This includes key fob replacement, which covers up to three replacements, and one day of a rental car for routine maintenance services.
| Mopar Vehicle Protection | Extended Manufacturer Warranty Coverage |
|---|---|
| Maximum Care | This plan is similar to a factory warranty and it covers almost any breakdown except for a list of exclusions. The maximum term is 8 years/125,000 miles. |
| Added Care Plus | This plan covers many systems including the engine, transmission, drivetrain, brakes, steering, electrical, air conditioning, and suspension. Added Care Plus can go from 5 years/60,000 miles to 8 years/150,000 miles. |
| Powertrain Care and Care Plus | While not advertised on Mopar’s main site, these two plans are different levels of powertrain coverage offered through some dealerships.
The basic Powertrain Care warranty covers about 300+ components, with Powertrain Care Plus covering 400+, all related to the powertrain plus a few more crucial systems. The basic warranty usually goes to 7 years/100,000 miles, while the Care Plus warranty can go up to 8 years/125,000 miles. |
*Mopar used to be under Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), which merged with the PSA Group in 2021 and was rebranded as Stellantis.
5. Hyundai Protection Plan
Where to buy: Hyundai dealership
When to buy: Before the new car bumper-to-bumper coverage expires at 5 years/60,000 miles
Repair network: Hyundai dealerships
Benefits: Rental car coverage, trip interruption, and roadside assistance
Hyundai has one of the best factory warranty plans, so it makes sense that it has a great extended warranty, too. Hyundai has three Protection Plan options: Platinum, Gold, and Powertrain. All can last up to 10 years/120,000 miles.
You might be familiar with Hyundai’s factory powertrain warranty, which already lasts 100,000 miles. So why have an extended powertrain plan that only stretches on for another 20,000 miles? Well, the factory warranty only applies to original owners. Secondary car owners get 60,000 miles of powertrain coverage, making an extended warranty from Hyundai a more attractive addition.
| Hyundai
Protection Plan | Extended Manufacturer Warranty Coverage |
|---|---|
| Platinum | This comprehensive extended auto warranty covers nearly any mechanical breakdown. |
| Gold | In addition to the powertrain, this plan covers the electrical system, fuel system, and more. |
| Powertrain | This basic plan covers the engine, transmission, and drive axle. |
Read more: Hyundai extended warranty
How A Manufacturer Extended Car Warranty Works
An extended warranty is an optional plan that covers specific car repairs outlined in a contract. Most manufacturers offer extended warranties to replace the free factory warranty once expired.
The highest level of an extended warranty is a bumper-to-bumper plan, which may be identical or very similar to the car’s original factory warranty. As you saw in the sections above, companies also offer more coverage options like mid-level and powertrain plans.
Powertrain plans are seen in the warranty industry as the lowest form of coverage, but they cover the most important components in a car–such as the engine, transmission, and drive axles. These car parts are also often the most expensive to fix. Powertrain warranties are more budget-friendly options compared to bumper-to-bumper warranties.
Some auto manufacturers require you to buy coverage at the time of vehicle purchase. These companies didn’t make our list of recommendations because they don’t give you much time to shop around.
Exclusionary Vs. Stated-Component
Bumper-to-bumper extended warranties are also called exclusionary plans. This is because they cover any breakdown except for a list of exclusions outlined in the contract. Essentially, if you don’t see a car part in your contract listed, you can consider it likely covered.
All other plans are called stated-component warranties. Mid-level and powertrain plans fall into this category because they only cover the exact parts written down in the contract.
Manufacturer Extended Car Warranty Exclusions
No matter how comprehensive an extended warranty is, it won’t cover everything. Extended warranty plans are designed to cover breakdowns as a result of defects in materials or workmanship. That means they don’t cover parts that are expected to wear out over time, like brake pads or filters.
Here are a few more things extended warranties don’t cover:
- Regular maintenance services
- Damage from a lack of maintenance
- Cosmetic damage, trim, upholstery, or glass
- Accident or environmental damages (auto insurance covers this)
- Issues from odometer tampering or specially-made alterations
- Damages from misuse, like off-roading or street racing
- Unauthorized repairs
Manufacturer Vs. Third-Party Providers
Third-party extended car warranty companies offer similar coverage to manufacturers, but there are some differences. For example, the company that is responsible for covering repairs is now a third-party administrator, not the manufacturer.
That said, many automotive manufacturers actually offer plans that are backed by third-party administrators. Safe-Guard Products International is an administrator for a few different manufacturer extended warranty plans like the GMC and Cadillac warranties.
Here are a few more differences between third-party providers and manufacturer extended warranties:
| Manufacturer | Third-Party | |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Time | Usually before the factory bumper-to-bumper warranty expires | Before or after the factory warranty has expired |
| Repair Network | Car brand dealerships in most cases | Any licensed repair facility
(including dealerships) |
| Maximum Mileage Limit | 80,000 to 150,000 on average | 150,000 to 300,000 on average |
| Benefits | Rental car, trip interruption, and roadside assistance are standard | Rental car, trip interruption, and roadside assistance are standard |
Extended Car Warranty Cost
In general, manufacturer extended car warranties are more expensive than third-party plans when you compare the same type of coverage and terms. Typically, you’ll have to get free quotes from dealerships directly to see what a warranty would cost. You can also find different rates between different dealership locations. Some automakers like Ford sell plans online, which is convenient.
Cost isn’t the only factor to consider. Manufacturer coverage plans may include other perks you wouldn’t find at a third-party company, like concierge services or loaner cars for scheduled maintenance appointments.
Third-Party Warranty Costs
Third-party extended warranties cost an average of $977 per year of coverage according to quotes we received. Monthly payments average $109 per month, so there’s a huge range. Below, you can see the costs for different plan types. You can use these to see if a vehicle manufacturer plan is worth it compared to other options.
| Plan Type | Average Cost per Year of Coverage |
|---|---|
| Exclusionary | $1,005 |
| Mid-level | $937 |
| Powertrain | $953 |
Is An Extended Warranty Worth It?
To see if an extended warranty coverage is worth it, consider your car’s expected repair costs over the next few years. You can use resources like RepairPal or Edmunds to see average annual repairs for your model.
A warranty can be worth it if you don’t have money set aside for expensive repair bills or you want a warranty provider to handle covered repairs. That said, a warranty might not be worth it if you have a sizable savings account and can cover repairs yourself.
Manufacturer Extended Car Warranty: Our Take
At the end of the day, it’s a good idea to shop around and compare manufacturer plans with third-party companies. To make sure you’re comparing apples to apples, try to find the same level of coverage across different providers.
Best Third-Party Extended Warranty Companies
There are dozens of third-party providers on the market, but a few rise above the rest. Our team reviewed extended warranty companies for their reputations, coverage, cost, transparency, and customer service. Our top recommendations are Endurance, Olive®, and CarShield.
Endurance: Best Overall
Endurance offers some of the best coverage options on the market. You can choose from six plans that include bumper-to-bumper to powertrain coverage. Its Advantage™ plan adds regular maintenance into the mix and covers oil changes, brake pads, and cooling system services. Endurance offers plans in all states including California where its plans are called mechanical breakdown car insurance. Since it covers up to 250,000 miles, Endurance is a good option for used vehicle plans.
Olive: Best Online Process
Olive is the best car warranty company for digital natives. The company is only a few years old but it has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and is known for its customer service. Olive stands out for having a great online experience where you can easily compare the fine print of different plans and purchase an aftermarket warranty.
CarShield: Best Monthly Payments
CarShield is the most popular warranty provider with a rating of 4.1 from over 44,000 reviews on Trustpilot. Carshield pays the repair shop directly and offers multiple plans including an option for electric vehicles. CarShield is a good option for used cars with high mileage because it can cover up to 300,000 miles.
Manufacturer Extended Warranty: FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions about manufacturer extended warranties.
Are car manufacturer extended warranties worth it?
If you consider the cost of repairs and compare that to the warranty cost, car manufacturer extended warranties are worth it. Some brands are known for higher repair costs while others are known for better reliability.
Can you buy an extended warranty from a manufacturer?
Yes, car manufacturers offer extended warranties. In most cases, you have to buy a plan before the factory warranty expires. More rare is when you have to buy it at the time of vehicle purchase.
Who has the best extended car warranty?
Endurance is our pick for the best extended car warranty company. Endurance offers six levels of coverage plus extra benefits like key fob replacement. With its Advantage plan, it can also cover maintenance services like oil changes.
What is the difference between an extended warranty and a manufacturer warranty?
A manufacturer warranty comes with a new vehicle automatically. It covers repairs at no cost to the customer. An extended warranty can cover similar repairs but it’s an optional plan that comes at an additional cost.
How We Rate Car Warranty Companies
Our review team extensively researches extended car warranty providers to deliver informed and unbiased assessments of leading companies. We evaluate several key rating factors that are important to consumers to determine which providers are the best in the industry:
- Reliability: Warranty providers that earn strong ratings from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), work with reliable partners and administrators, and have a long history in the warranty industry score well in this category.
- Coverage Plans: We take a close look at the coverage plans available through each provider, including how many are offered, maximum term limits, plan exclusions, and more. We also evaluate the added benefits companies include with their warranty plans, such as roadside assistance and trip interruption benefits.
- Pricing: Our team performs a secret shopper analysis for a variety of vehicles and coverage plans to get a sense of a provider’s average costs. We see how each company’s pricing, deductible options, and discount opportunities compare to competitors when determining this score.
- Transparency: We evaluate the availability and transparency of each company’s contracts, as well as whether each provider offers a money-back guarantee.
- Customer Experience: We consider customer reviews and complaints from sites like the BBB and Trustpilot. Our team also reaches out to customer service reps during our secret shopper analysis to get a sense of the customer experience with each company.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
