Endurance has been in the extended car warranty space since 2006 andunlike most providers it administers its own contracts. That makes it a lot easier to file claims and get questions answered.
It also earned Endurance a spot on CNBC Select's list of the best extended car warranties.
The company's six plans range from bare-bones to bumper-to-bumperwith options for high-mileage vehicles and benefits that cover routine maintenancesuch as oil changes and brake pad replacements.
Quality costshoweverand we found Endurance's rates were somewhat higher than many competitors.
Endurance Extended Car Warranty
Policy highlights
Six tiers of coverage with no mileage restrictions. Benefits include coverage for tire and windshield (from road hazards)key fob replacementroadside assistance and 30-day cancellation policy. Advantage plan covers maintenancewhich is typically excluded.
Eligibility
Up to 20 years old with no mileage cap
Coverage terms
Covers up to 8 years or 200,000 miles
Choose your garage?
Yes
Availability
Endurance offers car warranties in all U.S. states except Massachusetts. In Californiapolicies are sold as mechanical breakdown insurance.
Pros
- No mileage cap for approval
- Administers its own plans and claims
- Covers tire damage from road hazards
- Advantage plan includes maintenance (oil changebrake pad replacements)
- Plans are transferable if you sell your vehicle.
Cons
- Higher premiums than some competitors
Endurance extended car warranty review
Shop for an extended car warranty
Endurance pros and cons
Key benefits and drawbacks.
Pros
- No mileage maximum
- Can go to any ASE-licensed mechanic or dealership for repairs
- Direct-to-consumer company that processes its own claims
- Policies are transferable if you sell the vehicle while it's still covered
Cons
- Premiums are higher than some competitors.
- Some customers report difficulties with denied claims
Endurance plans
Endurance offers vehicle protection in all U.S. states except Massachusettswith a 30-day money-back guarantee for all its plans.
SecurePlus: Geared toward older vehiclesthis plan covers your enginetransmissionbrakessteeringdrive axle and A/C.
Superior: All the components under the Secure Plus plan are coveredwith the addition of your suspensioncooling and fuel systems.
Supreme: The most comprehensive planSupreme is closest to a manufacturer's warranty. It covers all systems in the Secure Plus and Superior plansand adds seals and gaskets. The Supreme for Highline plan covers luxury vehicles with less than 80,000 miles and under 8 years old.
Secure: Budget-friendly powertrain coverage.
Premier: A plan for high-mileage autos (up to 150,000 miles) that covers the enginetransmission and drive axle.
Advantage: Mechanical breakdown protectionplus coverage for routine maintenance and one-time brake pad and battery replacement.
- Advantage Preferred: Comprehensive plan for vehicles up to 10 years old with up to 150,000 miles.
- Advantage Plus: High-level stated component contract that covers many parts of most systems of the vehicle. Cars up to 15 years old with up to 200,000 miles are eligible.
- Advantage Prime: Stated component contract that covers critical systems. Vehicles up to 20 years old are eligible with no mileage restriction.
All plans come with 24/7 roadside assistancerental car reimbursementtrip interruption coverage and a year of Endurance Elite benefits.
Endurance Elite benefits
Endurance Elite Benefits are free for one year. Primary features include tire repair or replacement due to road hazards$500 toward windshield repair or replacement due to road hazardskey fob replacement and a collision discount of $500 per accident.
Similar to an extended car warrantymechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) covers unexpected mechanical or electrical issues that occur after your manufacturer's warranty has expired.
The primary difference is that MBI is typically available as an add-on to your car insurance policy and paid as part of your premiums. Extended warranties can be paid for upfrontannually or monthly.
Extended warranties are also more likely to include roadside assistancewhile MBI is more likely to allow the policyholder to choose their own garage.
Due to California's unique insurance requirements, Endurance offers mechanical breakdown insurance instead of an extended car warranty in the state. There are three plansStandardPremium and Elite Plus.
Endurance requirements
You'll need detailed information on the make and model of your car to applythe vehicle ID number (or VIN) and the current mileage.
Age and mileage limits
Vehicles must be less than 20 years old but there's no maximum mileage cap for vehicleswhich is unusual for extended auto warranties.
Waiting period
Extended warranty companies impose waiting periods to ensure your vehicle is in good working order. It also gives you a chance to cancel your policy. Endurance requires a 30-day waiting period and an additional 1,000 miles on the vehicle before the warranty takes effect.
Claims process
Unlike most providersEndurance is a direct provider and not a broker. Soit handles claims itself and policyholders can get repairs done at one of more than 3,500 garages and dealerships affiliated with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
After you present your information to the repair shopit will obtain Endurance's authorization and begin work on the vehicle. Endurance makes payments directly to the garageminus any deductible you owe
Deductibles
There is a standard $100 deductible for most repairsbut Endurance also offers deductibles of $0$50 and $200 on some plans.
How much does Endurance cost?
We requested a price quote from Endurance for a 2021 Ford Escape with 50,000 miles. Supreme coverage was $126 a month for 24 months (or $3,024) for four years or 54,000 additional mileswhichever comes first.
Endurance offers a variety of discountsincluding for paying in full up frontfor being a first-time caller, a seniormilitary personnel or government employee. Contact Endurance and ask about available discounts and offers when you request a quote
How does Endurance compare?
Here's how Endurance stacks up against two leaders in the extended car warranty space.
Endurance vs. CarChex
Carchex Extended Car Warranty
Policy highlights
Five plansall with a 30-day money-back guaranteetowingrental car reimbursement and trip interruption benefits. Contracts administered by AllegianceAmerican Auto Shield and others
Eligibility
Up to 20 years old or 250,000 miles
Coverage terms
Up to 10 years or 250,000 miles.
Choose your garage?
Yes.
Availability
CarChex plans are available in all 50 U.S. states and WashingtonD.C.
Pros
- Outstanding industry reputation
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Positive customer reviews
- Rental car benefits include rideshare services
Cons
- No RV or motorcycle coverage
In a head-to-head with CarChexEndurance comes out on top: It issues plans directly to the consumerwhile CarChex serves as a broker for American Auto ShieldAllegianceAssurant and others. That means CarChex has more choicesbut it can make claims and customer service more confusing.
Endurance covers cars as old as 20 years with no mileage restrictionscompared to CarChex's 10-year250,000-mile caps.
Both companies offer roadside assistance and rental car coverage. But Endurance offers Elite benefits for the first year of coverageincluding key fob replacement and repairs for high-end electronics.
Endurance vs. CarShield
CarShield Extended Car Warranty
Policy highlights
CarShield offers seven warrantiesincluding bumper-to-bumperpowertrainelectrical systemsmotorcycles and EVs. Contracts are administered by American Auto Shield.
Eligibility
Up to 300,000 miles with no age limit
Coverage terms
Not disclosed
Choose your garage?
Yesany certified National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence shop.
Availability
CarShield coverage is available in all U.S. states except California.
Pros
- Wide range of plans
- Affordable rates
- No age restriction for acceptance
Cons
- Not available in California
- Not all plans are transferable
- $10 million settlement with the FTC over deceptive advertising practices
Endurance offers more flexibility than CarShield, with a range of options that include simple powertrain coveragebumper-to-bumper plans and a maintenance-inclusive tierEndurance Advantage. CarShield provides 4 standard tiersplus options for high-tech car systemsmotorcyclesATVs and EVs.
Like CarChexCarShield is a broker. It sells plans from American Auto Shield and Interstate National Dealer Serviceswhich have the final say on approving claims.
CarShield may be a better option if you have a vintage ridethough. While Endurance hits the brakes on cars over 20 years oldCarShield approves vehicles up to 25 years old.
How do I buy an Endurance extended car warranty?
You can buy a plan from Endurance online by entering basic information about your carincluding the makemodel and the vehicle ID number (VIN)
You can also call the sales line at 800-506-4640and a service agent will explain the available coverage options for your vehicle.
Is Endurance right for me?
If you have an older car with higher mileageEndurance is a good option for an extended car warranty. It has a wide variety of plansfew restrictions for vehicles up to 20 years old and no mileage cap.
By administering its own contracts and claimsEndurance has a competitive advantage. For many customersthat more than outweighs higher-than-average rates.
Endurance FAQs
Does Endurance have a deductible?
Endurance has a standard deductible of $100 that must be paid out of pocket before any repairs. Butdepending on your coverage and optionsdeductibles can range from $0 to $200
How do I cancel my Endurance extended car warranty?
You can call Endurance's customer line to cancel. If you're within the first 30 daysyou will get a full refund. If you're past the 30 daysyou must submit a request in writing and you'll receive a prorated refundminus administration costs and any claims already paid.
Does Endurance provide a rental car during repairs?
All Endurance plans include rental car coverage as part of roadside assistancewhich is part of its Elite benefits provided to all members for free in the first year of coverage. If you have a covered breakdown repairEudurance will reimburse you for expenses to rent a car: The daily maximum is $30and the overall maximum is $150 per breakdown.
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