Endurance has been in the extended car warranty space since 2006 and, unlike 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-bumper, with options for high-mileage vehicles and benefits that cover routine maintenance, such as oil changes and brake pad replacements.
Quality costs, however, and 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 replacement, roadside assistance and 30-day cancellation policy. Advantage plan covers maintenance, which 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 California, policies 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 change, brake 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 Massachusetts, with a 30-day money-back guarantee for all its plans.
SecurePlus: Geared toward older vehicles, this plan covers your engine, transmission, brakes, steering, drive axle and A/C.
Superior: All the components under the Secure Plus plan are covered, with the addition of your suspension, cooling and fuel systems.
Supreme: The most comprehensive plan, Supreme is closest to a manufacturer's warranty. It covers all systems in the Secure Plus and Superior plans, and 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 engine, transmission and drive axle.
Advantage: Mechanical breakdown protection, plus 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 assistance, rental car reimbursement, trip 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 hazards, key fob replacement and a collision discount of $500 per accident.
Similar to an extended car warranty, mechanical 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 upfront, annually or monthly.
Extended warranties are also more likely to include roadside assistance, while 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 plans, Standard, Premium and Elite Plus.
Endurance requirements
You'll need detailed information on the make and model of your car to apply, the 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 vehicles, which 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 providers, Endurance is a direct provider and not a broker. So, it 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 shop, it will obtain Endurance's authorization and begin work on the vehicle. Endurance makes payments directly to the garage, minus any deductible you owe
Deductibles
There is a standard $100 deductible for most repairs, but 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 miles, whichever comes first.
Endurance offers a variety of discounts, including for paying in full up front, for being a first-time caller, a senior, military 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 plans, all with a 30-day money-back guarantee, towing, rental car reimbursement and trip interruption benefits. Contracts administered by Allegiance, American 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 Washington, D.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 CarChex, Endurance comes out on top: It issues plans directly to the consumer, while CarChex serves as a broker for American Auto Shield, Allegiance, Assurant and others. That means CarChex has more choices, but it can make claims and customer service more confusing.
Endurance covers cars as old as 20 years with no mileage restrictions, compared to CarChex's 10-year, 250,000-mile caps.
Both companies offer roadside assistance and rental car coverage. But Endurance offers Elite benefits for the first year of coverage, including key fob replacement and repairs for high-end electronics.
Endurance vs. CarShield
CarShield Extended Car Warranty
Policy highlights
CarShield offers seven warranties, including bumper-to-bumper, powertrain, electrical systems, motorcycles 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?
Yes, any 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 coverage, bumper-to-bumper plans and a maintenance-inclusive tier, Endurance Advantage. CarShield provides 4 standard tiers, plus options for high-tech car systems, motorcycles, ATVs and EVs.
Like CarChex, CarShield is a broker. It sells plans from American Auto Shield and Interstate National Dealer Services, which have the final say on approving claims.
CarShield may be a better option if you have a vintage ride, though. While Endurance hits the brakes on cars over 20 years old, CarShield 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 car, including the make, model and the vehicle ID number (VIN)
You can also call the sales line at 800-506-4640, and 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 mileage, Endurance is a good option for an extended car warranty. It has a wide variety of plans, few restrictions for vehicles up to 20 years old and no mileage cap.
By administering its own contracts and claims, Endurance has a competitive advantage. For many customers, that 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. But, depending on your coverage and options, deductibles 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 days, you will get a full refund. If you're past the 30 days, you must submit a request in writing and you'll receive a prorated refund, minus 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 assistance, which is part of its Elite benefits provided to all members for free in the first year of coverage. If you have a covered breakdown repair, Eudurance will reimburse you for expenses to rent a car: The daily maximum is $30, and the overall maximum is $150 per breakdown.
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