Best Used Car Warranty Companies

A warranty on a used car costs anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on factors like the car's condition and mileage. In general, used car warranties cost more than regular extended warranties because used cars have more miles than new cars and are more likely to experience mechanical problems.

A used car warranty pays for repairs to a car's major systems if they break down. In most cases, used cars only qualify for extended warranties that cover the vehicle's basic components, like the engine and transmission, rather than all of the parts and systems. But coverage options usually depend on the car's mileage. Some extended warranty providers will cover vehicles with as many as 250,000 miles, while others have lower mileage caps.

When you're shopping for a used car warranty, you should get quotes from multiple companies in order to make sure that you're getting the best deal. If you're struggling to find an affordable plan, you should see if your car insurance company offers mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI), which provides similar coverage to an extended warranty but only costs an average of $100 per year. However, keep in mind that you may not be able to purchase MBI if your car is too old or has too many miles. 

To learn more, check out WalletHub's guide to the best used car warranties. 

A used car warranty covers the cost of repairing or replacing the vehicle's major mechanical parts and systems. Used car warranty companies usually offer a range of plans, and the most basic plans cover everything that moves the vehicle, such as the engine and transmission. Broader warranties called bumper-to-bumper warranties often cover all of the vehicle's major systems, including electrical components, heating and cooling, safety features, high-tech parts, and hybrid batteries.

A used car warranty is a type of extended warranty that can keep drivers from paying for expensive repairs out of pocket after the manufacturer's warranty has expired. Each warranty provider has its own rules on which vehicles qualify for coverage, but some providers even offer options for high-mileage cars.

To learn more, check out WalletHub's guide to the best used car warranties.

Yes, you can get a warranty on a used car after purchasing the vehicle if you get the warranty from a third-party extended warranty company. Extended warranty companies like Carchex, Toco Warranty, and autopom! offer used car warranties for previously purchased cars that meet age and mileage eligibility requirements. On the other hand, most dealerships only sell used car warranties on the day you buy the vehicle.

Used car warranties from third-party companies are a way to get coverage if your vehicle's original factory warranty has expired. However, it's important to note that used car warranties are not worth their cost for most drivers, especially when compared to alternatives like mechanical breakdown insurance.

To learn more, check out WalletHub's complete guide to the best used car warranty companies.

No, it is not worth buying a warranty on a used car in most cases. It's only worth buying an extended warranty for a used car if the vehicle is particularly unreliable and the owner cannot afford to pay out of pocket for expensive repairs. For drivers with reliable cars and the ability to pay for repairs, used car warranties generally do not provide much value compared to the expense.

Car warranties, also known as vehicle service contracts, are plans designed to pay for repairs to a car's major parts and systems. However, used car warranties usually require costly up-front or monthly payments to keep you from paying for repairs that you may never need. For instance, most drivers end up paying more for the warranty than they receive in claim payouts.

On the other hand, an extended warranty might be worth it for you if you're worried about the possibility of unaffordable car problems. But in most cases, it's better to save the money you'd spend on a used car warranty and then use it to cover any repair expenses that arise.

Yes, you need insurance before you buy a used car from a dealership, or else you will not be allowed to drive it off the lot. You technically don't have to show proof of insurance if you're purchasing the car outright from a private seller, but you would be risking serious consequences if you choose to drive uninsured.

If you already have car insurance, your insurer likely has a grace period during which your newly purchased used car will be covered, which gives you time to officially add the vehicle to your policy. This grace period typically ranges from 7 to 10 days, so check your state's laws and insurer's rules in order to make sure you're following the guidelines.

If you don't have an existing policy, you should get quotes prior to purchasing your car. Even without a specific vehicle identification number (VIN), you can give your personal information to an insurance agent and then officially activate your policy once you know the car's details. However, if you're buying the car on the weekend when most insurance offices are closed, you will have to either wait to drive your new car or purchase the policy online while you're at the dealership.

You do not need full coverage insurance on a used car unless the vehicle is leased or financed. Even though no state requires full coverage insurance, is still recommended for a used car if you cannot afford to repair or replace the car after an accident or other unexpected event. Full coverage is not an official type of insurance, but it usually refers to a policy that includes collision and comprehensive coverage in addition to the state's minimum required car insurance.

When deciding if you should buy full coverage insurance for a used car, consider the car's value, your savings, and where you live. For example, dropping full coverage could be worth it if you have an emergency fund that could comfortably cover the cost of repairs or a new car. But even if you could cover the loss yourself, it's wise to keep full coverage if your car is particularly valuable or you are especially likely to file a collision or comprehensive claim.

A general rule of thumb is to drop full coverage when the combined collision and comprehensive premium equals 10% of your car's value. But a lot depends on your own financial situation and vehicle.

An extended car warranty costs around $1,500. The exact cost of an extended car warranty depends on several factors, including the condition of the car, the car's mileage, and the amount of coverage included in the warranty.

Factors That Affect Extended Car Warranty Cost

An extended car warranty pays for repairs to a car's major systems if they malfunction. If you drive an older car or a car with higher mileage, your warranty will be more expensive because your car is more likely to experience mechanical problems. Similarly, the more coverage that you include in your warranty, the more you're going to pay.

How to Shop for an Extended Car Warranty

If you want to purchase an extended warranty for your car, you should get quotes from multiple sources in order to find the best price. You can purchase an extended warranty from your car's manufacturer or a third-party company, and the pricing is generally the same between the two. However, customer satisfaction tends to be higher for warranties from the manufacturer.

Many insurance companies also offer an alternative to extended warranties called mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI). MBI provides similar coverage and only costs about $100 per year.

Extended car warranties are worth it if a driver doesn't carry sufficient savings to pay for vehicle system repairs or is worried about their car's reliability. But for most drivers, extended car warranties go unused, so the potential benefits are not enough to justify the upfront cost.

When An Extended Car Warranty Is Worth It  

A good time to consider the value of an extended warranty is when the manufacturer's warranty on your vehicle has expired or will expire soon. This typically happens after three years or 36,000 miles, depending on which comes first. If you plan on keeping your car beyond the manufacturer warranty's expiration, then purchasing an extended warranty might give you peace of mind moving forward.

An extended warranty might also be worth it if you're concerned about your ability to pay for major mechanical repairs in the future. Car repairs cost about $400 on average, which is less than the $1,500 average for an extended warranty. On the other hand, the least common and most catastrophic mechanical failures can often cost several thousands of dollars to repair.

If your car isn't very reliable and you're not in the financial position to risk either paying for repairs or replacing the car yourself, it might be worth it to pay a higher upfront cost for protection through an extended warranty.

When An Extended Car Warranty Isn't Worth It

• Your car is reliable
• Your car is not worth very much
• Your car is still covered by the manufacturer's warranty
• You have a large enough emergency fund to pay for major vehicle repairs

Bear in mind that you don't have to purchase an extended warranty when you buy your car. It's likely a smart move for you to wait until the manufacturer's warranty is about to expire to evaluate your situation and determine whether you want to pay for an extended warranty. To learn more, check out WalletHub's guide to the best extended car warranties.

You need proof of car insurance before you can drive a newly-purchased used car off the lot, if you're buying from a dealership. If you're planning to add the used car to an existing insurance policy, your vehicle may be covered for as long as 30 days, depending on your insurer. And if you're purchasing the car from a private seller, you may not be required to show proof of insurance at all.

Company & State Rules for Used Car Grace Periods

The grace period for adding a new car to an insurance policy varies by insurer. Some companies, like Nationwide, provide a grace period of 10 days, while Progressive, Geico, and Farmers provide a grace period of 30 days. In most cases, your policy term will transfer to a new vehicle, so you won't have to start over with a new six-month or one-year policy. 

Before purchasing a used car, make sure you contact your insurance company so that you understand their grace period. If you miss a deadline, you could end up unintentionally driving without insurance, which could result in stiff penalties.

However, it's important to recognize that not all state laws allow this grace period for used car purchases and car insurance. Some states, like New York, do not allow any grace period for car insurance.

Checking your state laws and insurance company rules before purchasing a used car will help you better understand the regulations that apply to your particular case.

Bumper-to-bumper insurance is actually a warranty purchased from the car manufacturer and not a form of auto insurance. Bumper-to-bumper coverage usually pays for mechanical or equipment breakdowns, defects or issues with certain car parts, and labor costs. Car insurance, on the other hand, covers injuries and property damage resulting from car accidents and can protect you against vehicle damage caused by theft, vandalism, natural disasters, wildlife, and more.

What bumper-to-bumper insurance covers

New cars typically come with two factory warranties: a bumper-to-bumper warranty and a powertrain warranty. A powertrain warranty covers the car's engine, transmission, and driveshaft. A bumper-to-bumper warranty covers everything on the vehicle not covered by powertrain, like electronics and air conditioning, with a few notable exceptions.

A bumper-to-bumper warranty does NOT cover:

• Wear items, like tires, brakes, and windshield wipers
• Routine maintenance, like oil changes and tire rotations
• Bodywork, interior trim, or glass
• Aftermarket accessories, such as stereo or engine modifications

Bumper-to-bumper factory warranties are usually good for at least three years or 36,000 miles. If you want longer coverage, you can purchase an extended warranty from the dealership or an outside company when the factory warranty expires. You can also buy extended warranties for used cars.

In most cases, extended warranties are not a wise investment. You would be better off putting that money in an emergency fund for repairs. One reason is that regular maintenance is necessary to guarantee automotive warranties won't be voided. That means the coverage you pay for could easily vanish due to an oversight before you actually get to use it. As a result, you should always do some research and carefully examine what is covered before paying for a car warranty.