Owning a vehicle provides a sense of freedom and independence, allowing you to travel where and when you want without relying on public transportation or rideshare services. To maintain that freedom, it’s essential for car owners to take proper care of their vehicles. Regular maintenance is the key to ensuring your car stays reliable for years to come.

One of the most important maintenance tasks is routine oil changes, which should be performed every three months or 3,000 miles. Beyond oil changes, several other components also require regular attention to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Air filters, tire rotations, and fluid levels all need periodic maintenance and replacement throughout your car’s lifespan.

If you’re wondering how to minimize repair and maintenance costs, staying on top of routine care is the best strategy. Additionally, if you’re considering purchasing a new or used vehicle — or if your manufacturer’s warranty is about to expire — an extended warranty can provide extra protection against unexpected repairs, helping you avoid costly surprises.

Types of Warranties

An extended car warranty, also referred to as a vehicle service contract (VSC) when issued by a third-party provider, is a contract where your car will be covered from unexpected repairs and breakdowns that fall outside your auto insurance coverage. While extended warranties can come in all different shapes and sizes, the most common types of warranties are:

• Factory warranty
• Powertrain
• Bumper-to-bumper
• Corrosion coverage
• Emissions warranty

Factory Warranty

A factory warranty is provided when you purchase a vehicle from a dealership. This type of warranty states that your car will be covered for any necessary parts and labor in case of a malfunction stemming from a manufacturer defect, such as in the materials used or the craftsmanship. This coverage will also include any components that may have suffered wear and tear.

While this type of coverage is suitable if you buy a new vehicle, used and older vehicles may lack factory warranty coverage based on the initial warranty. That’s because many factory warranties typically last between three years or 36,000 miles on the car, not just the total amount of miles you have driven after your purchase.

For example, purchasing a used vehicle with 26,000 miles on a 36,000-mile factory warranty will only cover the first 10,000 miles you drive. The same is true for a vehicle’s age, as a four-year-old used vehicle with only 15,000 miles will still be past the initial three-year warranty.

Powertrain Warranty

A powertrain warranty is one of the most well-known types of warranty available. It covers all engine and transmission parts for at least three or five years after the purchase date.

Although not as inclusive as a factory warranty, a powertrain warranty can help with repairs and preventive maintenance costs. It also covers you if your vehicle is stolen or damaged in an accident. Many dealerships may include this horsepower of protection when selling their vehicles, but they will usually charge extra.

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty

This type of warranty covers all mechanical and electrical components for three to five years after the purchase date. It also includes tires, glass, body panels, accessories like stereos, and other parts ― from the rear bumper to the front bumper. This is typically a good choice for second-hand cars, as it can cover you if your vehicle was damaged before purchase.

Corrosion Coverage

This type of warranty will cover rust and corrosion damage for the lifetime of your vehicle. It typically includes chrome trim, exterior molding, wheels, grilles, and fenders. However, it is important to note that this type of coverage may not include body panels or undercarriage.

Emissions Warranty

An emissions warranty covers all the required components if your engine has been damaged due to normal wear and tear after 90 days or 3,000 miles. It also covers any repairs needed for vehicles with their catalytic converter removed. This can include anything from the engine to the transmission or air conditioning.

The Companies: Endurance vs. CarShield

While Endurance, CarShield, CARCHEX, and other third-party auto protection providers can offer you some form of coverage, not all plans will be equal. That’s why learning more about each provider and their plans can help you find the best coverage possible for your vehicle.

About Endurance Warranty

Since 2006, car owners nationwide have driven with confidence thanks to Endurance Warranty’s comprehensive and affordable vehicle protection plans, designed to fit various needs and budgets. With multiple levels of coverage, we ensure that drivers of all makes and models can enjoy award-winning protection and peace of mind.

Endurance covers vehicles and driving situations that many providers don’t, including Canadian Grey Market vehicles, select high-end luxury cars, and commercially used vehicles such as those for rideshare and delivery services. Even high-mileage vehicles with 200,000 miles or more, cars up to 20 years old, and those with salvage or rebuilt titles may qualify for coverage.

Deductibles for Endurance warranty contracts range from $0 to $200, depending on the specific plan. The only exception is the Highline luxury vehicle plan, which has a $500 deductible due to its coverage of high-cost parts.

Beyond coverage, every Endurance contract includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, along with complimentary 24/7 roadside assistance, trip interruption benefits, and rental car reimbursement. You can take your vehicle to any certified auto repair facility or ASE-certified mechanic for service. Plus, Endurance customers receive a full year of Elite Benefits, which include tire repair or replacement, $500 in collision discounts, key fob replacement, and $1,000 in total loss protection — a $2,000 value that only requires a small activation fee.*

Additionally, the exclusive Endurance Mobile app gives you instant access to your plan details and benefits. And if you’re planning to sell your car, no problem! Since Endurance is the direct provider for most plans, coverage is transferable to a new owner, adding extra value to your vehicle.

Endurance Customer Reviews

Working with our award-winning sales and customer service teams is easy. We’re here to guide you through every step of your vehicle protection journey, from your initial quote to any covered claims. Best of all, with Endurance, you know you’re not dealing with a scam warranty company.

See why customers have left hundreds of 4 and 5-star reviews on trusted sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google, Trustpilot, and more. While we are not BBB accredited, we maintain an A- consumer rating based on over 4,600 customer reviews. Similarly, on Consumer Affairs, Endurance has received over 14,500 reviews and holds a strong 4.6 out of 5-star rating. These ratings are as of February 25, 2025.

Here are a few testimonials from Endurance customers from across the web:

Nathaniel B., on Google, shared: “I don’t know about other extended warranties, but what I will say about Endurance Warranty when they tell you something when you sign up that exactly what you get. My air condition compressor went out in my 450 GLS Mercedes. No problem, it was so simple… The guy at the Mercedes-Benz Business took my car in and did everything else. I didn’t have to call Endurance. If I had to recommend an extended warranty program it would be Endurance.”

Linda A. also commented: “I have had several questions since first contacting Endurance and have received great customer care. I feel that I am making the best choice for my needs with this company.”

About CarShield

As one of the most well-known providers of extended auto warranties, CarShield was founded in 2005 and specializes in “shielding members from the high cost of automobile repairs.” Unlike Endurance, CarShield is a vehicle service contract broker, meaning that it is not a direct administrator of its warranty plans, and customers must go through American Auto Shield as the provider of their contracts. Despite this, it is still a popular choice for car owners, covering over 2 million vehicles in its 20 years of business.

Similar to Endurance, CarShield offers benefits with its warranty plans, including roadside assistance, rental car coverage, and trip interruption costs. They also will cover salvage title vehicles and those used for rideshare and delivery services, though surcharges may apply. Also, similar to Endurance, CarShield has varying deductibles depending on the contract, where customers can choose between paying $0 to $200 for each claim.

CarShield Customer Reviews

On customer review websites like the Better Business Bureau, CarShield does not have the highest customer rating, though it is BBB accredited. The company holds a 2.33 out of 5-star rating with over 3,000 complaints filed in the past three years on the BBB website. On Consumer Affairs, CarShield has an average rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars; however, there are over 2,400 one-star reviews from consumers. These ratings are as of February 25, 2025.

The Plans: CarShield vs. Endurance

Like other prominent vehicle protection plans or extended warranty providers, Endurance and CarShield can provide you with various coverages. Before making any purchase, you must do your due diligence and research all the available coverage options and how they can help you. Here is a brief summary of the different auto protection plans offered by Endurance and CarShield, which you can use to start your research:

Endurance Vehicle Protection Plans

Supreme

The Supreme plan is an exclusionary coverage plan, meaning it’ll cover every part of your vehicle besides a small list of exclusions. This helps give you near bumper-to-bumper coverage for your vehicle from sudden breakdowns. If you are looking for a plan that closely resembles manufacturer standards or if you rely heavily on your vehicle, this is the plan for you.

Supreme for Highline Vehicles

Luxury vehicles come with plenty of perks, but they are some of the least reliable. This is why most extended warranty or vehicle service contract providers often exclude them from their coverages, but not Endurance’s Highline vehicle protection plan. Available for select luxury vehicles from popular automakers like BMW, Porsche, Jaguar, Land Rover, and more that are up to eight years old and with less than 80,000 miles can get award-winning Endurance protection. A $500 deductible may apply to this higher-end plan.

Superior

Offering the most complete component coverage available at Endurance, the Superior plan covers hundreds of specific components and has a high level of stated component coverage.

Select Premier

The Select Premier plan is ideal for owners of high-mileage vehicles up to 150,000 miles. This plan covers crucial components such as your transmission and drive axle assembly, select lubricated internal engine parts, and other major systems like electrical and cooling.

Secure Plus

If you are looking for a plan that protects vital vehicle components like your brakes, engine, transmission, air conditioning, and steering, then the Secure Plus plan with Endurance is the one for you. This coverage option also includes electrical components and other parts.

Secure

The Secure plan is Endurance’s most affordable vehicle protection plan, starting with low monthly payments. It covers lubricated engine parts, such as the transmission and water pump, and more expensive transmissions and powertrain systems.

Advantage

This auto protection plan includes up to $3,500 of coverage for your routine maintenance costs that aren’t always included in other plans or with warranty providers. This includes essential yet often overlooked routine services, such as oil changes, oil filter changes, brake pad and wiper blade replacements, and more comprehensive component coverage. It also covers vehicles up to 20 years old, regardless of mileage.

CarShield Warranties

Diamond

As CarShield’s top-tier plan, the Diamond plan covers almost everything from engine to transmission and fuel pump breakdowns. This plan is similar to a factory warranty or other exclusionary plans from third-party car warranty providers.

Platinum

The Platinum plan offered by CarShield offers comprehensive coverage that is ideal for high-mileage vehicles. It covers components such as the starter, water pump, transmission, and more.

Gold

Described as a “Power Train Plus” coverage, the Gold plan offers coverage for both major and minor components, such as your engine, transmission, starter, A/C, power windows, alternator, and more.

Gold Select

Specifically created for high-mileage vehicles, this warranty cost covers expensive parts such as the engine, transmission, water pump, power window motors, and more. If you are concerned about your vehicle beginning to age, then this may be the contract for you.

Silver

As CarShield’s most affordable contract, the Silver level of protection is similar to a general powertrain coverage for the most critical parts of your vehicle. This includes all lubricated parts of the engine, transmission, and water pump.

Aluminum

Known as the “Specialty Coverage” from CarShield, the Aluminum plan is ideal for covering most electrical and computer issues in your vehicle. This includes the engine control module, starter, alternator, GPS/navigation, and more.

Motorcycle & ATV

Owners of motorcycles, ATVs, and other special circumstances can be covered by this protection plan.

Electric Vehicle

This plan covers an EV’s major systems, such as the electric drive unit, A/C, battery pack, and more. However, battery coverage is limited to $6,000.

Shield Select Program

Vehicles failing to qualify for CarShield’s main protection plans may still be eligible for the Shield Select Program, which includes roadside assistance, key fob protection, windshield protection, road hazard tire protection, and trip interruption.

Extended Warranty FAQs

1. What are the key differences between Endurance and CarShield vehicle protection plans?

One of the primary differences between Endurance and CarShield is that CarShield is a broker, meaning it isn’t the direct administrator of its auto protection plans. In terms of coverage, both Endurance and CarShield offer similar levels of coverage, though CarShield plans are often broken down specifically by system. On the other hand, Endurance contracts tend to have broader and customizable coverage, such as you can bundle both the cooling system and electrical system under the same contract.

2. How do the customer service experiences compare between Endurance and CarShield?

Reviews of Endurance Warranty highlight positive customer service experiences and efficient support. CarShield also receives positive customer service reviews, though some complaints on the Better Business Bureau website mention issues with claims being fully covered and other service-related concerns.

3. What are the eligibility requirements for Endurance and CarShield plans?

The criteria required to qualify for different Endurance or CarShield plans will vary depending on the specific plan and vehicle in question. You will need to check the terms and conditions to qualify for specific plans, but factors such as the age of your vehicle, the existing mileage, and its maintenance history can all be factors.

4. How do the claims processes differ between Endurance and CarShield?

CarShield claims can be filed online or by calling customer service. If your vehicle breaks down, you can contact CarShield’s roadside assistance to dispatch a tow truck and transport your vehicle to an approved repair shop. Covered repairs are paid directly to the repair facility, eliminating the need for you to pay out-of-pocket upfront.

The claims process for Endurance is nearly identical, with one key difference — we handle everything directly, from your initial coverage quote to the claim, without involving a third-party administrator. Endurance customers can use their towing benefits to take their vehicle to any certified mechanic, where the shop’s service manager will coordinate the claim with us directly. Additionally, as a direct provider, Endurance manages its own plans, ensuring that any questions or concerns can be addressed without going through a middleman.

5. What additional perks or benefits do Endurance and CarShield offer?

Both CarShield and Endurance offer extra perks beyond the warranty contracts. For CarShield, plans can include 24/7 roadside assistance, rental cars, and courtesy towing. Endurance offers these same standard benefits, including 24/7 roadside with towing, rental car coverage, and trip interruption reimbursement. For a small activation fee, you can also gain access to $2,000 in extra Elite Benefits including complete tire repair and replacement, key fob replacement, and more.*

Why Endurance May Be Your Best Choice

Ready to protect your vehicle with a plan that fits your needs and budget? Compare your extended warranty options carefully and choose a provider that offers transparent coverage and direct customer support. With Endurance, you get comprehensive protection, flexible plans, and award-winning service, without the middlemen.

Contact an Endurance plan advisor today at (800) 253-8203 or request a FREE quote. If you’re looking for instant plan recommendations and pricing, shop online for coverage.

You can also visit the Endurance blog for more informative and helpful articles on comparisons of extended car warranty companies, common repair issues, FAQs, vehicle buying guides, repair shop advice, and expert auto tips.