Best Extended Warranty Providers for Cars Over 100K Miles

Even the most reliable new cars eventually turn into used cars in need of maintenance and repairs. Over time, various parts of your vehicle start to age, sometimes not so gracefully, which can start to add up from a mileage standpoint. As your factory warranty expires, it’s time to decide if you want an extended warranty, but you can also make that decision after the car has cleared 100,000 miles. In these cases, a special high-mileage extended warranty can prevent big spending at the shop. Let’s take a look at why that is, and which warranty options are the best for your car.

The 6 Best Extended Warranties Over 100k Miles

CARCHEX

• Offers varying levels of coverage for vehicles with up to 250,000 miles.
• Plans include coverage for several vehicle systems and components, including climate controls and electrical systems.
• Large network of supported mechanics and shops.
• Additional services available, including rental car reimbursement and trip interruption coverage.
• See our full review of CARCHEX here.

autopom!

• Offers varying levels of coverage for vehicles with up to 150,000 miles.
• Even mid-level plans offer coverage for most major vehicle systems.
• Offers additional coverage for rental cars and trip interruption.
• See our full review of autopom! here.

Endurance

• Offers varying levels of coverage for vehicles with up to 200,000 miles.
• Many plans cover common wear items, such as seals and gaskets.
• Loans available for up to $5,000 to cover repairs.
• Additional services available include trip interruption service, key fob replacement, and roadside assistance.
• See our full review of Endurance here.

Toco

• Offers varying levels of coverage for vehicles with up to 200,000 miles.
• Willing to provide coverage for cars up to 20 years old.
• Allows cancellation within 30 days.
• Provides coverage at excellent price points.
• See our full review of Toco here.

Select Auto Protect

• Offers three levels of coverage.
• States that age of car does not matter, as long as car is in good working order at the time policy is purchased.
• Available in all 50 states.
• Very good reviews from customers but low BBB score.
• See our full review of Select Auto Protect here.

What is a High Mileage Warranty?

When someone says high-mileage, they typically mean vehicles that have been driven more than 100,000 miles. All new vehicles are covered by a warranty to protect buyers from manufacturers defects or from early-life failure of components like the engine, transmission, and electrical systems. At some point, either by crossing a mileage limit or by aging past the warranty’s term, vehicles are no longer covered by the warranty and any needed repairs have to be covered by the owner.

This isn’t the biggest deal in the world for some cars, but most will start to need maintenance and replacement parts at an increasingly frequent rate as the miles climb. Some people are quick to act, and buy an extended warranty just as their factory warranties expire, but others make the decision later on. That’s where high-mileage warranties come into play. They are designed to provide a safety net for owners of well-loved vehicles with tons of miles.

Depending on the plan and company, extended warranties for high-mileage vehicles can be nearly as good as the one that came with the vehicle from the factory. Many warranty providers offer coverage for drivetrain components, electrical and climate control systems, and more. Some even include roadside assistance and other benefits as part of the package.

When a High Mileage Warranty Makes Sense

High mileage warranties make the most sense in these situations:

• The owner plans on keeping the vehicle for an extended period of time.
• The vehicle is known to experience many expensive repairs after 100,00 miles.
• The vehicle is driven long distances regularly.

In some cases, an extended warranty makes sense to provide peace of mind. If there’s anything we’ve learned over the years, it’s that trust and low stress levels make for the happiest vehicle ownership experience, and for some people, an extended warranty can provide that.

Pros and Cons of a High Mileage Warranty

Is A High Mileage Extended Auto Warranty Worth It For You?

Consider how long you’re planning on driving your vehicle. Do you want to drive it until there’s absolutely no way it’s going another mile? If so, an extended warranty may be a good move for you. On the other hand, if you’re planning on selling the vehicle, the warranty won’t add any value to your sale. It’s also important to account for the type of vehicle you’re considering covering. If you’re driving a high-mileage Toyota LandCruiser, for example, your experience with it as it ages will be drastically different than a questionably maintained German sedan from the same era.

Common Problems with Cars Over 100k Mileage

Even the most durable cars will start to experience issues with various systems as they age.

Cost of a High Mileage Warranty

In general, the costs for the plans we’ve recommended will vary from place to place and vehicle to vehicle. Averages include:

• CarChex: $1,500 for a five-year contract
• Select Auto Protect: Up to $3,000 per year
• Endurance: Up to $700 per year
• Autopom!: Up to $4,000 for five-year plan
• CarShield: Up to $150 per month
• Protect My Car: Up to $185 per month

It’s important to remember that your mileage may vary wildly, depending on your vehicle and where you live. You may also see a big difference in pricing if you select a plan that covers every part of the vehicle.

Our Methodology For Best Warranty Providers

Car Talk has spent the last year doing a deep dive into the warranties industry for the benefit of our readership and long-time listeners. Our process for deciding on the best warranty companies for the year was exceptionally thorough, involving in-depth research and our unique secret shopper initiative. We compiled over 50 data points across all reviewed companies to refine and inform our selection process. Car Talk reviewed the following important criteria for each company:

• Consumer Satisfaction: Cross referencing multiple trusted resources to pull our fair and balanced customer reviews.

• Cost: Utilizing our secret shopper initiative, we got comparable quotes across all companies so we can validly compare pricing.

• Coverage and Offerings: Our research team delved into the coverage and offerings for each company, comparing what is available, including extras and discounts.

• Official Ratings: We consulted a wide range of verified review sites to extrapolate a ratings score for each.