When buying a vehicle—new or used—car owners often worry about potential mechanical breakdowns and expensive repairs. That’s where extended car warranties, like those offered by Endurance, come into play. Endurance is a well-known provider of extended auto warranties and vehicle service contracts, often praised for its comprehensive coverage, flexibility, and direct customer service.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Endurance Car Warranty reviews, including what it covers, how it works, the pros and cons, pricing, customer experiences, and how it compares to other major providers.
What is Endurance Car Warranty?
An Endurance Car Warranty is essentially a vehicle service contract that provides coverage for car repairs after the manufacturer’s warranty expires. Unlike many other providers, Endurance acts as both the administrator and obligor of its own contracts. This means customers deal directly with Endurance instead of being referred to a third party.
Founded in 2006, Endurance Warranty Services is headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois. The company offers various protection plans to suit different budgets, vehicle types, and needs. They have been recognized for their customer support and have received industry accolades, including recognition from Inc. 5000 as one of America’s fastest-growing private companies.
Why You Might Need an Extended Car Warranty
While factory warranties typically last 3 to 5 years, modern vehicles are being kept longer by their owners. The average vehicle age in the U.S. is over 12 years. As a vehicle ages, so does the likelihood of expensive repairs. An extended car warranty can protect against high out-of-pocket repair costs, particularly for critical components like the engine, transmission, air conditioning, and electrical systems.
Benefits of an Endurance warranty include:
Protection against unexpected repair costs
24/7 roadside assistance
Trip interruption coverage
Rental car reimbursement
Transferable contracts (increases resale value)
Customizable coverage options
Endurance Warranty Coverage Options
Endurance offers six main plans, each tailored to different vehicle types and owner needs:
1. Secure
This is Endurance’s most affordable plan, covering the most essential and expensive components of your vehicle such as:
Engine
Transmission
Drivetrain
Transfer case
It’s ideal for older vehicles or those on a budget who want to protect against catastrophic failures.
2. Select Premier
Designed for high-mileage vehicles (up to 150,000 miles), this plan includes:
Vital engine and transmission components
Cooling system
Electrical system
Fuel system
It excludes things like turbochargers and other high-tech systems.
3. Secure Plus
This plan provides mid-tier protection and adds more components compared to Secure:
Brake system
Steering
Electrical components
A/C system
It’s ideal for those wanting more peace of mind without paying for high-end coverage.
4. Superior
This is Endurance’s most comprehensive stated-component plan, covering hundreds of specific parts including:
High-tech and luxury car features
Suspension
Advanced safety and infotainment systems
It is best suited for drivers who want extensive coverage for newer or feature-rich vehicles.
5. Supreme
Known as the “bumper-to-bumper” plan, Supreme offers the most extensive coverage—similar to a new car warranty—except for a few standard exclusions. It includes:
Engine and transmission
A/C
Steering
Electrical and fuel systems
Suspension
Supreme is ideal for new or gently used cars and customers who want the highest level of protection.
6. Advantage
This is a unique plan that combines repair coverage with scheduled maintenance—including oil changes, brake pads, and more. It’s one of the only extended warranty plans in the market that includes both repairs and regular upkeep.
Additional Perks with Endurance Elite Membership
When you purchase any Endurance warranty, you’re automatically enrolled in the Endurance Elite Membership for one year. This program includes:
Key fob replacement
Tire repair or replacement
Personal concierge service
Total loss protection (up to $1,000)
Identity theft protection
After the first year, continuing the Elite membership requires a monthly fee.
What’s Not Covered?
Like all warranties, Endurance plans have exclusions. Common items not covered include:
Routine maintenance (unless under Advantage)
Wear-and-tear items (brake pads, tires, filters, wiper blades)
Cosmetic damages (paint, upholstery)
Damage from neglect, misuse, or accidents
Pre-existing conditions
It’s important to read the fine print and understand exactly what your contract includes and excludes.
Cost of Endurance Warranty
The cost of an Endurance car warranty varies widely based on factors such as:
Your vehicle’s make, model, and age
Mileage
Plan selected
Deductible (typically $0, $50, or $100)
On average, Endurance plans cost between $70 and $150 per month, with contract lengths ranging from 3 to 7 years. There’s also often a one-time down payment of around $150–$300.
Some example estimates:
2016 Honda Accord, 60,000 miles – Supreme Plan: ~$90/month
2014 Ford F-150, 100,000 miles – Select Premier Plan: ~$110/month
Endurance allows you to choose a monthly payment plan to spread out the cost, making it more affordable than paying a large lump sum upfront.
How Claims Work
Endurance makes the claims process fairly straightforward:
Breakdown Occurs – If your vehicle breaks down, contact Endurance’s 24/7 roadside assistance team.
Take Your Car to a Repair Facility – You can choose any licensed repair facility or ASE-certified mechanic.
Repair Shop Contacts Endurance – The shop diagnoses the issue and contacts Endurance for approval.
Approval & Payment – Once approved, Endurance pays the repair shop directly, minus your deductible.
You Drive Away – You only cover the deductible and any non-covered repairs.
Pros of Endurance Car Warranty
Direct Provider: No middleman – you deal directly with Endurance.
Customizable Plans: Multiple options tailored to different drivers and budgets.
High Mileage Coverage: Great for older vehicles.
Free Extras: Roadside assistance, rental car, trip interruption.
Elite Membership: Extra perks like tire repair and identity theft protection.
Flexible Payment Terms: Pay monthly over time with no interest.
Cons of Endurance Car Warranty
Upfront Cost: Requires a down payment.
Limited to U.S.: No coverage for international travel.
Exclusions Apply: Some high-tech parts may not be covered unless on specific plans.
No Online Claims: Must call for repair authorization, which could delay repairs in some cases.
Customer Reviews and Reputation
Endurance generally receives positive reviews from customers and third-party review sites:
Better Business Bureau (BBB): B-rated, accredited with thousands of reviews
copyright: 4.0+ rating based on tens of thousands of reviews
Consumer Affairs: High marks for customer service and claims process
Common praises include helpful agents, quick claim approvals, and peace of mind. Common complaints often relate to coverage misunderstandings or delays in claim approvals. As with any warranty provider, carefully reading the terms can prevent future issues.
How Endurance Compares to Other Providers
| Provider | Unique Feature | Ideal For | BBB Rating | Cost (Average) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endurance | Direct provider + Elite benefits | Most vehicle owners | B | $70–$150/month |
| CarShield | TV-promoted, large provider | Budget-conscious shoppers | D | $80–$130/month |
| Olive | 100% online-based coverage | Tech-savvy customers | A+ | $60–$110/month |
| autopom! | Known for customer service | First-time warranty buyers | A+ | $90–$140/month |
| Toco Warranty | Monthly payment plans only | Simpler contracts | A | $60–$100/month |
While Endurance isn’t always the cheapest, its combination of flexible plans, Elite perks, and in-house service makes it a strong competitor in the extended warranty space.
Is Endurance Car Warranty Worth It?
Whether or not an extended car warranty is worth it depends on your situation. Here are some guidelines:
You Might Benefit from Endurance If:
Your manufacturer’s warranty has expired
You own a high-mileage vehicle
You want predictable repair costs
You like having roadside support and added perks
You’re concerned about costly repairs like engine or transmission
You Might Skip It If:
Your car is still under factory warranty
You have a savings fund set aside for repairs
You drive an inexpensive car with low repair costs
You don’t drive often or plan to sell your car soon
Final Thoughts
The Endurance Car Warranty is a reputable, flexible, and feature-rich option for vehicle owners looking to protect themselves from costly repair bills. With multiple plan options, solid customer service, and extra benefits like roadside assistance and tire repair, Endurance stands out in the crowded extended warranty market.