When purchasing a vehicle, most people think about the cost of the car, insurance, fuel, and regular maintenance. However, one crucial factor often overlooked is what happens after the manufacturer’s warranty expires. Vehicle repairs can be expensive and often occur when least expected. This is where an extended auto warranty, such as Endurance Car Warranty reviews, can come into play.
Endurance is a well-known name in the extended vehicle protection industry. This article will provide a deep dive into what Endurance Car Warranty is, the types of plans it offers, coverage details, benefits, drawbacks, and how it compares with competitors, helping you decide whether it's right for you.
What is Endurance Car Warranty?
Endurance Warranty Services, LLC is a direct provider of vehicle service contracts, commonly referred to as extended warranties. Unlike many competitors who act as brokers and sell plans from third-party administrators, Endurance manages most of its contracts in-house. This often translates to better customer service, quicker claims handling, and streamlined processes.
Established in 2006 and headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, Endurance has served hundreds of thousands of drivers across the United States, providing various vehicle protection plans tailored to different needs and budgets.
How Does an Endurance Car Warranty Work?
An extended car warranty from Endurance kicks in after your manufacturer's warranty expires. It helps cover repair costs related to mechanical breakdowns and specific components outlined in your contract. When a covered issue arises, you take your vehicle to a licensed repair facility, and Endurance pays for parts, labor, and taxes, minus your deductible.
Here’s a simplified process:
Breakdown Occurs
Visit a Licensed Repair Facility
Get Diagnosis and Have Repair Shop Contact Endurance
Approval and Repairs
Pay Your Deductible (if any)
Drive Away with Peace of Mind
Types of Coverage Offered by Endurance
Endurance offers several tiers of coverage plans designed to fit different vehicles and driver needs. These include:
1. Supreme (Exclusionary Coverage)
This is the most comprehensive plan Endurance offers, similar to a factory bumper-to-bumper warranty. It covers almost all mechanical and electrical components unless they are specifically excluded in the contract.
Best for: Newer vehicles or owners looking for maximum protection.
2. Superior
Superior coverage is Endurance’s most comprehensive stated-component plan. It covers hundreds of specific parts from the engine and transmission to air conditioning, brakes, and more.
Best for: Drivers who want extensive coverage without paying for full exclusionary protection.
3. Secure Plus
A step down from Superior, Secure Plus still provides significant component coverage, including the engine, transmission, brakes, electrical system, and more. It also includes a short waiting period before coverage starts.
Best for: Budget-conscious drivers who want good coverage.
4. Secure
This is Endurance’s most basic and most affordable coverage plan. It provides powertrain protection, covering major components like the engine, transmission, and drivetrain.
Best for: Older or high-mileage vehicles where full coverage isn't cost-effective.
5. Select Premier
Designed specifically for high-mileage vehicles (up to 150,000 miles), this plan provides protection for essential systems including the engine, transmission, cooling, fuel, and electrical components.
Best for: Older vehicles or cars with higher mileage that still need coverage.
6. EnduranceAdvantage™
This is a hybrid plan that includes mechanical breakdown protection and maintenance coverage. It offers reimbursement for routine maintenance such as oil changes, tire rotations, brake pads, and even state inspections.
Best for: Drivers who want to bundle maintenance and breakdown protection in one plan.
Key Features and Benefits
1. Direct Provider
Endurance acts as the administrator and obligor of most of its contracts, meaning you're dealing directly with them, not a third-party company. This can improve customer service and claims experiences.
2. 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
If you're not satisfied with your plan, you can cancel within the first 30 days and receive a full refund.
3. Free Endurance Elite Benefits
All plans include a one-year membership to Endurance Elite, which provides:
24/7 roadside assistance
Key fob replacement
Tire repair/replacement
Trip interruption benefits
Identity theft protection
4. Nationwide Coverage
You can take your vehicle to any certified mechanic or repair facility nationwide. You’re not tied to a dealership.
5. Transferability
If you sell your vehicle, the warranty may be transferred to the new owner, increasing the vehicle’s resale value.
What’s Covered and What’s Not?
Coverage varies based on your plan, but here’s a general overview:
Covered Components May Include:
Engine and transmission
Drivetrain
Suspension
Steering components
Brakes (non-wear items)
Electrical systems
Air conditioning and heating systems
Fuel systems
High-tech electronics (in premium plans)
Not Typically Covered:
Regular maintenance (unless on EnduranceAdvantage™)
Wear and tear items (tires, brake pads, windshield wipers)
Cosmetic damage (paint, upholstery)
Pre-existing conditions
Misuse or neglect
Unauthorized modifications
Eligibility Requirements
Endurance offers plans for most vehicles under 20 years old and with less than 200,000 miles, though eligibility varies by plan. Vehicles that may qualify include:
Sedans and SUVs
Trucks and vans
Luxury vehicles (some exclusions)
Hybrid vehicles
High-mileage vehicles
Motorcycles, RVs, and commercial vehicles may not be covered, but some exceptions exist.
Cost of Endurance Car Warranty
The cost of an Endurance extended warranty varies depending on several factors:
Vehicle make, model, and age
Current mileage
Chosen coverage plan
Deductible amount
Location
On average, you can expect to pay between $70 and $150 per month, with total contract prices ranging from $1,500 to $4,500 depending on the above variables. Deductibles typically range from $0 to $200.
How to File a Claim
Filing a claim with Endurance is relatively simple:
Bring your car to any licensed repair facility.
Have the shop contact Endurance for prior authorization.
If approved, Endurance pays the shop directly (minus your deductible).
You drive away once the repair is complete.
Pros and Cons of Endurance Warranty
✅ Pros:
Direct provider model = better customer support
Multiple coverage options
High-mileage vehicle eligibility
Free maintenance (with EnduranceAdvantage)
One year of Elite Benefits
30-day refund policy
Nationwide repair shop flexibility
❌ Cons:
No coverage for luxury/exotic cars
Coverage starts after 30-day/1,000-mile waiting period
Plans not available in California
Sales calls can be aggressive if you request a quote