Cars are expensive, and gas and monthly payments are just the start. If you aren't careful (or are downright unlucky), you could find yourself drowning in car repair costs, like $3,000 for a transmission repair or $6,000 for an engine replacement.
That's where an extended car warranty comes in. The USA TODAY auto warranty team did the research, and found that these car warranties are affordable but still offer full coverage for your car.
Our list of the cheapest car warranties in 2026
- Route 66: Best for $0 deductible
- Endurance: Best for added benefits
- Olive: Best for no waiting period
- CarShield: best for high-mileage vehicles
- Toco Warranty: Best for pay-as-you-go coverage
Compare the most affordable car warranty companies
How much you'll pay each month for coverage depends on your car's make, model and mileage, but here's how each provider broadly compares:
How we choose the top car warranty companies
The USA TODAY team personally reviews all car warranty companies to determine if they make the cut. For the cheapest car warranty, companies were evaluated primarily on their
monthly rates and deductibles. Providers that offered the lowest rates, the most affordable deductible, and the most comprehensive coverage for those rates earned the highest scores. Providers who offered special perks like cheaper coverage for high-mileage cars and variable terms earned recognition.
About the author
Alora Bopray is an editor and writer who has been reporting on consumer services for nearly a decade. She has owned her share of used cars and uses her experience to help drivers make the right decision about vehicle coverage. Along with car warranties, Alora covers car insurance, car maintenance and more.
USA TODAY's vetted cheapest car warranty companies
Route 66: Best for $0 deductible
- Estimated monthly rates: $35-$100
- Typical deductible: $0
Route 66 extended car warranties offer the most value compared to most providers. Not only are monthly rates cheaper, but you pay no deductible on car repairs. While some other providers offer zero-deductible options, Route 66 is the only provider without deductibles on any plan.
The downside is that Route 66 only covers cars up to 100,000 miles, and you have to get a quote to compare their coverage options.
Get a free quote from Route 66
Endurance: Best for added benefits
- Estimated monthly rates: $70-$150
- Typical deductible: $0-$200
Endurance extended car warranty is a regular on our best lists thanks to its affordable rates, low deductible options and Elite benefits. When you purchase a plan, you get a year of tire coverage, key fob replacement, windshield repair, collision credits and 24/7 roadside assistance. If it's value for money you want, then Endurance is it.
Endurance also has regular sales on its warranty plans, where you can save up to $300 per plan, which can save you even more money.
Get a free quote from Endurance
Olive: Best for no waiting period
- Estimated monthly rates: $50-$140
- Typical deductible: $100-$500
Competitive rates and a low $100 deductible option earn Olive its spot on our list of the cheapest car warranties. What we like most about this provider is that there is no waiting period. As long as you weren't aware of a pre-existing condition, your coverage starts as soon as you sign up.
Claims are processed completely online, so there is little hassle. Plus, Olive promises no price hikes during your contract. That means the price you're quoted is the price you pay.
Get a free quote from Olive
CarShield: Best for high-mileage vehicles
- Estimated monthly rates: $90–$150
- Average deductible: $0-$250
CarShield is well-known for its coverage for high-mileage vehicles and offers plans for cars with up to 300,000 miles, higher than many providers. So, while it is more expensive than the cheaper options on this list, CarShield might make sense if you have an older vehicle.
This car warranty company has competitive monthly rates for Powertrain and bumper-to-bumper plans, and has warranty options for motorcycles and ATVs. Each plan also comes with 24/7 roadside assistance, courtesy towing and rental car options.
Get a free quote from CarShield
Toco Warranty: Best for pay-as-you-go coverage
- Estimated monthly rates: $50–$120
- Typical deductible: $100
Toco stands out for its month-to-month coverage, meaning you can pay for a protection plan without committing to a long-term contract or making a down payment. Plans are available for many vehicles up to 250,000 miles and include perks like 24/7 roadside assistance and rental car coverage.
While pricing varies by vehicle and coverage level, plans typically cost between $50 and $120 per month. In our sample quote, coverage for a 2020 Toyota Corolla with 60,000 miles was $93 per month.
Get a free quote from Toco Warranty
Are cheap car warranties worth it?
"It depends on your situation," says Justin Fischer, an automotive analyst and expert at CarEdge.com. "For new car buyers, the manufacturer's warranty is included... this is all the protection you need."
"Extended warranties are a different story. They can be valuable if you're keeping a vehicle long-term, drive high annual mileage, or own a model with known reliability issues," Fischer adds.
If any of these factors are true for you, then a cheap car warranty is worth it.
Whether a car warranty is worth it also depends on your vehicle's brand, as some are known for more breakdowns than others.
"For reliable brands like Toyota or Honda, you might never break even on the warranty cost," he says. "For luxury models, electric vehicles, or specialty cars with expensive components, the coverage could save thousands of dollars."
Frequently asked questions
Is Endurance cheaper than CarShield?
CarShield and Endurance have similar car warranty rates, but Endurance offers slightly cheaper rates for Powertrain coverage.
Who has the cheapest car warranty?
Protection Auto, Route 66 and Endurance have the cheapest car warranties.
How much does a car warranty cost?
A car warranty costs between $70 and $180 per month, or $1,500 to $4,000 for a contract.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: These are the cheapest car warranties we reviewed for 2026
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
