Auto Warranty
Top Companies in 2026
Endurance vs MaxCare
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- Direct provider with in-house claims handling
- Unlimited mileage on most plans
- Free first year of Elite Benefits
- Online quotes without a phone call
- Transferable coverage
- Accepts salvage and rebuilt titles
- Interest-free payment plans available
- Coverage similar to factory’s bumper-to-bumper warranty
- $1.5 billion+ in claims paid since 2009 (3.8M+ customers)
- 24/7 roadside assistance included
- Rental car reimbursement for up to 7 days
- Cancel anytime with a pro-rated refund
- Transferable to new owner (fee applies)
- Roll into monthly car payment or pay upfront
- May deny claims based on maintenance record requirements
- 30-day/1,000-mile waiting period before coverage begins
- Aftermarket or used parts may replace OEM
- No weekend customer service hours
- Not available as direct-to-consumer in Massachusetts
- EV and hybrid batteries explicitly excluded
- Only available during a CarMax vehicle purchase, not after
- Independent shops may not accept MaxCare
- Pre-approval required for all repairs
- Maintenance items excluded (batteries, brakes, tires, wiper blades)
- Strict documentation requirements; DIY receipts often rejected
- Third-party administrators handle claims, not CarMax
- No online claims portal; phone support only
Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, Endurance Warranty Services has grown into one of the largest independent direct providers of vehicle service contracts in the United States. Unlike brokers that resell plans from third-party administrators, Endurance underwrites and administers most of its own contracts, meaning there's no middleman between you and the company handling your claim. The company offers six distinct coverage tiers, ranging from basic powertrain protection to exclusionary near-factory coverage, plus a unique Advantage plan that bundles up to $3,500 in annual maintenance benefits. Endurance is one of the few providers offering unlimited mileage on most plans and accepts vehicles up to 20 years old, making them a rare option for high-mileage drivers and owners of older cars. They offer MBI coverage to California residents instead of traditional service contracts. All plans include perks like 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage, as well as a free first year of Elite Benefits. Customer feedback is mixed, but Endurance holds an A rating from the BBB and is accredited.
MaxCare is an extended vehicle service contract introduced by CarMax in 2009, available exclusively at the time of purchasing a vehicle through their dealership network. Unlike many third-party warranty providers that offer multiple plan tiers, MaxCare uses a single exclusionary coverage model, similar to a factory bumper-to-bumper warranty, covering most mechanical and electrical components except for a defined list of exclusions. Contracts are tailored to each vehicle, with coverage typically extending up to 75,000 to 150,000 total odometer miles. While CarMax facilitates the customer experience, the plans are administered by third-party providers such as Fidelity Warranty Services and CNA National Warranty Corporation. Key benefits include 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, transferable coverage, and flexible payment options, including rolling the cost into monthly financing. A $50 deductible discount is also offered when using CarMax service centers or RepairPal-certified shops. Customer feedback is mixed, with many reporting strong coverage for major repairs, while others cite delays, strict claim requirements, and challenges when working with independent repair facilities.
- BBB Rating : A
- Maximum Mileage : Unlimited
- Money-Back Guarantee : Available (30 days)
- Number of Plans Available : 6
- Waiting Period : 30 days / 1,000 miles
- Operating Status : Active
- Deductible Range : $0–$200
- BBB Rating : N/R (A- for CarMax)
- Maximum Mileage : 150,000 miles (varies by plan)
- Money-Back Guarantee : Available (pro-rated refund; fee may apply
- Number of Plans Available : 1
- Waiting Period : None for coverage; 30 days/1,000 miles for pre-existing conditions
- Operating Status : Active
- Deductible Range : $50–$300
- Risk-Free 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
- Your Choice of Any ASE-Certified Mechanic or Dealership
- 1 Year of Free Elite Benefits
- Coverage for Vehicles Up to 20 Years / 200K Miles
- $50 deductible discount at dealer’s service centers and RepairPal shops
- Available on any used car sold by CarMax, regardless of year, make, or mileage
- Over 670,000 rental cars loaned to customers since 2009
- No waiting period for coverage
- High-mileage
- Exclusionary
- Powertrain
- $0 deductible option
- Commercial/rideshare
- EV/hybrid components
- No waiting period
- Option with free maintenance benefits
- Transferable—Undisclosed
- High-mileage—Undisclosed
- Exclusionary
- Powertrain—Undisclosed
- $0 deductible option
- Commercial/rideshare
- EV/hybrid components
- No waiting period
- Option with free maintenance benefits
- Transferable—Undisclosed
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Any licensed repair shop
- Direct shop payment
- In-network repair network
- Mobile app for claims
- Online claims portal
- Trip interruption coverage
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Any licensed repair shop
- Direct shop payment
- In-network repair network
- Mobile app for claims
- Online claims portal—Undisclosed
- Trip interruption coverage
- Phone
- 24/7 customer support
- FAQs / Educational resources
- Live Chat
- Mobile Application
- Online quote without phone
- Sample contracts online
- Phone
- 24/7 customer support
- FAQs / Educational resources
- Live Chat
- Mobile Application
- Online quote without phone
- Sample contracts online
- Contract (lump-sum) payments
- Pay-in-full discount
- Month-to-month payments
- Cancellation fee
- Multi-vehicle discount
- Price lock guarantee
- *Not all payment methods are available in all states
- *Some payment methods may incur additional fees
- Contract (lump-sum) payments
- Pay-in-full discount—Undisclosed
- Month-to-month payments
- Cancellation fee
- Multi-vehicle discount
- Price lock guarantee
- *Not all payment methods are available in all states
- *Some payment methods may incur additional fees
Endurance vs. MaxCare
When choosing an extended auto warranty, both Endurance and MaxCare by CarMax stand out as reputable providers. While Endurance is a direct provider offering coverage for various vehicles, MaxCare is exclusively available to CarMax customers. Each company has unique benefits and limitations, making it essential to compare their coverage plans, pricing, standout perks, and potential drawbacks before making a decision.
Coverage plans and options
Both Endurance and MaxCare offer comprehensive coverage for major vehicle components, including the engine, transmission, electrical systems, and drivetrain. However, their coverage structures differ significantly.
Endurance provides five extended warranty plans that range from basic powertrain coverage to full exclusionary plans that mimic manufacturer warranties. They also offer optional add-ons, including coverage for high-tech components, commercial vehicles, and hybrid systems. Another notable perk is Endurance Elite, which provides additional benefits like tire replacement, key fob replacement, and trip interruption coverage.
MaxCare, on the other hand, offers a single exclusionary plan that covers most mechanical and electrical repairs, excluding only a few components. MaxCare’s coverage lasts up to five years or 150,000 miles and allows customers to select their deductible, making it somewhat customizable. However, it lacks the range of plan choices Endurance provides.
Pricing
Endurance follows a quote-based pricing model, meaning the cost of coverage varies depending on factors like the vehicle’s age, mileage, and make. Monthly payments generally range between $70 and $125, with various discounts available for military personnel, government employees, and first-time callers.
MaxCare does not provide upfront pricing on their website. Customers must request a quote when purchasing a vehicle from CarMax, making it difficult to compare costs beforehand. However, MaxCare allows customers to roll their warranty payments into their vehicle financing, offering flexible payment options. Deductibles range from $50 to $300, with lower deductibles available when servicing a vehicle at CarMax or a RepairPal-certified shop.
Standout benefits
Both Endurance and MaxCare provide benefits like roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and flexible repair options at licensed service centers. However, their additional perks differ.
Endurance offers several benefits through their Endurance Elite package, which includes 24/7 roadside assistance, tire replacement, and total loss protection. Their plans are also more flexible, covering a wide range of vehicles, including older cars, hybrids, and commercial vehicles.
MaxCare stands out for its convenience, particularly for CarMax customers. Since it’s integrated into CarMax’s financing options, it offers a seamless purchasing process. Additionally, MaxCare warranties are transferable if you sell your vehicle, potentially increasing its resale value.
Potential drawbacks
Endurance can be more expensive than other providers, especially for comprehensive coverage plans. Some customers have reported issues with claim denials and delays in reimbursement, making it essential to thoroughly review their contract terms.
MaxCare is only available for vehicles purchased from CarMax, which limits options for those who buy from other dealerships or private sellers. Additionally, they do not provide an online quote tool, making it harder to compare their pricing with other warranty providers.
Conclusion
Endurance is a great option for drivers looking for long-term, customizable coverage with a variety of add-ons and perks. It’s ideal for those who want flexible warranty plans that cover a wide range of vehicles.
MaxCare, however, is best suited for CarMax customers who want an easy, integrated warranty solution with financing options. While it offers solid coverage, its lack of transparency in pricing and exclusivity to CarMax vehicles may not appeal to all buyers.
Ultimately, choosing between Endurance and MaxCare depends on your vehicle purchase method, coverage needs, and budget.
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