Auto Warranty
Top Companies in 2026
MaxCare vs Penn Warranty Corporation
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- 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
- Nationwide coverage
- 24/7 customer support
- Roadside assistance
- Rental car reimbursement
- 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
- Information on plans not available on website
- Contract terms are not transparent
- Complicated claims process
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.
Penn Warranty Corporation is known for their commitment to customer service and providing reliable coverage options. They offer different plans to accommodate varying needs and budgets, allowing customers to choose the level of coverage that suits them best. Like other companies in the extended auto warranty industry, Penn Warranty aims to assist drivers in managing and mitigating the financial impact of unexpected vehicle repairs. They are an extended auto warranty company that has been in business for over 30 years. They offer a variety of plans to fit most budgets.
They are backed by an A-rated insurer, but they have a complicated claim process. They have received numerous conflicting reviews, ranging from positive to negative, with most customers expressing dissatisfaction with their experiences. According to some of the good reviews, customers appreciate the lower cost, the option to choose their own repair business, and roadside help. The negative feedback, on the other hand, varied from restricted coverage and bad customer service to customers believing their contracts were dishonest.
- 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
- BBB Rating : A+
- Maximum Mileage : Undisclosed
- Money-Back Guarantee : Undisclosed
- Number of Plans Available : 5
- Waiting Period : 30 Days
- Operating Status : Active
- $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
- Offers coverage for new, remanufactured, aftermarket, and sometimes used parts, depending on their cost and availability
- High-mileage—Undisclosed
- Exclusionary
- Powertrain—Undisclosed
- $0 deductible option
- Commercial/rideshare
- EV/hybrid components
- No waiting period
- Option with free maintenance benefits
- Transferable—Undisclosed
- High-mileage
- Exclusionary
- Powertrain—Undisclosed
- $0 deductible option—Undisclosed
- Commercial/rideshare
- EV/hybrid components—Undisclosed
- No waiting period—Undisclosed
- Option with free maintenance benefits—Undisclosed
- Transferable—Undisclosed
- 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
- 24/7 roadside assistance—Undisclosed
- Any licensed repair shop—Undisclosed
- Direct shop payment
- In-network repair network
- Mobile app for claims—Undisclosed
- Online claims portal—Undisclosed
- Trip interruption coverage—Undisclosed
- 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—Undisclosed
- Mobile Application—Undisclosed
- Online quote without phone—Undisclosed
- Sample contracts online—Undisclosed
- 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
- Contract (lump-sum) payments
- Pay-in-full discount
- Month-to-month payments
- Cancellation fee—Undisclosed
- Multi-vehicle discount—Undisclosed
- Price lock guarantee—Undisclosed
- *Not all payment methods are available in all states
- *Some payment methods may incur additional fees
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