10 Top Warranties & Protection Plans Companies

How to judge a warranty or protection plan

These plans promise to pay for repairs after a manufacturer's warranty ends or for home systems that break down. They are contracts with detailed rules, so the contract matters far more than the marketing.

• Covered items: read the list of covered parts and systems, plus exclusions for wear and tear, poor maintenance and problems that existed before you signed up.
• Service fees: most plans charge a fee every time a technician visits or a claim is opened.
• Payout caps: check limits per item, per claim and per year. A cap may be lower than the cost of a replacement.
• Who does the work: ask if you can choose your own repair shop or must wait for an assigned contractor.
• Waiting period and cancellation: new contracts often have a waiting period before claims are accepted. Ask how refunds work if you cancel early.

Where things tend to go wrong

Complaints in this category usually involve claims denied for "pre-existing" or "maintenance" reasons, slow scheduling of technicians and offers of a cash payout below the real repair cost. Keep service records and receipts, and photograph the condition of appliances or a vehicle when cover starts. Be cautious of unsolicited calls or letters saying your car warranty is about to expire. On CandorRated you can check who runs a plan provider's website, how long the domain has existed and the contact details found.

Frequently asked questions

Is an extended car warranty the same as the factory warranty?

Usually not. Most are service contracts from a separate company with their own terms and exclusions.

Can I cancel a plan?

Most contracts allow cancellation, often with a prorated refund minus any fee or claims paid. The exact terms are in the contract.