top of page

Home / FAQs / Don't fall for warranty traps - read our guide on Endurance Extended Car Warranty

Don't fall for warranty traps - read our guide on Endurance Extended Car Warranty

Nicholas Hinrichsen - Published: September 15, 2023

Overview of the Endurance Car Warranty (VSC Plan)


Our goal is to help you build financial strength by making the right financial choices when it comes to your car. We wrote in-depth articles on a variety of VSC plans (Vehicle Service Contracts, and also known as aftermarket warranties) so you can compare the different carriers, lower your monthly payments, decide whether a VSC contract is right for you, and get the best plan at the lowest rate possible. If you’re looking for ways to manage your Endurance VSC, you might be interested in one of these quick links:

Manage your VSC Plan

Managing your extended auto warranty plan isn’t always easy! Sometimes all you’re left with is the phone number and contact details for your aftermarket warranty provider. To reach Endurance you can call 866-918-1438.


Luckily Endurancehas on online portal where you can login and manage all aspects of your VSC contract. You can find the login screen at :Login Portal This makes it very easy to manage all aspects of your VSC like billing, claims, etc.

Get a Quote for Coverage

Not every provider is able to give a quote directly to its members (known as direct providers). Many times you’ll need to purchase an aftermarket warranty at the time of sale, and through a dealership. There are several reasons why a warranty company will only sell through a dealer: The car is in a known condition, there is no adverse selection (e.g. the dealership is selling a warranty before an issue has arisen), and the dealership has repeated experience with the warranty company so that pricing can reflect the risks of “the vehicles that a dealer sells”. So if a dealer tends to sell vehicles that need additional repairs, the warranty company can adjust prices accordingly to the dealership as a broader group.

Make a Claim

The process of making a claim is pretty straightforward with Endurance. You can find details of how to submit a claim here - https://web.ascwarranty.com/page/customer-claims.

The process is like most VSC providers where:
  • First contact the claims department (normally via email, phone call, or through an app)
  • The repair facility will then communicate with Endurance with an initial estimate before repairs are made
  • A claims adjuster will then submit/give approval for the authorized repairs in scope


Cancelling your Endurance Insurance Policy

You can cancel your Endurance insurance policy anytime after you’ve purchased. You’re entitled to a full refund within the first [30] days, and afterwards entitled to a prorated refund. In order to cancel the contract just ensure to have your policy number, current vehicle odometer, and other plan details ready.
You’ll need to contact Endurance directly through one of the contact methods listed below to complete your cancellation.


Get in Touch with Endurance

If you want to just get in touch with Endurance there’s the formal channels:
  • Email:
  • Phone: 866-918-1438
  • Address: 400 Skokie Blvd. Suite 105 Northbrook, IL 60062
Or you can find some of the more informal channels to get their attention on social media.


Background on Endurance Warranties & VSC’s


Endurance warranty and VSC company has a storied history:
  • It was founded in the year 2006
  • Its founder is Paul Chernawsky and Jordan Batt
  • Company headquarters are located in Northbrook, IL
  • Currently employes around: 395
  • Has a current estimated revenue of: $318 Million


two_phone_trans.jpg

What plans are available from Endurance?


Endurance has a variety of plans available for coverage for your car. You can find a complete list of coverage options by going here: https://www.endurancewarranty.com/coverage/#plans=select-premier

In general VSC coverages generally fall into several categories (but are all relabeled something else):



  • Exclusionary Coverage Plans: These plans are generally the highest coverage plans available for used cars and they’re labeled exclusionary plans because they generally provide coverage for everything “except” what’s listed in the plan. So rather than listing what components ARE covered, the plans list what IS NOT covered (or excluded). These plans are most similar to the bumper to bumper coverage that normally comes with the vehicle. Reading the fine print is often easier for these plans, but they also tend to be more expensive.
  • Inclusionary Coverage Plans: These plans work oppositely from the exclusionary coverage plans. These plans only cover what is explicitly mentioned in the plan. So if the plan covers “Pistons and Crankshaft” but not “Crankshaft Shell Bearing” you may end up paying for lots of components that need replacement but weren’t explicitly mentioned. Often these plans exclude electrical components, gaskets and seals, turbochargers, and other high expense items.
  • Powertrain Coverage Plans: These plans can be either inclusionary or exclusionary, but these plans cover only the drivetrain of the car. This is generally limited to the Engine, Transmission, Differential and drive axles. This more limited coverage is generally less expensive, but obviously excludes a large portion of the vehicle.

How to contact Endurance for customer service or claims


To contact Endurance for customer service, there’s several means to reach them:

You can find various means to contact Endurance Get in Contact :
In general there may be several departments you mind need to reach:

  • For all inquiries try the following:
  • Phone: 866-918-1438
  • Email:

  • Policy Questions:
  • Phone: 866-432-4443

  • Quote Questions:
  • Phone: 866-918-1438

  • Claims Questions:
  • Phone: 877-414-0134

Endurance warranty and VSC plan reviews and ratings


Endurance has reviews if you look online. While its often considered a better alternative to other VSC providers, there are items in its review history worth examining.

Unlike many of their competitors, Endurance manages and handles its own contracts and claims. Customers who are not satisfied have 30 days to cancel and receive a full refund. Currently, the company has a C rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and a gold-level certification from the Vehicle Protection Association. The fact that Endurance doesn't involve a middleman or underwriter provider, as well as the excellent customer service with both quotes and claims has resulted in overall highly positive reviews from customers.

You can find some more complete review, and find other details on accreditation through looking at these resources:

  • BBB Reviews are Located Here: Link
  • Trustpilot Reviews are Located Here: Link
  • Motor1 Reviews are Located Here: Link
  • Consumer Affairs Reviews are Located Here: Link

Picking the right plan from Endurance Warranty


Most aftermarket VSC, and protection plan companies have multiple coverage plans. We’ll cover only the most popular options here. Endurance has three major plans for covering your auto repairs:

Secure
The Secure warranty plan is Endurance's most affordable powertrain coverage option. It is designed for daily drivers that offers protection for the most important components of the vehicle -- lubricated parts of the engine, transmission and water pump. This plan also includes 24/7 roadside assistance (jump-start, towing, fuel delivery and parts, change a flat tire, lock-out service, etc), substitute transportation (rental/alternate public transportation fees) and trip interruption to cover food and lodging if your car breaks down more than 100 miles from home.

Superior
The Endurance Superior plan offers coverage for hundreds of specific components from suspension to the engine. While this is the highest level of component coverage available, there are still exceptions to the warranty plan. Be sure to review your contract to find out what is covered and what is excluded. This plan also includes 24/7 roadside assistance (jump-start, towing, fuel delivery and parts, change a flat tire, lock-out service, etc), substitute transportation (rental/alternate public transportation fees) and trip interruption to cover food and lodging if your car breaks down more than 100 miles from home.

Supreme
Endurance's Supreme coverage is the most comprehensive plan available and offers maximum breakdown protection. This exclusionary coverage is ideal for drivers who rely heavily on their vehicle's reliability and seek the closest option to a manufacturer warranty. The key benefits of the plan are total protection from unexpected breakdowns, complete coverage with a clear list of excluded components, and only a 30-day and 1,000 mile waiting period. Additionally, included is 24/7 roadside assistance (jump-start, towing, fuel delivery and parts, change a flat tire, lock-out service, etc), substitute transportation (rental/alternate public transportation fees) and trip interruption to cover food and lodging if your car breaks down more than 100 miles from home.

Choosing the right plan obviously depends on your level of comfort with contracts and coverage, but we have a few general pieces of advice for extended warranty buyers.
  • If you’re buying a named coverage plan, its very important to understand exactly what is covered, and understand there is additional expense often associated with each repair. E.g. often gaskets and seals are excluded
  • For most VSC plans we recommend the plan only if the consumer experience is “ruined” by expensive repairs. If the thought of a $1,500 repair could severely dampen your ownership, its worth considering paying for insurance. But remember that on average VSC plans are money-making, and so these plans are more for peace of mind and ownership management than a savvy financial decision.


    • Getting a quote from Endurance Warranty


    To get a free quote started, you’ll need your vehicle’s VIN and exact mileage. Then you can:

    Call to get a quote: 866-918-1438

    Or you can visit the online quote portal here: Online Quote Portal

    • You’ll need to enter your make and model
    • Then enter the estimated annual mileage
    • You’ll then be prompted to enter your contact information. Please note its often not possible to get a quote estimate without an email or phone number and the quote is not returned online.

      • Competitors and Alternatives to Endurance Warranty


      Endurance isn't the only extended service contract company. In fact there are many large national players. A few of the largest (which Endurance is a member of) are listed below:

      • ASC
      • Endurance
      • GWC
      • Fidelity
      • Carmax
      • Alpha
      • Route 66
      • Warranty Solutions
      • AUL
      • Proguard
      • Zurich
      • AAA
      • SilverRock
      • Warranty Group
      • CarShield
      • CarChex

      Who should get an Endurance VSC or warranty plan


      In order to determine whether a VSC from Endurance is right for you, you’ll need to answer several questions first:

      • What is the expected repair costs of the vehicle you are purchasing and how does that compare to the warranty cost?
      • Could you handle the cost of a large repair without undue financial stress?
      • Can you find an alternative service contract or warranty for cheaper?
      • How much is convenience worth to you?
      Question 1: What is the expected repair cost of the vehicle you are purchasing and how does that compare to the Endurance Warranty cost?

      On average, Endurance warranties are making money. So on average the Endurance customers spend more money buying a service contract than what the warranty pays out in repairs after factoring in for the deductible, denied claims, and un-cancelled contracts. For a normal dealer these plans make about $500-1000.

      But, these figures are AVERAGES and so often there’s examples where the Endurance Warranty is underpriced relative to the expected repair costs. In order to find some of the expected repair costs for a given make model, RepairPal is one of the best resources to find these costs, as well as Edmunds.

      Question 2: Could you handle the cost of a large repair without undue financial stress?

      Since warranties are often money-makers on average it's generally a good idea NOT to get them. That said, often these warranties can be a good means for financial discipline and protecting against extreme downside that might ruin your car experience and cause undue financial stress. Let’s take a money-making warranty case to make a point below.

      Suppose you’re about to buy a 2010 Mercedes SL63 where the engine fails 1 percent of the time at a cost of $20,000. So, the average repair costs is $200 (.01 x $20,000). As a company, Endurance can make money on the warranty by charging $500. And on average, this warranty is not a good financial decision since the repairs costs are only $200 expected vs. $500 cost.

      However, if you ARE the 1 customer who has a $20,000 engine failure, you would be ecstatic to pay the $500. Not to mention, a $20,000 bill would cause other financial stress, and you may not even have the money to pay for this expensive repair. So now you’re left having to sell a broken vehicle, find new transport, and your perception of the Mercedes SL63 will be forever ruined.

      So if the “bad luck” of expensive repairs could bankrupt you, cause undue stress, or ruin the vehicle experience than an Extended car warranty could be a safe means to buy peace of mind and avoid “car induced bankruptcy”.

      Question 3: Can you find an alternative extended service contract or warranty for cheaper than the Endurance Warranty?

      Up until now, we’ve focused on whether to buy “the Endurance warranty” or not to buy. The reality is there’s a third alternative - buy an extended warranty/service contract through another third party. Before buying the warranty from Endurance, you can also compare warranty options through a variety of different warranty companies mentioned earlier.

      Make sure to be comparing plans with similar plans, deductibles, and mileage limits to get comparable costs. Additionally, ensure you vehicle doesn't already have some existing factory warranty coverage. For many car companies, the manufacturer's warranty is often still valid until 36,000, 50,000, or 100,000 mile intervals for the new car.

      Question 4: How much is convenience worth to you?

      Another benefit of Endurance warranty - you don’t need to think too hard when your car requires unscheduled repairs. Instead of price shopping repairs, getting cost estimates, and renting a car while yours is in for repair - you can just drop off your car at your favorite ASE certified repair shop and get a rental car through Endurance. Additionally, if your vehicle fails on the side of the road - an extended warranty often covers roadside assistance, towing expenses and other emergency roadside needs.

      So while it might be possible to find cheaper alternatives, save money on repairs longterm, the Endurance warranty just helps reduce the need for you to think too hard about repairs and maintenance.

      When does Endurance deny or make claims difficult


      Like any company that specializes in losses (insurance companies, warranty providers, bond services) - Endurance needs to ensure its not simply paying out in all cases. This can be extremely frustrating as a consumer but generally a warranty company falls into several categories when it comes to claims:

      • The company makes money by making it “difficult” to file claims and get reimbursement.
      • The fine print in the contracts makes it extremely difficult for the consumer to understand what’s covered and what’s not - often revealing hidden costs only at time of repair
      • The company makes its best full faith effort to make claims easy, painless and transparent before and during a claims process.
      Judging by Endurance reviews: The extensive benefits, competitive rates and policy terms, and numerous positive Endurance warranty reviews makes them a strong option for an extended car warranty.

      Some customers had particularly bad things to say about Endurance: Complaints of Endurance are mainly centered around the claims process and specific component exceptions. Typically issues like this can be avoided by closely reviewing your contract. "ÒOn my contract it specifically states that it covers turbochargers which my truck has. They refused to pay claim because they said that the contract didn't cover seals. What always happens is that the bearings fail causing the seals to start leaking. The bearings had completely come apart. I argued with them as did my mechanic to no avail. We were stranded 300 miles from home. I had to pay for repairs myself.Ó BBB

      This has to be balanced against the good things customers have said like: I purchased an extended warranty with Endurance in 2016. My truck had 157,000 miles at the time and actually ended up needing some work done on the engine at around 165,000 miles. The mechanic called for verification and had no issues at all, not once but twice. Each time was followed through with excellent customer service. Would definitely recommend for anyone, hands down.' Brad via Consumer Affairs undefined
      Haven't explored refinancing yet? Take a look at our exhaustive article about all the auto refinance companies and you will realize,       WithClutch.com is the only fully digital platform that lets car owners like you do so from the comfort of their own home. No need to set a foot in a bank or credit union. You can lower your rate or get cash in as little as 20 seconds.

      Follow three simple steps to refinance your auto loan, get approved in seconds and save thousands in minutes.
    bottom of page