Understanding what’s excluded in a car warranty is just as important as knowing what’s covered. If you’re considering an extended warranty from Endurance, you’re already being a responsible car owner. But before you sign anything, it’s smart to take a closer look at what Endurance actually doesn’t cover.
The truth is, most people get frustrated not because their claim was unfairly denied, but because they simply didn’t know what to expect. Knowing what is and isn’t included can help you avoid big repair bills and any surprises down the line.
In this guide, we’ll explore exactly what Endurance excludes, how their coverage really works, what you’re expected to do as the customer, and whether it’s even worth your money.
Sounds good? Let’s jump in.
What Is Endurance Warranty
Endurance is a company that sells extended warranties for cars. It is like a backup plan for when your original factory warranty runs out. It’s not insurance for accidents or crashes. Instead, it helps you pay for repairs when something important breaks inside your car, like your engine or air conditioning system.
Founded in 2006, Endurance is pretty well-known in the U.S. car warranty space. What makes them a bit different is that they handle everything in-house. Most other companies send your info to a third party, but Endurance deals with the contract, the claims, and the customer service themselves.
You can choose from several plans, namely Secure, Superior, Supreme, and Advantage, based on how much protection you want and how much you’re okay paying each month.
Plus, they throw in perks like towing, rental car coverage, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is great if you change your mind early on.
What Does Endurance Warranty Not Cover
Endurance does not cover routine maintenance, wear-and-tear items, cosmetic damage, aftermarket modifications, environmental issues, and any repair related to abuse, neglect, or pre-existing conditions.
Let’s say your catalytic converter is already having issues before your coverage kicks in. Even if the plan includes that part, it still won’t be covered because it wasn’t in working condition to begin with. The same deal is with your suspension. It’s only covered under higher-end plans, not the basic ones.
A lot of people also assume stuff like brake pads or windshield wipers are covered. Nope. Those are considered wear items, and unless you’re on a special plan like Advantage, they’re your responsibility. Another common exclusion is damage from lack of maintenance. If you miss oil changes or ignore check engine lights, that’s often grounds for denial, even for otherwise eligible repairs.
Also, modified vehicles, off-road use, and commercial activity (like rideshare driving) may be excluded under standard contracts. You’ll need a specialized commercial plan for Uber, Lyft, or delivery driving.
Common Exclusions
- Wear-and-tear parts like brake pads, wipers, and bulbs
- Regular maintenance including oil changes, tire rotations, filters, and fluids
- Pre-existing conditions that existed before coverage began
- Cosmetic damage like dents, paint scratches, or upholstery tears
- Environmental damage caused by rust, corrosion, flood, or extreme weather
- Aftermarket modifications or performance upgrades
- Improper use, including racing, off-roading, or overloading
- Lack of maintenance, such as missed oil changes or delayed repairs
Thus, always read the contract carefully. It might not be exciting, but it’ll save you headaches later, especially when it comes to filing a claim.
What Does Endurance Warranty Cover
Depending on the plan, Endurance covers minor electrical and mechanical hiccups to major vehicle systems repairs. The higher the plan level, the more stuff it covers.
If you choose a high-tier plan like Supreme, your coverage will include critical systems like the engine, transmission, drivetrain, air conditioning, cooling system, fuel system, and many electrical components. Lower-tier plans such as Secure offer more basic powertrain protection, ideal for older vehicles with high mileage.
One standout plan is Endurance Advantage, which blends traditional breakdown coverage with routine maintenance services, such as oil changes, alignment checks, and even brake pad replacements. Few extended warranty companies offer that kind of hybrid plan.
Coverage also includes:
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Rental car reimbursement
- Trip interruption support
- Towing and lockout services
So while it doesn’t cover everything, it does give you a lot of value, especially if you pick the right plan.
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Types of Endurance Warranty Plans Compared
Endurance offers multiple levels of coverage, and what’s excluded and what’s covered can depend heavily on which plan you choose. Here’s a breakdown of their most popular warranty options:
Secure Plus
This is the budget-friendly plan for older cars or ones with high mileage. It covers big things like the engine, transmission, and air conditioning but skips a lot of high-tech or luxury stuff.
Superior
This plan covers everything in Secure Plus, plus more advanced systems like the fuel, electrical, and cooling systems. Good choice if you’ve got a newer car with more gadgets.
Supreme
This one is Endurance’s most comprehensive warranty plan. It covers almost every mechanical and electrical part in your car unless it’s specifically listed as excluded.
Endurance Advantage
Kind of a hybrid plan. It covers repairs and routine maintenance, like oil changes, tire rotations, and even brake pads. Not many providers offer that. It is the best if you want full-service protection.
Each of these plans has its own rules, so be sure you’re matching it to your car’s condition, age, and your own peace of mind.
How Much Does Endurance Warranty Cost
You can expect to pay somewhere between $70 and $130 per month (on average), depending on basic factors like your car’s age, mileage, where you live, and which plan you choose. If you’ve got a fairly new car, you’ll probably get a lower quote. But if your ride is older or has high mileage on it or you simply want top-of-the-line coverage, your monthly cost will be higher.
For example, suppose you own a 2015 Ford Escape with 90,000 miles. You might receive a quote of $89/month for the Secure Plus plan or $120/month for the Supreme plan. These quotes often include $0 down financing and a contract period of 1 to 5 years.
Even if that seems pricey, it’s a lot cheaper than paying $2,000 to fix your transmission out of pocket. That’s the whole point of the warranty, you get protection from major bills.
How Does Endurance Car Warranty Work
Endurance works by covering the cost of approved vehicle repairs (as per your contract) once your factory warranty expires, using a straightforward claims process.
After you choose your plan and complete the waiting period (typically 30 days and 1,000 miles), you can take your vehicle to any certified repair shop. Once there, the shop diagnoses the issue and contacts Endurance for pre-approval. If the repair is covered, Endurance pays the mechanic directly, minus your deductible.
Here’s how the process works:
- You experience a breakdown or issue with your vehicle.
- You take the car to any ASE-certified repair shop (dealerships and local mechanics included).
- The shop diagnoses the issue and contacts Endurance for authorization.
- If approved, Endurance pays the shop directly, minus your deductible.
- You drive away, typically paying far less than you would out of pocket.
The best part about the Endurance warranty is that you are not restricted to a particular dealership or brand. Any ASE-certified shop is usually fine, as long as they follow the approval steps. You can even go to places like Firestone, Goodyear, or even your trusted local mechanic.
Most extended warranty plans also come with extras like towing, lockout help, and trip reimbursement if your breakdown happens far from home. It comes in handy if you travel long distances through your car often.
What Are Your Responsibilities as a Contract Holder
To keep your warranty active, you’ve got a few responsibilities, and trust me they’re not complicated. All you have to do is provide the correct information when asked and cooperate with the claims process.
However, to ensure clarity to its customers, Endurance provides a clear outline of the main responsibilities in its contracts, including:
- You should follow your manufacturer’s service schedule and keep all receipts.
- Always provide accurate info about your vehicle (mileage and past issues) when getting a quote or filing a claim.
- You must allow inspections when requested, respond to requests for documentation, and avoid making unauthorized repairs.
If you fail to meet any of these obligations, Endurance has the right to deny your claim. It’s not personal, it’s just the rules of the contract.
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Are There Limits on Coverage or Repairs
Yes. Endurance doesn’t offer unlimited coverage. Most plans have payout caps based on the value of your car. For Secure and Secure Plus plans the max payout is the lower of $10,000 or your car’s NADA trade-in value. Whereas for Supreme and Superior plans, the cap is the NADA trade-in value at the time of the repair.
Also, the company chooses what kind of parts to use in your car like OEM, aftermarket, rebuilt or remanufactured or used ones if they are in good shape.
One crucial thing to remember here is that before the repair you have to get approval from Endurance. If you fix your car before they say yes, they don’t have to pay. In other words, acting on your own can void your coverage.
Real User Reviews and Lawsuits
Like any big company, Endurance has fans and critics. You’ll see good and bad reviews online, especially on Reddit, Trustpilot, and the BBB. Some folks praise their quick payments and roadside help. Others complain about denied claims, but a lot of that comes down to not reading the contract.
There have been a few lawsuits, mostly over marketing stuff like robocalls, not the actual warranty service. So far, nothing points to a major issue with how they handle legitimate claims.
Overall, if you choose the right plan, maintain your vehicle properly, and read the contract, your experience is likely to be positive, just like many long-time Endurance customers have reported.
Is Endurance Warranty Worth It
Endurance Warranty is worth it for car owners who want to protect themselves from expensive, unexpected repairs, especially if their factory coverage has expired.
If you’ve got a used car, plan to drive it for a while, and don’t want surprise repair bills, an Endurance plan can give you real peace of mind. But if your car’s still under factory warranty, or you’re planning to sell it soon, it might not make sense to sign up.
Just like anything else you purchase, this extended warranty is only worth it if the plan matches your needs, driving habits, and risk tolerance capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Endurance Warranty cost per month?
You’re usually looking at somewhere between $70 and $130 a month, depending on a few things like how old your car is, how many miles it’s got, and which plan you go for. Newer cars on higher-end plans like Supreme or Advantage tend to cost more, while older cars on basic plans like Secure Plus sit at the lower end. It’s kind of like a car lease agreement customized for you.
Does Endurance Warranty cover suspension?
Yes, but only if you’re on the right plan. If you’ve got the Supreme or Superior plan, then parts like shocks, struts, and ball joints are usually covered. But if you’re on a more basic plan like Secure Plus, suspension parts are likely not included. So always double-check your plan details before heading to the repair shop.
Does Endurance Warranty cover catalytic converters?
It depends on your plan. Some of the mid- to high-tier plans do include exhaust system coverage, which might take care of your catalytic converter. But if it’s not listed in your specific plan, you’ll have to cover the repair yourself. The best practice is to read your contract instead of just assuming.
Are there Endurance Warranty lawsuits?
Yes, but they’re mostly about marketing stuff like automated calls, not about repairs. Some people complained about how the warranty was sold or how often they got calls. That doesn’t mean the company won’t pay claims, though. As far as repairs go, most issues people have come from not understanding what’s actually covered.
Who accepts Endurance Warranty?
Lots of shops across the US. Most ASE-certified repair shops and dealerships will work with Endurance. That includes big-name spots like Firestone or Pep Boys and even many local mechanics. Just make sure the shop calls Endurance before starting any repairs. They’ll need to get approval, or else the bill could be on you.
Conclusion
Endurance doesn’t cover every single thing but that doesn’t mean it’s not a good deal. If you choose the right plan and understand what’s not included, it could save you thousands in surprise repairs. Stuff like oil changes, worn-out tires, or pre-existing problems won’t be covered. But if you know the rules, keep your car in shape, and stick to your plan’s terms, Endurance can seriously come in clutch.
Before you sign anything, MotorCraz recommends grabbing a free quote, reading the contract line by line, and asking questions until you have full clarity.
