Even when the weather starts to warm up, many of the issues your car deals with during the chill of winter can stick around come spring. And unless you recently purchased a brand-new vehicle that is still covered by its manufacturer warranty, you may be responsible for the cost of certain repairs or breakdowns—unless you have an extended auto warranty (commonly referred to as a vehicle service contract).

With so many extended warranty providers available, finding coverage that fits your needs and budget can feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to understand how vehicle service contracts work and how different providers compare, including Endurance and Infinite Auto Protection.

What Are Extended Warranties?

When you purchase a new vehicle, it typically comes with a factory warranty from the automaker. This warranty helps cover repairs related to manufacturing defects for a specific period of time or mileage, subject to exclusions and limitations.

Factory warranties are often divided into coverage types, such as bumper-to-bumper coverage and powertrain coverage. While exact terms vary by automaker, bumper-to-bumper coverage commonly lasts around 3 years or 36,000 miles, while powertrain coverage may extend to around 5 years or 60,000 miles. Once those limits are reached, the manufacturer warranty expires, and vehicle owners are generally responsible for repair costs.

The term “extended warranty” is commonly used to describe coverage beyond the factory warranty period. However, most plans sold by third-party providers are not warranties issued by the automaker. Instead, they are vehicle service contracts (VSCs), which outline specific covered repairs, exclusions, and terms in a written agreement.

Third-party vehicle service contracts may offer coverage options for used vehicles, higher-mileage vehicles, or vehicles no longer eligible for automaker-backed extended warranties. In many cases, manufacturer extended warranties must be purchased while the factory warranty is still active, which may limit options for used-car buyers.

How Do Extended Warranties Compare to Insurance?

Auto insurance and vehicle service contracts serve different purposes. Auto insurance is legally required in most states and helps cover certain costs related to accidents, theft, or weather-related damage, depending on the policy.

Vehicle service contracts are optional and are designed to help cover the cost of specific mechanical breakdowns due to covered component failures. Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) and car repair insurance policies are different products with their own eligibility rules and state-specific regulations. Routine maintenance and tune-ups are generally not covered unless a plan specifically includes maintenance benefits.

The Companies

Endurance Warranty Services

Founded in 2006, Endurance Warranty Services provides vehicle service contracts and related auto protection products for eligible vehicles. Endurance offers coverage options for certain high-mileage vehicles, rebuilt-title vehicles, Canadian Grey Market vehicles, and some commercial-use vehicles, such as those used for rideshare or delivery purposes.

Endurance plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee. Coverage is generally accepted at licensed repair facilities, including ASE-certified mechanics. Standard benefits may include 24/7 roadside assistance and towing, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage. Because Endurance administers many of its plans directly, customers work with Endurance throughout the claims process.

Customers can also manage their coverage through the Endurance Customer Portal. Endurance customers may have the option to activate extra Elite Benefits for one year.* Elite Benefits include tire repair and replacement, key fob replacement, and more. Many Endurance plans are also transferable if you sell your vehicle.

Infinite Auto Protection

Infinite Auto Protection has been marketed as a vehicle service contract provider based in Romulus, Michigan. Consumers are encouraged to independently verify a provider’s current licensing status and authority to sell vehicle service contracts in their state before purchasing coverage.

According to the California Department of Insurance, a cease-and-desist order was issued in 2021 related to the sale of vehicle service contracts under the Infinite Auto name in California. Additionally, the Michigan Attorney General announced a lawsuit in January 2025 alleging deceptive business practices connected to vehicle service contracts marketed under the Infinite Auto Protection name. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) business profile for Infinite Auto Protection lists the business as out of business.

The Plans

Comparing coverage structures can help you understand how vehicle service contracts work and what to look for when choosing a provider. Always review the full contract, including exclusions, coverage limits, waiting periods, and claims procedures.

Endurance Protection Plans

Advantage

Advantage combines mechanical breakdown coverage with included maintenance benefits. Eligible customers may save up to $3,500 in covered maintenance services, which can include items such as tire rotations, alignment checks, and engine diagnostic exams. Certain one-time services, such as cooling system maintenance or battery replacement, may also be included depending on the plan.

Supreme

Supreme is an exclusionary coverage plan, meaning most components are covered unless specifically excluded in the contract. This type of plan may appeal to drivers looking for broader coverage.

Supreme for Highline Vehicles

The Highline option is designed for select luxury vehicles. Covered makes may include brands like BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, and Land Rover. A $500 deductible and additional exclusions typically apply.

Superior

Superior is a stated-component coverage plan that includes a defined list of covered systems and components, as outlined in the contract.

Select Premier

Select Premier is designed for higher-mileage vehicles (up to 150,000 miles). It may cover select lubricated parts of the engine, transmission, and drive axle, along with additional systems such as electrical, cooling, air conditioning, heating, and fuel systems, as defined in the agreement.

Secure Plus

Secure Plus offers powertrain-plus coverage, which may include components such as brakes, steering, air conditioning, and covered electrical components.

Secure

Secure is a budget-focused plan that concentrates on major components like the engine and transmission. Pricing varies by vehicle, mileage, and coverage selected.

Infinite Auto Protection Plans

Based on publicly available plan descriptions:

• Prime has been described as the highest coverage level, potentially covering many major systems, including the engine, transmission, electrical, cooling, brakes, steering, ABS, and certain high-tech components.
• Modern has been described as covering core systems such as the engine, transmission, electrical, cooling, brakes, and steering.
• Foundation has been described as a basic plan with more limited coverage for certain systems.

Protect Your Vehicle with Endurance

Owning a vehicle involves more than filling the tank or getting the occasional car wash. Staying current on maintenance and addressing repairs when they arise helps keep your vehicle running safely and reliably. If your manufacturer’s warranty has expired, a vehicle service contract may help reduce out-of-pocket costs for covered repairs.

With an Endurance auto protection plan, you can choose coverage options designed to fit your vehicle and budget. Eligible customers may save up to $3,500 in covered maintenance services with the Advantage plan, or choose coverage options for select luxury vehicles with the Supreme Highline plan.

To learn more and gain confidence for the road ahead, call (800) 253-8203 or request a FREE quote. You can also shop online to see your price and plan recommendations right away.