An extended car warranty worth it?

Extended car warranties—also called vehicle service contracts—can pay for specified repairs after the manufacturer’s warranty ends, but the value depends heavily on the plan and what’s excluded. Industry data cited by Empire Auto Protect puts the median 2026 repair bill at about $725, with more than half of repairs costing over $1,000. The costliest fixes include engine replacement ($3,000 to $7,500) and transmission repair ($1,800 to $6,500). Quotes reviewed showed monthly prices from $40 to $200, plus deductibles typically ranging from $100 to $500. Coverage varies by provider, term, and components listed in the contract.