08 2020 Honda CR V Touring

Should You Get a Honda Extended Warranty?

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Best Overall Warranty Provider

4.6

  • Coverage:: 6 plan options, from routine maintenance to full coverage
  • Cost:: Several discounts available
  • Reputation:: Smooth claims experience as a direct provider
Affordable Monthly Payment

4.5

  • Coverage:: 6 plan options, some that last up to 300,000 miles
  • Cost:: Flexible month-to-month contracts
  • Reputation:: Most popular warranty provider
Best Warranty Provider for Used Cars

4.4

  • Coverage:: 6 plan options, the highest similar to a manufacturer’s warranty
  • Cost:: No down payment required
  • Reputation:: Strong BBB (Better Business Bureau) rating

Crash Course:

  • A Honda extended warranty is a vehicle protection plan that provides repair and defect coverage on your car after your original manufacturer’s warranty expires.
  • You can purchase an extended warranty for your Honda through a Honda dealership or a third-party warranty provider.
  • Third-party extended warranty companies are generally more flexible when it comes to warranty premium costs and coverage.

While the Honda factory warranty protects your new car’s most important parts and components for the first three years or 36,000 miles, you may plan to keep your vehicle longer than that. A Honda extended warranty is one way to increase coverage up to a total of eight years or 120,000 miles.

It’s worth researching and comparing third-party warranty options to Honda Care to find the best pricing and coverage. We’ve reviewed many of the best extended car warranty companies and compiled a comprehensive guide to Honda vehicle protection plans. By reading this guide and comparing quotes from several providers, you’ll be better equipped to select the right extended warranty plan for your Honda.

Honda Extended Warranty Overview

Honda’s extended vehicle protection plan, known as Honda Care®, offers bumper-to-bumper extended coverage for new cars, with additional options for used or certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles.

Honda Extended WarrantyCoverage Terms
Honda Care Vehicle Service Contractup to 8 years/120,000 miles

Below is an overview of what a Honda Car extended warranty covers:

  • Chassis (drive): Covers the braking, steering, and suspension systems
  • Climate control: Covers the air conditioning, heating, and cooling systems
  • Powertrain: Covers the engine, transmission, differentials, and axle assembly
  • Electronic units: Covers the engine control unit,hybrid batteries, and electronic cabin systems like audio and navigation
  • Honda genuine accessories: Covers navigational and security systems, as well as audio and communication devices and accessories

See how our team rated Honda Care’s extended warranty coverage below:

Rating CategoryScore
Coverage4.7
Cost4.6
Accessibility/Usability4.1
Benefits5
Overall Rating4.4

Honda Extended Warranty Coverage

Available for new and pre-owned vehicles, you can purchase Honda Care directly from a Honda dealer at any point before the expiration of the three-year or 36,000-mile Honda factory warranty. To ensure comprehensive and cost-efficient coverage, we recommend you wait until your factory warranty is about to lapse before augmenting it with an extended warranty.


Honda Extended Warranty Benefits

With Honda Care, you’re eligible for a range of attractive perks, including:

  • 24/7 roadside assistance
  • Trip interruption protection
  • Rental car reimbursement
  • Emergency trip concierge services

If you’re looking to secure additional coverage for general maintenance tasks, the Honda extended warranty program can be stacked with Honda Care Sentinel, which provides coverage for less expensive maintenance, such as tire damage or unscheduled oil and fluid replacement.

Also, if you currently own or plan on purchasing multiple Honda vehicles, you might want to consider applying for the Honda Care Family Plan, a multi-car warranty package for sharing roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement perks.

A Honda extended warranty can help offset the cost of repairs.

A Honda extended warranty can help offset the cost of repairs.


Honda Extended Warranty Costs

There are two major costs to consider when purchasing extended coverage: your deductible and your monthly vehicle service contract cost.

Honda Care Deductible

The deductible is a predetermined dollar amount you must pay for claimed repairs or services. Honda Care extended warranty plans come with either a $0 or $100 deductible. Remember, even though selecting the $100 deductible means a lower monthly warranty cost, it also means you’ll be paying more for every service or repair over the life of the warranty. 

Honda Care Monthly Cost

Because the manufacturer’s extended warranty is sold by dealerships, the cost of Honda Care for a new or used vehicle will vary. When you purchase or lease a Honda, you may be eligible to roll the price of the extended warranty into your vehicle financing. This may ultimately cost you more, however, as you’ll pay interest on the cost of your vehicle service contract. We don’t recommend bundling an extended warranty with your auto loan unless it’s interest-free.

Honda Care Warranty Plan Costs

We contacted several third-party extended car warranty companies to learn what it would cost to protect a 2018 Honda Civic about to run out of warranty coverage. Extended bumper-to-bumper Honda warranty coverage averaged a total price of $2,302. This could be paid completely upfront or over payment terms as long as 48 months. Monthly payments ranged from $52.50 to $107.25.

Factors That Affect Honda Care Plan Prices

Aside from deductible variation, the cost of your Honda warranty will be determined by the following five factors:

  • Coverage: The more comprehensive the warranty, the more expensive the coverage.
  • Provider: In most cases, extended warranties from third-party providers are less expensive than Honda dealership extended warranties.
  • Existing coverage: If you stack an extended warranty on your car’s unexpired factory warranty, you will pay less.
  • Vehicle age: Older vehicles tend to have a higher risk of repairs. As a result, your car’s age and mileage will factor into the calculation of your warranty cost.
  • Vehicle model: Your Honda model will be cross-referenced against historic defect and reliability data. If this information indicates a higher-than-average chance of a coverage event, your coverage will be more expensive.
A Honda extended warranty can help protect your vehicle for the miles ahead.
Despite the company’s well-deserved reputation for durability and reliability, Honda vehicles are not immune to defects or mechanical breakdowns. A Honda extended warranty can help protect your vehicle for the miles ahead.

Do You Need a Honda Extended Warranty?

A vehicle service contract, more commonly known as an extended warranty, provides Honda owners with protection against out-of-pocket costs for future car repairs and service labor expenses. Before purchasing a Honda extended warranty, you should consider the factory warranty coverage that you already have as well as your vehicle’s reliability.

If you have a long commute or go on a lot of long-distance road trips, a Honda extended warranty can be helpful if you exceed the mileage limits of your new car limited warranty in less than three years. For example, an American drives an average of 13,476 miles per year, according to the United States Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. If that’s you, then you’ll max out your Honda New Limited Warranty in under three years. 

A CARCHEX Extended Vehicle Protection Plan can last up to 10 years, depending on your coverage plan. As people hope to keep their cars for longer, an extended warranty may be the perfect solution to save on expensive repairs as your car ages.

What’s Covered Under Honda’s Factory Warranty?

When you buy a new vehicle, Honda warranty coverage offers bumper-to-bumper protection. Here’s what to expect with Honda’s factory warranty:

  • New Vehicle Limited Warranty (3 years/36,000 miles): This comprehensive warranty, also known as a bumper-to-bumper warranty, covers all major parts and systems of your vehicle that break down due to malfunction or defects.
  • Powertrain Limited Warranty (5 years/60,000 miles): Powertrain coverage includes the engine, transmission, and drivetrain systems.
  • Federal Emissions Warranty (3 years/36,000 miles): If your vehicle fails an emissions test during the warranty period due to defective parts, Honda will adjust those parts.
  • High Voltage Battery Capacity Warranty (8 years/100,000 miles): This covers greater than normal degradation of your high voltage battery.
  • Seat Belt Limited Warranty (15 years/150,000 miles): Covers defects in your vehicle’s seat belts.
  • Rust Perforation Limited Warranty (5 years/unlimited mileage): Covers exterior damage from corrosion that forms on the inside of the vehicle.

Honda Maintenance Cost

On average, Hondas generate $428 in repair and maintenance costs every year, according to RepairPal. So, after 15 years of ownership, the average Honda owner can expect to pay up to $6,420 in repair costs – and remember, that’s only considering average annual repair expenses. For this reason, we believe long-term warranty coverage is important for your financial security and overall peace of mind.


Honda Reliability and Repair Preparation

According to RepairPal’s Reliability Rating, Honda – which received a 4.0 out of 5.0 – is the most reliable car brand in the U.S. (out of 32 auto companies surveyed). These ratings are drawn from an in-depth analysis of average repair costs and reliability across 345 unique automobile models.

In contrast, the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study?ranks Honda in the lower half of automakers. This declined reliability doesn’t mean Honda vehicles are a bad choice, but it should have you thinking about how you’ll repair your car when it breaks down.

Remember, no matter how reliable your vehicle is, expensive and stressful repairs are unavoidable as your Honda ages. In fact, J.D. Power found that Hondas exhibited 206 problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership. The study average across automakers was 190 problems per 100 vehicles.

Common Repair Costs for Popular Honda Models

If you think ahead about car repairs, you can customize an extended warranty to cover the worst of repair bills. To help kickstart this process, we’ve listed three popular Honda models and the average cost of the most common repairs below:

Honda ModelCommon RepairAverage Repair Cost
Honda AccordAlternator Replacement$582 to $797
Honda CivicWater Pump Replacement$528 to $628
Honda CR-VAir Conditioning Refrigerant Line$665 to $697
Honda CivicAC Evaporator Replacement$690 to $873
  • Honda Accord: Replacing the ignition switch will cost between $150 and $189.
  • Honda Civic: Replacing the catalytic converter will cost between $5,037 and $5,083.
  • Honda CR-V: Replacing the variable valve timing control solenoid will cost between $191 and $281.

3 Things We Like About Honda Care

  1. Honda Care can be transferred to a private new owner for a $50 fee.
  2. Concierge support is a very useful feature. With the press of a button, you are connected to a live agent who can help you with everything from dinner reservations to event booking.
  3. With a Honda extended warranty, you also benefit from a range of perks, including roadside assistance, towing services, and fuel delivery.

3 Things We Don’t Like About Honda Care

  1. You can find other less expensive options. We collected quotes from several third parties for a 2018 Honda Civic and got as low as $52.50 per month.
  2. DIY repairs on your vehicle tend to become a coverage liability. Performing your own maintenance or repairs, even temporary patch-ups, could potentially void coverage.
  3. All covered repair services must be done by Honda technicians, using OEM Honda parts. If you break down in a remote area and have to take your car to a mechanic with non-manufacturer components, you may find your car’s repair and service bills omitted from coverage.

Why Should You Consider a Third-Party Extended Warranty for Your Honda?

Despite some limitations, Honda Care is an adequate extended warranty plan. On the surface, it’s easy to see the appeal of buying extended coverage from your car’s manufacturer and factory warranty provider. However, more often than not, you can find a more affordable deal by reaching out to a third-party extended warranty provider.

First of all, third-party extended warranty plans are generally more customizable than dealership vehicle service contracts. This means you can tweak your coverage according to your specific requirements, be it budget, specific model issues, or projected mileage.

Second, coverage under a third-party provider is not contingent on service at a specific dealership. This means you have the freedom to work with trusted local mechanics and your chosen repair facility. Once your claim is approved, your warranty provider will handle the process. That means no payment upfront other than a deductible or chasing down reimbursement checks.

Third, the average cost for third-party extended warranties is generally cheaper than manufacturer-backed coverage. This is because third-party providers are not contractually bound to a single auto company, enabling competition and a much broader customer market.


Honda Extended Warranty: Conclusion

Honda Care vehicle service contracts provide affordable, comprehensive vehicle coverage for new and used Honda models. However, some drivers may be able to find more flexible and customizable coverage from a third-party extended warranty provider. 

When exploring your Honda extended warranty options, our team recommends requesting quotes and plan information from CARCHEX.

CARCHEX: Best for Used Cars

CARCHEX is a leader in the vehicle protection industry. As a top-rated warranty company on Trustpilot and with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, CARCHEX is known for excellent customer service. If you’re looking for the best option to protect your vehicle even after the Honda factory warranty expires, a CARCHEX extended warranty could be the perfect option.

Why Choose CARCHEX for Your Honda Extended Protection?

By choosing an Extended Vehicle Protection Plan from CARCHEX, you’ll also get access to important benefits, such as:

  • 30-Day Money Back Guarantee: If you decide you don’t want your CARCHEX plan, you can cancel with no questions asked within the first 30 days.
  • Affordable and flexible pricing: CARCHEX protection plans monthly payment options are available, which helps with budgeting.
  • Direct repair payments: Unlike manufacturers’ extended warranties, CARCHEX plans allow you to choose your repair shop from over 30,000 National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE®)-certified shops across the country. You also won’t have to deal with footing an expensive bill and waiting for reimbursement, as CARCHEX pays repair shops directly.
  • Extra perks: With any CARCHEX plan, even basic coverage, you’ll get access to 24/7 roadside assistance at no extra charge. This includes a towing service allowance, trip interruption services, and rental car reimbursement when your car is in the shop.

Learn how to protect your Honda and get a free quote from CARCHEX today by calling 866-254-0205 or by answering a few questions online about your Honda. An estimate will be customized to your model and year, driving habits, budget, and needs.

Read more: CARCHEX warranty review

Featured Extended Warranty Companies

We reviewed the best extended auto warranty providers, and here are our top picks.

Best Overall Warranty Provider

4.6

  • Coverage:: 6 plan options, from routine maintenance to full coverage
  • Cost:: Several discounts available
  • Reputation:: Smooth claims experience as a direct provider
Affordable Monthly Payment

4.5

  • Coverage:: 6 plan options, some that last up to 300,000 miles
  • Cost:: Flexible month-to-month contracts
  • Reputation:: Most popular warranty provider
Best Warranty Provider for Used Cars

4.4

  • Coverage:: 6 plan options, the highest similar to a manufacturer’s warranty
  • Cost:: No down payment required
  • Reputation:: Strong BBB (Better Business Bureau) rating

Honda Extended Warranty: FAQ 

Below are some frequently asked questions about Honda extended warranty options:

Can I cancel my Honda Care extended warranty?

Yes, your Honda extended warranty can be canceled at any point. If you cancel Honda Care within 60 days of purchase, you’ll receive a full refund. Beyond that, any refunded amount will be prorated according to either the remaining contract term or your car’s current mileage.

What are the alternatives to Honda Care?

There are currently dozens of third-party providers offering alternative extended warranty services – CARCHEX, Endurance, CarShield, autopom!, and Protect My Car, to name a few. Always compare quotes so that you can find the most cost-effective option for extended warranty coverage.

How much will a third-party vehicle service contract cost?

In the vast majority of cases, third-party extended warranties are a less expensive alternative to manufacturer extended service contracts.