Unlike most extended car warranty providers, Toco isn’t a broker — it sells and administers its own plans, which simplifies the claims process.
We also like that Toco’s plans are month-to-month, allowing customers to cancel their contract at any time without penalties.
Toco accepts vehicles with up to 250,000 miles on their odometer. However, it also dictates which plan you can purchase based on your mileage, with the most comprehensive policy only available for cars with less than 100,000 miles.
Toco Extended Car Warranty
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Policy highlights
Four mileage-based coverage tiers are available, along with 24/7 roadside assistance and rental car coverage. Policies are month-to-month and mechanics are paid directly by Toco for covered repairs.
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Eligibility
Up to 20 years old or 250,000 miles
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Choose your garage?
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Availability
Toco offers service contracts in all U.S. states except Alaska, California, Missouri and Washington.
Pros
- Sell and administer its own plans
- Budget-friendly monthly payment plan
- Covers vehicles with up to 250,000 miles
Cons
- Not available in Alaska, California, Missouri or Washington
- 90-day waiting period
- Plan offerings based on vehicle mileage
Toco extended car warranty review
Toco extended car warranty pros and cons
Key benefits and drawbacks of Toco extended car warranties
Pros
- Sells and administers its own plans
- Month-by-month payment plan
- No down payment
- Covers vehicles with up to 250,000 miles
Cons
- Not available in Alaska, California, Missouri or Washington
- 90-day waiting period
- Plan offerings are based solely on vehicle mileage
Toco plans
Orange (up to 100,000 miles): The most comprehensive plan includes main systems, like the engine and drivetrain, as well as fuel systems, A/C, electrical and tech like touchscreens and backup cameras
Yellow (100,000 to 150,000 miles): This mid-level plan covers your vehicle’s main systems, such as the engine and transmission, as well as fuel systems, A/C and electronics.
Blue: (150,000 to 200,000 miles): This policy covers the powertrain, plus A/C, fuel, electrical and other systems.
Green (200,000 to 250,000 miles): Toco’s most basic plan only covers the powertrain.
Policies come with roadside assistance, trip interruption protection and a loaner car while your vehicle is being repaired.
Toco requirements
To apply for a policy with Toco, you’ll need the make, model, year and mileage of your vehicle, as well as its vehicle identification number (VIN).
Age and mileage limits
Toco covers vehicles until they reach 20 years or 250,000 miles.
Waiting period
Most extended warranty companies impose waiting periods to ensure a vehicle is in good working condition. However, Toco’s 90-day waiting period is much longer than the usual 30-day period. It also requires an additional 1,000 miles on the odometer before coverage is active.
Deductibles
Toco’s standard deductible for any repairs is $100.
Claims process
Toco is known for its streamlined claims process: You can take your vehicle to any licensed repair shop or dealership and provide them with your customer contract number. They’ll call Toco, which will pay them directly for any covered repairs.
While policyholders don’t have to fill out claims paperwork, a plan administrator may ask you for maintenance receipts or to inspect the vehicle.
What is mechanical breakdown insurance?
Similar to an extended car warranty, mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) covers unexpected mechanical or electrical issues that occur after your manufacturer’s warranty has expired. Our top picks include Geico and AAA.
The primary difference is that MBI is typically available as an add-on to your car insurance policy. Additionally, while extended car warranties are available for older or higher-mileage cars, MBI is typically limited to newer vehicles.
How much does Toco cost?
For an Orange plan for a 2021 Ford Escape with 50,000 miles, we were quoted a price of $75.58 per month.
How does Toco compare?
Here’s how Toco stacks up against two major competitors.
Toco vs. Endurance
Endurance Extended Car Warranty
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Policy highlights
Six tiers of coverage with no mileage restrictions. Benefits include coverage for tire and windshield (from road hazards), key fob replacement, roadside assistance and 30-day cancellation policy. Advantage plan covers maintenance, which is typically excluded.
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Eligibility
Up to 20 years old with no mileage cap
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Coverage terms
Covers up to 8 years or 200,000 miles
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Choose your garage?
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Availability
Endurance offers car warranties in all U.S. states except Massachusetts. In California, policies are sold as mechanical breakdown insurance.
Pros
- No mileage cap for approval
- Administers its own plans and claims
- Covers tire damage from road hazards
- Advantage plan includes maintenance (oil change, brake pad replacements)
- Plans are transferable if you sell your vehicle.
Cons
- Higher premiums than some competitors
Both Toco and Endurance are direct providers, meaning they sell and manage their own plans. And both have high customer satisfaction ratings from the Better Business Bureau and review sites like TrustPilot.
However, Endurance offers a wider variety of plans and more optional perks. Its Elite Benefits package covers key fob replacement and tire and windshield repair/replacement. Toco limits your choice of plans based solely on your car’s mileage, with no add-ons available.
If you need affordable protection for a high-mileage car, Toco is the better choice. But if you’re looking for comprehensive coverage and enhanced routine care, Endurance is the winner.
Toco vs. CarShield
CarShield Extended Car Warranty
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Policy highlights
CarShield offers seven warranties, including bumper-to-bumper, powertrain, electrical systems, motorcycles and EVs. Contracts are administered by American Auto Shield.
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Eligibility
Up to 300,000 miles with no age limit
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Coverage terms
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Choose your garage?
Yes, any certified National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence shop.
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Availability
CarShield coverage is available in all U.S. states except California.
Pros
- Wide range of plans
- Affordable rates
- No age restriction for acceptance
Cons
- Not available in California
- Not all plans are transferable
- $10 million settlement with the FTC over deceptive advertising practices
Toco customers praise it for its superior service and the straightforwardness of pricing and claim processing. CarShield has received positive comments for its breadth of coverage and quick response times, although some policyholders have complained about claim denials, fine-print surprises and confusing sales practices.
Toco offers a basic contract, with just four mileage-based tiers and no add-ons. CarShield has seven coverage plans, with multiple add-ons and upgrades. That variety comes with an increased price tag, however, as well as more restrictions on claims approvals, waiting periods and garage choice.
How do I buy a Toco extended car warranty?
To get a personalized quote, go to the Toco website and choose your plan and provide information about your vehicle, including the make, model, year, mileage and VIN.
You can purchase a plan online or contact a sales agent 24 hours a day at 800-724-8141.
Is Toco right for me?
While Toco’s 250,000-mileage cap is relatively generous, though, you’re limited to the plan that matches what’s on your odometer when you enroll.
Toco FAQs
How much does an extended vehicle warranty with Toco cost?
Prices vary based on the age and mileage of your car and the plan you choose. For the Orange level plan we were quoted a rate of $75.58 for a 2021 Ford Escape with 50,000 miles on it.
Does Toco cover tires?
No, none of Toco’s policy tiers include coverage for tires. Some competitors, like Endurance, have add-ons that include tire repair or replacement due to road hazards.
Does Toco have a waiting period
Most vehicle service contracts include a 30-day waiting period to ensure the automobile doesn’t have any preexisting issues. Toco has a 90-day wait, however, and requires an additional 1,000 miles on the odometer before your policy is activated.
Can I cancel my Toco contract?
Yes, Toco’s month-to-month policies can be canceled at any time. If you cancel within the first 30 or 60 days without filing a claim, you may receive a full refund. After this period (or if you filed a claim), you will receive a prorated refund based on the remaining time on your contract.
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Our methodology
CNBC Select reviews extended car warranties using a variety of criteria, including rates, terms, mileage and vehicle age limits, availability, fees, payment options, online experience and customer satisfaction.
We also incorporate findings from independent sources, including ratings from the Better Business Bureau.
Sample rates were based on a 2021 Ford Escape with 50,000 miles.
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Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.
