Thinking about getting Honda Care but not sure if it’s worth your money? You’re at the right place. Honda’s extended warranty promises peace of mind, but the price tag might make you hesitate. This guide breaks down exactly what you’re paying for and whether it makes sense for your situation.
What Exactly Is Honda Care?
Honda Care is Honda’s official extended warranty program designed to pick up where your factory warranty leaves off. It’s an exclusionary “bumper-to-bumper” service contract that covers most mechanical and electrical components of your vehicle.
Unlike third-party warranties, Honda Care is backed directly by the manufacturer and serviced at Honda dealerships using genuine Honda parts. The coverage comes in various term lengths, typically ranging from 3 to 8 years, depending on your vehicle’s age and mileage.
What Does Honda Care Cover?
Honda Care’s comprehensive coverage includes most vehicle components except for specifically excluded items. Here’s what’s covered:
Engine and Powertrain Components
- Engine block and all internal parts
- Transmission and transfer case
- Drive axles and CV joints
- Turbocharger/supercharger components
Electronics and Technology Systems
- Navigation systems
- Audio equipment
- Dashboard electronics
- Sensors and computers
Other Major Systems
- Air conditioning and heating
- Suspension components
- Steering mechanisms
- Fuel delivery system
What’s impressive about Honda Care is its bumper-to-bumper coverage that extends to almost everything except wear-and-tear items and routine maintenance.
What’s NOT Covered By Honda Care?
Before signing up, you should know what falls outside the coverage umbrella:
- Regular maintenance items (oil changes, filters, etc.)
- Wear-and-tear parts (brake pads, wiper blades, tires)
- Exterior body parts and paint
- Interior upholstery damage
- Damage from accidents or environmental factors
- Modifications not approved by Honda
It’s worth noting that Honda Care will void your coverage if you don’t follow Honda’s recommended maintenance schedule, so keep those service records!
Additional Benefits Beyond Repairs
Honda Care isn’t just about covering repairs. It comes with several value-added services that might tip the scales in its favor:
Roadside Assistance
24/7 emergency services including:
- Towing to the nearest Honda dealer
- Battery jump-starts
- Flat tire changes
- Lockout assistance
- Fuel delivery
Trip Interruption Benefits
If your vehicle breaks down more than 100 miles from home, Honda Care covers:
- Up to $100 per day for meals
- Up to $300 per breakdown for lodging
- Alternate transportation allowance
Rental Car Reimbursement
When your car is in the shop for covered repairs:
- Up to $35 per day for a rental vehicle
- Maximum of 6 days per repair visit
These extras can add significant value, especially for those who travel frequently or rely heavily on their vehicle.
Honda Care Cost: What Should You Expect to Pay?
Honda Care prices vary based on:
- Your vehicle model
- Vehicle age and mileage
- Coverage length
- Deductible amount
On average, expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,000 for a multi-year plan. However, prices at dealerships can be significantly higher than what you’d pay through online Honda dealers.
Cost-Saving Tip
Many Honda owners report saving 30-40% by purchasing Honda Care online through authorized dealers like Saccucci Honda rather than at their local dealership. The coverage is identical, but the price difference can be substantial.
How Honda Care Compares to Competitors
| Warranty Provider | Average Cost | Repair Network | OEM Parts | Transferability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Care | $1,500-$3,000 | Honda dealerships | Yes | Yes (one-time) |
| CarShield | $1,000-$2,000 | Any ASE certified | Sometimes | Limited |
| Endurance | $1,500-$2,500 | Most shops | Sometimes | Yes |
| CARCHEX | $1,300-$2,800 | National network | Sometimes | Yes |
While third-party warranties often come with a lower price tag, they typically don’t include genuine Honda parts and service at certified Honda technicians.
Real Honda Owners’ Experiences
Looking at online discussions, Honda owners report mixed experiences with Honda Care:
Positive Experiences
- An Accord owner had their $4,000 transmission replacement fully covered
- A CR-V owner got their expensive navigation system replaced at no cost
- Multiple hybrid owners had battery replacements covered, saving thousands
Negative Experiences
- Some owners never needed to use their warranty before it expired
- A few reported claim denials due to maintenance record issues
- Many felt dealership prices were too high compared to online options
The general consensus is that Honda Care tends to be worth it for hybrid models, vehicles with advanced technology packages, and for owners who plan to keep their car beyond the factory warranty period.
Honda Care vs. Self-Insurance: The Math
Some financial experts suggest “self-insuring” instead of buying an extended warranty. Here’s how the numbers might work out:
If you put aside $50 per month instead of purchasing a $2,000 Honda Care plan:
- After 3 years: $1,800 saved
- After 5 years: $3,000 saved
According to RepairPal, Honda’s average annual repair cost is around $428, significantly lower than the industry average. This means self-insurance might work well for many Honda owners.
However, major repairs can quickly exceed your savings:
- Transmission replacement: $3,500-$5,000
- Hybrid battery: $2,000-$3,000
- Navigation/infotainment system: $1,200-$2,500
When Honda Care Makes Financial Sense
Honda Care tends to provide good value in these situations:
You Plan to Keep Your Honda Long-Term
If you’ll drive your Honda well beyond the factory warranty period (3-year/36,000-mile basic and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain), Honda Care can provide valuable coverage during the years when repairs become more likely.
You Have a High-Tech or Hybrid Model
Models with complex systems like hybrid powertrains, turbochargers, or advanced driver assistance technologies tend to have more expensive repairs. The Honda CR-V Hybrid and Accord Hybrid owners often benefit from the extended coverage.
You Drive Many Miles Annually
If you put 15,000+ miles on your car each year, you’ll reach warranty mileage limits faster and might need the extended coverage sooner than most drivers.
You Want Predictable Vehicle Expenses
If you prefer financial certainty and want to avoid surprise repair bills, Honda Care works as an insurance policy against unexpected costs.
When Honda Care Might Not Be Worth It
Skip Honda Care if:
You Don’t Plan to Keep Your Honda Long
If you typically trade in your vehicle before the factory warranty expires, an extended warranty offers little benefit.
You’ve Bought a Historically Reliable Model
Certain Honda models like the base Civic and Accord have exceptional reliability records and lower-than-average repair costs, making the extended warranty less necessary.
You’re Happy to Use Independent Repair Shops
Honda Care requires using Honda dealerships, which typically charge higher labor rates than independent mechanics.
You’re Comfortable with Financial Risk
If you have emergency savings and don’t mind paying for occasional repairs out-of-pocket, self-insuring might work better for you.
How to Get the Best Deal on Honda Care
If you decide Honda Care is right for you, follow these tips to save money:
- Shop around online: Call or email multiple Honda dealers nationwide that sell Honda Care online. Prices can vary by thousands.
- Negotiate: Dealers have significant markup on warranty products. Don’t accept the first price.
- Buy before your factory warranty expires: Prices increase significantly for older vehicles with expired factory warranties.
- Consider the deductible carefully: A $100 deductible plan costs more upfront but might save money if you expect multiple repairs.
- Skip dealer add-ons: Dealers may try to bundle additional protection packages. Stick to the core Honda Care product.
Making Your Decision: Final Considerations
When deciding on Honda Care, ask yourself:
- How long do you realistically plan to keep your Honda?
- Does your model have a strong reliability history?
- How would an unexpected $2,000 repair affect your finances?
- Do you value the additional benefits like roadside assistance?
- Have you compared prices from multiple dealers?
Remember that Honda vehicles consistently rank among the most reliable brands according to Consumer Reports and J.D. Power studies. This inherent reliability is why some owners feel comfortable skipping the extended warranty.
The Bottom Line
Honda Care offers comprehensive protection with the assurance of genuine Honda parts and service. For many owners—especially those with hybrids, turbocharged engines, or tech-heavy models who plan to keep their vehicles long-term—it provides valuable peace of mind.
However, the typically excellent reliability of Honda vehicles means many owners may never need to make a major claim. For them, self-insuring or skipping extended coverage entirely might be the more economical choice.
Whatever you decide, make sure to shop around for the best price, as the difference between dealers can be substantial for identical coverage.
