CNA National Warranty Reviews

Are you considering purchasing an extended car warranty from CNA National Warranty? The reputable company sells vehicle service contracts nationwide, which can help pay for the cost of unexpected car repairs after your factory warranty expires. In this review, we’ll dive into the company’s coverage, reputation, and customer reviews. 

We’ll also compare CNA National with other providers like Endurance, which was ranked as a top pick in our recent review of the best car warranty companies on the market. Our team of experts put in 1,475 hours of research into the warranty market for this expansive review, weighing more than 2,000 data points. We gave CNA National Warranty an overall rating of 3.8 out of 5.0 stars.

CNA National Warranty has a reputation for good customer service and claims handling. It has four available coverage levels and offers additional benefits such as trip interruption and rental reimbursement. However, all contracts are not transferable nor eligible for cancellation, and rolling the cost into your auto financing can drive up your total cost.

How We Rated CNA National Warranty

To give you the most up-to-date information, we update our review standards several times each year. Our warranty research evaluates providers in the following categories:

Industry Standing

We consider Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, state availability, years in business, and business endorsements when we evaluate a warranty provider’s industry standing. CNA National Warranty has an A+ rating from the BBB and has been in business for more than 40 years. The company’s plans are available in all 50 states (with varying provisions). CNA National Warranty has also partnered with the American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) since 1995. We give the company a solid 4.4 out of 5.0 stars for industry standing.

Coverage

CNA National Warranty offers four levels of coverage, along with a vehicle service contract option specifically for dealer-certified used cars. Roadside assistance, towing benefits, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption benefits for when you break down far from home are included. You can also add benefits like tire and wheel protection. Overall, we give CNA 4.2 out of 5.0 stars for its coverage options. Lower mileage limits than some of its competitors bring the company’s score down a bit here.

Cost

The cost of CNA National Warranty plans is highly variable. CNA’s warranties are only available through dealerships, so you can’t buy a plan directly from the company. What you pay for a CNA National Warranty plan will depend on a host of factors such as your vehicle type, your car’s mileage, and the coverage level you select. Having the option to roll the cost of a warranty plan into your car loan may seem nice at first, but you have to consider the additional interest you’ll pay on the contract over time. All things considered, we give CNA National Warranty 3.5 stars out of 5.0 for cost.

Transparency

CNA National Warranty doesn’t provide sample contracts as many of the leading warranty providers do. There’s also no mention of a money-back guarantee on the company’s website. There frankly isn’t much you can find out about CNA National Warranty plans without visiting a dealership, so we give the company a modest 2.5-star rating for transparency.

Customer Service

You won’t find an online chat option or mobile app from CNA National Warranty. That hinders its customer service rating, but the company does have strong reviews from customers on the BBB. Overall, we give CNA National Warranty a 3.8-star rating for customer service.

Is CNA National Warranty Worth It?

Overall, we think it’s worth getting a quote from CNA National Warranty if you’re in the market for an extended warranty for your new or used car. However, since CNA National Warranty services are sold only through dealers, this may or may not be an option for everyone.

A car is one of the most significant purchases you can make, and it deserves the best protection you can get. Always shop around for the best price and coverage, and get multiple quotes before signing the contract.

CNA National Warranty Quick Facts

• Founded: 1982
• Headquarters: Scottsdale, AZ
• Coverage options: Four primary coverage levels, plus a two-tiered option for used cars

Is CNA National Warranty Legit?

CNA National Warranty is a subsidiary of CNA Financial, one of the oldest commercial insurance companies in the U.S., with over $55 billion in assets. You can only purchase CNA auto warranties through certain dealerships, and the company does not provide sample contracts or free quotes online.

In addition, CNA National Warranty is a 26-time Dealers’ Choice Award winner. It was also the first extended warranty company recognized by J.D. Power for the highest dealer satisfaction and endorsed by the AIADA. CNA is a recognized industry leader in the vehicle service contract space, and it has paid over $3.6 billion in claims. The company approves more than 1,200 service contracts and warranty claims daily.

Accredited by the BBB since 2010, CNA National Warranty has an A+ rating. It was also a finalist in the 2015 BBB Business Ethics Awards for Arizona.

However, its customer reviews are a mix of positive and negative experiences, with the majority reporting satisfaction with the claims process and service.

Positive CNA National Car Warranty Reviews

“I just got my Honda Pilot back, and CNA covered the repairs! I am glad I purchased this extended warranty, so my deductible was the only amount out of pocket (other than the original warranty purchase price). … Both CNA and the Honda dealer got us back on the road.”

– Jim and Emily R. via Yelp

“I initially had an issue with CNA honoring what is considered to be ‘standard’ suspension repairs in the 3rd party warranty industry. After expressing my concerns to CNA, a claims Manager at CNA responded to my review and decided that the repairs were warranted. Thanks to CNA staff like [him], I have a renewed confidence in aftermarket warranty coverages.”

– Demetrius via BBB

“I have had CNA service agreements on my last 3 cars. In each case it has proven to be a great decision. Their claims department has handled our claims quickly and fairly.”

– David T. via BBB

CNA National Warranty Complaints 

“I am not at all happy with my CNA Warranty so far. I am feeling a bit ripped off by an insurance company who is using ‘hidden fine print’ to be used as excuses to avoid covering expensive failures, which is EXACTLY why we buy these warranties, and especially, upgrade to the Premium Package to ensure everything would be covered!”

– Rich B. via Yelp

“Don’t waste your money for this service. They’ll bring the most stupid excuses not to pay your shop. And, pretty much everybody at customer service has an attitude.”

– Eleight C. via Yelp

“[CNA] is doing everything in its power not to have to pony up the $1,500 to pay off our totaled truck. We paid $893 for this service. They had no problem taking our money. This has been going on for weeks. We call every day to no avail. There is always some issue. Do not use this company.”

– Valerie P. via Yelp

CNA National Warranty Complaints Of False Coverage

Some customer complaints on BBB against CNA National Warranty concern parts coverage. With any service contract provider, it is important to read the contract carefully to know which parts are covered in your plan and which are not so you aren’t caught unprepared in the event of a repair.

A CNA auto warranty’s coverage depends on the type of warranty you purchase. The company offers four levels of coverage: Powertrain Advantage Care℠, Vehicle Value Care℠, Mechanical Advantage Care℠, and Automotive Preferred Care℠. You can choose the type of coverage you want depending on your specific needs and driving habits.

CNA National Warranty Plans

Below is a list of the extended warranty plans offered by CNA National Warranty Corporation and a brief description of coverage and mileage restrictions:

• Powertrain Advantage Care: Powertrain Advantage Care offers protection for specified parts in the engine, transmission, and drivetrain assembly component groups and is available for cars with up to 150,000 miles.
• Vehicle Value Care: This plan offers stated-component coverage for essential car parts and is a value-driven plan for cars up to 150,000 miles. In addition to the parts covered in the basic Powertrain plan, the Vehicle Value Care plan also covers the suspension, front-wheel steering, electrical system, brakes, fuel system, cooling system, and air conditioning and heating.
• Mechanical Advantage Care: This is the highest level of stated-component coverage offered by CNA National Warranty and is available for most vehicles with up to 125,000 miles. In addition to the parts covered in the Value Care plan, the Mechanical Advantage Care plan also covers interior and powertrain electronics, convenience accessories, vehicle hardware, and anti-lock braking systems (ABS).
• Automotive Preferred Care: Automotive Preferred Care is CNA National Warranty’s most premium coverage plan. It’s an exclusionary coverage plan that covers all parts of the vehicle unless specified in the contract. It’s the most similar to a factory warranty.
• Certified+Plus Care™: CNA National Warranty also offers a vehicle service contract specifically for used vehicles that have been inspected and certified by the dealer and come with an extended limited powertrain warranty. It has two levels of coverage – Preferred and Advantage – and extends coverage for basic powertrain parts beyond the expiration of the factory warranty.

*Automotive Preferred Care, Mechanical Advantage Care, and Vehicle Value Care are available for most new, near-new, and used vehicles with up to 125,000 or 150,000 miles.

**Certified+Plus Care and Powertrain Advantage Care are available for used vehicles. You may be able to choose from multiple deductible options.

CNA National Warranty: Additional Benefits

CNA National Warranty offers the following additional perks with its vehicle service contracts:

• Roadside assistance
• Towing
• Rental reimbursement
• Travel and lodging reimbursement

Note that rental reimbursement and trip interruption benefits are offered only with covered repairs.

CNA National Warranty Additional Services

CNA National Warranty also offers or administers the following products:

• Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) waivers
• Tire and Wheel Protection
• Lifetime Limited Powertrain Warranty and Wrap (through franchised dealers)
• Certified Warranty (through franchised dealers)

What Does CNA National Warranty Not Cover?

Like other warranty providers, CNA National Warranty’s plans do not cover wear-and-tear components such as brake pads and wiper blades. Routine maintenance services aren’t covered by CNA National Warranty plans, nor is damage that arises from not performing regular maintenance. Damage from modified parts also won’t be covered by an extended warranty.

The cost of an extended auto warranty depends on your car’s make, model, year, mileage, and the type of CNA National Warranty car coverage you want. The company does not list its sample costs online because of this variability. CNA National Warranty Corporation’s extended warranties are sold through dealerships, so you can’t buy a vehicle service contract directly from the company. However, you may be able to get more information from your dealer or by calling the number for CNA National Warranty customer service and claims at 800-345-0191.

You will benefit from just one monthly payment if you buy the service contract from the dealer and roll the cost into your auto loan. However, this could increase your extended warranty cost because you will pay interest on the contract. Most independent warranty companies offer zero-interest financing.

The chart below shows the results of our 2022 extended warranty survey. Most respondents paid between $1,500 and $3,000 for their vehicle service contracts.

CNA National Warranty Claims: Cost

When researching vehicle service contracts, paying attention to the fine print is essential, as some companies require drivers to take their vehicles to approved dealerships for repairs. Taking your car to an unauthorized dealership can increase the total cost of coverage when added to the monthly premium.

Suppose you are a contract holder and would like to file a claim with CNA National Warranty. In that case, you can take your vehicle to the selling dealer or any repair facility certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE®). Since the company doesn’t display sample contracts online, we could not determine if and how the repair location would affect your final costs. Previous customers have claimed that you may choose a “disappearing deductible” and lower your costs if you take the car to the dealer for repairs.

No matter where you decide to go for repairs, you should provide the repair facility with your contract number and ask them to contact CNA National Warranty to authorize the repair before beginning any work. CNA National Warranty claims lines are open Monday through Friday, 6 AM to 6 PM MST, and Saturday, 6 AM to 5 PM MST.

If a teardown is needed to diagnose the cause of the breakdown, you are responsible for the costs. CNA National Warranty will refund the teardown cost if the failed part is found to be a covered item. If your contract includes a deductible, you should pay this directly to the repair shop.

In this article, we reviewed CNA National Warranty Corporation’s coverage options, cost, and claims process. Since CNA National warranties are only offered through dealerships, there may be better choices with more transparent options than CNA for customers looking for excellent customer service.

Top Auto Extended Warranty Providers

When we reviewed the industry’s best extended car warranty companies, we found that Endurance and CarShield are more robust providers than CNA in terms of reputation, coverage, customer experience, and cost. Below, we discuss why these providers stand out compared to CNA.

Endurance: Best Coverage

Endurance is an excellent option for extended warranties as it offers direct-to-consumer extended warranties, which means that warranty services and claims are handled directly by Endurance. Our team rated it 4.6 out of 5.0 stars and gave it the Best Coverage award.

Here are a few reasons that Endurance came out ahead of CNA in our reviews.

1. Free, customizable quotes online: Endurance allows you to receive a free, customized quote online. By requesting a free quote, you can know what you would pay for your extended warranty before talking to a sales representative.
2. Sample contracts available online for review: Sample contracts are available online for prospective Endurance customers to review before purchasing a warranty.
3. High mileage coverage: If you’re considering an extended warranty for a vehicle with 200,000+ miles, Endurance is one of the few providers in the industry that will work with you.

Additionally, Endurance warranty plans allow car owners to choose from any ASE-certified repair shop to complete covered repairs. Read more in our Endurance warranty review.

CarShield: Best Monthly Payments

CarShield has a 4.0-star rating on Trustpilot from over 33,000 customers. CarShield is known for its extensive high-mileage coverage and low prices. Used cars can get coverage for up to 300,000 miles. The company also covers high-tech and luxury vehicles. CarShield is the only extended warranty provider we have reviewed that offers warranty coverage for motorcycles and ATVs. Learn more in our CarShield review.

Below are some frequently asked questions about CNA National Warranty extended warranties: