*Cars with a list price of over £40,000 when new pay an additional rate of £425 per year on top of the standard rate, for five years. The five-year time limit starts from the second year the car is first registered.

What is car tax or VED and why do I have to pay it?

Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) – also known as car tax or road tax – is essentially a tax for using a vehicle on public roads in the UK.

It was introduced in 1937 and replaced the old system of road tax, which traces its roots back to the taxation of Hackney Carriages in the 17th century.

The tax disc was introduced in 1921 and, until 1974, car taxation was handled by local authorities.

Then, in 1974, the DVLC (Driver and Licensing Vehicle Centre) was established, with an office in Swansea handling all vehicle and driver registration issues. The DVLC later became the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) and the tax disc was abolished in 2014.

Each year, the DVLA collects around £5 billion in VED, but not all of this is spent on road improvements and infrastructure. In fact, VED is grouped in with other forms of tax, meaning the income from your road tax is just as likely to be spent on education or healthcare as it is on roads.

How is car tax monitored?

DVLA consigned the tax disc to the history books, which means motorists are not required to display a paper disc in the windscreen.

Instead, VED is handled by an electronic database, as the government continues to digitise public services.

Today, the police and other law enforcement agencies use a network of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. These cameras might be situated at the roadside, or located in a police vehicle.

The ANPR system exchanges data with the DVLA database which keeps a record of all taxed and untaxed vehicles.

When do you have to pay your car tax?

If you own a vehicle, you will automatically receive a reminder before the tax is due to expire, which is always at the end of a given month.

In other words, if your vehicle is taxed for 12 months from 1 January, you’ll need to renew before the end of December.

You can tax a car for six or 12 months.

You’re also liable for road tax as soon as you take ownership of a car, although if you’re buying an efficient new vehicle, this might cost less than you think. In fact, buy wisely and you might pay nothing at all.

How much do I have to pay for my car tax?

How much you have to pay depends on age of your car and the tax band it is in, use the tables in the tax bands explained section to find out how much you will have to pay for your car.

How do I pay for my car tax?

By far the easiest way to pay for road tax is to do it online.

To tax your car, you’ll need a reference number from one of the following documents:

A recent reminder (V11) ‘last chance’ warning letter from the DVLA

Vehicle logbook (V5C) in your name

A green, new keeper supplement (V5C/2) from a logbook of a car you’ve just bought.

The system is extremely easy, and you can pay via debit card, credit card or direct debit.

Note, additional charges may apply if you pay via direct debit.

If you’d rather not pay online, you can telephone the DVLA’s 24-hour service on 0300 123 4321, although direct debit is not an option over the phone.

Alternatively, for something a little more old-school, you can tax a vehicle at a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax.

What happens if I don’t tax my car?

If you’re the registered keeper of an untaxed vehicle, you’ll be issued with a Late Licensing Penalty (LLP) letter.

The fine is £80, but this can be reduced to £40 if you pay within 33 days. If you fail to pay, the case will be referred to a debt collection agency.

Anyone caught using or keeping an untaxed vehicle without a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification)* will be issued with an Out of Court Settlement (OCS) letter.

The OCS is set at £30 plus one-and-a-half times the outstanding vehicle tax rate.

If this is not paid, the case may be pursued via a magistrates’ court, with a penalty of £1,000 or five times the amount chargeable (whichever is greater).

This penalty increases to £2,500 if you’re caught using or keeping an untaxed vehicle on a public road with a SORN in place.

In both cases, the vehicle might be clamped, and a £100 clamp release fee will be payable within the first 24 hours.

If the vehicle is removed, the fee increases to £200, along with a £21 per day storage fee beginning once the vehicle has been removed to the vehicle pound.

Driving without car tax, can lead to serious consequences – with a fine up to £1000. Now that the disc is now longer in use, the police use a network of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to check if a car is taxed.

If a car that is not taxed is abandoned, the vehicle is stored for a period between 7 and 14 days, at which point it might be disposed of at auction, broken for spares, or crushed.

*You need to make a SORN when you take a vehicle ‘off the road’ and you want to stop taxing and insuring it.

Car tax exemptions

The following vehicles are exempt from vehicle tax, although you’ll still need to apply for it:

Vehicles used by a disabled person

Disabled passenger vehicles

Mobility scooters, powered wheelchairs and invalid carriages

Historic vehicles built more than 40 years before 1 January of the current year

Electric vehicles

Mowing machines

Steam vehicles

Vehicles used just for agriculture, horticulture, and forestry

For cars registered on or after 1 March 2001, the system is a little more complex, but the option to pay via direct debit remains.

What happens to your road tax when you sell your car?

Don’t be caught out by the changes to the system when buying a new car, introduced in October 2014.

Since then, it has not been possible to transfer any unexpired tax to the new registered keeper, meaning a new owner must tax the car before driving away.

Similarly, if you’re selling the vehicle, be sure to let the DVLA know. Any remaining tax will be refunded to you.

FAQs

What are VED rates?

VED stands for Vehicle Excise Duty, and it is a yearly tax paid by the owners of cars, motorbikes, vans, and other motor vehicles registered in the UK.

It is also known as road tax or car tax. VED rates are the amount of money paid by the vehicle owner to the government, depending on the type and age of the vehicle. The amount of VED paid depends on the type of vehicle and its age.

It should be noted that some vehicles are exempt from paying VED, such as classic cars, and vehicles used for disabled people. VED rates are set by the government and are subject to change.

How is VED calculated?

VED, or Vehicle Excise Duty is a tax placed on vehicle owners to help fund road maintenance, research, and public transport. The amount of VED you pay is based on the type of vehicle you drive and the type of fuel it uses.

Generally, the more emissions a vehicle produces, the more VED you will pay. For cars registered after 1st March 2001, the VED is calculated by taking into account the vehicle’s CO2 emissions. This information is taken from the manufacturer’s CO2 emissions figures and is then broken down into different bands.

The bands range from A (the lowest) to M (the highest) and are based on the amount of CO2 emitted per kilometre (g/km). For cars registered before 1st March 2001, VED is calculated by taking into consideration the engine size.

The amount of VED you pay will depend on the age of your vehicle, the type of fuel it uses, and the CO2 emissions or engine size. The VED rates can be found on the Government website.

It is important to note that VED rates can change from year to year, so it is important to check the latest rates before you buy a car.

Did You Know? Auto manufacturers offer protection against mechanical breakdowns through extended car warranties. While similar coverage from third parties is available, this coverage is technically considered a vehicle service contract. Many consumers and third-party companies commonly use these terms interchangeably, so we’ve done the same in this article.

Key Takeaways Extended car warranties in California are highly regulated and considered as either vehicle service contracts or mechanical breakdown insurance.

Only car dealerships can sell vehicle service contracts in California, so you can’t buy one online. However, you can purchase mechanical breakdown insurance online.

Endurance, Carchex, autopom! and Omega Auto Care offer vehicle protection plans and mechanical breakdown insurance with varying levels of coverage for California residents.

As a Californian, you put plenty of miles on your car commuting to work, driving around the city or trekking from the beach to the mountains. While visiting the repair shop at some point is inevitable, an extended warranty can help pick up the tab for mechanical failures. But not all warranty companies are licensed in California — we at the MarketWatch Guides team will show you how to find legit coverage.

The listings that appear are from companies from which this website may receive compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. Not all companies, products or offers were reviewed in connection with this listing. Advertisement Endurance Reputation : 8.8/10

Coverage : 9.7/10

Cost : 9.1/10

Transparency : 9.5/10

Customer Experience : 8.5/10 4.6 Endurance is our top-rated auto warranty company EXPLORE PLANS on Endurance’s website Quick Facts Quick Facts Plan Coverage and Perks Quick Facts Plan Coverage and Perks Most Comprehensive Coverage

Mileage Covered: Up to 200,000 miles

Up to 200,000 miles Longest Warranty Term: Up to 8 years

Up to 8 years Money-Back Guarantee: Up to 30 Days

Up to 30 Days Coverage Options: 6 different plans to choose from

6 different plans to choose from Discounts: $300 same-day signup discount, $250 shopping voucher, and others Plan coverage includes Endurance Elite perks™ Exclusionary plan One-year membership for free Powertrain plan Tire repair and replacement Maintainance coverage with Endurance Advantage Key fob replacement Roadside assistance Total loss protection Towing Collision discount Rental car $250 rewards voucher Trip interruption coverage Endurance Protect app

Learn more about our methodology and editorial guidelines.

Extended Car Warranties in California

The California Department of Insurance has specific laws regarding extended car warranties that regulate who can sell these contracts, what they can be called and what they can or can’t contain.

While extended car warranties can technically be sold within the state of California, they’re labeled as either vehicle service contracts or mechanical breakdown insurance coverage. See more on key differences in the table below:

Vehicle Service Contracts Mechanical Breakdown Insurance Considered a service contract Considered an insurance policy Prices aren’t regulated Prices are regulated Only car dealerships can sell them Licensed insurance companies sell plans and sometimes administer them through VSC companies, banks and credit unions

What Is a Vehicle Service Contract? Technically, “extended car warranty” is the proper term for a service contract from an auto manufacturer. In California and other places, companies that don’t manufacture cars but service them after a mechanical failure sell what’s called a vehicle service contract. VSCs are often called “extended warranties” or “aftermarket warranties,” but these aren’t the official terms. VSCs are sold throughout the U.S., but in California, companies must have a special license and operate in accordance with certain regulations to sell them. If a company that isn’t a licensed car dealership attempts to sell VSCs to consumers, they could face felony charges. VSCs must be filed with the state, but there are no regulations on costs for these contracts. What Are Vehicle Service Contract Providers? Companies that hold special licenses allowing them to sell VSCs are referred to as vehicle service contract providers. They are legally responsible and obligated to pay the costs to repair your vehicle if it has a covered breakdown. These companies must also have a backup insurance company to pay for covered repairs if the original vehicle service contract provider goes out of business or decides to not honor a claim. What Is Mechanical Breakdown Insurance? Mechanical breakdown insurance is similar to extended warranty coverage. It covers the costs of repairs from a mechanical breakdown caused by defects in parts or workmanship. In California, MBI is further regulated by the Department of Insurance, and some laws that apply to this insurance don’t apply to vehicle service contracts. For one, you can buy MBI from banks, credit unions, insurance agents and directly from car insurance companies. You can also purchase this coverage online from various warranty and auto insurance providers. However, if you choose to buy online, you’ll need to confirm that the company selling the MBI is licensed by the California Department of Insurance.

Best Extended Car Warranty Providers in California

Some extended vehicle warranty providers might be on the receiving end of cease-and-desist letters from the Department of Insurance in California. Other companies could be deterred by the stringent laws that California enforces. Either way, there are reputable providers that both comply with the laws and offer VSCs and MBI policies. Following our comprehensive review, we suggest obtaining car warranty quotes for your new car or older vehicle from Endurance, Carchex, autopom! and Omega Auto Care. Learn more about each of our top picks below.

Best Comprehensive Coverage Endurance Reputation: 4.6/5

Coverage: 4.9/5

Cost: 4.4/5

Transparency: 4.9/5

Customer Experience: 4.2/5 4.6 Endurance Warranty Review Explore Plans on Endurance’s website Monthly Cost $97 to $115 Mileage Cap Unlimited Overview Endurance earned the highest score in our industry-wide review, with an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5. We appreciate that Endurance is a direct provider to consumers — this is rare in the extended warranty industry and helps promote a hassle-free claims process. Endurance’s direct-to-consumer model means that you’ll deal with Endurance from start to finish without the need to work with a third-party contract administrator. Endurance offers three coverage options for California residents in addition to optional add-ons. It currently holds an A- rating from the Better Business Bureau, along with an average customer review of 3.8 out of 5 stars. We reached out to Endurance for comment on its subpar customer review rating on the BBB but didn’t receive a response. Endurance Mechanical Breakdown Insurance Coverage See below for details on Endurance’s mechanical breakdown coverage options: Endurance Plan What It Covers Elite Plus This is Endurance’s most comprehensive plan, similar to factory warranty coverage. It covers virtually every part of your vehicle minus a short list of exclusions. Premium Premium is a high-level, named-component coverage. It covers everything included under the Standard plan in addition to enhanced electrical and luxury component coverage. Standard Protecting the most vital components of your vehicle, the Standard plan is great for those looking to keep their vehicle on the road at a great price. Endurance MBI Add-Ons Endurance offers several add-on options with its MBI service plans, including the following: Covered part cause of loss coverage

Emissions coverage

Business use option

Lift kit/oversized tires coverage

Snowplow option You can also get towing reimbursement, rental car reimbursement and trip interruption benefits with MBI coverage from Endurance. These benefits are usually the standard in the extended warranty industry. Positive reviews praise the company’s professionalism and excellent service, while negative reviews discuss issues getting claims covered. In our 2025 extended warranty survey, 30 respondents purchased an Endurance plan. Here’s how they rated their satisfaction with Endurance: 14 respondents were very satisfied

13 respondents were somewhat satisfied

3 respondents were neutral

Nobody selected “dissatisfied” or “extremely dissatisfied”

Best Industry Reputation Carchex Reputation: 4.7/5

Coverage: 4.9/5

Cost: 3.8/5

Transparency: 4.9/5

Customer Experience: 4.0/5 4.4 Carchex Warranty Review Read Review Monthly Cost $110 to $150 Mileage Cap 250K Overview Carchex earned a 4.4 out of 5 in our review and recognition for being a provider with the Best Industry Reputation. Its website states that coverage is available in California, but doesn’t specifically mention if the coverage offered is considered MBI. As Carchex does work with dealers, it’s likely that the VSCs it offers are sold through dealerships in accordance with California law. Carchex partners with industry giants like Edmunds, Carfax, RepairPal and Kelley Blue Book, solidifying it as a reputable provider. It also has an A+ rating with accreditation from the BBB. Carchex Vehicle Service Contract Coverage You’ll find five levels of coverage for your vehicle with Carchex. You can also find sample contracts on its website that will give you a further breakdown of coverage. Carchex

Plan What It Covers Titanium Similar to manufacturer warranty coverage, the Titanium plan offers coverage for every component of your vehicle minus a short list of excluded parts. Platinum The highest stated-component plan option available, this protects all major systems on your vehicle with hundreds of specific parts listed out in the contract. Powertrain Plus This plan is a step up from the basic Powertrain plan because it provides essential coverage for your vehicle’s most important components. Powertrain This plan offers basic coverage for your vehicle’s powertrain components, such as the engine and transmission. Extra Care Extra Care provides coverage for parts outside of your powertrain, such as electrical, steering, suspension and braking system components. Carchex Plan Perks Carchex protection plans are available for vehicles with up to 250,000 miles, making them a great option for used car warranties. Carchex offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with your purchase. Some perks that Carchex provides with its VSCs include: Your choice of a licensed auto repair facility

24/7 roadside assistance

Rental car reimbursement

Trip interruption reimbursement In our 2025 survey, 10 respondents had Carchex. Six reported being “very satisfied” with their provider, and four were “somewhat satisfied.” None were neutral or unsatisfied.

High Customer Satisfaction autopom! Reputation: 4.3/5

Coverage: 4.5/5

Cost: 4.2/5

Transparency: 4.6/5

Customer Experience: 4.4/5 4.4 Autopom! Warranty Review Read Review Monthly Cost $60 to $130 Mileage Cap 150K Overview Autopom! earned 4.4 out of 5 in our review for its reputation for high customer satisfaction. It has high customer ratings across platforms like the BBB and Trustpilot, with 94% of ratings through Trustpilot being either four or five stars. Autopom! partners with various brands such as Mercury Mechanical Protection and Omega Auto Care to supply extended auto warranties to consumers across America. Autopom! Mechanical Breakdown Insurance Coverage Autopom! Offers MBI to California residents. See the table below for coverage plans through autopom! that are currently available: Autopom!

Plan What It Covers Exclusionary Similar to a bumper-to-bumper warranty, this plan provides comprehensive coverage for every component in your vehicle minus a list of exclusions. Mid-Level The major systems of your vehicle are covered in addition to the components protected with the Powertrain Plus plan. This includes steering, electrical and braking system components. Powertrain Plus A true powertrain warranty that offers protection for the essential components of your car such as the engine, drive axles, transmission and air conditioning. Coverage for basic electrical components may be offered depending on which plans are available where you live. Autopom! Plan Perks Autopom!’s MBI is backed by autopom! Insurance Services, LLC. Autopom! mentions that your state of residence will impact your eligibility for the plans it offers to car owners, so your best bet is to get a free quote to see coverage options available in California. Extra perks that autopom! provides with its vehicle protection plans include: Rental car assistance

Nationwide breakdown coverage

24/7 roadside assistance

Tire protection

Trip interruption reimbursement

Repair shop of your choice for covered car repairs

Best Maintenance Benefits Omega Auto Care Reputation: 4.4/5

Coverage: 4.9/5

Cost: 3.7/5

Transparency: 4.7/5

Customer Experience: 3.6/5 4.3 Omega Auto Care Warranty Review Explore Plans on Omega Auto Care’s website Monthly Cost N/A Mileage Cap 250,000 miles Overview Considering Omega Auto Care’s variety of plans and useful maintenance benefits, we scored the company 4.3 out of 5 in our industry review. Omega Auto Care is one of the best options if you want coverage for maintenance services such as engine oil changes, tire rotations and replacements for brake pads and batteries. Omega Auto Care Mechanical Breakdown Insurance Coverage Omega Auto Care offers five plans in total, though three are variations of a powertrain warranty. Check them out below: Omega Auto Care Plan What It Covers Exclusionary This comprehensive plan covers almost any breakdown. It’s available on cars up to 7 years/100,000 miles. This is similar to Endurance’s Elite Plus option. Used Stated This plan covers 13 main systems including the air conditioning, suspension, steering, hybrid drive systems, brakes and cooling systems. It’s available for cars up to 10 years/150,000 miles. Powertrain Enhanced All Powertrain plans can cover up to 15 years/250,000 miles. The Enhanced plan covers the engine, transmission and drive axle. It also covers the air conditioning, electrical, cooling and fuel systems. Powertrain Plus This plan covers the powertrain along with some components in the air conditioning and electrical systems. Powertrain With this plan, you get coverage for the engine, transmission, drive axle and transfer case. Omega Auto Care Plan Perks Omega Auto Care plans come with industry-standard benefits of roadside assistance, rental car coverage and trip interruption. Omega Auto Care also includes road hazard tire repair and maintenance benefits on all plans. Road hazard tire repair covers up to $20 for repair or $100 for replacement ($400 max per contract) for damage from the road. Maintenance coverage applies for one year starting a month after you buy the plan. It covers: Three oil changes up to $40 to $55 each

$100 to $130 for one brake pad replacement

$100 for one standard battery replacement

One cooling system maintenance of $40

One safety inspection with a set of wiper blades Omega Auto Care has a positive reputation with an A+ rating on the BBB.

What Do Extended Car Warranties in California Cost? Our team found that the average extended car warranty costs $1,297 per year of coverage. This average was calculated using quotes gathered from some of the industry’s largest third-party providers. Some companies charge a fixed total price while others charge a monthly payment, just like a subscription. Figure out the annual cost to see if it’s expensive compared to our average. Your costs may vary depending on whether you choose a VSC or MBI. To make contracts more affordable, most customers choose a monthly payment plan rather than paying off the total cost all at once.

Here are a few other key factors that determine the cost of an extended warranty plan:

Vehicle make and model: Luxury cars, classic cars and high-performance vehicles cost more to cover than traditional daily drivers.

Luxury cars, classic cars and high-performance vehicles cost more to cover than traditional daily drivers. Vehicle age: Older vehicles are more likely to require expensive repairs, so it typically costs more to protect them with an extended warranty.

Older vehicles are more likely to require expensive repairs, so it typically costs more to protect them with an extended warranty. Mileage: High-mileage vehicles are prone to mechanical breakdowns, so they’re more expensive to cover with a warranty.

High-mileage vehicles are prone to mechanical breakdowns, so they’re more expensive to cover with a warranty. Coverage level: You’ll pay more for comprehensive coverage than for a basic powertrain plan.

You’ll pay more for comprehensive coverage than for a basic powertrain plan. Deductible: If you select a higher deductible, you’ll have lower monthly payments, but also pay more out of pocket for covered repairs. A lower deductible means you won’t pay as much out of pocket, but will see higher monthly payments.

If you select a higher deductible, you’ll have lower monthly payments, but also pay more out of pocket for covered repairs. A lower deductible means you won’t pay as much out of pocket, but will see higher monthly payments. Provider: Warranty costs vary by provider, which is why we recommend comparing quotes from several companies.

Best Extended Car Warranties in California: FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the best extended car warranty in California:

Who has the highest-rated extended auto warranties? Endurance is our top pick for extended vehicle protection in California and the U.S. overall. The company combines extensive coverage options, affordable rates and an excellent industry reputation. Endurance is also a direct warranty provider, which means there’s no intermediary to deal with when you need to file a claim. How do I choose the best extended car warranty? Doing extensive research on well-known providers can help you choose the right extended car warranty. Before settling on a provider, consider a company’s reputation, coverage options, cost, customer ratings and transparency. Why can’t you get CarShield in California? California laws on extended car warranties are much stricter than in other states. Companies have to stick to a set of regulations if they’d like to sell their VSCs or MBI policies there. Because of this, some companies such as CarShield have chosen not to operate in California. What consumer protections does California have in the automotive industry? Unlike other states, California has several consumer protections in the auto industry for its residents. California only allows licensed dealers to sell VSCs, and the California Department of Insurance regulates third-party companies that sell MBI. California also has a lemon law that applies to all new and used cars with remaining coverage under the manufacturer’s warranty. Dealers must disclose if a car has no warranty on the buyer’s guide.

How We Rated the Best Extended Car Warranties in California

Because consumers rely on us to provide objective and accurate information, we created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our rankings of the best extended car warranty companies. We collected data on dozens of auto warranty providers to grade the companies on a wide range of ranking factors. The end result was an overall rating for each provider, with the companies that scored the most points topping the list. Here are the factors our ratings take into account: Coverage (30% of total score): Companies that offer a variety of choices for warranty coverage, long contract terms and added benefits are more likely to meet consumer needs.

Companies that offer a variety of choices for warranty coverage, long contract terms and added benefits are more likely to meet consumer needs. Cost (30% of total score): Auto warranty companies with affordable rates and multiple deductibles scored highest in this category.

Auto warranty companies with affordable rates and multiple deductibles scored highest in this category. Transparency (20% of total score): This score is based on contract transparency and the availability of a money-back guarantee.

This score is based on contract transparency and the availability of a money-back guarantee. Reputation (10% of total score): Our research team considers availability, ratings from industry experts and years in business when conferring this score.

Our research team considers availability, ratings from industry experts and years in business when conferring this score. Customer experience (10% of total score): Based on customer satisfaction ratings and our extensive shopper analysis, we consider the responsiveness, friendliness and helpfulness of each warranty company’s customer service team. Our credentials: 500+ hours researched

researched 40+ companies reviewed

reviewed 2,000+ consumers surveyed How we obtained cost information: Our research team used a secret shopper strategy to get accurate quotes

The research team will find out if there are any discounts or savings opportunities

We keep track of the length of the call, sample contracts, and overall helpfulness of the representative

*Data accurate at time of publication.

Key Takeaways CarShield coverage stands out due to its two specialty plans, with one targeting electrical and navigation systems and the other geared toward specialty models like all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and motorcycles.

All CarShield plans come with added perks like roadside assistance and trip interruption benefits to help preserve peace of mind if your vehicle has a mechanical breakdown.

CarShield lets you take your vehicle to any repair facility or dealership certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE®).

The listings that appear are from companies from which this website may receive compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. Not all companies, products or offers were reviewed in connection with this listing. Advertisement CarShield Reputation : 2.9/5.0

Coverage : 4.6/5.0

Cost : 3.6/5.0

Transparency : 4.8/5.0

Customer Experience : 4.0/5.0 4.1 CarShield offers great coverage options EXPLORE PLANS On CarShield’s Website Quick Facts Quick Facts Our Survey of CarShield Customers Quick Facts Our Survey of CarShield Customers Founded in 2005 and available in 49 out of 50 states

Won Newsweek’s award for “Most Trusted Brand Of 2024”

CarShield is on the higher end for the average cost for one year of coverage We conducted a survey of 1,000 VSC holders in January 2025 and 113 respondents reported having CarShield. 59% of survey respondents reported they were very satisfied with CarShield.

None of the respondents reported they were dissatisfied with the company.

83% of claims were approved and paid in full .

None of the respondents reported having a claim denied.

83% of claims were approved within one week

On July 31, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission announced that CarShield must pay $10 million to settle charges that its advertisements and telemarketing for vehicle service contracts are deceptive and misleading, and that many consumers found that repairs were not covered. The company said in a statement that its marketing now offers consumers more details about the car repairs typically covered and notes that customers can visit its website, where they can look at full plans before buying. The MarketWatch Guides team is reviewing this information and will reevaluate all CarShield rankings.

CarShield is a third-party extended warranty provider that offers bumper-to-bumper, powertrain and specialty vehicle service contracts.

This article will examine CarShield coverage in detail, offering details on what each plan covers and excludes. We’ll also detail exactly which benefits come with each CarShield contract, and discuss some of the best extended warranty companies in the industry based on our 2024 review.

Learn more about our methodology and editorial guidelines.

CarShield Coverage Levels

CarShield is a vehicle service contract broker, meaning it sells vehicle protection plans administered by companies like American Auto Shield. Because of the various levels of coverage, parts covered by CarShield service contracts change depending on the plan.

CarShield Plans

CarShield customers can choose from eight protection plans, with each including a number of additional benefits. The provider offers six plans for standard vehicles, and two other plans for motorcycles and EVs. Coverage is available for vehicles with up to 300,000 miles on them, the highest mileage limit among the most popular extended warranty providers. Options range from the Diamond plan down to Silver coverage, and each includes roadside assistance.

Some options — like the Diamond plan — cover hundreds of parts across the vehicle while others are more specific to components related to the powertrain or electrical system.

CarShield Coverage Plan Coverage Details Diamond The Diamond plan is CarShield’s most comprehensive coverage option and is similar to a new car factory warranty. This plan has very few exclusions apart from wear and tear parts and regular maintenance services like oil changes and tire rotations. Platinum CarShield’s Platinum plan tends to be the best coverage option for high-mileage vehicles. Covered repairs include those to your vehicle’s engine, transmission, air conditioning, electrical system, starter, water pump and fuel pump. Gold The Gold plan is a powertrain-plus warranty that covers the engine, transmission, drivetrain and other electrical components like the alternator, starter, air conditioning system and power windows. Gold Select The Gold Select plan covers everything in the Gold plan except the fuel system. Silver CarShield’s Silver plan is touted as being the most affordable by the company, but it only offers basic powertrain coverage. This means it’ll cover all lubricated parts on your engine, transmission and water pump. Aluminum The Aluminum vehicle service contract covers most electrical and computer-related components like the engine control module, starter, alternator, navigation, GPS and electrical system. It excludes some crucial powertrain parts, however. Electric Vehicle CarShield’s Electric Vehicle plans can cover the EV drive unit and high-voltage battery along with many systems like the steering, brakes and electrical systems. Motorcycle & ATV The Motorcycle & ATV plans have different types of coverage comparable to the options listed above. There are various options available for motorcycles, ATVs and other specialty vehicles.

What Parts Does CarShield Cover? The chart below shows the systems and major components covered by each of the six standard CarShield coverage plans. Clear Car Part Diamond Platinum Gold Gold Select Silver Aluminum Engine ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Transmission ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Drive axle ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Transfer case ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Water pump ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Air conditioner ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Fuel delivery system ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Fuel injector ✓ ✓ ✓ Fuel pump ✓ ✓ ✓ Steering ✓ ✓ ✓ Suspension ✓ ✓ ✓ Brake system ✓ ✓ ✓ Electrical ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Instrument cluster ✓ ✓ ✓ GPS/navigation ✓ ✓ ✓ Factory audio ✓ ✓ ✓ Starter ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Alternator ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Power windows ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Radiator ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Wiring harness ✓ ✓ ✓ CarShield also offers a plan for ATVs and motorcycles with varying levels of coverage. CarShield Electric Vehicle Coverage CarShield has some options for electric vehicle owners, which is a beneficial trait: not all companies do. These plans can cover things like the EV drive unit and high-voltage battery, depending on the option you choose. Below are the details. Car Part Platinum EV with Battery Pack EV Drive Unit EV drive unit ✓ ✓ Cooling system ✓ Electrical ✓ Steering ✓ Air conditioning/heating ✓ Suspension ✓ Brakes ✓ High-tech ✓ Audio ✓ Battery management systems ✓ High voltage battery ✓ The Platinum EV plan covers all major systems of the vehicle while the EV Drive Unit plan covers the components within the drive system. Both plans have upgrades for luxury parts that can cover things like navigation and LCD screens. CarShield Coverage Exclusions Similar to other extended car warranty providers, all CarShield plans come with exclusions. The list of parts left out of contracts typically includes the following: Damage from pre-existing conditions before the warranty took effect

Damage to normal wear and tear items like windshield wiper blades, brake pads and air filters

Damage caused by a lack of regular maintenance

Issues related to acts of nature, car accidents, theft and vandalism

Damage caused by modified parts CarShield will not cover any repairs performed by unauthorized shops. This generally means any mechanic not associated with or certified by the ASE. CarShield Coverage Benefits In addition to covering car repairs, CarShield coverage plans come with the following added perks: 24-hour roadside assistance: Pays for towing, jump-starts, tire changes, locksmith services and fuel delivery up to a certain limit

Pays for towing, jump-starts, tire changes, locksmith services and fuel delivery up to a certain limit Trip interruption: Covers lodging and restaurant expenses for a set number of days while your car’s in the shop for a covered repair

Covers lodging and restaurant expenses for a set number of days while your car’s in the shop for a covered repair Rental car reimbursement: Covers the cost (up to a limit) of alternate transportation, including a rental car or trips with a rideshare service, while your car is in the shop for covered repairs To find out more about what’s included with each plan, read our full CarShield review. CarShield Sample Contract As you look into CarShield coverage options, it’s best to conduct as much research as possible. The company offers sample contracts to help you get a clear picture of what is and isn’t covered under warranty. Here’s an example of a CarShield vehicle service contract found on CarShield.com: American Auto Shield Diamond Did You Know? Auto manufacturers offer protection against mechanical breakdowns through extended car warranties. While similar coverage from third parties is available, this coverage is technically considered a vehicle service contract. Many consumers and third-party companies commonly use these terms interchangeably, so we’ve done the same in this article.

CarShield Claims

Below are the recommended steps to file a claim when using CarShield coverage. Note that you’ll need prior authorization from CarShield before any work on your vehicle begins.

Take the vehicle to a mechanic within CarShield’s network

Give the repair shop your contract and allow it to make a phone call to CarShield’s claims department

A warranty claims adjuster will review the mechanical breakdown and repair

If approved, the administrator will pay the mechanic directly after you pay a deductible

CarShield Customer Service

You can speak with a CarShield customer service representative Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time by calling 1-800-587-4603. While company agents are available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, you won’t be able to call CarShield on Sundays.

CarShield Reputation

With over 50,000 reviews on Trustpilot, CarShield is one of the most popular third-party extended warranty companies. The company has a 4.3-star rating from customers on the platform. However, the Federal Trade Commission took issue with the company on July 31, 2024 and ruled that CarShield must pay $10 million to settle charges for misleading advertising. The ruling also acknowledges customer complaints that repairs weren’t covered.

In a response, CarShield said it would have better transparency in its marketing so customers can find out what is and isn’t covered easier. The company also said it would expand rental car coverage and make the coverage available earlier. These are good steps. That said, we included the FTC’s decision in our company rankings and revised CarShield’s overall score to 8.1 out of 10.

CarShield Coverage Plans: FAQ

Below are some frequently asked questions about CarShield coverage:

What repairs does CarShield cover? CarShield pays for auto repairs to various mechanical components on your vehicle. Most CarShield protection plans cover the engine, transmission, drive axles, water pumps and transfer cases. Your CarShield plan should clearly outline what will and won’t be covered. What is not covered by CarShield? CarShield coverage plans do not cover pre-existing issues, wear and tear parts or issues with parts not listed on your contract. CarShield warranties also exclude traditional car maintenance services such as oil changes, tire rotations and windshield wiper blade replacements. Does CarShield have a mileage limit? CarShield coverage plans typically have a mileage limit of up to 300,000 miles, which makes it one of the most generous warranty providers regarding term lengths. Does CarShield cover window replacement? Some CarShield contracts, like the Gold plan, cover defects for power windows. However, you’ll need to look into the exact details of your contract to find out what is and isn’t covered under the vehicle protection plan. Does CarShield cover the transmission? Every CarShield extended warranty plan other than Aluminum covers basic powertrain components like the engine and transmission. More comprehensive plans like the Diamond and Platinum contracts cover hundreds of components in addition to the powertrain. Does CarShield cover towing? CarShield provides roadside assistance coverage with each of its plans, which includes towing. However, you’ll need to look at your CarShield contract to find out the exact terms and conditions for towing limits. Does CarShield cover California? No, CarShield doesn’t offer any extended warranty coverage options in California. The main reason is that California law prevents unlicensed companies from selling mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI). Does CarShield cover brakes? Many of CarShield’s warranty plans cover brakes. However, maintenance parts like brake pads, shoes, rotors and drums are not covered under warranty. Covered parts include things like the brake master cylinder, anti-lock brake sensors, hydraulic lines, and parking brake actuator. Does CarShield cover catalytic converters? CarShield’s plan administrator, American Auto Shield, doesn’t offer coverage for catalytic converters. When does CarShield coverage start? If you buy CarShield coverage, you’ll need to wait 20 days or 500 miles before your plan becomes active. This prevents the company from paying for pre-existing mechanical issues. Is CarShield as good as they say? CarShield is known as a legitimate provider for extended warranties on used cars. It has a 4.3-star rating on Trustpilot from over 50,000 customers. However, some customers have had issues receiving deceptive marketing or getting repairs covered. The FTC noticed these issues and brought charges against the company, and CarShield will pay $10 million to settle the charges.

Our Methodology: How We Rated CarShield Coverage

Because consumers rely on us to provide objective and accurate information, we created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our rankings of the best extended car warranty companies. We collected data on dozens of auto warranty providers to grade the companies on a wide range of ranking factors. The end result was an overall rating for each provider, with the companies that scored the most points topping the list. Here are the factors our ratings take into account: Coverage (30% of total score): Companies that offer a variety of choices for warranty coverage, long contract terms and added benefits are more likely to meet consumer needs.

Companies that offer a variety of choices for warranty coverage, long contract terms and added benefits are more likely to meet consumer needs. Cost (30% of total score): Auto warranty companies with affordable rates and multiple deductibles scored highest in this category.

Auto warranty companies with affordable rates and multiple deductibles scored highest in this category. Transparency (20% of total score): This score is based on contract transparency and the availability of a money-back guarantee.

This score is based on contract transparency and the availability of a money-back guarantee. Reputation (10% of total score): Our research team considers availability, ratings from industry experts and years in business when conferring this score.

Our research team considers availability, ratings from industry experts and years in business when conferring this score. Customer experience (10% of total score): Based on customer satisfaction ratings and our extensive shopper analysis, we consider the responsiveness, friendliness and helpfulness of each warranty company’s customer service team. Our credentials: 500+ hours researched

researched 40+ companies reviewed

reviewed 2,000+ consumers surveyed How we obtained cost information: Our research team used a secret shopper strategy to get accurate quotes

The research team will find out if there are any discounts or savings opportunities

We keep track of the length of the call, sample contracts, and overall helpfulness of the representative

*Data accurate at time of publication.

Did You Know? Auto manufacturers offer protection against mechanical breakdowns through extended car warranties. While similar coverage from third parties is available, this coverage is technically considered a vehicle service contract. Many consumers and third-party companies commonly use these terms interchangeably, so we’ve done the same in this article.

Key Takeaways Endurance won our Best for Comprehensive Coverage award, as well as the top spot in our industry-wide provider review.

Endurance offers six plans that can cover cars for an unlimited amount of miles.

Our quote data shows Endurance costs about $1,257 per year of coverage.

The listings that appear are from companies from which this website may receive compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. Not all companies, products or offers were reviewed in connection with this listing. Advertisement Endurance Reputation : 8.8/10

Coverage : 9.7/10

Cost : 9.1/10

Transparency : 9.5/10

Customer Experience : 8.5/10 4.6 Endurance is our top-rated auto warranty company EXPLORE PLANS on Endurance’s website Quick Facts Quick Facts Plan Coverage and Perks Quick Facts Plan Coverage and Perks Most Comprehensive Coverage

Mileage Covered: Up to 200,000 miles

Up to 200,000 miles Longest Warranty Term: Up to 8 years

Up to 8 years Money-Back Guarantee: Up to 30 Days

Up to 30 Days Coverage Options: 6 different plans to choose from

6 different plans to choose from Discounts: $300 same-day signup discount, $250 shopping voucher, and others Plan coverage includes Endurance Elite perks™ Exclusionary plan One-year membership for free Powertrain plan Tire repair and replacement Maintainance coverage with Endurance Advantage Key fob replacement Roadside assistance Total loss protection Towing Collision discount Rental car $250 rewards voucher Trip interruption coverage Endurance Protect app

Learn more about our methodology and editorial guidelines.

Endurance Warranty Review

Endurance is our No. 1 choice of the best extended warranty providers for good reason. Unlike many of its competitors, Endurance is a direct administrator, which means it both sells and manages its vehicle protection plans. This means it’s typically easier to get information about your plan and deal with claims since you aren’t going through any middlemen. This straightforward business model contributes to Endurance’s high score in the customer experience category of our methodology.

After reviewing and ranking 41 major extended car warranty providers based on coverage, cost, transparency, reputation and customer experience, we rate Endurance 4.6 out of 5 with the distinction of Best Comprehensive Coverage. Endurance offers a wide variety of extended warranty contracts from basic powertrain to comprehensive plans that include maintenance items.

You can see how we rated Endurance in each category below and how Endurance stacks up to other options.

Flip Card Endurance Endurance Rating 4.6 / out of 5 stars Rating is based off of MarketWatch Methodology Guidelines Rating breakdown Reputation 4.6 / 5 Coverage 4.9 / 5 Cost 4.4 / 5 Transparency 4.9 / 5 Customer Experience 4.2 / 5

While Endurance has high ratings, it still has some shortcomings. The provider offers Endurance Elite Benefits, which include benefits like total loss protection and key fob replacement, on all of its plans, but only for the first year. After that, standard benefits include rental car coverage, trip interruption and roadside assistance.

Endurance offers six coverage levels, including comprehensive, mid-level and powertrain plans. The company also offers coverage for high-mileage vehicles and maintenance benefits — something only a few other competitors provide.

Endurance extended warranties cost around the same as the industry average, which is $1,297 per year across all plan types. We think the coverage and service Endurance offers is worth the price.

Endurance Warranty Pros and Cons

Pros Handles all claims directly Comprehensive coverage plans with routine maintenance options Plans accepted at repair shops nationwide Positive reviews on Trustpilot Only company in our review to offer unlimited mileage Cons Endurance Elite Benefits only free for one year Some companies offer cheaper coverage

MarketWatch Guides Tip It’s important to note that the Better Business Bureau has a Government Action report against Endurance for phone soliciting in Oregon.

We reached out to Endurance about customer complaints on the BBB and this Government Action. A representative responded:

“We are committed to providing exceptional service and coverage to our customers and take feedback from all platforms, including the BBB, very seriously. Endurance works to diligently address each and every consumer concern. To our knowledge, we have no unanswered or unresolved consumer matters. Endurance remains in active communication with the BBB concerning potential patterns they’ve raised, and we’ve established a written plan of action posted at the top of our BBB profile. . . . We strive to operate with the highest level of integrity and compliance with all regulatory requirements.”

How Much Does an Endurance Warranty Cost?

In our research, we found that the price of an Endurance plan is around $1,257 per year of coverage, which is slightly less than the industry average of $1,297 per year. We also found that total prices range from $2,944 to $3,468 from Endurance. Quotes we received required a $29 down payment with the first month’s payment to begin coverage.

There is no standard pricing for vehicle service contracts. In fact, several factors impact what an extended warranty costs, including the vehicle age, mileage, make and model, in addition to the chosen plan and deductible.

Deductible options for Endurance warranties are $0, $50, $100 and $200, according to our secret shopper analysis. We found that $100 is standard for most quotes, but you can discuss your deductible with a representative and get a lower or higher one if you choose.

What We Paid for an Endurance Plan

As part of our review process, our team purchased a Secure Plus plan for a 2021 BMW X5 from Endurance. The monthly cost was $150.48. To activate the contract, Endurance required the first month payment plus a down payment of $29. These rates are in line with the hundreds of other quotes we received from the company.

Endurance Cost by Vehicle

We received 18 quotes for six vehicles during our most recent round of secret shopping in February 2025. The vehicles and average monthly Endurance costs are included in the following table:

Vehicle Mileage Supreme (Comprehensive) Quote Superior (Mid-level) Quote Secure Plus (Powertrain) Quote 2022 Toyota Corolla 65,000 $102 $100 $97 2022 Nissan Rogue 65,000 $109 $106 $101 2022 Toyota Tacoma 65,000 $102 $100 $97 2017 Toyota Corolla 100,000 $106 $104 $101 2017 Nissan Rogue 100,000 $115 $111 $105 2017 Toyota Tacoma 100,000 $106 $104 $101

Endurance Discounts

Unlike many third-party warranty providers, Endurance offers several discounts and actively publicizes potential savings for customers. Some of the discounts Endurance offers include:

Government employee discount: Select state and federal government employees such as school teachers are eligible for savings with Endurance.

Select state and federal government employees such as school teachers are eligible for savings with Endurance. Military discount: Both active-duty military and veterans, as well as their spouses, are eligible for discounts.

Both active-duty military and veterans, as well as their spouses, are eligible for discounts. No check engine light discount: You can save on a vehicle service contract with Endurance if your vehicle hasn’t been in the repair facility for six months or longer.

You can save on a vehicle service contract with Endurance if your vehicle hasn’t been in the repair facility for six months or longer. First-time caller discount: Endurance gives first-time callers a discount if they purchase coverage during the initial call.

MarketWatch Guides Tip In our experience secret shopping, we’ve found many companies offer discounts. However, most don’t advertise any. We recommend asking for discounts directly or doing a bit of haggling on the phone. Sales reps will often bring the price down to get your business instead of losing you to a competitor.

How Endurance Warranty Quotes Work

Endurance reviews from customers generally reflect positive experiences with the quotes process. When filling out its online quote form, you can expect to input contact details and some basic information about your vehicle.

We conduct secret shopping on an annual basis and have received hundreds of quotes from Endurance during our research process. We have hours of experience using Endurance’s online form and calling representatives. When our secret shoppers called Endurance, the hold was less than one minute and the process took 10 minutes from start to finish. In general, we found the free quote process to be fast and simple.

How Endurance Warranty Payments Work

With Endurance, you can pay up front or in monthly installments for up to 30 months. In general, you can lower your monthly cost by making a higher down payment, picking a higher deductible or choosing a longer payment period. Endurance offers interest-free payments, so customers can take advantage of a variety of payment schedules.

Endurance makes it easy to pay through its online portal, which is accessible through its Endurance Mobile app. New policies can take up to five business days to access. When your contract is finalized, Endurance will email you your account credentials so you can set up payments and access your contract information.

Endurance Warranty Coverage

Endurance’s most popular plans are Supreme, Superior and Secure Plus. These range from basic powertrain protection to bumper-to-bumper coverage that protects hundreds of components. Endurance can cover unlimited miles, while other providers won’t cover vehicles past a certain limit. Below, you can see what these plans cover:

Endurance Warranty Plan What It Covers Supreme Endurance’s Supreme plan is its most comprehensive. It covers all of the systems featured in the Secure Plus and Superior plans in addition to gaskets. Superior The Superior plan covers all components under the Secure Plus plan with the addition of your vehicle’s cooling system, suspension and fuel system. Secure Plus Designed for older vehicles, this plan offers protection for your car’s air conditioning, brakes, drive axle, electrical components, engine, steering, transfer case, transmission and turbo/supercharger.

Note that each of the plans outlined above provides 24/7 roadside assistance and rental car benefits.

Other Plans from Endurance

Endurance also offers a few more plans if you look for them. You can find these plans in the sample contract section of Endurance’s website. Based on our experience, you may have to ask for them by name as sales reps tend to offer the most popular options first.

Secure : The Secure plan provides affordable powertrain coverage for vital automotive parts like the transmission and water pump.

: The Secure plan provides affordable powertrain coverage for vital automotive parts like the transmission and water pump. Premier : This contract aims to protect high-mileage vehicles and covers the engine, transmission and drive axle.

: This contract aims to protect high-mileage vehicles and covers the engine, transmission and drive axle. Advantage: This combination plan provides mechanical breakdown protection plus coverage for routine maintenance like oil changes and one-time services such as brake pad replacement and cooling system maintenance.

Additionally, Endurance offers a Highline add-on to its Supreme plan to cover a range of luxury models from brands like Audi to Porsche.

Endurance Advantage Details

Endurance Advantage has three coverage levels: Prime, Plus and Preferred. The plans differ in covered parts and vehicle eligibility. Learn the details of each plan below:

Endurance Advantage Plan Coverage and Eligibility Details Preferred This is an exclusionary plan similar to a factory warranty. Vehicles 10 years old or newer and with up to 150,000 miles are eligible. Plus This plan is a high-level stated component contract that covers many parts on most systems of the vehicle. Cars up to 15 years old with up to 200,000 miles are eligible. Prime This is a stated component contract that covers parts on crucial systems of the vehicle. Cars up to 20 years old are eligible with no mileage restriction to start.

Coverage from the Advantage plans includes annual safety inspections, engine diagnostics, tire and brake pad repairs or changes, and wiper blade and oil filter replacements, which is unusual among extended warranties.

The three plans also offer the following one-time services:

Cooling system maintenance

Brake pad/shoe replacement

One wiper blade set replacement

Battery replacement

One scheduled service

Endurance Warranty Perks

You are eligible for several benefits when you choose an Endurance extended warranty:

24/7 roadside assistance

Towing services

Rental car reimbursement

Trip interruption coverage

Lockout services

One year of Endurance Elite Benefits free of charge

Which Parts Does Endurance Cover?

Here’s a closer look at the components covered by Endurance:

Endurance Warranty Plan Supreme Superior Secure Plus Secure Premier Advantage Air conditioning ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Brakes ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Cooling system ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Drive axle ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Electrical components ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Engine ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Fuel system ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Gaskets ✓ ✓ Steering ✓ ✓ ✓ Suspension ✓ ✓ ✓ Transmission ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Transfer case ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Turbo/supercharger ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Exclusionary coverage ✓ ✓ Maintenance services ✓

If a warranty plan covers a repair, contract holders can take their vehicle to any shop certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, including dealerships. Endurance pays the repair shop directly, minus the deductible.

What Does Endurance Not Cover?

While Endurance wins our award for Best Comprehensive Coverage, there are still exclusions you should be aware of. Exclusions are common to any extended warranty, and reading the fine print on your contract can save you from disappointment if a certain claim is denied. Here are a few examples of Endurance exclusions:

Damage from misuse like racing or offroading

Damage to or from aftermarket components

Cosmetic damage or deterioration

Damage from collisions

Regular maintenance (except for Advantage plan)

Damage from lack of maintenance

Endurance offers protection for some excluded components like hybrid parts, commercial use, high-tech components and lifts and other modifications through add-on coverage.

Endurance Elite Benefits

The Endurance Elite Benefits program can also help keep things rolling when a breakdown occurs. It’s included free of charge with your first year of warranty coverage and offers the following perks:

Total loss protection: Receive up to $1,000 toward a replacement vehicle in the event of a total loss insurance claim.

Receive up to $1,000 toward a replacement vehicle in the event of a total loss insurance claim. Tire repair/replacement: Endurance will repair or replace up to four tires per year damaged by road hazards.

Endurance will repair or replace up to four tires per year damaged by road hazards. Collision discount: Endurance pays up to $500 per covered collision toward your car insurance deductible.

Endurance pays up to $500 per covered collision toward your car insurance deductible. Key fob replacement: Endurance reimburses you for up to $500 to replace your lost key or key fob.

The listings that appear are from companies from which this website may receive compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. Not all companies, products or offers were reviewed in connection with this listing. Advertisement Endurance: Our #1 Provider Get a fast, obligation free quote Invalid ZIP Code View Plans From Endurance

Our Experience With Endurance

We purchased an extended warranty contract for a 2021 BMW X5 through Endurance’s customer service line. Overall, our purchase experience was positive. The sales representative was helpful and not too pushy. The representative did try to sell us the highest plan, Supreme, but we were able to get the lowest, the Secure Plus plan, instead.

What Makes Endurance Unique?

One of the distinguishing features of Endurance is the company’s model as a direct provider. Endurance doesn’t broker vehicle service contracts from outside companies. Instead, it directly handles its service contracts from the initial sale to the claims process, meaning you don’t have to work with a middleman when filing a claim.

Endurance is also unique because of its Advantage plan that covers regular maintenance services like oil changes and brake pad replacements. Most extended warranties exclude this type of coverage. Similarly, Endurance is the only third-party warranty provider to offer unlimited mileage to customers.

Endurance Warranty Cancellation

Endurance offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can cancel an Endurance plan within 30 days for a full refund, provided you haven’t filed any claims. If you’ve used the plan, or if you cancel after 30 days, you’ll get a prorated refund.

Endurance vs. Other Providers

If Endurance’s warranty plans don’t seem like the right fit for your vehicle, there are other providers to consider. Carchex and autopom! both offer generous coverage terms and have many satisfied customers, according to our research.

Provider Endurance Carchex autopom! 4.6 Reputation 4.6 / 5 Coverage 4.9 / 5 Cost 4.4 / 5 Transparency 4.9 / 5 Customer Experience 4.2 / 5 4.4 Reputation 4.7 / 5 Coverage 4.9 / 5 Cost 3.9 / 5 Transparency 3.7 / 5 Customer Experience 3.6 / 5 4.4 Reputation 4.3 / 5 Coverage 4.5 / 5 Cost 4.2 / 5 Transparency 4.6 / 5 Customer Experience 4.4 / 5 Provider Endurance Carchex autopom! 4.6 Reputation 4.6 / 5 Coverage 4.9 / 5 Cost 4.4 / 5 Transparency 4.9 / 5 Customer Experience 4.2 / 5 4.4 Reputation 4.7 / 5 Coverage 4.9 / 5 Cost 3.9 / 5 Transparency 3.7 / 5 Customer Experience 3.6 / 5 4.4 Reputation 4.3 / 5 Coverage 4.5 / 5 Cost 4.2 / 5 Transparency 4.6 / 5 Customer Experience 4.4 / 5 The listings that appear are from companies from which this website may receive compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. Not all companies, products or offers were reviewed in connection with this listing. Advertisement

Endurance Customer Reviews

Endurance’s direct service model helps it offer an overall better customer experience. The provider is highly rated on Trustpilot with a 3.8 out of 5-star rating from over 9,900 customer reviews.

Endurance Warranty Reviews BBB

Endurance reviews from the BBB are similar to those on Trustpilot, with a 4-star rating from over 10,000 customer reviews. The company also has an A- rating from the BBB, which shows it responds to complaints in a timely manner.

Endurance Reviews on Claims

Many customers on Trustpilot recount how Endurance has covered their claims, which is good news for the extended warranty industry. In one example, a customer said that repairs have been covered in full, as expected. Another customer mentions being a repeat customer thanks to the consistent coverage provided by previous Endurance plans. That said, some customers reported having their claims denied as well.

Our team reached out to Endurance for a comment but did not receive a response.

It’s important to note that claims fulfillment is a common complaint in the warranty industry. If you are considering purchasing a vehicle service contract from any provider, make sure you read your contract in full so you know what is and is not covered when it’s time to file a claim.

How To Use an Endurance Warranty

Endurance vehicle service contracts work similarly to a factory warranty, except Endurance is the company that pays for repairs instead of the auto manufacturer.

Below are important policies to know:

Waiting period: After you purchase an extended car warranty from Endurance, there’s a 30-day, 1,000-mile waiting period before coverage takes effect. This is common in the industry and protects providers from covering a repair for an issue the customer knew about when signing up.

After you purchase an extended car warranty from Endurance, there’s a 30-day, 1,000-mile waiting period before coverage takes effect. This is common in the industry and protects providers from covering a repair for an issue the customer knew about when signing up. Repair network: When you need to file a claim, you can use Endurance coverage at any ASE-certified repair shop. Also, Endurance covers OEM replacement parts, which are of factory-recommended quality.

When you need to file a claim, you can use Endurance coverage at any ASE-certified repair shop. Also, Endurance covers OEM replacement parts, which are of factory-recommended quality. Cancelation policy: You can cancel an Endurance extended warranty at any time. You can get a full refund within the first 30 days if you haven’t used your coverage. After that, your refund will be prorated. In order to cancel, make sure you have your plan details, odometer reading and policy number ready.

You can cancel an Endurance extended warranty at any time. You can get a full refund within the first 30 days if you haven’t used your coverage. After that, your refund will be prorated. In order to cancel, make sure you have your plan details, odometer reading and policy number ready. Transfer policy: Endurance plans are transferable for a $50 fee. If you decide against transferring, you can get a prorated refund.

How To File an Endurance Warranty Claim

To file a claim with Endurance, use the following steps:

Take your vehicle to an ASE-certified facility. Have the facility call Endurance for authorization. The service manager will review what Endurance will cover. You’ll pay your deductible. Endurance will pay the shop directly.

While most companies are brokers that sell plans for third-party administrators, Endurance is one of the only providers that administers its own contracts. This means you’ll deal with the same company throughout the entire process and won’t have to work with a third party when filing a claim. Working directly with repair shops allows Endurance to not only keep costs lower but also simplify the process for customers and give them even more peace of mind in stressful situations.

Endurance Car Warranty: FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about Endurance:

Is an Endurance car warranty any good? In our 2025 review of the best extended car warranty companies, we recognized Endurance for having the Best Comprehensive Coverage. Endurance reviews show the company has strong customer service and offers high-quality vehicle service contracts. How much is an Endurance extended warranty? Our research found that Endurance auto warranties can cost anywhere from $2,944 to $3,468 or more depending on the coverage level you choose and your vehicle. Endurance also offers discounts for military members, government employees, first-time callers and vehicles that historically haven’t required many repairs. How much does an Endurance warranty cost per month? According to the quotes we received, you can expect to pay between $97 and $115 per month for an Endurance plan. While the contract can last up to eight years, customers often pay for 30 or 36 months. Do Endurance warranties have a deductible? Endurance service contracts have a standard deductible of $100 that must be paid up front before any covered repair. The company also offers deductibles of $0, $50 and $200. How much do Endurance Elite Benefits cost? After the first free year of Endurance Elite Benefits that comes with all plans, Elite Benefits will cost an additional $29 per month. You cannot purchase Endurance Elite Benefits for stand-alone protection, as the membership is an add-on benefit for those who have purchased a regular warranty plan. Does Endurance offer car insurance? No, Endurance doesn’t sell car insurance. While standard car insurance covers damage from accidents, extended warranties cover common repairs needed as a result of normal use or mechanical breakdowns. Endurance plans are technically vehicle service contracts, which are written agreements between a customer and the provider that states what is considered a covered repair and what is not.

Our Methodology: How We Rated Endurance

Because consumers rely on us to provide objective and accurate information, we created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our rankings of the best extended car warranty companies. We collected data on dozens of auto warranty providers to grade the companies on a wide range of ranking factors. The end result was an overall rating for each provider, with the companies that scored the most points topping the list. Here are the factors our ratings take into account: Coverage (30% of total score): Companies that offer a variety of choices for warranty coverage, long contract terms and added benefits are more likely to meet consumer needs.

Companies that offer a variety of choices for warranty coverage, long contract terms and added benefits are more likely to meet consumer needs. Cost (30% of total score): Auto warranty companies with affordable rates and multiple deductibles scored highest in this category.

Auto warranty companies with affordable rates and multiple deductibles scored highest in this category. Transparency (20% of total score): This score is based on contract transparency and the availability of a money-back guarantee.

This score is based on contract transparency and the availability of a money-back guarantee. Reputation (10% of total score): Our research team considers availability, ratings from industry experts and years in business when conferring this score.

Our research team considers availability, ratings from industry experts and years in business when conferring this score. Customer experience (10% of total score): Based on customer satisfaction ratings and our extensive shopper analysis, we consider the responsiveness, friendliness and helpfulness of each warranty company’s customer service team. Our credentials: 500+ hours researched

researched 40+ companies reviewed

reviewed 2,000+ consumers surveyed How we obtained cost information: Our research team used a secret shopper strategy to get accurate quotes

The research team will find out if there are any discounts or savings opportunities

We keep track of the length of the call, sample contracts, and overall helpfulness of the representative

*Data accurate at time of publication.

1. Introduction

The United Kingdom (UK) and Republic of India have concluded talks on a trade deal free trade agreement ( FTA ). Alongside this, we have agreed to negotiate a Double Contributions Convention ( DCC ), which will come into force in line with the wider trade deal.

Agreement was reached on 6 May 2025 between the Prime Minister and Prime Minister Modi, following final talks in London between the Business and Trade Secretary, the Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, and the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal.

The UK has secured the best deal that any country has ever agreed with India. By unlocking new opportunities for businesses across the UK, this agreement helps to deliver economic growth and supports the Plan for Change.

This ambitious and comprehensive deal is expected to increase UK GDP (gross domestic product) by £4.8 billion and UK wages by £2.2 billion each and every year in the long run.[footnote 1] Bilateral trade is also expected to increase by £25.5 billion each and every year in the long run.[footnote 2]

As a result of this deal, businesses will now be able to trade with India with confidence and security – taking advantage of the huge opportunities offered by the complementary nature of our 2 economies and India’s rapid growth.

This document seeks to explain what has been agreed between the UK and India, with chapter summaries outlining its terms. Work is continuing to finalise the legal text of the deal. Once this has been completed and legally verified, arrangements will be made for the signing of the agreement. Following signature, and subject to fulfilment of both countries’ governmental requirements, including UK parliamentary procedure, the agreement will enter into force.

2. The strategic case for a deal with India

As set out by the Prime Minister, the number one mission of this government is to secure sustained economic growth. As a trade-intensive economy, the UK benefits from open export markets and access to competitive imports that support production at home. Boosting trade and securing opportunity for business is essential to delivering a strong domestic economy and supporting the security of working people.

The UK and India have a deep and broad relationship, underpinned by a strong ‘living bridge’ of at least 1.9 million people with Indian heritage living in the UK.[footnote 3] Even though the Indian market sits behind some of the world’s highest barriers to trade, it was the UK’s 12th largest trading partner, with total trade worth £43 billion, in 2024.[footnote 4]

India represents one of the most dynamic and exciting economies in the world. It has the highest growth rate in the G20, which is expected to remain above 6% over at least the next 5 years.[footnote 5] It has recently risen to become the fifth largest economy in the world and is expected to grow to the third largest by 2028.[footnote 6]

All this growth presents significant opportunity for UK businesses. As India grows, so will the number of consumers looking to purchase high-quality UK goods and services. By 2030, India’s middle class will number an estimated 60 million and rising, potentially reaching a quarter of a billion by 2050.[footnote 7] India’s overall demand for imports is projected to grow by 144% in real terms between 2021 and 2035, reaching £1.4 trillion.[footnote 8]

However, there have been significant challenges for UK businesses seeking to access this growing market. India has the highest average tariffs of any G20 economy, with some products facing duties above 100%. It is ranked as the eighth most restrictive services market by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development ( OECD ) and has an uncertain regulatory environment.[footnote 9] Risk and cost have historically hindered UK companies looking to move or expand into India.

Despite these challenging conditions, UK businesses have high ambitions for the future of trade with India. Grant Thornton’s recent International Business Report indicated that 42% of UK businesses surveyed without an existing presence in India plan to build one in the next 2 years.[footnote 10] Of those with an existing presence, 96% plan to expand further. This deal supports those efforts – with 72% of UK businesses surveyed saying that an FTA would encourage them to explore opportunities in the Indian market.

Global events in the last few years have demonstrated the value of diverse and resilient supply chains and certainty in trading relationships. This deal will strengthen the UK partnership with India, bringing down barriers to trade and granting stability to businesses in both countries.

Greater ties and access to India present significant opportunities.[footnote 11] In addition, India is already the second most sought after manufacturing destination in the world due to economic growth, low costs, and a large labour market.[footnote 12] As a result, it is estimated manufacturing will account for 21% of India’s GDP by 2031.[footnote 13]

Both the UK and India have been clear in their ambitions to strengthen the relationship further. In July 2024, the UK and India launched the Technology Security Initiative, a first-of-its-kind agreement built on partnerships between government, industry, and academia.

In March 2025, the Foreign Secretary and Indian External Affairs Minister met to drive forward the UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, centring our relationship on mutual economic growth, technological innovation, and collaboration on global challenges including climate change.

This trade deal marks another critical step in realising our ambitions of a stronger and mutually beneficial relationship between our 2 countries. This deal slashes red tape and cuts tariffs, making it quicker, cheaper and easier to trade from the first day the deal comes into force. Locked-in access will give businesses the certainty they need to make long-term decisions for sustained economic growth.

Alongside this, we have sought to secure a deal that will keep pace with India as it grows. Alongside India committing to more than double their tariff reductions over the next 10 years, we have also secured numerous mechanisms that ensure that if India were to offer better terms to a different country, we could return to the table.

3. An agreement that delivers growth

The core mission of this government is to deliver economic growth that raises living standards and puts money in people’s pockets, and that is exactly what this deal will do.

Securing an agreement is expected to significantly accelerate trade between the UK and India – increasing bilateral trade by £25.5 billion, £15.7 billion of which is expected to be from rising exports from UK businesses into India.

As a result of this deal, UK GDP is expected to increase by £4.8 billion (0.1%) each and every year in the long term. Workers will benefit from wages growing by a further estimated £2.2 billion each and every year in the long term.

Benefits will stretch right across the UK and come in both the short and long term. As soon as the deal comes into force, UK products will benefit from a saving up to an estimated £400 million a year, from India cutting its tariffs on existing trade alone, which could increase to around £900 million a year after staging over 10 years.[footnote 14] This will help exports from a variety of high growth sectors, such as advanced manufacturing sectors including for automotives, electrical circuits and high-end optical products, and medical devices.

Iconic UK products that are sold around the world will benefit from cut tariffs into India. This includes tariff reductions on products such as cosmetics, whiskies, as well as on other agri-food products such as gin, soft drinks, and lamb.

Many of the UK’s services sectors, such as telecoms and construction services, will now benefit as we guarantee access to the growing Indian market. This will provide UK services companies, who export over £500 billion worldwide[footnote 15], with the certainty they need to expand into India and take advantage of its rapidly growing economy. For financial and professional business services, measures such as binding in India’s foreign investment cap for the insurance sector, ensuring that UK financial services companies are treated on an equal footing with domestic suppliers, and measures to encourage the recognition of professional qualifications will all support growth.

Alongside these benefits, this deal will also give UK businesses unique and unprecedented access to India’s public procurement market, comprising approximately 40,000 tenders with a value of at least £38 billion a year.[footnote 16]

Beyond securing new market access for goods and services exports, this deal will also make it easier for UK businesses to trade with and in the Indian market. Faster processing at customs, reductions in technical barriers to trade, agreements to recognise and facilitate digital systems and paperless trade, and reaffirmations of standards in areas like sanitary and phytosanitary ( SPS ) will all contribute to increased trade openness and facilitation while protecting UK standards and providing greater certainty for exporters. This is particularly important for small and medium-sized enterprises ( SMEs ) which may otherwise be unable to justify the high fixed costs and complexities of operating in the Indian market. Alongside this, bespoke support for SMEs , such as dedicated contact points, will help them as they enter the market and trade with India.

This agreement will also help to support collaboration – including on new technologies in areas like agriculture, health, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy.

Enhanced copyright protections will support sectors such as the creative sector, enabling our exporters to feel confident exporting to India with a commitment that works will continue to be protected for at least 60 years.

Increased trade with India will also unlock opportunities across every region and nation in the UK. Scotland’s current largest export to India is beverages, worth £188 million in 2024[footnote 17], which will benefit from the significant tariff reductions we have secured to key iconic products, such as whisky. Northern Ireland, who exported £176 million of services in 2022[footnote 18], will benefit from secured guaranteed access through the agreement and closer ties on innovation. Securing access for key exports such as lamb, where there is currently a 33% tariff on sheep meat, will also benefit Welsh businesses. And new opportunities to access India’s procurement market will support innovative clean energy companies in all 3 nations.

This agreement will also support businesses of all sizes across England from automotive producers in the North West, to electrical producers in the West Midlands, to logistics companies in Yorkshire. For services companies, such as those in London and the South East who collectively exported over £3.6 billion billion of services in 2022[footnote 19], new locked-in access to India’s services economy will help access the fastest growing economy in the G20.

This deal will benefit consumers, offering them greater choice and access to the best Indian exports as our trading relationship grows, including in clothing, footwear, and food. New commitments will help protect consumers from spam texts from India, which could include requiring opt-out or prior consent.

This deal also supports our net zero ambitions – securing the highest levels of environmental commitments India has ever agreed to in a deal. Together we are promoting green trade and facilitating clean growth, making it easier for us to trade in products such as renewable energy equipment. UK businesses will also have new access to government procurements in the green infrastructure and energy sectors – using their expertise to support India’s own transition. Alongside these, we have committed to promote action on issues including tackling air pollution, defending the marine environment, reducing deforestation, protecting biodiversity, and reducing waste.

We have championed our values – securing India’s first ever chapters in a free trade agreement on Anti-corruption, Labour rights, Gender, and Development. We have protected the NHS, ensured the points-based immigration system is not affected, upheld our high food standards, and maintained our animal welfare commitments.

This agreement does not limit the UK’s ability to protect its key domestic interests or respond appropriately to international developments in future. It will not prevent the UK from taking justifiable measures to protect its security interests. We have ensured that our agreement respects our existing obligations to the EU under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement ( TCA ) and Windsor Framework.

4. Chapter summary

These chapter summaries outline what has been agreed in the UK-India trade deal. Work is continuing to finalise the legal text and resolve the last issues. Once the text has been finalised and legally verified, and domestic approvals obtained, arrangements will be made for the signing of the FTA . Following signature, and subject to fulfilment of both countries’ governmental requirements, including UK parliamentary procedure, the agreement will enter into force.

4.1 Trade in Goods

Through this deal, India will remove or reduce tariffs, or pre-existing zero tariffs, on 90% tariff lines, which will cover 92% of existing goods imports from the UK (based on 2022 trade). Based on this trade alone, this amounts to India cutting tariffs worth around £400 million, which will more than double to around £900 million after 10 years. Reducing costs to trade can increase trade flows and support UK economic growth.

India’s tariffs can be high, so securing tariff free access and reduced tariffs for the majority of UK exports provides valuable certainty and competitive advantages to British businesses. The agreement will provide new and preferential access for UK products, enabling them to reach India’s growing middle classes, expected to number 60 million by 2030.

This deal will also provide opportunities for UK high growth sectors identified in the Industrial Strategy. There will be market access wins for advanced manufacturing and medical technology companies within the wider life sciences sector, and for clean energy.

As soon as the deal comes into force, 64% of tariff lines will be eligible for tariff-free imports into India, covering £1.9 billion of current UK exports to India (2022). This will include UK exports of advanced manufacturing such as aircraft parts and most scientific and technical measuring instruments. This is alongside opening up new opportunities through tariff-free access for UK agri-food products, such as fresh and frozen salmon and cod, and lamb.

After staging over 10 years, the agreement will mean 85% tariff lines and 66% of existing Indian imports from the UK will be eligible for tariff-free entry into India. This will include UK food and drink, such as chocolate, gingerbread, sweet biscuits and soft drinks. This will also apply to advanced manufacturing exports such as some auto parts, machinery and tools, and medical technology devices, including surgical, dental and veterinary instruments.

Indian imports from the UK of whisky/whiskey, worth over £200 million a year in 2022 and currently facing Indian tariffs of 150%, will see duties cut to 75% on day one and staged to 40% from year 10 onwards. Gin, which is growing in popularity with Indian consumers, will benefit from the same tariff reductions.

UK car manufacturers will benefit from a quota that reduces tariffs from up to 110% to 10%. This starts with internal combustion engine (ICE) cars but transitions to electric vehicles ( EVs ) and hybrid to reflect how manufacturing in the UK is evolving. Similarly, Indian access to the UK market for EVs and hybrid is also staged and under a quota to support the UK auto industry’s transition to fully EVs , while increasing consumer choice.

This deal will cut tariffs for UK cosmetics and toiletries exporters, who have seen rapid recent rises in Indian sales, despite current tariffs of up to 22%. Through this deal, tariffs on soaps, shaving cream, face cream and nail polish will either be removed on day one or removed after staging over 10 years. In addition, perfumes and eau de cologne will see tariffs of 22% halved after staging, increasing the opportunity for exporters and reducing costs.

UK businesses and consumers will also have increased access to tariff-free imports from India, with tariffs being eliminated on 99% of Indian goods which could provide better choice, quality and affordability of a wide range of Indian products such as frozen shrimp, apparel and textiles.

This deal excludes domestic sectors from liberalisation, such as sugar, milled rice, pork, chicken, and eggs.

4.2 Rules of origin

This chapter and its annexes will specify the criteria a good or product must meet, as well as the compliance documents needed, to benefit from the preferential tariffs we have agreed in this deal.

This deal will secure rules of origin which facilitate improved access to the Indian market for swathes of British products. This means that British producers and manufacturers will be able to continue to source some of their ingredients and materials from other countries. They will then be able to export the finished product to India – taking advantage of the reduced tariffs we have agreed. The rules of origin will work for key exports from across the whole of the UK. For example, whiskey distilled in Northern Ireland can use barley or neutral grain spirit from the Republic of Ireland and can be bottled in transit, on the way to India.

By prioritising rules of origin that businesses across the UK can comply with, this chapter will unlock preferential tariffs making UK exports more competitive in the Indian market, facilitating more exports to India and supporting UK economic growth.

This chapter will also prevent fraudulent activities such as such as circumvention, ensuring that only genuinely British or Indian goods can access preferential tariffs. To qualify for reduced tariffs, the rules of origin specify that a product must either be wholly obtained or significantly transformed through processing in either the UK or India. This chapter will also provide robust mechanisms for compliance to be checked.

4.3 Trade Remedies

The Trade Remedies chapter will provide a safety net for domestic industry against unfair trading practices such as the dumping of low-priced goods into the domestic market, imports of subsidised goods, or unforeseen surges in imports.

We have secured a comprehensive chapter which will support the ambitious trade agreement to facilitate growth, while also ensuring a robust defence for UK domestic industry in the event of unfair or unforeseen surges of imports.

The chapter will affirm both countries’ rights and obligations under the WTO , allowing Members to apply trade remedies proportionately and transparently.

Alongside this, we will agree additional provisions on the proportionate and transparent application of trade remedy measures.

We will agree a ‘bilateral safeguard’ mechanism. This will allow the UK or India to temporarily increase tariffs or suspend tariff concessions if the tariff liberalisation agreed in the FTA leads to a surge of imports that causes or threatens to cause serious injury to domestic industry. This will provide reassurance to businesses but ultimately supports tariff liberalisation. This mechanism will provide the opportunity for trade to be rebalanced should the UK or India apply a bilateral safeguard. This temporary measure will allow the industry to adjust to the new market conditions of the FTA .

4.4 Customs and trade facilitation

This chapter will ensure that customs procedures in both countries are non-discriminatory, transparent, and consistent. It will reinforce the UK and India’s cooperation to promote trade facilitation while maintaining effective customs control.

This chapter will provide traders with clear, predictable, and transparent customs procedures, including specific customs simplifications to eligible traders and timeframes for the release of goods. This will increase certainty for traders in how their goods will be treated at the border, with eligible traders benefiting from procedures which minimise their administrative burden. This chapter, alongside other goods focused chapters in this agreement, will help incentivise trade, which could increase cross-border trade and support UK growth.

The UK and India have also agreed to release goods as rapidly as possible after arrival at customs, endeavouring to do so within 48 hours if all requirements have been met and where no physical examination is necessary. This will provide traders with greater certainty about the customs clearance process.

To reduce the administrative burden for traders, the UK and India will further simplify certain customs procedures for eligible traders. This includes allowing the payment of customs duties to be deferred until after the release of imported goods and offering traders the ability to pay customs duties and taxes that cover multiple imports at periodic intervals. The UK and India have also agreed to minimise the requirement for paper documents if electronic copies are provided.

To give traders clarity about customs processes, the UK and India have agreed that customs-related laws, regulations and procedures should be available online in English, to the extent possible and practicable. This includes details of enquiry points, operating hours for customs offices, provisions to disclose or correct an error in a customs transaction and any requirements for customs brokers.

4.5 Sanitary and phytosanitary ( SPS )

The UK and India will agree to an ambitious and robust SPS Chapter. It will facilitate trade while ensuring the protection of human, animal and plant life and health.

The chapter will build on the UK and India’s long-standing trading relationship. It will support economic growth in the UK by making it easier for UK businesses to access the growing Indian market. This will be achieved through commitments on transparency and timeliness of approval processes and dialogue structures to resolve technical issues.

The chapter will ensure both the UK and India can protect their biosecurity, while putting in place enhanced commitments, structures and processes that will allow us to avoid unnecessary trade barriers.

There is nothing in this agreement that will compromise the UK’s high food standards. Imports will still have to meet the same respective UK and Indian food safety and biosecurity standards. The chapter will also protect our regulatory autonomy to set our own, independent standards, ensuring the UK can continue to uphold our high level of protection for human, animal and plant health.

The chapter will include provisions on the processes that UK and India may undertake in determining the equivalence of each other’s SPS measures and the recognition of regional conditions. Future recognition of equivalence could help facilitate access for goods into each country’s market and make it easier for producers to export.

Provisions on regionalisation will provide greater transparency, clarity, and timeliness when the UK and India put in place measures to control disease and pest outbreaks. This will help avoid unnecessary trade restrictions and facilitate the safe movement of goods between the UK and India where disease is present but safely managed.

The UK and India will recognise the connection between the improved health and the welfare of farmed animals and will cooperate on animal welfare, including on international animal welfare standards, and exchange information and expertise in the field of animal welfare. We will also recognise the importance of tackling antimicrobial resistance ( AMR ) and the global threat it poses, and we will have made commitments to cooperate through exchanging information, experiences, expertise and data on AMR .

4.6 Technical barriers to trade

The Technical Barriers to Trade chapter will set out commitments between the UK and Indian governments on how technical regulations setting out product characteristics should be developed. These commitments will help us make trade easier, fairer and more transparent.

This chapter will help us remove or reduce technical barriers to trade for goods, while upholding the safety and quality of products on the UK market. It will also help us identify and address further barriers in the future.

4.7 Trade in services

The trade in services chapter will build on the already strong trading relationship between the UK and India by guaranteeing UK businesses trading in a range of service sectors will not face new challenging barriers to trade with India now or in the future.

This chapter will secure market access for many services sectors. Sectors benefiting from greater certainty will include telecommunications services, environmental services and construction services. UK businesses in the covered sectors will not face restrictions such as limits on the number of businesses able to supply a service. UK businesses will not need to set up a company in India or be a resident in India to supply their services in covered sectors.

This chapter will ensure that UK businesses in covered sectors will benefit from the same treatment granted to Indian businesses by the Indian government. This means businesses in a number of services sectors have greater certainty that they won’t be disadvantaged compared to domestic Indian competitors.

This chapter will support an open trading environment for the covered sectors by addressing procedures for authorisation to do business such as licence applications. For example, the chapter ensures the information necessary to get a licence is published, that any associated fees are reasonable, and that applicants can be updated on their applications.

Certainty for businesses trading services increases exports. By locking in access for UK services suppliers from a range of sectors, this chapter could unlock export opportunities for UK businesses and support economic growth.

This chapter will not compromise the UK’s ability to regulate key public services, and the UK does not negotiate over its right to regulate public services.

4.8 Professional business services

Professional services covers a diverse range of sectors comprised of highly skilled, tradable services provided by professionals such as accountants, auditors, architects, solicitors and barristers, engineers, and more.

We have agreed a professional services annex where the UK and India will identify and encourage mutually interested UK and Indian relevant bodies to enter into negotiations on mutual agreements or arrangements for recognition of professional qualifications. These agreements or arrangements can streamline processes for UK professionals seeking to have their professional qualifications recognised in India and vice versa, by reducing administration, time, and costs, and by providing certainty to businesses seeking to operate abroad. This would help to liberalise trade and supports UK economic growth.

This annex will establish a Professional Services Working Group which will create a dedicated forum for UK and Indian government officials to review and monitor the annex’s implementation, appropriately liaise to support relevant bodies in pursuing the annex’s objectives and exchange information on issues relating to professional services.

The annex will not affect the autonomy of UK relevant bodies to set, maintain and assess against the standards for their professions.

4.9 Financial services

The deal will secure UK companies’ ability to deliver financial services to clients in India, supporting the long-term competitiveness and stability of the UK’s financial services sector. This will support opportunities for businesses and consumers in all regions and nations of the UK, to boost UK growth.

This chapter will underpin our future relationship and support our continued cooperation in financial services.

On foreign direct investment, UK ownership or investment into Indian insurance or banking firms is secured at up to 74% UK owned or invested.

This chapter will take important steps to support innovation in financial services in the UK and India, with commitments on the provision of new products and services.

The deal will commit the UK and India to cooperate on issues such as FinTech and diversity in finance, alongside promoting financial stability, and improving market integration.

This deal will include non-discrimination rules that will ensure that UK firms are treated fairly when providing services in India’s market, subject to India’s schedule of specific commitments. It will include comprehensive transparency commitments which will ensure that India’s rules and practices for the authorisation of UK financial services firms are fair and transparent, and that regulatory measures are administered in a reasonable, objective and impartial manner.

4.10 Temporary movement of natural persons

Business travel between the UK and India is essential to the delivery of goods, services and investment, and a strong contributor to economic growth. As part of this agreement, we will lock in business mobility rules for the foreseeable future. These rules will cover short term, temporary and limited business travel.

This chapter will give UK businesses certainty that existing access to the Indian market will continue indefinitely. This will ensure UK professionals can travel to India (and, conversely, Indian professionals can travel to the UK) to attend conferences, transfer to an Indian branch of their organisation, and supply a service as part of a contract. This will benefit professionals and businesses across a wide range of sectors including engineering and architectural services, accountancy services, and management consultancy.

The UK and India will ensure that visa application processes remain transparent, and that governments do not create unnecessary obstacles for professionals to travel between the UK and India.

This chapter is in line with our broader immigration policy.

4.11 Telecommunications

This chapter will contain a strong set of obligations which are based on pro-competitive principles including transparency and non-discrimination.

This chapter will create a strong framework of trade rules to ensure service suppliers have fair and competitive access to telecommunication markets in the UK and India. This will facilitate UK telecommunications suppliers’ expansion or entry into the Indian market and drive UK economic growth.

UK telecoms suppliers will have guaranteed access to the facilities and services in India on a transparent and non-discriminatory basis. The chapter will also ensure access to telecommunications networks and services for UK suppliers in India and guarantees that critical scarce resources are administered in an open and objective manner. These critical resources include spectrum and radio frequencies that are essential for any wireless communication, such as allowing a phone to make calls or connect to the internet.

Reflecting on the strength and importance of UK-India telecommunications trade, the chapter will also foster cooperation on the opportunities and challenges in the telecommunications sector and working together in international fora to promote international standards. This cooperation will include dialogue and sharing of best practice on network security, diversification and international mobile roaming.

4.12 Digital trade

This chapter will reduce unjustifiable barriers to digital trade and promote compatibility of digital trading systems, including through supporting the legal recognition of electronic contracts and electronic authentication.

Digital trade is an important driver of growth, accounting for over half (55%) of UK exports. Harnessing the potential of digital trade is central to delivering a strong and resilient economy in the UK. Digital trade agreements and cooperation can support consumers and businesses to access new opportunities and safeguard the broader digital environment. This FTA will help to drive growth through the openness and stability of digital markets and reverse the trend of increased digital trade restrictiveness.

The chapter will give UK businesses greater confidence in expanding into India and make trade cheaper, faster, easier and more accessible both for businesses and consumers.

The chapter will cut red tape for businesses, including SMEs , thanks to provisions that support the use of electronic contracts and transactions. It will also drive innovation and support emerging technologies through UK-India collaboration, maximising the benefits of both, including through trade.

Businesses will be protected from forced transfer of their source code, allowing UK businesses to expand to India with greater confidence.

The chapter will help make consumers safer online, including protecting them against spam on their phones. Unsolicited commercial messages will be minimised, for example by requiring consent or working towards making spam clearly identifiable, such as by including who they are sent on behalf of. The chapter will also include ambitious cutting-edge commitments to protect online consumers.

The chapter will include provisions on cross border data flows and data localisation, which will allow the UK the opportunity to negotiate these rules with India when they agree similar commitments with other FTA partners. This commitment does not affect the UK’s high standards of data protection, and any transfer of personal data will still be protected under the UK’s data protection law.

4.13 Intellectual property ( IP )

This IP chapter will support our economies through effective and balanced protection and enforcement of IP rights. This chapter will cover copyright and related rights, designs, trade marks, geographical indications ( GIs ), patents, and trade secrets, as well as the enforcement of IP rights, and ongoing cooperation in relation to IP matters.

This chapter will go far beyond India’s precedent in FTAs , building on our shared commitments in numerous international IP treaties and the WTO Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights ( TRIPS ) Agreement, which is the international baseline of intellectual property protection.

IP protection fosters innovation and creativity and ensures that industry is rewarded for the efforts and investment that generate valuable intellectual property outputs. This supports our knowledge economy, arts, and renowned British brands.

Given many UK exports are reliant on intellectual property assets (such as brand value, patents, copyright, design rights, trade secrets, geographical indications), IP protection is crucial to ensure UK exports retain their value in overseas markets. Ensuring the protection of patents, copyright, trade marks and geographical indications is an essential element of protecting the market for UK exports of goods and services. These rights reduce the risk that the market for distinctive and quality UK creative products is not unfairly flooded with cheap imitations of UK brands, pirated versions of UK films and music, and unlicensed versions of UK inventions and discoveries.

Effective IP protection is therefore fundamental to global business growth, leading to more highly skilled jobs and local economic development, and is an essential tool for protecting and enhancing the value of UK goods and services exports. Locking in text which ties both countries to standards which go beyond the international baselines on IP provides business with the confidence that these standards will be maintained and provides the UK with an opportunity to hold India to account on these standards. This can encourage UK firms to begin exporting or expand exports to India, driving UK growth.

This chapter will secure improvements to patent procedures in India to reduce the administrative burden, speed up processes, and lock in commitments that provide for transparency and legal certainty in the patent system.

India will also commit to engaging on aspects of copyright and related rights, addressing the interests of UK creators, rights holders, and consumers. This includes around public performance rights and artist’s resale rights, which acknowledge the importance of royalty rights. India will also conduct an internal review of their copyright terms of protection.

The UK will have the ability to apply for India’s highest standard of protection for all UK GIs listed for protection in the FTA , extending this beyond wines and spirits, which are the only products that currently benefit from the higher standard. The chapter will not commit the UK to domestic legislative change, nor will it undermine the UK’s own IP system or our international positions on IP .

4.14 Innovation

This chapter will bolster support for innovation in the UK and India, including by fostering opportunities for innovation-intensive industries and encouraging trade in innovative products and services.

Innovation and research and development investment can both significantly boost productivity growth. Innovation drives trade by bringing new products to international markets while trade drives innovation through greater competition, demand and international collaboration. Both trade and innovation drive productivity, which in turn drives trade competitiveness.

The UK and India share a highly productive relationship, collaborating on research and development for innovation. This will play an essential role not only for economic growth, but also in tackling global challenges.

This chapter will establish an Innovation Working Group, which will allow the UK and India to enhance existing collaboration, research, and development. Discussions under this cooperative framework may cover a range of areas, including future regulatory approaches, the commercialisation of new technologies and supply chain resilience.

The working group will provide an opportunity for industry, academia and civil society to advise government on key challenges surrounding innovation and trade, and to help shape an appropriate response. We will work with India to achieve the early identification and mutually beneficial resolution of unintended barriers to trade, including by monitoring regulatory frameworks for new technologies, supporting businesses to maximise their global trading ambitions.

4.15 Government procurement

This chapter will guarantee access to the Indian government procurement market for UK businesses and ensure that government procurement processes in both countries are fair, open, and transparent.

For the first time, UK businesses will be able to compete for a broad variety of goods, services, and construction procurements, for the majority of central government entities in India, as well as for several of India’s federal state-owned enterprises at thresholds lower than ever before. India spends an estimated 20% of its GDP on public procurement[footnote 20], and UK suppliers will have greater opportunities to bid for many of these contracts, on better terms and with greater access to the relevant information to support their bids. This increased market access in India could lead to more successful contract awards for UK companies, boosting their revenues, helping to increase UK economic growth.

India’s federal government entities covered by the agreement, publish, on average, approximately 40,000 tenders per year with a value of at least £38 billion.[footnote 21] With this chapter, UK businesses will have legally guaranteed access to compete for a proportion of these contracts that meet the criteria specified within India’s schedule.

UK companies will get exclusive treatment under the ‘Make in India’ policy, which currently provides preferential treatment for federal government procurement to businesses who manufacture or produce in India. UK companies will be treated as a class 2 supplier if at least 20% of their product or service is from the UK – granting them the same status that only Indian firms currently enjoy (the Make in India preference will still apply for approved ‘class 1’ suppliers offering 50% or more of their goods or services from India).

The chapter will also enable UK businesses to access information on published tender notices for procurements covered by the agreement, free of charge, through India’s single website portal.

4.16 Competition and consumer protection

As a result of this FTA , both the UK and India will maintain their respective competition and consumer protection regimes as part of a transparent regulatory environment. Healthy, strong competition is vital to drive innovation, productivity, investment and economic growth.

This chapter will include commitments that those competition laws are applied and enforced in a non-discriminatory manner by independent authorities.

It will also ensure both the UK and India maintain procedural rights for people and businesses under investigation by competition authorities, including the right to be treated fairly and to defend themselves.

The UK and India will also agree to promote cooperation on the application and enforcement of competition and consumer protection policies and law.

4.17 State-owned enterprises ( SOEs )

This chapter will demonstrate the UK’s commitment to working with trading partners to promote free and fair trade and tackle unfair practices.

Businesses owned or controlled by governments and engaged in commercial activities are often known as SOEs . Unfair commercial practices by SOEs or advantageous treatment due to their relationship with government undermine trust in the rules-based trading system and prevent UK businesses from competing fairly. Tackling these practices promotes UK competitiveness and can contribute to economic security and growth.

The chapter will promote open and fair competition between private enterprises and businesses owned by either government, promoting competitiveness and economic growth. The provisions will include commitments that SOEs should operate in accordance with commercial practices, and appropriate means to raise concerns. The chapter will also promote cooperation between UK and Indian authorities on the corporate governance of SOEs and provide for appropriate means to raise concerns where they arise.

The chapter will ensure that UK SOEs , particularly those providing public services, can continue to operate as they do now.

4.18 Subsidies

This chapter will reaffirm and build upon existing WTO subsidy rules.

Unfair practices in providing subsidies undermine trust in the rules-based trading system and prevent UK businesses from competing fairly with foreign businesses.

Tackling these practices promotes UK competitiveness and can contribute to economic security and growth.

The chapter will not prescribe the specifics of subsidy control arrangements for the UK or India, but will instead provide for transparency in subsidies granted, and for appropriate means to raise concerns where they arise, complementing the tools available through the WTO .

4.19 Small and medium-sized enterprises

This chapter will promote SME participation in trade with India through commitments from the UK and India on cooperation and information-sharing. It will commit both countries to cooperation to reduce the trade barriers that SMEs may otherwise face, by increasing transparency and access to information.

This cooperation will include setting up contact points and facilitating the exchange of best practices that make it easier for SMEs to enter the market. The UK and India will also make trade information accessible online and easier to understand, so that SMEs can clearly understand and navigate the other country’s systems and processes. We may also explore how we can further reduce trade barriers for SMEs and share best practice on important issues that may prevent SMEs from exporting, such as access to finance.

Tackling these barriers will help UK SMEs export to and import from India, leveraging the trade deal’s opportunities to drive UK economic growth.

4.20 Labour

This chapter will demonstrate our commitment to upholding international labour standards, ensuring sustainable economic growth and a predictable business environment. Labour provisions in this FTA will complement our domestic growth agenda and our Make Work Pay plan which contribute to creating the right conditions for long-term sustainable, inclusive, and secure economic growth.

Both the UK and India will commit to upholding international labour protections for workers in both India and the UK. This includes protections on freedom of association and protection from forced labour in line with the obligations of both parties to uphold these protections in their domestic legislation. This is by virtue of their membership of the International Labour Organization ( ILO ), the United Nations ( UN ) agency that sets international labour standards.

The chapter will also encourage good business practice and corporate responsibility, advance our mutual ambition to tackle forced labour and gender discrimination in the workplace, and promote decent working conditions. The deal also contains commitments for the effective enforcement of labour laws.

This chapter will ensure fair competition for UK and Indian business through a commitment that neither country will selectively disapply their labour protections. The UK and India will continue to retain flexibility to regulate for domestic interests.

4.21 Environment

This chapter will support the UK’s climate and environment goals – including delivery of the Clean Energy Superpower Mission and the transition to net zero – and the FTA agreement also establishes a subcommittee on sustainability. The chapter will commit the UK and India to strive to ensure their respective environmental laws encourage high levels of environmental protection, and not to waive their environmental laws to encourage bilateral trade or investment. It will recognise the right of the UK and India to regulate in pursuit of our ambitious climate and environment goals, such as net zero by 2050.

The environment chapter will also reaffirm our mutual commitments to global environmental agreements including the Paris Agreement and 1.5°C temperature goal, commit the UK and India to endeavour to facilitate and promote trade in environmental goods and services and encourage the transition to clean energy, and strengthen cooperation in areas such as on emerging technologies with low global warming potential, sustainable forestry management, marine wild capture fisheries, and a resource-efficient and circular economy.

The UK will also agree provisions with India to endeavour to promote trade in environmental goods and services, which could help the UK boost exports in key green sectors, such as clean energy industries, and drive economic growth at home. We will also agree provisions that will support cooperation and trade in key UK growth sectors such as clean energy, transport, recycling, and that promote a circular economy. These provisions demonstrate the importance that the UK places on driving investment and opportunity in these sectors. In addition, supporting circular economy efforts will enhance the value that UK businesses can derive from scarce or critical resources, while also minimising waste.

4.22 Trade and development cooperation

This chapter will reinforce the UK and India’s commitment to promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth, by incorporating trade as a tool for poverty reduction in third-party developing countries.

The chapter will include provisions on exchanging information and sharing best practices on trade and development policies and programmes, as well as a commitment for cooperation and joint advocacy in international fora related to trade and development.

Through this chapter, both the UK and India will also monitor the effects of the agreement on developing countries. This will allow us to identify risks and maximise opportunities for development.

As well as including a standalone development chapter, we have also incorporated development into other inclusive trade chapters, such as gender and services.

4.23 Trade and gender equality

This chapter will enhance the opportunities for women to access the full benefits of the UK-India FTA . It will also advance women’s economic empowerment and promote gender equality through trade.

This chapter will create the space for the UK and India to work together to support women business owners, entrepreneurs, and workers to fully access and benefit from the opportunities created by this agreement. Women’s economic empowerment is a growth enabler, which is at the heart of the UK government’s agenda.

Through enabling women to fully engage in trade and the economy, countries can realise their potential and boost economic growth. If gender parity in the global economy is achieved, it could add trillions of dollars to global GDP .

As trade plays a pivotal role in driving growth and prosperity, increasing the participation of women in the labour market would, according to the World Bank, increase a country’s productivity and GDP , creating jobs and leading to greater economic diversification, innovation and poverty reduction.

4.24 Good regulatory practice ( GRP )

The GRP chapter will aim to promote a transparent regulatory environment, bilateral regulatory cooperation and the exchange of information. This will promote economic growth for the UK by encouraging good governance and accountability within regulatory processes which will provide a stable and predictable regulatory regime for UK businesses.

The UK and India will ensure that their regulations are made accessible. Both countries will also make commitments to provide a reasonable opportunity for interested persons to comment on proposed major regulatory measures, and to encourage regulatory authorities to cooperate on current and future regulation. This cooperation could identify opportunities to reduce unnecessary trade barriers, supporting innovation and economic growth.

4.25 Anti-corruption

The chapter will set out the UK and India’s shared ambition to combat the trade-distorting impacts of bribery and corruption on businesses.

Bribery and corruption are significant barriers to international trade, as they increase the cost of doing business, and create an unfair trading environment.

Through this agreement, the UK and India affirm their adherence to their key international commitments on bribery and corruption in the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and recognise the relevant principles adopted by the G20. The UK and India will work together to tackle these global issues within the trade and investment context.

The chapter will include obligations to maintain a range of measures to prevent and combat bribery and corruption, including the criminalisation of bribery and prohibiting fraudulent book-keeping practices. It will also include provisions covering the prohibition of facilitation payments, the criminalisation of embezzlement and money-laundering and whistle blowing protections. Provisions will also cover co-operation between the UK and India on anti-corruption matters, as well as an ad hoc working group to continue the important dialogue on bribery and corruption in trade.

This chapter will support long-term growth by promoting fair competition and a level playing field, reducing operational risks and attracting foreign investors. Bribery and corruption hinder economic growth by undermining the foundations of a healthy and competitive market[footnote 22]. Bribery also inflates business costs, which can disincentivise economically productive activities like exporting[footnote 23][footnote 24]. This chapter will help businesses recognise and reduce risks and strengthen their defences against bribery and corruption, to put the UK’s growth on solid and sustainable foundations.

4.26 Dispute settlement

The full economic benefits of the UK-India FTA can only be realised if the agreement is faithfully implemented and complied with. The chapter will establish a robust state-to-state dispute settlement mechanism for resolving certain disputes, should they arise under the agreement.

The UK and India have agreed a modern and comprehensive Dispute Settlement chapter, which will ensure that trade disputes between the UK and India are dealt with in a consistent, fair, cost-effective, transparent and timely manner. The mechanism balances strong enforcement with the encouragement of dispute prevention and early resolution.

This chapter will signal intent from the UK and India to uphold the agreement, which will secure the benefits of the deal and drive UK economic growth by providing greater certainty to businesses. The inclusion of a robust dispute settlement mechanism will also ensure the UK can enforce certain commitments that have been made under agreement.

The chapter will also ensure that dispute settlement proceedings will be suitably transparent, allowing interested businesses, non-governmental organisations ( NGOs ) and other entities to engage in the process while safeguarding confidential information.

Trade disputes can have a significant commercial and financial impact on UK firms and can have a significant impact on key sectors of the UK’s economy. By providing a strong deterrent, the dispute settlement mechanism will incentivise compliance with the agreement and help avoid costly disputes.

4.27 Core text

The Core text chapters will provide an effective legal and institutional architecture for the agreement. This will ensure that once in force, the UK-India FTA will continue to support economic growth and the expansion of trade and investment between the UK and India.

The ‘Preamble’ will provide a set of high-level joint statements between the UK and India which articulate the economic objectives of the agreement, as well as reflecting key UK priorities for trade with India.

‘Initial Provisions and General Definitions’ will provide for the establishment of a free trade area between the UK and India, provide for an appropriate set of legal relationships between the agreement and other international agreements, and set out a series of definitions that will be used across the agreement. It will also include a provision that sets out the interaction between the Windsor Framework and this agreement.

‘General Provisions and Exceptions’ will allow for the UK and India to take various kinds of measures that would not otherwise conform with the commitments made in the agreement, to serve the legitimate public policy objectives set out within the individual exceptions. These flexibilities will protect domestic policy space and preserve the UK and India’s rights to regulate in the public interest. The chapter will incorporate the General Exceptions found within the WTO ’s General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade ( GATT ) and General Agreement on Trade in Services ( GATS ), and a dedicated exception relating to national security. It will also provide policy-making discretion in matters of taxation and macroeconomic management, and a provision recalling the exclusions and exceptions elsewhere in the agreement that are applicable to the National Health Service.

‘Administrative and Institutional Provisions’ will create a Joint Committee that is responsible for overseeing the agreement. The chapter will set out the powers and functions of the Joint Committee, as well as the decision-making and administrative processes for the Joint Committee and other bodies established under the agreement. As this Joint Committee will oversee the agreement, it has an important role to play in ensuring the agreement can continue to drive economic growth in the UK and India in future years. The chapter will also establish a subcommittee on Sustainability.

‘Transparency’ will commit the UK and India to a number of transparency principles that are mutually beneficial and aim to make relevant information open and available to the users of the agreement. This will enable businesses and other stakeholders to utilise the agreement with ease, and therefore access the opportunities created by it.

‘Final Provisions’ will set out processes for the entry into force, amendment, and, if appropriate, termination of the agreement. It will also provide a mechanism for the agreement to be extended to the Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories. These provisions facilitate smooth implementation, reduce uncertainty and help sustain trade liberalisation over the lifetime of the agreement.

5. Double Contributions Convention ( DCC )

Alongside the FTA , the UK and India have agreed to negotiate a reciprocal DCC . The DCC will support business and trade by ensuring that employees moving between the UK and India, and their employers, will only be liable to pay social security contributions in one country at a time. The DCC will also ensure that employees temporarily working in the other country for up to 3 years will continue paying social security contributions in their home country, preventing the fragmentation of their social security record.

This agreement will operate on similar principles to the UK’s other Social Security Agreements ( SSA ) with the EU and countries such as Switzerland, Norway, Canada, Japan, Chile and South Korea. As a more limited kind of SSA , the DCC will not affect individuals’ rights to access benefits from the country in which they pay social security contributions or the requirement to pay the UK immigration health surcharge. The DCC will come into force in line with the wider trade deal.

6. What happens next

Now that we have concluded negotiations, the UK and India will work together to finalise the legal text of the free trade agreement and produce a usable and legally binding treaty. We will end this process by signing the completed treaty text. The DCC will enter into force alongside the trade agreement.

Following this, the UK’s independent Trade and Agriculture Commission ( TAC ) will be commissioned to scrutinise the free trade agreement and produce a report on whether the measures within the FTA are consistent with the maintenance of UK statutory protections in relation to animal and plant health and life; animal welfare; and the environment.

Informed by the TAC ’s advice (as well as advice from the UK’s Food Standard Agencies) the government will lay its own report under section 42 of the Agriculture Act 2020 ( s42 report). The s42 report will cover the same topics as the TAC report, with the addition of analysis covering the maintenance of UK statutory protections in relation to human life or health.

This deal will be subject to the usual pre-ratification scrutiny procedures under the Constitutional Reform and Governance ( CRaG ) Act.

Any legislative changes required to give effect to the FTA will need to be scrutinised and passed by Parliament in the usual ways before ratification of the agreement can take place. Legislation necessary to implement the agreement will be brought forward, and duly scrutinised by Parliament, when Parliamentary time allows.

Entry into force will take place once both the UK and India have completed their ratification processes. Once the deal has taken effect, businesses, and citizens from across the UK will be able to capitalise on the benefits of the agreement.