CarShield Warranty Review
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CarShield is a vehicle service contractor provider that can come in handy when your car’s manufacturer warranty expires. It could be a good fit if you have an older car or want help with unexpected repair expenses. However, it’s important to keep in mind coverage exclusions, waiting periods and plan deductibles.
CarShield offers more plan options than most other companies, so you can choose a plan that meets your budget, and customer reviews tend to be positive. You can get coverage for vehicles with up to 250,000 miles on the odometer, and plans are available in 49 states.
Read on to learn more about CarShield coverage and how it compares to other providers.
Key Takeaways
- CarShield plans start at $99 per month.
- The company sells vehicle service contracts for model years of 1999 or newer.
- CarShield is not available in California.
CarShield Extended Warranty At a Glance
| CarShield Quick Facts | |
| Founded in | 2005 |
| Availability | 49 states |
| Maximum vehicle mileage | 250,000 |
| Maximum vehicle age | 1999 or newer |
| Repair network | 3,500-plus shops |
| Waiting period | 30 days/1,000 miles |
| Trustpilot rating | 4.1 (great) |
| *Not available in California | |
CarShield Warranty Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Wide selection of plans, including for recreational vehicles | Instant quotes not available online |
| Allows vehicles with as many as 250,000 miles | Recent settlement with the Federal Trade Commission |
| Roadside assistance and rental car options available | Not available in California |
Is CarShield Worth It?
If you have an older car, a high-mileage vehicle, or luxury car that you intend to keep for several years, a CarShield vehicle protection plan could be worth the investment. But if you have a newer vehicle that’s relatively inexpensive to repair or have an established emergency fund for repairs, you may be better off skipping a vehicle protection plan.
No plan covers all repairs, so whether CarShield is worth the cost depends on your vehicle’s age, mileage, existing conditions, plan cost and the likelihood of experiencing a covered breakdown.
Is CarShield Legit?
Founded in 2005, CarShield is known for providing a range of warranty plans covering most vehicle components. It also offers coverage for motorcycles, ATVs and other nonstandard vehicles â though your car will need to be a 1999 model year or newer to qualify for coverage. While CarShield doesn’t offer an online buying process like some competitors, its financial strength and straightforward policy terms make it an appealing choice if you want to protect your car’s individual systems and components.
Why Did CarShield Pay $10 Million to Settle With the FTC?
CarShield entered into a settlement with the FTC in 2024. According to the FTC’s press release, CarShield faced allegations that its advertisements and telemarketing practices were misleading or deceptive.
The settlement highlights an important issue: Many customers felt deceived over denied claims, which is why it’s so important to review the plan agreement, policy exclusions and claims procedures before purchasing a plan. It’s also a good idea to confirm with your preferred mechanic that they accept the vehicle service contract and work with CarShield.
What Does CarShield Cover?
When purchasing a vehicle extended warranty, it’s essential to consider which components of the car or truck are and are not covered. Depending on the policy option you select, CarShield coverage extends to the following components:
- Engine
- Transmission
- Drive axle
- Transfer case
- Air conditioner
- Fuel delivery system
- Fuel injector
- Fuel pump
- Steering
- Suspension
- Brake system
- Electrical
- Wiring harness
- Instrument cluster
- GPS or navigation system
- Factory audio system
- Starter
- Alternator
- Power windows
- Water pump
- Radiator
- Emissions
What does CarShield not cover?
CarShield policies include a list of exclusions, which you’ll find on a sample contract you can review before purchasing coverage. Some standard exclusions you’ll find on all plans include the following:
- Preexisting conditions
- Any car repairs performed or funded by you before filing a claim
- Maintenance items, including replacement of brake pads, oil changes and headlight bulbs
- Breakdowns caused by a lack of maintenance
- Failures and repairs to airbags, seat belts and supplemental restraints
- Any damage to vehicles used for commercial purposes
- Breakdowns and damage caused by acts of God and natural disasters like fires
- Breakdowns and damage resulting from negligence or using your car in a negligent way (like street racing)
- All breakdowns and damage related to collisions
Review your specific warranty plan’s coverage to learn more about applicable exclusions.
CarShield Car Warranty Plans
CarShield is notable for its range of coverage options and diverse vehicle protections. It offers seven individual plan offerings, including coverage options for ATVs and motorcycles, which most companies exclude from their warranties. To qualify for coverage, vehicles must have fewer than 250,000 miles on the odometer.
CarShield’s claims administrator is American Auto Shield, which is backed by insurance providers with a minimum A-level A.M. Best rating. This indicates that CarShield can likely cover financial obligations in the foreseeable future â a crucial consideration when choosing any warranty coverage. Plans are available in every state except California.
CarShield currently offers the following plan options in most states:
- Aluminum: CarShield’s Aluminum specialty plan covers most electrical and computer-related problems and includes components like the engine control module, starter, alternator, navigation system and electrical system.
- Silver: The Silver policy is CarShield’s most affordable plan option. It covers your powertrain, including lubricated parts of the engine, transmission and water pump.
- Gold Select: This high-mileage option includes key components like the engine, transmission, water pump, alternator, starter, air-conditioning system and power window motors.
- Platinum: Another option for high-mileage vehicles, Platinum coverage includes all of the physical components on the Gold plan and extends protections to include the fuel pump and more.
- Diamond: Diamond-level coverage is CarShield’s most comprehensive coverage, including engine and transmission failures, starter problems, fuel pump breakdown and other issues.
- Motorcycle and ATVs: CarShield offers an intermediate warranty option for motorcycle and ATV owners, including coverage for steering, suspension, starter and engine systems and more.
- Electric Vehicles: In addition to its other standard coverage, CarShield offers service contracts for fully electric vehicles. This level of coverage is tailored to EVs and covers certain components within the electric drive unit, electrical system, battery pack and other systems.
Below is a table comparing the different core plans:
| CarShield Core Plans | |||||
| Repair | Diamond | Platinum | Gold | Silver | Aluminum |
| Best for âĻ | Drivers who want the broadest coverage | Drivers who want extensive coverage | Driver with older vehicles | Drivers who are focused on cost | Drivers who want basic protection |
| Engine | â | â | â | â | â |
| Transmission | â | â | â | â | â |
| Drive axle | â | â | â | â | â |
| Transfer case | â | â | â | â | â |
| Water pump | â | â | â | â | â |
| Air conditioner | â | â | â | â | â |
| Starter | â | â | â | â | â |
| Alternator | â | â | â | â | â |
| Power windows | â | â | â | â | â |
| Fuel pump | â | â | â | â | â |
| Radiator | â | â | â | â | â |
| Fuel injector | â | â | â | â | â |
| Factory audio | â | â | â | â | â |
| Steering | â | â | â | â | â |
| Suspension | â | â | â | â | â |
| Electrical | â | â | â | â | â |
| Brake system | â | â | â | â | â |
| Main engine computer | â | â | â | â | â |
| Instrument cluster | â | â | â | â | â |
| Navigation/backup camera | â | â | â | â | â |
| Wiring harness | â | â | â | â | â |
CarShield offers a wide range of flexible plans, but depending on your needs, they may not be right for you. Compare the best extended car warranty plans before choosing coverage.
CarShield mileage limits
Mileage requirements limit the total number of miles that can be on your vehicle when you sign up for coverage. To qualify for coverage through CarShield, you must have fewer than 250,000 miles on your vehicle. Consider the best used-car warranty companies if you need a plan for a higher-mileage vehicle.
CarShield waiting period
A waiting period is a set amount of time after you sign up for car warranty coverage, where you’re enrolled in protection but not covered. Waiting periods prevent you from signing up for a car warranty after your vehicle already needs repair.
CarShield’s standard waiting period is 30 days from the contract date, plus 1,000 miles added to your vehicle’s odometer. If you’re a less frequent driver, you may qualify for a modified waiting period of 90 days and 200 additional miles on the odometer.
CarShield claims process
Filing a claim with CarShield is relatively simple, allowing you to visit any licensed repair facility. To file a claim with CarShield, follow these steps:
- Contact CarShield. Start the process by contacting CarShield and letting the company know your vehicle requires repairs. You must notify CarShield before bringing your car in for repairs to keep coverage current except in the event of an emergency repair, in which case, you’re covered for $500 worth of damage.
- Get an estimate. Ask the repair facility to create a written estimate, including the price and what pieces are malfunctioning.
- Submit the estimate to CarShield. Once you have an estimate from the repair shop, send it to CarShield using its online claims submission process. CarShield may also request maintenance records for your vehicle to determine coverage.
- Await approval. CarShield will compare the estimate to the terms of your contract to determine if you’re qualified for coverage. If approved, a representative will contact you and authorize you to return to the repair shop for a fix. CarShield will cover the bill minus your plan deductible.
CarShield customer satisfaction
CarShield reviews on third-party site Trustpilot are largely positive, with customers awarding the warranty provider an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars based on more than 56,000 reviews. However, Better Business Bureau users were overwhelmingly unsatisfied with CarShield, with negative reviews frequently citing a refusal to provide repairs when needed. Still, the company has an A+ rating from the BBB itself.
CarShield customer service
CarShield offers 24/7 claims reporting on its partner website, and its roadside assistance hotline is also available around the clock. You can contact claims directly by calling 800-859-9923, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. For more general inquiries, CarShield offers standard customer service during the same hours at 800-587-4162.
Remember that you must contact CarShield to receive repair authorization before getting work done on your vehicle.
CarShield Cost
The exact cost of a CarShield contract varies depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the mileage on the car, the age of the vehicle and other factors, but plans start at $99 per month. CarShield doesn’t offer online quotes like other providers. Instead, you’ll need to submit your vehicle information online so a CarShield representative can contact you with pricing information.
CarShield Alternatives
CarShield is not the only car warranty provider you can choose when protecting a new vehicle. The best car warranty companies provide robust coverage for a range of vehicles at an accessible price point, giving you peace of mind. The following are some of the most popular CarShield alternatives and who they serve best.
- Endurance: Endurance is a top car warranty provider for high-mileage vehicles, as there is no maximum mileage. It features overall positive customer reviews, and 24/7 roadside assistance is included with each plan.
- American Dream Auto: Compared to CarShield, American Dream Auto only has three plans to choose from. Many choose them because they cover ride-share and farm vehicles that some other companies won’t.
- Carchex: Like CarShield, Carchex offers multiple policies to customize your coverage. It also offers monthly payment plans, which can be helpful if you’re on a budget.
Who Is a Good Fit for CarShield?
You may be a good candidate for a CarShield extended warranty if you meet one of the following criteria:
- You have an older car: While some warranty companies only accept cars that are less than 20 years old, CarShield accepts vehicles that are from model-year 1999 or newer.
- You own a high-mileage vehicle: Many companies cap vehicles at 100,000 miles, but CarShield has a higher-than-usual mileage maximum.
- You own an electric vehicle: EV owners can qualify for specialized plans that cover the vehicle battery and drivetrain.
Who Shouldn’t Sign Up for CarShield?
CarShield may not be a good choice in the following scenarios:
- You have a classic or antique vehicle.
- You have a car with more than 250,000 miles.
- You live in California.
- You use your vehicle for commercial purposes.
CarShield Extended Car Warranty FAQ
Is the CarShield warranty any good?
Reviews of CarShield vary depending on the source, with BBB reviews largely negative and Trustpilot reviews largely positive. Notably, CarShield was the subject of a 2024 settlement with the Federal Trade Commission. Stemming from alleged deceptive advertising and violation of the Telemarketing Sales Rule, CarShield agreed to a $10 million settlement.
Does CarShield actually pay for repairs?
CarShield is a legitimate extended car warranty provider that pays out claims according to the driver’s service contract terms. Browse a sampling of recent CarShield claims to better understand what the warranties cover.
What does CarShield not pay for?
Like any car warranty policy, CarShield has exclusions that limit the type of repairs you’ll qualify for. CarShield policies exclude the following:
- Wear and tear
- Routine maintenance
- Repairs for issues that existed prior to your warranty’s effective date
- Damage resulting from collisions
- Misuse of your vehicle
- Vehicle damage sustained during commercial activities.
What are the disadvantages of CarShield?
CarShield’s disadvantages include varying customer experiences, with some expressing concerns over claim denials and delays. Additionally, coverage specifics can be confusing, as not all repairs are covered under every plan. Always review contracts closely to ensure you understand the terms.
CarShield What is the average cost of CarShield per month?
CarShield plans start at $99 per month for the basic plan, and its higher-tier plans can be as much as $170 per month.
Methodology
We evaluated CarShield and other extended vehicle warranty companies based on:
- Plan options
- Pricing transparency
- Mileage maximums
- Model-year maximums
- Customer reviews
- Regulatory history
Disclosure: We earn a commission from partner links from this article.
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