How CarShield’s Coverage Options Compare Across Plans
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CarShield is a leading vehicle protection plan provider, and it has five core plans: Aluminum, Silver, Gold Select, Platinum and Diamond. Plus, it has specialty options for motorcycles, ATVs and electric vehicles.
CarShield plans start as low as $99 per month, and the company has served millions of customers and paid out over $1 billion in claims.
If choosing a CarShield plan feels overwhelming, this guide will break down what each plan covers so you can make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways
- CarShield offers five core plans, as well as options for EVs and motorcycles.
- CarShield plans start at $99 per month.
- The Diamond plan is the most comprehensive and is similar to a new-car manufacturer warranty.
What Plans Are Available Through CarShield?
CarShield has five main plans to suit a range of budgets and needs, from owners of newer vehicles who want added peace of mind to those with older cars that are prone to major, expensive repairs.
The table below provides an overview of what CarShield vehicle protection plan covers:
| Aluminum | Silver | Gold Select | Platinum | Diamond | Motorcycles and ATVs | |
| Engine | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Transmission | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Drive axle | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Transfer case | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Water pump | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Air conditioner | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Starter | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Alternator | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Power windows | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Fuel pump | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Radiator | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Fuel injector | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Factory audio | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Steering | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Suspension | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Electrical | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Brake system | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Main engine computer | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Instrument cluster | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Nav/Backup Camera | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Wiring harness | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Aluminum
The Aluminum plan is a basic plan that covers electrical and computer-related issues and components like the engine control mobile, alternator and navigation system.
Silver
The Silver plan is CarShield’s most affordable plan. It provides powertrain coverage, including lubricated parts of the engine, transmission, drive axle, transfer case and water pump.
Gold Select
Gold Select is a plan well suited for higher-mileage vehicles. It covers critical components like the engine, transmission, water pump, starter, air-conditioning system and power window motors.
Platinum
A more robust option for higher-mileage vehicles, the Platinum plan covers the physical components of the Gold Select plan and also provides coverage for the fuel pump, electrical systems and wiring harness.
Diamond
The Diamond plan is CarShield’s most comprehensive plan, and it’s the most similar to a new-car manufacturer warranty. It covers the engine, transmission, fuel-pump breakdowns, electrical system failures and more.
Other plans
Besides CarShield’s five core plans, it also has two specialty options:
- Motorcycle and ATV plans: Motorcycle and ATV plans cover steering, suspension, starter and engine systems.
- Electric Vehicle plans: The Electric Vehicle plan is tailored to the unique needs of EVs, covering the electric drive unit, electrical system and battery pack.
How to choose a CarShield plan
Now that you know what each plan covers, you can move forward with signing up for a CarShield protection plan. To decide which plan to enroll in, follow these steps:
- Set a budget: CarShield plans start at $99 per month, but your price will depend on your plan and vehicle. In general, we found that plans ranged between $100 and $130 per month for a 2023 Toyota Camry.
- Consider your risk tolerance: If an unexpected $2,000 bill to repair a transmission would derail your budget or leave you scrambling to cover the cost, a more comprehensive plan may be worth the added cost. By contrast, if you have a healthy emergency fund, you may be able to select a more bare-bones plan to cover the worst repairs.
- Evaluate your vehicle: If you own an older car prone to issues or have a vehicle that’s very costly to repair, a more comprehensive plan like the Platinum or Diamond plan can be worth the investment.
FAQs
How much does CarShield cost per month?
Plans start at $99 per month, but your price will vary based on your vehicle’s make, model, year and mileage, and will also vary based on the plan you choose.
What does CarShield not cover?
Coverage varies by plan tier, but CarShield protection plans don’t cover routine maintenance, cosmetic damage or preexisting issues.
Is CarShield a reliable company?
Yes, CarShield is a reliable company. It has served over 3 million customers since its inception, and it has a Trustpilot score of 4.1 out of 5 based on over 56,000 reviews. Customers praise the company’s friendly and responsive staff, and the smooth process for scheduling repairs.
Disclosure: We earn a commission from partner links from this article.
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