Is CarShield Legit? A Closer Look at the VSC Provider

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CarShield is a leading, legitimate provider of vehicle protection plans, which can help drivers cover the cost of significant car repairs. The company has been in operation since 2005, and in its 20-plus years of operation, it covered over 3 million vehicles.

If you’re considering purchasing a vehicle service contract from CarShield, here’s what you need to know about the company, its plans and customer reviews.

Key Takeaways

  • Since 2005, CarShield has paid out over $1 billion in claims.
  • Plans vary widely in coverage, ranging from a basic powertrain plan to a more comprehensive diamond plan.
  • Customer reviews tend to be positive; CarShield has strong reviews on Trustpilot and ConsumerAffairs.

Is CarShield Legit?

CarShield is a legitimate VSC company that offers plans in nearly every state. Although CarShield doesn’t offer coverage in California, it may refer California drivers to a licensed California mechanical breakdown insurance provider.

With a CarShield plan, you can get some protection against unexpected and costly vehicle repairs, such as engine failures, electrical system issues or fuel pump problems.

CarShield has several plans to choose from:

CarShield Plans
MotorcycleAluminumSilverGold SelectPlatinumDiamond
Air conditioner
Alternator
Brake system
Drive axle
Electrical
Engine
Factory audio
Fuel injector
Fuel pump
Instrument cluster
Main engine computer
NAV/backup camera
Power windows
Radiator
Starter
Steering
Suspension
Transfer case
Transmission
Water pump
Wiring harness

All CarShield plans include 24/7 roadside assistance, and you may be eligible for rental car reimbursement if your car is being repaired for a qualifying claim.

How Does CarShield Work?

When you sign up for a CarShield plan, you choose a coverage plan based on your budget, vehicle’s age and mileage. This is the basic process for using CarShield:

  1. Request a quote: Enter basic information about yourself (such as your address and contact information) and your vehicle’s make, model, year and mileage. CarShield will contact you to discuss your plan options and give you a quote.
  2. Select a plan and sign the agreement: Choose a plan based on your budget and desired coverage level. Review and sign the vehicle service contract, and sign and return it to CarShield.
  3. File a claim when needed: After your plan’s waiting period ends, you can submit claims as needed. To file a claim, call 1-800-859-9923 or file a claim online before any repairs are completed. Eligible repairs are covered, up to your plan’s coverage limits, minus your deductible.

What Do Customers Say About CarShield?

CarShield has a strong reputation for its vehicle service plans and customer service, with a 4.1 out of 5 Trustpilot rating based on over 56,000 reviews. In general, customers praise the responsive support staff and straightforward claims process.

Negative reviews tend to focus on denied claims, but the denials were typically due to contract exclusions — a common reason for denials in the VSC industry. To avoid any surprises, make sure you read your contract and understand what’s covered (and isn’t).

CarShield Customer Reviews
Trustpilot4.1 (Great)
Consumer Affairs4.0
Better Business BureauA+

How Do I Know if a Vehicle Service Contract Company Is Reputable?

When shopping for a VSC provider, follow these steps to determine if a company is legitimate:

  • Review a sample contract: Take a look at a company’s sample contract so you can get more details on coverages, exclusions and the claims process.
  • Read exclusions: Most consumer complaints are about coverage gaps, so review the plan’s exclusions. VSC plans don’t cover routine maintenance, such as oil changes, normal wear and tear, or cosmetic damage.
  • Confirm deductible and coverage limits: Know what costs you are responsible for if you have a claim. Your deductible is your portion of covered repairs.
  • Verify your preferred repair shop accepts the contract: Not all National Institute for Automotive Excellence-certified mechanics are willing to work with vehicle service contracts, so check with your preferred repair facility.
  • Research customer experiences: Check Trustpilot, Consumer Affairs and the BBB for recent customer experiences to give you an idea of what to expect as a customer.

FAQs

Does CarShield actually pay claims?

Yes, CarShield pays out eligible claims, with customers praising the company’s knowledgeable support staff and claims process. What is covered (and what is not) depends on your plan.

What is the average monthly cost of CarShield?

CarShield plans start as low as $99 per month. Your price may vary based on your vehicle make, model and year; your current mileage; and your location.

Can you use any mechanic with CarShield?

With CarShield, you can use any repair shop that is certified by the ASE. You can use the ShieldRepairNetwork database to find a trusted repair shop near you.

What is the cancellation policy for a CarShield warranty?

You can cancel your CarShield vehicle service contract by calling 1-800-569-9044, and a customer service representative will walk you through the cancellation process.

In general, if you cancel within the initial term of the contract (within one month from the original contract effective date), the company will send you a full refund of the amount paid for the initial term as long as you haven’t submitted a claim. If you cancel the policy within a renewal term, you will receive a prorated refund based on the number of days the policy was in force minus any fees or claims.

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