Autopom! Vs. CarShield: Which Warranty is Better?
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Autopom! and CarShield are two of the best extended auto warranty companies on the market, offering high-end coverage at lower rates than many others in the industry. By comparing autopom! vs. CarShield head to head, you can get a better sense of which company may be right for you.
While autopom! may have lower-cost options for long-term coverage, CarShield offers flexible terms and lower monthly payments for certain plans. Read on to learn more about each of these providers, and start comparing how much each company’s plans would cost for your vehicle by clicking above.
Table of contents
Autopom! vs. CarShield Highlights
autopom! |
CarShield |
|
|---|---|---|
Reputation |
4.6 |
3.7 |
Coverage |
4.1 |
4.6 |
Price |
4.1 |
4.5 |
Transparency |
4.3 |
5.0 |
Customer Service |
4.1 |
3.6 |
Overall Rating |
4.2 |
4.2 |
Autopom!: Best Claims Process
Autopom! offers what our review team believes to be the Best Claims Process in the industry. The company receives top marks from customers both on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website (4.59 out of 5.00 stars) and Trustpilot (4.2 out of 5.0 stars). While it has only been around for 12 years, the company has established a reputation as a trusted provider that offers top-tier coverage. Autopom! contracts are available in all 50 states.
CarShield: Best Value
CarShield contracts are available in every state except California. It is a bit older than autopom! with 16 years of experience in the industry. CarShield offers its customers low rates and high-level coverage. It’s also one of the only top-tier providers to offer specialty coverage for motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles.
Autopom! vs. CarShield: Coverage
Autopom! Extended Warranty Plans
- Exclusionary: Bumper-to-bumper warranty that covers virtually all mechanical and electrical components
- High-Level: Covers an extensive list of named components such as the engine, transmission, drive axle, steering, suspension, braking, air conditioning, cooling, fuel, and electrical systems
- Mid-Level: Protects major systems such as the engine, transmission, drive axle, steering, braking, air conditioning, and electrical
- Powertrain Plus: Provides basic protection for the engine, transmission, drive axle, and air conditioning
CarShield Extended Warranty Plans
- Diamond: An exclusionary bumper-to-bumper coverage contract
- Platinum: Comprehensive coverage for high-mileage vehicles that includes most mechanical and electrical parts
- Gold: An expanded powertrain plan that covers everything in the lower-tier Silver plan, plus the alternator, starter, air conditioning, and power windows
- Silver: Powertrain warranty that covers all lubricated engine parts, as well as the transmission, drive axle, and water pump
- Aluminum: Specialty coverage for many electrical and computer-related parts, such as the engine control module, starter, alternator, and GPS
- Motorcycle & ATV: Provides protection for motorcycles and ATVs
Top-level coverage from both providers is largely similar. However, CarShield offers more coverage options, as well as protection for motorcycles and ATVs, which autopom! does not have.
Comparing Benefits and Add-Ons
Autopom! and CarShield offer similar additional benefits, but they come with different reimbursement amounts. A full comparison is detailed in the chart below.
Benefit |
autopom! |
CarShield |
|---|---|---|
24/7 Roadside Assistance |
✓ |
✓ |
Flat Tire Services |
✓ |
✓ |
Battery Jump-Starts |
✓ |
✓ |
Towing |
$100 reimbursement |
$75 reimbursement |
Lockout Services |
✓ |
✓ |
Trip Interruption Coverage |
Up to $150 per day for 3 days |
Up to $50 per day for 3 days |
Rental Car Reimbursement |
Up to $35 per day for 5 days |
Up to $40 per day for 4 days |
Autopom! offers a higher reimbursement for towing and trip interruption expenses, as well as a longer rental car coverage period. However, CarShield offers a higher daily dollar limit for rental reimbursement. These services can come in handy if you experience a mechanical breakdown that leaves your vehicle inoperable or if you need to leave your car at the repair shop for multiple days.
Autopom! vs. CarShield: Costs
- The type of vehicle you drive
- Your vehicle’s age and mileage
- The deductible you choose
- Your location
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty Cost
The following quotes were given for a 2017 Ford Explorer with 45,000 miles on it in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Coverage Term |
Monthly Payment |
Total Cost |
Down Payment |
Deductible |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
autopom! |
5 years/ 100,000 miles |
$136.04 per month for 24 months |
$3,264.96 |
First month’s payment |
$100.00 |
CarShield |
Unlimited |
$129.99 per month |
N/A |
First month’s payment |
$100.00 |
Powertrain Warranty Cost
The following quotes were given for a 2012 Honda Civic with 88,000 miles on it in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Coverage Term |
Monthly Payment |
Total Cost |
Down Payment |
Deductible |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
autopom! |
4 years/ 48,000 miles |
$102.92 per month for 24 months |
$2,470.08 |
First month’s payment |
$100.00 |
CarShield |
Unlimited |
$129.99 per month |
N/A |
First month’s payment |
$100.00 |
Autopom! offered a lower monthly quote for powertrain coverage but a higher monthly payment for bumper-to-bumper protection. However, drivers only make 24 monthly payments for five years of autopom! bumper-to-bumper coverage, totaling $3,264.96. At the rate quoted above, the CarShield contract would cost $7,799.40 after five years of month-to-month payments, which is significantly more expensive.
When we reached out for quotes, our researchers were only offered unlimited coverage plans from CarShield. However, the provider also offers plan options with specified term limits, which may be a more cost-effective choice in the long run.
Autopom! vs. CarShield: Customer Service
BBB Accreditation |
BBB Rating |
BBB Customer Rating |
Trustpilot Score |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
autopom! |
Yes |
A+ |
4.59 stars |
4.2 stars |
CarShield |
No |
F |
1.44 stars |
4.0 stars |
It’s worth noting that we’ve chosen CarShield as one of our top recommended providers despite its low BBB score. Companies have to pay a fee for BBB accreditation that can cost thousands of dollars, so a provider being BBB accredited simply means the company paid the BBB money for this distinction.
Final Thoughts on These Top Providers
While autopom! offers lower rates and boasts better customer service scores, CarShield has better coverage options and much longer coverage terms for its vehicle service contracts. If you are purchasing protection for a newer vehicle, you are likely to find a better rate with autopom!, but older vehicles may not be eligible for autopom! coverage.
CarShield contracts may be cheaper in the short term and offer greater flexibility, as customers have the option to pay by the month rather than commit to a long-term contract.
Overall, we think both providers can offer peace of mind on the road. You can learn more about these companies in our CarShield review and autopom! review, and start comparing costs for yourself by using the buttons below to get free quotes.
CarShield vs. autopom! Extended Warranties
AutoGuide reviewed the top car warranty companies to find the best.
Compare CarShield and autopom! by getting a customized quote from each.
Methodology
- Price: Comparing providers can be difficult due to the many factors that influence cost. To determine this score, we employ a secret shopper analysis using different vehicles, mileages, warranty plans, and locations.
- Coverage: A wide variety of coverage is essential to support the differing needs of customers. We take into account the number of extended car warranty plans available, term limits, exclusions, and additional benefits.
- Customer Service: The level of customer service and care provided by an extended warranty company is an important consideration. Our review team sifts through customer reviews and complaints from reputable sources such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot. We also consider the responsiveness of each company’s customer service team based on our secret shopper analysis.
- Reputation: Good extended warranty providers consistently provide quality experiences. Our team takes into account BBB ratings and the company’s history of reliable service when giving this score.
- Transparency: Customers value a commitment to open and honest communication when it comes to vehicle service contracts. Our team of experts takes into account the availability of money-back guarantees and sample contracts.
Stephen Kenney is a writer and editor who focuses on car insurance, auto financing, and vehicle shipping services. He's a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and has experience covering categories ranging from travel to sports to environmental sustainability. In his free time, Stephen enjoys going on long-distance runs, trying out new recipes, and exploring his adopted hometown of Cincinnati.
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