CarShield Reviews
In our team's CarShield review, we gave the extended warranty provider 4.5 out of 5.0 stars and recognized that it gave the "Best Monthly Payment Plans."
An extended auto warranty is one way to ensure peace of mind after your factory warranty expires, and CarShield is one of the most popular providers on the market. The company says it has covered over 1 million vehicles, but how many CarShield reviews are ringing endorsements?
In this article, we'll discuss CarShield reviews, coverage plans, and standard costs before diving into the company's process for quotes and claims. Along with focusing on CarShield reviews, our warranty team compiled a list of the best extended car warranty companies to help find the provider that's right for you.
Key Takeaways:
- We give CarShield a rating of 4.5 out of 5.0 and give it our Best Monthly Payment Plans award.
- CarShield's auto warranty plans typically cost between $99 and $109 per month.
- CarShield offers six different coverage levels to choose from, five for standard vehicles and one for motorcycles and RVs.
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5.0
Our research found this provider to be the most affordable. Plus, it offers monthly plans.
To learn more about our editorial integrity policy and how we make money through affiliate partnerships, read our full disclosure here.
Pros | Affordable coverage, various warranty offerings, extensive vehicle protection |
Cons | Not all plans include rental car reimbursement |
Bottom Line | CarShield earns 4.5 stars out of 5.0 due to its impressive coverage at some of the lowest rates among extended warranty providers. |
Table of contents
CarShield Review: 4.5 Stars
Our reviews team rated CarShield 4.5 out of 5 stars and found them to be an extremely reputable extended car warranty company overall. We name CarShield the "Best Monthly " extended warranty provider for its low prices, numerous coverage options, and flexible payment plans.
There are some negative reviews of CarShield online, but the vast majority of drivers appreciate its competitive rates and excellent vehicle protection.
Overall Rating | 4.5 |
|---|---|
Industry Standing | 3.9 |
Coverage | 4.8 |
Cost | 4.6 |
Transparency | 5.0 |
Customer Service | 4.2 |
CarShield extended car warranty reviews are solid, as seen by the company's 4.0-star average score out of 5.0 from almost 40,000 reviews on Trustpilot. The extended warranty provider has also earned some praise from the music industry with an endorsement from rapper and musician Ice-T.
CarShield Customer Reviews
Like most extended warranty providers, CarShield receives mixed customer reviews. As mentioned, the company has a 4.0-star rating out of 5.0 on Trustpilot with nearly 40,000 reviews, showing that it's reputable in an industry with far too many scams. CarShield reviews on Google give the company a 4.3-star rating out of more than 14,000 reviews.
However, CarShield holds a D rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
CarShield Reviews
Below are some of CarShield's positive reviews and complaints about their warranty services:
Positive CarShield Reviews
In the positive CarShield reviews we found, customers praise the company's customer service representatives and budget-friendly coverage plans.
"I'm totally satisfied with the customer service experience and monthly payment that works for my budget." - Terence via Trustpilot
"Excellent, above excellent. The people are very professional and worked well with the repair shop. They stood behind their warranty. CarShield is the best and then there's the rest." - DanO via BBB
CarShield Complaints
Negative CarShield reviews commonly speak of long wait times and warranty claims being flat-out denied. Other negative reviews mention some salespeople being pushy.
"I put in a claim over a month ago, and [CarShield] still has not processed the repair." - Mike J. via Google
"I was pressured to buy a policy, and I was told that I had to accept the policy price before terminating the call. Otherwise, the quoted price would not be available later." - GixxerWolf via Google
CarShield reviews generally speak to a company that offers affordable pricing and extensive coverage options. Between these two reasons, it's not hard to see why the company has a strong rating on Trustpilot.
CarShield App Reviews
CarShield reviews speak relatively well of the company's app, which reduces the amount of paperwork required for your extended warranty. By using the CarShield app, drivers can easily access their entire contract or find the phone number for claims services and roadside assistance.
The CarShield app has relatively strong reviews online. On the Apple Store, drivers give the app an average of 3.5 out of 5.0 stars from over 200 reviews. More than 400 reviewers gave the app an average of 3.6 stars out of 5.0 on Google Play. CarShield reviews mentioning the app consistently note the convenience of having pertinent contract information only a click away.
What Is CarShield?
Founded: 2005
Headquarters: St. Peters, Missouri
Availability: All states except California
CarShield is a vehicle service contract broker which means they sell service contracts indirectly for other direct warranty providers. CarShield offers coverage for up to 300,000 miles and has five vehicle coverage plans along with options for motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). American Auto Shield serves as the administrator for CarShield's plans, and it has paid over $1 billion in claims to customers since the company's founding.
How Does CarShield Work?
CarShield insures your car when a mechanical breakdown occurs through a vehicle service contract. Car repairs can be expensive so these contracts allow you to be covered if you pay a monthly rate and a small deductible whenever a repair occurs. CarShield offers six different levels of coverage that last up to 300,000 miles.
How Much Does CarShield Cost?
One of the main reasons for CarShield's popularity is its low prices, according to numerous CarShield reviews. While costs may vary, CarShield's highest level of coverage costs between $80 and $100 per month on average.
CarShield Prices
CarShield carefully thinks through the following factors when setting prices for your specific vehicle service contract:
- Car make, model, and mileage: Older cars, models with subpar reliability, and high-mileage vehicles cost more to maintain
- Level of coverage: More thorough plans come with higher prices, though they may save drivers money over longer periods
- Deductible amount: Plans with lower deductibles typically cost extra, though less when repairs occur
Owners of older, unreliable, or high-mileage cars will likely pay more for extended auto warranty coverage. You'll also receive a higher rate if you select a more extensive or longer-lasting plan.
CarShield Rates
When our team reached out for a bumper-to-bumper warranty on a 2017 Ford Explorer with 45,000 miles on the odometer, CarShield quoted us $99.99 per month for the premium Diamond plan with a $100 deductible. CarShield quoted us $109.99 per month for 4 years/48,000 miles of coverage from the powertrain-plus Gold plan. This was for a 2013 Dodge Caravan with 88,000 miles.
Below is a breakdown of all of the quotes we received from CarShield:
CarShield Warranty Plan | Term Length | Monthly Payment | Down Payment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2017 Ford Explorer | Diamond | Unlimited | $99.99 | First month's payment |
2012 Honda Civic | Gold | Unlimited | $109.99 | First month's payment |
2013 Dodge Caravan | Gold | 4 years/48,000 miles | $109.99 | First month's payment |
Compared to other highly rated car warranty companies, CarShield's bumper-to-bumper plan was much cheaper on a monthly basis. The unlimited term length is mentioned in various CarShield reviews since it allows for long-term coverage. On the other hand, you may end up spending more on an unlimited vehicle protection plan, since you're not paying for coverage in full.
Our review team found the plans for the older Dodge to be very affordable. For the breadth of coverage included in the Gold plan and the price, we believe CarShield is a great choice for a powertrain-plus warranty after your manufacturer's warranty expires.
How Much Do Extended Warranties Cost?
In a 2022 survey, we asked drivers how much they paid for extended auto warranties from a variety of providers. By looking at the data, it's easy to tell whether you're receiving a fair rate for extended coverage from CarShield.
Our study reveals that most drivers pay between $1,600 and $3,200 for the entire length of their extended service plan. If you're being quoted a rate that's far higher than this amount, you may want to consider coverage from another provider.
CarShield Deductible
Our research team received quotes for several plans from CarShield and all of them had a $100 deductible. CarShield says it has low or $0 deductible plans, but a lower deductible usually means a higher price tag for coverage.
What Does CarShield Cover?
CarShield's six vehicle service contract options can cover cars for up to an impressive 300,000 miles, so it's rarely difficult for drivers to find a plan that fits their needs. According to CarShield reviews, the company's offerings are both extensive and of a high quality.
CarShield Plans
The table below explains which car parts are covered by each CarShield warranty plan:
Diamond |
Platinum |
Gold |
Silver |
Aluminum |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Engine |
||||||
Transmission |
||||||
Drive Axle |
||||||
Transfer Case |
||||||
Air Conditioning |
||||||
Fuel Delivery System |
||||||
Fuel Injector |
||||||
Fuel Pump |
||||||
Steering |
||||||
Suspension |
||||||
Brake System |
||||||
Electrical |
||||||
Wiring Harness |
||||||
Instrument Cluster |
||||||
GPS |
||||||
Factory Audio |
||||||
Starter |
||||||
Alternator |
||||||
Power Windows |
||||||
Water Pump |
||||||
Radiator |
If you're wondering about a specific part that's not listed above, reach out to a CarShield representative by phone. According to CarShield reviews, the company's agents are generally friendly and accessible to customers.
CarShield Diamond Coverage
Diamond coverage is CarShield's most extensive offering and mirrors the bumper-to-bumper warranty found on new cars. It's a solid choice for motorists who want almost complete coverage to boost their peace of mind while on the road.
Below, you'll find some details about Diamond coverage from CarShield:
- Most extensive coverage from CarShield
- Complete protection for almost all car parts
- Includes a short list of exclusions
- Usually a $0 or $100 deductible
- Benefits such as roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage
CarShield reviews mention that the Diamond plan is both comprehensive and somewhat pricier than other offerings. It offers a strong value, though, due to the broad extent of its coverage.
Platinum Coverage
Those who pick up Platinum coverage gain an extensive plan that only leaves out a few parts from the Diamond option. The Platinum plan is one of the best extended warranties for cars over 100k miles because of its outstanding coverage.
We'll run through a few specifics of CarShield's Platinum plan below:
- Extensive coverage which leaves out a few minor parts
- Marketed specifically toward high-mileage cars
- Usually a $0 or $100 deductible
- Benefits such as roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage
If you've got an old car and are hoping to keep it for years to come, consider the Platinum plan. CarShield reviews speak highly of this offering, especially for those with plenty of miles already on their vehicles.
CarShield Gold Coverage
Gold coverage from CarShield is an enhanced powertrain plan that covers the basics of your car along with a few extras. It's a nice choice for those who don't want to spend too much on an extended warranty but still want plenty of protection.
Read the following for some information about CarShield's Gold coverage plan:
- Covers powertrain parts such as the engine, transmission, and drive axles
- Also protects the starter, alternator, air conditioning, and other parts
- Usually a $0 or $100 deductible
- Benefits such as roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage
CarShield reviews mention that the Gold plan is excellent for those who want a relatively affordable but helpful extended car warranty.
CarShield Silver Coverage
If you're looking for a cost-effective powertrain warranty, make sure to look at Silver coverage from CarShield. You'll gain protection for the most expensive parts of your vehicle, though many components will be left out entirely.
Consider some of the specifics of CarShield's Silver plan below:
- Covers powertrain parts such as the engine, transmission, and drive axles
- Most affordable extended warranty from CarShield
- Usually a $0 or $100 deductible
- Benefits such as roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage
CarShield reviews for Silver coverage are generally positive as long as motorists understand that they're not getting comprehensive coverage. Since it's a relatively cheap warranty plan, there are plenty of exclusions to be aware of.
CarShield Aluminum Coverage
Aluminum coverage is a bit different than CarShield's other offerings, as it covers your car's electrical systems and computer-related parts. This high-tech option is excellent for those with new cars or luxury vehicles that come standard with sophisticated hardware.
- Covers high-tech parts such as the GPS, audio system, and gauges
- Also protects basic parts such as brakes, suspension, and air conditioning
- Entirely leaves out powertrain components
- Usually a $0 or $100 deductible
- Benefits such as roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage
Remember that some of the most expensive powertrain parts in your car will receive no coverage from the Aluminum plan. Certain CarShield reviews speak negatively of that aspect of Aluminum coverage, so it's something to be aware of beforehand.
CarShield Motorcycle and ATV Coverage
Those who own a motorcycle or an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) can protect it through CarShield. The company's Motorcycle & ATV plan matches the protection that comes standard with either Gold or Platinum coverage for typical vehicles.
Below, we've listed out some of the basics of CarShield's Motorcycle & ATV coverage:
- Comes with either powertrain-plus or high-tech protection
- Available to owners of qualifying motorcycles or ATVs
- Usually a $0 or $100 deductible
- Benefits such as roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage
It's rare to find an extended warranty that protects motorcycles or ATVs, so CarShield's option is quite valuable. It's a great way to keep vehicles beyond SUVs, sedans, and trucks in top shape for years to come.
CarShield Added Perks
Along with coverage for auto repairs, CarShield provides the following perks with every contract. Note that there is a limit to how many times per year many of these offerings can be taken advantage of:
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Flat tire services
- Battery jump-starts
- Lockout services
- Fuel deliveries
- Towing services
- Trip interruption benefits up to $125 per day for four days
- Rental car reimbursement with some plans
- Full refund if cancellation takes place within 30 days of purchase
While few CarShield warranty benefits offer anything particularly out of the ordinary, the company's offerings will certainly help out in the event of a mechanical breakdown.
What Does CarShield Not Cover?
It is important to note that some items are not covered by any CarShield plan. Below are a few of the exclusions found in a CarShield contract. These exclusions are common to almost every extended warranty provider in the industry:
- Items damaged by acts of nature, collisions, or vandalism
- Items that had repairs performed without prior authorization from CarShield
- Items with modifications or alterations
- Damage from owner abuse or neglect
- Repairs backed by preexisting warranty coverage
Remember that CarShield warranty plans exist to protect your vehicle from issues brought about by mechanical breakdowns. If your car is involved in an accident or gets damaged by hail or flying objects, don't expect your extended warranty to cover the issues.
Does CarShield Cover Brakes?
The Diamond, Platinum, Aluminum, and Motorcycle & ATV plans cover brakes. Remember that brake pads are considered wear-and-tear items, so they're excluded from coverage.
CarShield Waiting Period Length
Each CarShield warranty comes with a 30 days/1,000 miles waiting period. The company won't begin protecting your car until the waiting period is over to make sure it's safe from preexisting vehicle issues.
How Do I Cancel CarShield Plans?
Your warranty contract should explain exactly how to cancel a CarShield contract. Usually, drivers must reach out to American Auto Shield in writing to cancel their plan and receive a prorated refund minus the $75 cancellation fee.
How Does a CarShield Warranty Work?
The CarShield claims and quotes processes are relatively simple, but it can sometimes help to know a bit more about how they work before signing up. We'll walk you through how to get a quote or file a claim below.
CarShield Quotes
We tested CarShield's quotes process by both calling and submitting a request online for a free, no-obligation quote. When our team member called in, the wait time was less than a minute to speak with a CarShield representative, and the call lasted only three minutes. Compared to other providers we tested, this process was much quicker.
However, the online quotes process was more time consuming. After submitting a quote request form on CarShield.com, it took 10 days to receive the quote.
CarShield Claims
Some CarShield reviews speak negatively of the company's claims process. The procedure is relatively simple, though:
- Take your vehicle to any mechanic certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE®).
- Give your CarShield contract to the service manager or a certified technician at the repair facility and have them call claims at 800-531-1925.
- Review your warranty with the service manager to make sure this is a covered repair.
Pay your deductible through the ASE-certified repair shop. CarShield will pay the rest of your repair cost to the shop directly, so you don't have to front the money and wait around for a reimbursement check. You also won't need to head to a dealership to get repairs done through CarShield.
Are Extended Warranties Worth It?
Some CarShield reviews may have you wondering if extended car warranties are worth it. Our research team's 2022 survey helped to answer that question. We polled 1,000 consumers who had either bought an extended auto warranty or contemplated buying extended coverage. Here are some of the study's main results:
- 27 percent of respondents experienced a mechanical breakdown at least once a year and 23 percent reported a breakdown once every two years
- 63 percent reported that their warranty covered the repairs
- 24 percent got their extended warranty from a third-party provider
- 53 percent of third-party warranty customers got their coverage from CarShield, so positive CarShield reviews were common and not many considered it a rip-off
- When customers were asked what they would do differently in the warranty process the next time, only 12 percent said they wouldn't buy an extended warranty again
What Do Extended Warranties Cover?
While there are certain exclusions to extended auto warranties, motorists typically face no problems having mechanical breakdowns serviced under coverage. In our survey, 63 percent of respondents claimed that their warranty covered their repairs.
Most drivers, as can be seen, easily receive the protection they desire through their extended car warranty. This information matches up nicely with countless CarShield reviews found online.
Will I Use an Extended Car Warranty?
The clear majority of motorists end up taking advantage of their extended car warranty. Below are the results of our 2022 study which asked drivers how often they requested service from CarShield or other vehicle service contract providers.
As previously mentioned, 27 percent of respondents experienced a mechanical breakdown at least once a year and 23 percent reported a breakdown once every two years. Fourteen percent experience a breakdown once every six months, and 10 percent experienced one every three years. So, of all respondents, roughly 74 percent experienced at least one breakdown within a three-year time span.
This is because it's extremely common for cars to start facing regular issues as they age. You're liable to see an increase in the number of mechanical breakdowns experienced by your vehicle over time, regardless of how reliable it may currently seem to be.
It also largely depends on what brand of vehicle you have. You can check consumer reviews, reports from sites like RepairPal and studies from J.D. Power to better understand your vehicle's longevity and reliability.
CarShield Warranty Reviews: Conclusion
In this article, we gave a comprehensive review of CarShield's services, coverage plans, costs, and company reputation. There was also additional information provided about the company's repair network, claims process, payment structure, and more. Even though CarShield is a great warranty provider, we urge you to search around and compare options to get the best deal.
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5.0
Our research found this provider to be the most affordable. Plus, it offers monthly plans.
CarShield Competitors: Recommended Extended Warranty Companies
While CarShield is one of our top extended warranty providers and seems to be a solid choice if you're on a tight budget, it's always a good idea to get free quotes from more than one company. By doing so, you can compare pricing and coverage options to determine which provider is right for you and your vehicle.
Here are two other auto warranty companies to consider as you look at CarShield reviews.
Endurance: Best Coverage
A 2020 Inc. 5000 honoree, Endurance is one of the best extended car warranty providers in the industry. Our Endurance warranty review gives the provider a solid 4.6 stars overall.
The company offers six warranty options, ranging from the exclusionary coverage of the Supreme plan down to the powertrain plan found in the Secure tier. Interestingly, the EnduranceAdvantage™ plan takes care of maintenance costs along with standard warranty coverages.
Endurance Elite Benefits come free with every membership for one year and provide some notable perks, including two tire replacements or repairs and cash assistance for a new car if the one under contract is totaled.
Read more: CarShield vs. Endurance
Our rating: 4.6 out of 5.0
Endurance is our pick for best coverage with its comprehensive warranty options.
CARCHEX: Best for Used Cars
Baltimore-based CARCHEX has over 22 years of experience with offering quality extended warranty plans to customers. You'll find five coverage choices from CARCHEX, with the Titanium plan offering the most car protection and the Bronze plan covering just your vehicle's powertrain. The company offers warranty protection up to 250,000 miles, making CARCHEX an ideal choice for older or used cars. Our review team believes that CARCHEX deserves a 4.4-star rating based on the number of strong CARCHEX reviews and arguably the most notable partnerships of any extended warranty provider, with partners such as CARFAX, Edmunds.com, and Kelley Blue Book.
Read more: CarShield vs. CARCHEX or Endurance vs. CARCHEX
Our rating: 4.4 out of 5.0
Our research found this provider to be the best for used cars.
Our Methodology
Our review team prides itself on sharing accurate and unbiased information with consumers. We have accumulated data from dozens of extended auto warranty companies to formulate our rankings of the industry's best providers. Companies receive a score out of 5.0 overall, as well as a rating in each of the following categories:
- Cost: 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.
- Industry Standing: 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.
CarShield: FAQ
What does CarShield not pay for?
CarShield extended warranty plans don't pay for normal wear-and-tear items or routine maintenance services. It won't reimburse you for any repairs not approved by the company. Additionally, CarShield will not pay for any damages caused by owner misuse or neglect.
How legit is CarShield?
CarShield is a legitimate company that has been verified by industry organizations and customer reviews.
How much does CarShield cost?
Based on our research, we found CarShield warranty plans typically cost between $99 and $109 per month. The company offers month-to-month payment plans, giving customers more flexibility than most other extended warranty providers.
What are the benefits of CarShield?
CarShield offers a variety of added perks with each of its vehicle protection plans. These benefits include towing, lockout service, fuel delivery, trip interruption reimbursement, and more.
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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