An extended auto warranty is a protection plan you can buy from an automaker or dealership to cover mechanical breakdowns. Third-party providers offer similar coverage in the form of vehicle service contracts. We use these terms interchangeably in this article for simplicity.
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Crash Course:
- CarShield has eight plans, and they typically cost between $150 and $170 per month.
- In our industry study, we gave CarShield the High Mileage Limit award since it covers cars up to 300,000 miles.
- All plans come with perks like 24/7 roadside assistance.
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CarShield offers eight extended warranty plans for drivers who want to protect their vehicles for the long haul. In fact, in our review team’s industry study, we gave CarShield the award for High Mileage Limits since it covers cars up to 300,000 miles. On average, CarShield vehicle service contracts cost between $150 and $170 per month.
One thing that sets CarShield apart from other providers is the fact that it offers plans with unlimited terms. This means you can pay the same monthly rate for the life of your CarShield plan, enjoying both cost certainty and the peace of mind that comes with protection from mechanical breakdowns.
How Much Do CarShield Plans Cost?
We requested a quote from CarShield on Diamond coverage for a 2021 Nissan Altima with 42,000 miles on the odometer. The Diamond plan offers exclusionary coverage that protects most of your car’s parts. The company offered a monthly rate of $149.99 with a $200 deductible and unlimited, month-to-month terms.
We also got a quote for Gold (mid-level) coverage on a 2015 Jeep Cherokee with 120,000 miles. CarShield again offered us an unlimited monthly payment plan of $149.99, this time with a $250 deductible.
CarShield plans are affordable and comprehensive, making the company a great option for anyone looking for extended car warranty coverage.
CarShield Warranty Cost Factors
Extended car warranty costs largely depend on your vehicle model, mileage, level of coverage, and chosen deductible. You can get a free quote through CarShield.com or by speaking with a customer service representative. Below is a further breakdown of how each factor affects your warranty costs:
- Mileage: Higher-mileage vehicles are more likely to suffer mechanical breakdowns, so they usually cost more to cover.
- Vehicle type: The pricier a car is and the more costly its repairs, the more a warranty provider will charge for coverage. Vehicles with reliability issues may also be charged higher prices for protection plans.
- Deductible: As with car insurance, many warranty companies allow you to set your own deductible – some even offer $0 deductibles. Keep in mind that the lower you set your deductible, the more your warranty plan is likely to cost.
- Coverage plan: Of course, how much coverage you select is a major factor in pricing. The more comprehensive an extended warranty plan is, the more you’ll pay for it.
- Vehicle age: Like higher-mileage vehicles, older cars are more prone to breakdowns than newer ones. Therefore, most car warranty companies charge higher rates for coverage on older vehicles.
- Provider: Prices vary between the best extended car warranty companies, even for equal levels of coverage on the same vehicle. That’s why our team recommends getting and comparing quotes from multiple providers to see which one offers the lowest rates.
CarShield Coverage Plans
CarShield offers eight levels of coverage. These vehicle protection options range from basic drivetrain plans to plans that cover almost every part of your vehicle. The table below contains more info about these options and their covered repairs:
| CarShield Plan | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Diamond | The Diamond plan is CarShield’s highest level of coverage with only a few exclusions. |
| Platinum | The Platinum plan covers most components from all major vehicle systems, but leaves out minor individual parts. |
| Gold | The Gold plan fully protects the powertrain and a few additional vehicle components, including power windows, the alternator, and more. |
| Gold Select | This plan covers everything in the Gold plan except for the fuel pump and fuel injector. |
| Silver | This is CarShield’s basic powertrain plan. It covers critical systems of your vehicle like the drive axle, transfer case, transmission, fuel pump and water pump. |
| Aluminum | The Aluminum plan covers computer-related problems and electrical systems including the engine control module, starter, alternator, navigation/GPS, and more. |
| Motorcycle & ATV | This specialty plan is for nonstandard vehicles such as motorcycles and ATVs. |
| Electric Vehicle | This plan is made specifically for EVs, and it covers the battery pack, electrical system, electric drive unit, and more. |
CarShield Benefits
All CarShield plans include the following benefits:
- Roadside assistance (includes towing, lockout service, fuel delivery, jump starts, and winching)
- Trip interruption coverage
- Rental car reimbursement
CarShield Quotes
The best way to determine what your CarShield plan might cost is to get a free quote from the company’s site, or by speaking with a customer service representative. Our team received a few quotes from CarShield, which you can see below.
| Vehicle | Mileage | CarShield Plan | Term Length | Estimated Monthly Cost | Discounted Cost | Deductible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Nissan Altima | 42,000 | Diamond | Unlimited; month-to-month | $149.99 | $109.99 | $200 |
| 2021 Jeep Cherokee | 42,000 | Diamond | Unlimited; month-to-month | $149.99 | $119.99 | $200 |
| 2021 Ram 1500 | 42,000 | Diamond | Unlimited; month-to-month | $149.99 | $109.99 | $200 |
| 2015 Nissan Altima | 120,000 | Gold | Unlimited; month-to-month | $149.00 | N/A | $250 |
| 2015 Jeep Cherokee | 120,000 | Gold | Unlimited; month-to-month | $149.99 | N/A | $250 |
| 2015 Ram 1500 | 120,000 | Gold | Unlimited; month-to-month | $169.99 | $119.99 | $250 |
Note that it is possible to negotiate a discounted monthly rate for CarShield vehicle service contracts if you have the time and patience to do so. Our secret shoppers were able to secure monthly rates between $109.99 and $119.99 for several of the plans shown above.
CarShield Payment Options
CarShield allows you to pay month-to-month or buy a long-term plan. Each of these plans also requires a down payment equal to the first month’s payment. In addition, CarShield offers multiple deductible options. Remember that choosing a lower deductible will increase the overall cost of your plan.
Common Repair Estimates
By reviewing some car repair quotes, you can better determine if CarShield coverage is worth the investment. Courtesy of RepairPal, here are a few cost estimates for common repairs of the vehicles listed above:
| Vehicle Model | Location | Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Jeep Cherokee | Raleigh, N.C. | Water Pump Replacement | $1,111 to $1,295 |
| 2015 Ram 1500 | Albany, N.Y. | Alternator Replacement | $828 to $1,635 |
| 2015 Nissan Altima | Bloomington, Ind. | Power Seat Switch Replacement | $616 to $635 |
| 2021 Jeep Cherokee | Sacramento, Calif. | Oil Pump Replacement | $536 to $2,277 |
| 2021 Ram 1500 | Austin, Texas | Head Gasket Replacement (Left) | $1,609 to $6,296 |
| 2021 Nissan Altima | Seattle, WA | A/C Compressor Replacement | $1,059 to $2,087 |
How Does CarShield Compare to Other Warranty Providers?
CarShield is a great option for drivers who want to stick to a monthly budget. That doesn’t mean it’s always the cheapest option for a vehicle protection plan. Those who decide to pay for a protection plan upfront may get the best price. It’s up to you to determine which cost factors are most important.
Our team sourced the following quotes for bumper-to-bumper warranty plans for a 2021 Nissan Altima with 42,000 miles. The table below shows you how CarShield’s Diamond plan compares to other leading warranty providers.
| Warranty Provider | Plan | Term Length | Down Payment | Monthly Payment | Total Cost | Deductible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CarShield | Diamond | Unlimited; month-to-month | N/A | $149.99 | N/A | $200 |
| CARCHEX | Titanium | Unlimited; month-to-month | N/A | $149.99 | N/A | $200 |
| Endurance | Supreme | 2.5 years/ 40,000 miles | First month + $29 | $87.81 for 30 months | $2,663.30 | $100 |
CarShield Cost: Is CarShield Worth Buying?
CarShield may be worth it for drivers who want coverage at a relatively reasonable rate. Additionally, CarShield reviews are generally positive. For example, the company has a 4.3 out of 5.0-star rating on Trustpilot based on over 50,000 reviews. While you can choose a robust CarShield extended warranty with comprehensive coverage, some reviews mention that the company’s responsiveness during auto repairs isn’t always the best.
Whether or not CarShield is worth it for you depends on several personal factors, like your vehicle and budget.
When considering this provider, it’s good to know that CarShield paid $10 million to settle Federal Trade Commission (FTC) charges of deceptive advertising in the summer of 2024. Many customers complained that certain repairs and services weren’t covered by their CarShield plans. While this development doesn’t shed a positive light on CarShield, we believe it’s a good reminder of how important it is to carefully read any vehicle service contract.
CarShield Cost: Conclusion
CarShield offers quality vehicle protection at reasonable prices. The provider’s plans are generally worth the investment due to the peace of mind they bring drivers. CarShield also features a wide range of coverage options to suit a variety of protection needs. We recommend comparing quotes from multiple providers to find the vehicle service contract that’s right for you.
CarShield Cost: FAQ
Below are commonly asked questions about CarShield’s cost:
How much does CarShield cost on average?
CarShield plans typically cost between $150 and $170 per month. The price you pay will depend on your chosen level of coverage, deductible (there is typically a $100 deductible for each plan), and your vehicle make, model, age, and mileage.
Is CarShield a good deal?
Yes, CarShield is usually a good deal compared to many extended warranty providers. The company is known for having some of the industry’s lowest rates. It also offers monthly contracts for added flexibility.
Does CarShield have a deductible?
With CarShield, customers can choose the deductible – as low as $0 – with their plans. However, just like with car insurance, a lower deductible means a higher premium.
Where can you use a CarShield warranty?
You can use CarShield warranty coverage at any ASE-certified repair facility, as long as the work you need falls under your plan’s list of covered repairs.
Is CarShield a direct provider?
No. While CarShield sells vehicle protection plans, its plans are serviced by American Auto Shield.
Is CarShield available in California?
No. Like many extended warranty companies, CarShield does not offer coverage in the state of California. The state has strict laws about how vehicle service contract companies can operate.
Our Methodology
Our expert review team takes satisfaction in providing accurate and unbiased information. We identified the following rating categories based on consumer survey data and conducted extensive research to formulate rankings of the best extended auto warranty providers.
- Industry Standing: Our team considers Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, availability, and years in business when giving this score.
- Coverage: Because each consumer has unique needs, it’s essential that a car warranty company offers an array of coverage options. We take into account the number of plans offered by each provider, term limits, exclusions, and additional benefits.
- Affordability: A variety of factors influence cost, so it can be difficult to compare quotes between providers. Our team performs ongoing secret shopper analyses for different vehicles, mileages, warranty plans, and locations to give this rating.
- Customer Service: Reputable extended car warranty companies operate with a certain degree of care for consumers. We take into account customer reviews, BBB complaints, and the responsiveness of the customer service team.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
