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:
- The Diamond plan is CarShield’s highest coverage level and protects the most vehicle components of all the company’s plans.
- According to our research, a Diamond plan from CarShield costs about $150 monthly but could be discounted to as low as $110 monthly.
- The Diamond plan also comes with benefits like 24/7 roadside assistance, trip interruption coverage, and rental car/alternative transportation coverage.
The Diamond plan is CarShield’s highest coverage level, and it provides protection for every major component of your car with a small list of exclusions. In this comprehensive review, we’ll look at all of the plan’s major details, including its coverage, cost, and more.
If you’re interested in learning more about all of CarShield’s plans, check out our CarShield review.
CarShield Diamond Plan
The CarShield Diamond plan offers exclusionary coverage, meaning it only lists parts that aren’t covered in the contract. It covers everything that’s in the Platinum plan (one tier lower), with the addition of the wiring harness.
This plan is intended for drivers whose factory warranties have recently expired or are expiring soon and want continued protection. The CarShield Diamond policy benefits newer vehicles and those looking to protect their investment and extend their manufacturer warranty.
What Does the CarShield Diamond Plan Cover?
Below are the specific parts covered under the CarShield Diamond plan:
- Engine and transmission
- Rear and front drivetrain axles
- 4×4 drivetrain transfer case
- Coolant system
- Fuel injection system
- Suspension system
- Steering components
- Wiring harness
- Electrical wiring and components
- Radiator
- Brake system
- Driver’s instrumentation gauges
- GPS and navigation system
- Alternator and ignition system
- Power-operated window mechanisms
- Factory sound system
CarShield Diamond Exclusions
This plan does not cover aesthetic parts, hoses, belts, trim, or wear items.
The CarShield Diamond auto warranty plan is designed to give you the highest level of coverage available. However, it does not cover all components of the vehicle from bumper to bumper. In addition, benefits can be negated because of street racing, extensive filth and more. In addition, damages related to events like bad weather are not covered under any of the CarShield warranty plans. For a complete list of inclusions and exclusions, refer to your Platinum warranty agreement.
Below is a complete list of parts not covered in the CarShield Diamond Plan:
- Damage from a lack of maintenance
- Pre-existing conditions
- Repairs performed without prior authorization
- Damage from theft or vandalism
- Vehicle alterations/modifications
- Odometer tampering
- Wear-and-tear parts
- Vehicle misuse
CarShield Diamond Plan Benefits
CarShield’s most expansive vehicle service contract comes with a few extra benefits that you may take full advantage of in the event of a breakdown, including:
- Emergency tire replacement
- Battery replacement
- Winching
- Towing
- Fuel delivery
- Lockout assistance
The CarShield Diamond plan is transferrable to a new vehicle owner for a $50 fee. You can also cancel coverage for a full refund if you’re within 30 days of the beginning of coverage and haven’t made any claims, or for a prorated refund after 30 days or with a claim.
CarShield Diamond Coverage Cost
Known for its fixed monthly payments, CarShield’s costs usually vary most for deductible and down payment costs. If you choose a monthly plan, the down payment is usually paid in the first installment. If you choose an 18-month plan, you can expect to pay a down payment between $100 and $400 dollars.
Since the deductible for CarShield is typically determined by the plan you signed up for, you can expect the deductible for the Diamond plan to be higher in most cases, especially if you have a vehicle that is more expensive to cover.
The best way to find out the cost of the CarShield Diamond plan, or any extended warranty plan for that matter, is to speak with a representative and get a direct quote. Generally, the factors like vehicle type, mileage/age, what region you live in, and your driver habits determine the overall cost of a vehicle service contract.
CarShield Diamond Quotes
We got Diamond plan quotes from CarShield for different vehicle makes and models to help you get an idea of what you might pay for coverage. We were also able to get discounts after negotiation with the representative, and we’ll include our discounted prices as well. All of these plans come with a $200 deductible, no down payment, and an unlimited, month-to-month term limit.
Vehicle Type | Vehicle Mileage | Original Monthly | Monthly Payment with Discount |
---|---|---|---|
2021 Nissan Altima | 42,000 | $149.99 per month | $109.99 per month |
2021 Jeep Cherokee | 42,000 | $149.99 per month | $119.99 per month |
2021 Ram 1500 | 42,000 | $149.99 per month | $109.99 per month |
CarShield also offers several discounts on the Diamond Plan, especially if you are a new car owner, senior citizen, veteran, or member of law enforcement.
CarShield Diamond Coverage Review
Before you purchase a CarShield Diamond plan, it’s a good idea to look at customer and industry reviews so you can get an idea of the kind of service you’d receive.
In our industry review, we gave CarShield a 4.4 out of 5.0 for its customer service, which is among the higher scores in our study. However, it only score a 3.7 out of 5.0 for its industry standing. This low rating is due to the fact that in July 2024, CarShield had to pay $10 million to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in order to settle allegations of deceptive, misleading marketing and poor service.
The CarShield Diamond plan might still be a good option for you if its coverage and costs align with your needs, but we recommend doing your research about these allegations before committing.
CarShield Diamond Coverage: Conclusion
If your new vehicle warranty has recently expired or is about to expire, CarShield’s Diamond plan might be good for you, but it’s best to be cautious about its service in light of recent allegations.
How much is CarShield Diamond plan?
The actual cost is dependent on the specific plan selected as well as your car’s make, model and age. When you request an online quote, you will provide the odometer reading, vehicle data and the VIN. This will enable CarShield to provide you with a firm quote for the plan that you are interested in. For more pricing info, check out this guide to CarShield cost.
What parts are covered in the CarShield Diamond plan?
The CarShield Diamond plan covers everything from the engine components to the navigation systems and more. While it offers the greatest level of coverage available, there are some exclusions. In addition, all services must be pre-authorized by CarShield.
Do all mechanics accept CarShield?
Most dealerships and mechanics certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE®) should accept CarShield coverage.
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.