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’s Gold and Gold Select plans are essentially enhanced powertrain plans – they cover the most important parts of your vehicle, as well as a few extras.
- The only difference between Gold and Gold Select is that Gold Select doesn’t cover the fuel system.
- These plans are great for older, used, high-mileage vehicles, since they’re affordable while covering key components.
The listings on this site may be from companies that compensate us, which could influence their placement and order. Not every company, product, or offer has been reviewed.
CarShield Gold and Gold Select is are designed for owners of high mileage vehicles who want enhanced powertrain coverage at an affordable price.
In this article, we’ll review CarShield’s two Gold plans and touch on the specifics of the coverage and cost. If you are interested in learning more about all of CarShield’s plans, check out our CarShield reviews article.
CarShield Gold and Gold Select
As a broker, CarShield sells plans for companies like American Auto Shield, which is then responsible for coverage as the administrator. Gold and Gold Select are the step below the CarShield Platinum plan, which is the company’s second-highest level of coverage. These are mid-level protection plans designed to provide enhanced powertrain coverage for used and high-mileage cars.
CarShield Gold Coverage
CarShield Gold covers nine major vehicle systems in an inclusionary (or stated component) contract that specifically lists all parts that are covered. Gold Select covers eight systems.
The table below shows the systems with covered components in each plan:
| CarShield Gold | CarShield Gold Select | |
| Engine | X | X |
| Transmission | X | X |
| Turbocharger | X | X |
| Cooling system | X | X |
| Transfer unit | X | X |
| Drive axle | X | X |
| Air Conditioning | X | X |
| Electrical | X | X |
| Fuel System | X |
The main difference between the two plans is that Gold covers components within the fuel system, and Gold Select doesn’t.
CarShield Gold Coverage Exclusions
Below is a list of parts and repairs that aren’t covered in either CarShield Gold plan:
- Steering
- Suspension
- Brake system
- Electrical system
- Instrument cluster
- GPS navigation
- Factory audio
- Wiring harness
- Repairs performed without prior authorization
- Preexisting conditions
- Damage from a lack of maintenance
- Wear and tear parts
- Oil leaks not a result of engine failure
- Vehicle misuse
- Vehicle modifications/alterations
- Odometer tampering
- Environmental damage
- Damage from theft or vandalism
CarShield Gold and Gold Select Benefits
While the coverage in different CarShield plans vary, the extra perks and services such as roadside assistance and coverage for towing expenses hold steady. Regardless of the CarShield plan that you select, you can take advantage of these additional services with prior authorization:
- Towing service
- Winching service
- Battery service
- Fuel delivery service
- Door-open service
- 24-hour roadside assistance
- Emergency tire change service
Along with the above benefits, this contract is transferrable for a fee and cancellable for a full refund if done within 30 days.
CarShield Gold Cost
A Gold plan from CarShield costs between $149 and $169 per month, according to our secret shopping research. These quotes are based on 2015 models of sedans, SUVs, and trucks, all with 120,000 miles and a $250 deductible.
To inquire about the specific cost of coverage for your vehicle, request an online quote today. You can also speak with a CarShield representative over the phone.
CarShield Gold Protection Plan Review
Before you purchase coverage, it’s a good idea to research a provider’s reputation, In our industry-wide review, we gave CarShield a score of 4.2 out of 5.0 for its coverage, industry standing, affordability, and customer service.
The weakest category of these was its industry standing, in which it scored 3.7 out of 5.0. In July 2024, CarShield paid the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) $10 million to settle allegations of deceptive advertising and poor claims fulfillment. The Gold plans may still be a great option for you, but it’s a good idea to be aware of these allegations.
CarShield Gold: Conclusion
Even though CarShield has had recent issues with its reputation, the Gold-tier plans may be a good option for you if you’re the owner of a used, high-mileage car. We recommend getting and comparing quotes from our top-rated providers, like Endurance, autopom!, and CARCHEX to get the best coverage for your money.
The listings on this site may be from companies that compensate us, which could influence their placement and order. Not every company, product, or offer has been reviewed.
CarShield Gold: FAQ
Below are some commonly asked questions about CarShield Gold and Gold Select coverage:
Is CarShield Gold worth it?
If you have a high-mileage car that’s prone to expensive repairs, a CarShield Gold or Gold Select plan could be worth it, since these plans cover to vital systems that are costly to repair.
What is the best CarShield package?
The best CarShield plan for you depends on your needs. If you’re looking for comprehensive coverage for almost every system, the Diamond plan might be your best bet. If you only need coverage for the most vital systems in your car, the Silver plan might be right for you.
What is the average CarShield monthly payment?
According to our research, CarShield plans cost between $149.99 and $169.99 per month on average.
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.
