In this car warranty review, CarShield earned 4.2 score of out of 5.0 stars based on its coverage, cost, customer service, and industry standing.
Crash Course:
- Most CarShield warranty plans cost around $150 per month.
- CarShield offers eight levels of coverage to choose from.
- Each CarShield plan comes with benefits like trip interruption coverage, rental car reimbursement, and roadside assistance.
CarShield is one of the most prominent names in the car warranty industry. Based on the company’s overall score of 4.2 out of 5.0 stars in our 2024 extended warranty study, its reputation appears to be well-earned. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that CarShield is the best choice for every driver.
Our experts took a detailed look at the coverage options, benefits, and rates CarShield offers. We also studied dozens of customer reviews to get an accurate assessment of what the company offers and the quality of its services. You’ll find what we learned in the article below, along with a few other highly rated extended car warranty providers to consider.
CarShield Review
In our most recent car warranty study, we gave CarShield 4.2 out of 5.0 stars. The overall score is based on factors such as industry standing, coverage, customer service, and affordability.
That rating places CarShield in the top 10 of providers included in our industry-wide study. The company performed especially well when it comes to coverage options and affordability.
Expand the section below to see a table with a breakdown of how CarShield performed in each category.
| Review Category | CarShield Review Score |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.2 |
| Coverage | 4.5 |
| Industry Standing | 3.7 |
| Affordability | 4.2 |
| Customer Service | 4.4 |
CarShield Pros and Cons
CarShield Pros
- Makes direct payments to repair shops
- Coverage can be used at any ASE-certified mechanic
- High maximum mileage limit of 300,000 miles
CarShield Cons
- Not all plans come with rental car reimbursement
- Relatively high number of negative reviews
- Plans aren’t available in California
Is CarShield Legit?
- Company name: CarShield
- Year founded: 2005
- Company type: Extended warranty provider
- Service area: 49 states (not in California)
CarShield is a legitimate extended warranty company with a solid history of paying out for covered claims. Since its establishment, the company has earned numerous awards from publishers as both a trusted provider and top employer.
However, on July 31, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission ruled that CarShield must pay a $10 million settlement to resolve charges for deceptive and misleading advertising. In response, CarShield released a statement informing consumers that the company would begin sharing more information about its plans and coverage.
What Makes CarShield Stand Out?
CarShield is one of the country’s most popular independent warranty providers, offering affordable rates, flexible protection plans, and a range of deductibles. For a low, fixed price with month-to-month payments that are an industry rarity, CarShield warranties go beyond a factory warranty in covering expenses incurred as a result of mechanical breakdown.
CarShield is technically a vehicle service contract broker, meaning that it offers protection plans administered by other companies such as American Auto Shield. This setup gives drivers a wider variety of coverage options and price points. You can even find coverage for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), motorcycles, and other alternative vehicles — specialized coverage that few other competitors offer.
Additionally, CarShield offers coverage for vehicles up to 300,000 miles. This limit exceeds what many other top providers offer, making CarShield a viable choice for drivers of high-mileage cars.
CarShield has been featured on ESPN, CNN, HGTV, and TBS and has a number of celebrity endorsements, including one from rapper and actor Ice-T.
CarShield Customer Reviews
CarShield customer reviews vary greatly, though most drivers report positive experiences. However, reviews about CarShield claims are mixed.
CarShield Warranty Reviews: Better Business Bureau
CarShield has a 2.13-star rating out of 5.0 on Better Business Bureau (BBB) from over 2,900 reviews. Positive reviews praise the company’s customer service representatives for their courteousness and professionalism. On the flip side, negative reviews complain about denied claims or the use of used parts during covered repairs.
Notably, CarShield responds to most reviews — positive or negative.
Despite mixed reviews, the BBB offers CarShield an A+ rating. This rating is increased from CarShield’s recent rating of F, and the company also gained accreditation from the BBB in March 2024.
CarShield Warranty Reviews: Trustpilot
On Trustpilot, CarShield has a 4.2-star rating out of 5.0 on Trustpilot, where 77% of over 51,000 customer reviews are positive. As was the case with the company’s BBB reviews, most positive Trustpilot reviews commend CarShield’s customer support staff for their helpfulness and professionalism. Common complaints center on denied or delayed claims approvals.
According to CarShield’s Trustpilot profile, the company responds to 97% of negative reviews, with a response time of one week or less.
CarShield Warranty Reviews: Reddit
On Reddit, the general opinion of CarShield among consumers, mechanics, and service advisors is heavily negative. Drivers report issues with getting claims approved or having claims paid in full. Many mechanics and service advisors report that their shops refuse to accept CarShield warranty coverage due to CarShield using used parts and only covering a portion of hourly labor rates.
CarShield Warranty Coverage
What an extended car warranty covers depends on the plan you choose. CarShield offers eight plans that range from powertrain-only coverage to exclusionary coverage similar to a factory warranty.
CarShield Extended Warranty Plans
In the table in the collapsed section below, you’ll find summaries of each of the coverage plans CarShield offers.
| CarShield Plan | Coverage Details |
|---|---|
| CarShield Diamond | Comparable to a new car manufacturer’s warranty, CarShield Diamond coverage is an exclusionary plan. This means comprehensive coverage for all systems and components of your vehicle except for a short list of noncovered parts. |
| CarShield Platinum | Good for high-mileage vehicles or used cars, the Platinum plan covers certain parts of your vehicle’s engine, transmission, cooling system, air conditioning, steering, brakes, electrical components, and fuel pump. CarShield Platinum is stated-component coverage, meaning that each covered part is listed in the vehicle service contract. |
| CarShield Gold | As CarShield’s enhanced powertrain coverage, the Gold plan focuses on common powertrain components such as the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. It also includes select components in the fuel system and other parts, such as the alternator, power window motors, and starter. |
| CarShield Gold Select | The Carshield Gold Select plan is a version of the Gold plan designed for high-mileage vehicles. This plan offers the same enhanced powertrain coverage, but lacks coverage for select fuel system components. |
| CarShield Silver | The Silver plan is CarShield’s most basic and affordable powertrain plan. It covers only the most important parts of your vehicle such as its engine, transmission, water pump, and drive axle. |
| CarShield Aluminum | The Aluminum plan covers most computer-related and electrical components, including the power seat control, sensors, cruise control, electronic gauges, and LCD screens. |
| CarShield Motorcycle & ATV | If you have a motorcycle or ATV that needs coverage, CarShield offers plans for specialty vehicles. |
| Electric Vehicle | CarShield’s Electric Vehicle coverage is designed specifically for EVs and covers components other plans won’t, including the electric drive unit, battery pack, and other critical electrical systems. |
What Does CarShield Cover?
CarShield’s plans include exclusionary, midlevel or stated-component, and powertrain coverage options. The specific components and systems covered by each plan are listed in the table below.
| CarShield Warranty Plan | CarShield Aluminum | CarShield Silver | CarShield Gold Select | CarShield Gold | Carshield Platinum | CarShield Diamond |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air conditioner |  | | | | | |
| Alternator | | | | | | |
| Brake system | | | | |||
| Drive axle | | | | | | |
| Electrical | | | | |||
| Engine | | | | | | |
| Factory audio | | | | |||
| Fuel injector | | | | | | |
| Fuel pump | | | | | ||
| Instrument cluster | | | | |||
| Main engine computer | | | | |||
| NAV/backup camera | | | | |||
| Power windows | | | | | | |
| Radiator | | | | | | |
| Starter | | | | | | |
| Steering | | | | |||
| Suspension | | | | |||
| Transfer case | | | | | | |
| Transmission | | | | | | |
| Water pump | | | | | | |
| Wiring harness | | | |
CarShield Warranty Exclusions
CarShield does not cover:
- Parts that have been modified or altered
- Regular maintenance items such as windshield wiper blade replacements and oil changes
- Wear and tear components such as brake pads and air filters
- Damage caused by acts of nature, collision, vandalism, or lack of proper maintenance
Even the most comprehensive extended auto warranties have their limits. The exclusions in CarShield plans are common among almost every extended warranty provider on the market.
Specialized CarShield Coverage
CarShield sells two specialized coverage plans for electric vehicles (EVs) and motorcycles and ATVs.
CarShield Electric Vehicle Coverage
CarShield’s Electric Vehicle plan protects many of your EV’s electric drive unit, which includes the motor, rotor, drive shafts, and other components. The EV plan also covers some emissions components, including relays and sensors, and the luxury electronics package, which includes the radio/GPS/navigation components, LCD screens, cameras, and other parts and systems.
CarShield Motorcycle and ATV Coverage
CarShield offers coverage for motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles under its Motorcycle and ATV plan. Specific parts covered by this plan include the:
- Engine
- Transmission
- Primary drive assembly
- Drive axle
- Cooling system
- Electrical
- Steering
- Suspension
- Brakes
- Electronic high-tech
- Fuel delivery
- Gauges
- Seals, sealing boots, and gaskets (when included alongside the repair of another covered component)
CarShield Warranty Cost
Our research team reached out to CarShield for cost estimates on a few vehicles. Based on the quotes we received, we found that most CarShield plans cost around $150 per month.
CarShield is considered an affordable provider compared to other extended car warranty companies. Our research team conducted a warranty survey polling 1,000 drivers about what they spent on coverage. A majority said they paid $1,600 to $3,200 for their vehicle service contracts.
CarShield Warranty Prices and Quotes
| Vehicle Type | CarShield Warranty | Term Length | Monthly Payment | Deductible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021Nissan Altima | Diamond plan | Unlimited;month-to-month | $149.99 monthly | $200 |
| 2021Jeep Cherokee | Diamond plan | Unlimited;month-to-month | $149.99 monthly | $200 |
| 2015Chevrolet Silverado | Gold plan | Unlimited;month-to-month | $149.99 monthly | $250 |
| 2015Jeep Cherokee | Gold plan | Unlimited;month-to-month | $149.99 monthly | $250 |
With CarShield, drivers can choose from multiple deductibles that start at $0. The company specializes in monthly payment plans, so motorists don’t have to worry about being locked into long-term contracts.
CarShield Warranty Discounts
Most CarShield plans start at around $150 per month. During our rate shopping process, our research team received a variety of discounts based on their experiences with CarShield sales representatives. After negotiating for a better deal, in some cases we were able to secure quotes of $109.99 or $119.99 per month.
We recommend asking a sales representative about available discounts, which may include a first-time caller discount or a multi-car discount.
CarShield Warranty Deductibles
CarShield allows you to choose your deductible in most cases. The company offers deductibles ranging from $0 to $250. A $200 deductible appears to be the standard option.
CarShield Warranty Payments
CarShield payments are made monthly, with an option for automatic monthly payments to ensure your coverage doesn’t lapse. You can pay your bill online by accessing your CarShield Customer Portal or by making a payment through the “Payments” tab on the CarShield mobile app.
Though your payment is due monthly, a missed payment doesn’t mean your plan is automatically canceled. Though CarShield doesn’t allow customers to skip payments, there is a short grace period in which you can contact CarShield’s Payment Processing Department to pay your past due balance before you lose coverage. During this grace period, no claims will be paid until your bill is paid in full.
Is CarShield Worth It?
Whether a CarShield plan is worth it for you depends on factors like your vehicle’s reliability and your financial situation. If you want to protect your car for the long run or crave peace of mind about costly repairs that otherwise would’ve been out of pocket, CarShield could be worth it.
CarShield offers a useful range of plans and very reasonably priced coverage for such a reputable extended car warranty company. The provider’s prices make it an especially attractive option if you’re on a tight budget and in need of a used car warranty.
CarShield Roadside Assistance and Other Benefits
Like many other extended warranty providers, CarShield includes bonus perks on top of its mechanical breakdown coverage. These benefits include:
- Roadside assistance: 24/7 access to towing, emergency tire service, lockout service, battery service, fuel delivery service, and winching
- Trip interruption coverage: Reimburses you for the cost of food and lodging if your car breaks down more than 100 miles from your home
Coverage limits may vary between plans, so consult your warranty’s declaration page for contract specifics.
In addition, CarShield and American Auto Shield operate the Shield Repair Network, a platform that lists more than 12,000 repair facilities familiar with extended warranty contracts.
CarShield Mobile App
The CarShield mobile app, available for Android and iOS, allows policyholders to view details of their contracts on mobile devices. On the app, you can quickly find information on warranty claims, customer service, and roadside assistance.
CarShield Mobile has overall positive ratings from users online. The app has an average rating of 3.4 out of 5.0 stars on Google Play and 3.3 on the App Store.
Should You Get an Extended Warranty?
Extended warranties are worth it if you plan on keeping your car for many years or miles — when repairs become more frequent and expensive — or if you’re not prepared to pay for costly out-of-pocket repairs.
In general, there’s no easy yes or no answer to whether or not you should get an extended warranty. Consider your financial situation and risk tolerance and your vehicle’s age, mileage, condition, and reliability.
If your car is or may be likely to break down unexpectedly, an extended warranty may keep you from paying for repairs out of pocket. On the other hand, if your car is generally reliable or you plan on selling it a few years after your initial purchase, you may be better off setting some money aside into a personal car repair fund.
How Do CarShield Warranties Work?
CarShield vehicle service contracts allow you to pay ahead of time, either in the form of an upfront payment or on a monthly basis, to cover the cost of mechanical breakdown repairs. When you need repairs, CarShield will pay for the work minus your deductible as long as the affected components are covered and your account is in good standing.
CarShield Warranty: What To Know Before You Buy
Unlike many other extended auto warranty providers, CarShield plans are available on a month-to-month basis. This means you’re not locked into a long-term contract — coverage remains in force as long as you continue to make your monthly payments.
The company also provides some of the most generous mileage limits in the industry, offering to cover vehicles for up to 300,000 miles, though there’s a 30-day and 1,000-mile or 90-day and 200-mile waiting period when you first purchase coverage. Most CarShield plans are transferable to second owners for a $50 fee, which can increase your vehicle’s resale value.
CarShield Warranty Claims
It’s easy to find mechanics who accept CarShield coverage. If you have a vehicle service contract through the company, covered repairs can be made at any dealership or repair facility certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE®).
How To File a Warranty Claim: CarShield Warranties
Here’s how the CarShield claims process works:
- Make sure repairs are covered: Check your CarShield contract to ensure that the repairs you need are actually covered.
- Take your vehicle in: Have repairs done at the certified repair center or dealership of your choice. Be sure to mention that you have and will be using extended warranty coverage.
- Pay your deductible: To have repair work done, you’ll need to pay your deductible amount.
- Let CarShield pay the rest: A CarShield representative will work directly with the facility to pay the remainder of your repair costs.
More than a few of the CarShield reviews we read mentioned a smooth, easy repair and claims process. This means that you can reasonably expect the same from the provider.
How To Cancel a CarShield Warranty
You can cancel a CarShield policy at any time. However, to cancel your contract you’ll need to contact customer support directly and submit a policy cancellation notice.
If you cancel within the first 30 days of your policy, you’ll get a full refund. After 30 days, you’ll likely get a prorated refund for the amount of time left on your policy.
How To Contact CarShield Customer Service
CarShield customer support is available via phone on Monday through Saturday. Phone numbers for CarShield’s customer service departments are listed in the table below:
| Department | Phone Number/Contact Information | Hours (CST) |
|---|---|---|
| Claims (American Auto Shield) | 1-800-859-9932 Online form | Monday–Friday 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Saturday 8:00 a.m.–3:00p.m. |
| Customer Service | 1-800-587-4162 | Monday–Friday 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Saturday 8:00 a.m.–3:00p.m. |
| Payment Processing | 1-800-587-4603 | Monday–Friday 7:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. Saturday 8:00 a.m.–3:00p.m. |
| Roadside Assistance | 1-866-222-7869 | 24/7 |
| Sales | 1-800-588-8501 | Monday–Friday 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Saturday 8:00 a.m.–3:00p.m. |
CarShield Warranty Reviews: Conclusion
CarShield earned a 4.2- out of 5.0-star rating, placing it eighth among all providers. The company’s 300,000-mile mileage limit was the reason we recognized the company for its High Mileage Limit.
Although the company has received complaints, CarShield reviews are predominantly positive. Considering that CarShield is one of the best extended warranty companies and has covered more than 1 million vehicles over 18 years, a few hundred negative comments barely impact the company’s reputation.
Compare the Best Extended Car Warranty Companies
It’s always smart to shop around for extended warranty plans to make sure you’re getting the best deal on coverage. We recommend comparing free quotes from CarShield with quotes from other reputable extended car warranty companies, like those in the table below:
| Provider | Overall Score | Coverage | Industry Standing | Affordability | Customer Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endurance | 4.8 | 5.0 | 4.6 | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| autopom! | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| CARCHEX | 4.6 | 4.9 | 4.8 | 4.2 | 4.4 |
| Toco | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 4.4 |
| CarShield | 4.2 | 4.5 | 3.7 | 4.2 | 4.4 |
Below, we compare CarShield to two of the best extended auto warranty providers: Endurance and Autopom!.
Endurance: Best Overall
Endurance is a reputable extended car warranty provider that’s been in business since 2006. The company stands out in the vehicle protection industry for being a direct extended warranty provider rather than a broker or reseller. This means that Endurance offers and fulfills most of its plans without any outside help.
Endurance offers six levels of coverage. Each plan comes with one year of Endurance Elite Benefits which include perks such as tire repair or replacement, a collision discount, and 24/7 roadside assistance. Endurance has solid reviews from customers, with a 3.7-star rating out of 5.0 on Trustpilot and a 3.7-star rating out of 5.0 on the BBB.
Find out more: Endurance Warranty Review
Autopom!: Most Affordable
Autopom!, which stands for “automotive peace of mind,” was founded in 2009. Like CarShield, autopom! is an extended warranty broker and sells plans from a variety of “A-rated insurance companies and administrators.”
The company offers three coverage levels–Exclusionary, Mid-Level, and Powertrain Plus–with coverage available for vehicles up to 20 years old. autopom! plans are among the most affordable, with an average price per year of $794.20 across all plan types. Online reviews are generally favorable, with the company scoring 4.2 out of 5 stars on BBB and 4.6 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot.
Find out more: autopom! Warranty Review
CarShield Extended Warranty: FAQ
Below are a few frequently asked questions for CarShield reviews:
How good is the CarShield warranty?
CarShield warranties are generally good, with coverage available for most vehicles and needs. In addition to exclusionary, mid-level, and powertrain coverage, the company offers specialized plans for EVs and motorcycles and ATVs. Plans are generally affordable, with most able to be transferred to a second owner if you sell your car.
What does a CarShield extended warranty cover?
CarShield warranty coverage depends on the type of plan you purchase. CarShield Diamond, the company’s exclusionary plan, is similar to a factory warranty and covers most of the components in your vehicle. Mid-level plans, like CarShield Platinum and CarShield Gold, cover many of your car’s most important parts and systems, including the powertrain. CarShield Silver limits coverage to your vehicle’s powertrain, while CarShield Aluminum covers most electrical and computer-related systems.
Can you cancel a CarShield warranty?
You can cancel a CarShield warranty by contacting CarShield Customer Service. You’ll get a full refund if you cancel your policy within the first 30 days of the initial purchase. If you cancel after the first 30 days, you’ll get a prorated refund based on the amount of days left in your contract.
Which company offers the best aftermarket warranty?
Endurance is the best aftermarket warranty provider based on our research and methodology because of its extensive coverage options, industry standing, affordability, and customer service. However, the best extended warranty provider for you depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend shopping around to compare coverage from the top providers to find the best fit for you.
Does CarShield pay claims?
CarShield is a broker, which means the company isn’t responsible for handling or paying claims. The plan administrator pays claims instead, minus any deductible or the cost of any uncovered parts or repairs.
Will CarShield replace an engine?
Most CarShield plans cover your vehicle’s powertrain, which includes the engine. However, not all engine repairs or replacements are covered. Read through your preferred plan’s sample contract for a list of exclusions in which the company will deny coverage.
For example, CarShield won’t cover repairs due to pre-existing conditions or lack of required maintenance.
Will CarShield replace a transmission?
Most CarShield plans cover the transmission, which is part of your car’s powertrain. However, some transmission repairs and replacements may not be covered if the cause of the breakdown is excluded from coverage. For example, a lack of maintenance, improper prior repair, or normal wear and tear will result in a denied claim.
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.
