Unexpected car repair bills can get expensive. Whether you just bought a new car or are driving a 20-year-old Toyota, CarShield offers vehicle service protection through customized plans that allow you to personalize coverage. You could save thousands of dollars in potential repairs with CarShield.
What Is CarShield?
CarShield is a broker for extended auto warranties on new and used cars. Coverage is available in all states except California. The company was created in 2005 and since then has become a well-known provider of extended warranties. Learn more about the coverage, advantages, risks and cost in this CarShield review.
Coverage
CarShield is a broker for extended auto warranties, meaning that a third-party provider fulfills the plans. There is a waiting period of 20 days and 500 miles before the plan’s coverage begins. Customers can choose between six levels of coverage ranging from basic to comprehensive:
- Diamond: Similar to a manufacturer’s warranty, the Diamond plan is exclusionary and covers all parts except trim, belts, hoses, aesthetic parts, and wear items.
- Platinum: Inclusionary coverage at the highest level; Platinum plans cover parts such as the brake system, electrical system, cooling system, steering, transmission, air conditioning and engine parts.
- Gold: The gold plan provides powertrain coverage. It includes the transmission, engine, drive axle, starter and alternator.
- Silver: The basic powertrain plan covers the transmission, water pump, drive axle and lubricated engine parts.
- Aluminum: The aluminum plan is targeted at luxury vehicles and those with complicated electronic systems, covering GPS, sensors and power seat control.
- Motorcycle and ATV: Specialized coverage for motorcycles and ATVs.
Customers must remember that vehicle service contracts, except the Diamond plan, which lists exclusions, cover just the specific parts listed. CarShield does not cover the following:
- Damage due to lack of auto maintenance
- Repairs completed without prior authorization
- Damage from theft, vandalism, falling objects or acts of nature
- Vehicle modifications
- Odometer tampering
- Uncovered parts
- Pre Existing mechanical issues
- Damage caused by a non-covered part
- Normal wear and tear
- Misuse of vehicle
It’s possible to have your claim denied if you submit one for these and other exceptions.
Benefits
The main purpose of purchasing a CarShield plan is to save money on car repairs when you need replacement parts. However, some additional perks make these plans even more valuable to drivers with their:
- Roadside assistance for fuel delivery, flat-tire services, towing, battery jumping and lockout service.
- Trip interruption reimbursement of up to $125 per day for a four-day maximum to cover lodging and meals while your car is repaired.
- Rental car reimbursement of up to $100 per day while your vehicle receives repairs.
- Price lock to guarantee the same rate for coverage for customers who continue their policy.
- CarShield rewards also include possible rental car discounts and lower service costs for some types of maintenance.
Pros
The majority of CarShield customers are happy with their coverage, citing excellent service, assistance with plan selection and paid claims. Some of the most popular pros include:
- Extensive coverage options
- Available for a range of vehicles, including high-tech cars and ATVs
- Covers vehicles with as many as 300,000 miles
- 24/7 roadside assistance
Another advantage of CarShield that customers love is the mobile app that makes it simple for customers to view their contracts and the status of their claims.
Cons
As with any big company, CarShield does have some drawbacks to consider:
- Some auto parts aren’t covered
- Not available in California
- Some contracts are not transferable
- Negative reviews
While CarShield does have a high number of poor reviews and complaints, customers should note that this is likely due to the huge popularity of the company. Overall, the majority of comments are positive, as shown by the majority of reviews on Trustpilot, 66%, giving the company 5.0 stars.
Cost
If you have a covered claim, you are only responsible for paying your deductible, while CarShield covers the rest. The CarShield cost ranges between $109.99 and $139.99 per month. Customers must pay one month in advance to start their coverage. An example of a deductible is $100 per repair. The exact price of your monthly plan and deductible depends on your vehicle and the type of plan you choose. It’s possible to have a $0 deductible with some plans, although the monthly cost is typically higher for these.
Customers can get a quote by visiting CarShield online or by making a phone call. You need to have information like your current warranty, recent service history and mileage on hand to receive the most accurate pricing. A representative follows up with any online quotes to discuss your plan options.
What Customers Are Saying
Customer opinions on CarShield tend to be mixed. Here’s a summary of common feedback from customers:
Positive feedback
Wide range of plans: Customers appreciate the variety of plans and coverage levels offered by CarShield, allowing them to choose one that best fits their needs and budget.
Helpful customer service: Some customers report positive experiences with CarShield’s customer service representatives, noting they were attentive, informative, and willing to help with any questions or concerns.
Peace of mind: Many customers value the peace of mind that CarShield provides in knowing that they will be protected from costly repairs and unexpected breakdowns.
Negative feedback
Coverage limitations: Some customers have expressed frustration with certain auto repairs not being covered under their service contract. It’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of any service contract to understand what is and isn’t covered.
Claims process: Some customers have reported difficulties in the CarShield claims process, such as delays in approval or reimbursement or having to cover the cost at the repair facility upfront and wait for reimbursement.
Aggressive marketing tactics: Some customers have reported aggressive marketing tactics from CarShield, including frequent sales calls and mailers.
Cancellation and refund issues: A few customers have experienced issues when trying to cancel their contract, including difficulties in getting a refund for unused portions of their service contract.
It’s important to note that customer experiences can vary significantly based on individual circumstances, the specific service contract they have chosen, and the vehicle they own. Before purchasing an extended vehicle service contract, it’s a good idea to research the company, read customer reviews, and carefully review the terms and conditions of the contract.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about CarShield:
- Is CarShield available in all states?
CarShield offers coverage in most states across the United States, with the exception of California. However, checking with CarShield directly is essential to ensure their service contracts are available in your specific state. - Can I choose my own repair facility with CarShield?
Yes, with CarShield, you can choose any licensed repair shop in the United States or Canada to perform the necessary repairs on your vehicle.
- How does the claims process work with CarShield?
If you experience a covered repair, you’ll need to contact CarShield’s claims department to open a claim. They will review the claim and, if approved, coordinate directly with the repair facility for payment. In some cases, you may be required to pay for the repair upfront and then submit the necessary documentation for reimbursement.
- Can I cancel my CarShield contract, and will I receive a refund?
Yes, you can cancel your CarShield contract at any time. If you cancel within the first 30 days, you may be eligible for a full refund. If you cancel after the first 30 days, you’ll typically receive a prorated refund based on the time and mileage remaining on your contract.
- Does CarShield cover pre-existing conditions or regular maintenance?
No, CarShield does not cover pre-existing conditions or regular maintenance services, such as oil changes, tire rotations, or brake pad replacements. Their service contracts are designed to cover unexpected mechanical or electrical issues that arise after the purchase of the contract.
- Is CarShield offered when you buy a car at a dealership?
CarShield is an independent company that offers extended vehicle service contracts directly to customers rather than through dealerships. However, some dealerships may offer their own extended warranty programs or partner with third-party companies to provide similar services.
When purchasing a vehicle, it’s a good idea to inquire about any extended warranty options available through the dealership. If you’re interested in CarShield specifically, you can contact them directly to learn more about their coverage options and purchase a service contract.
The Bottom Line
CarShield offers a wide range of coverage plans at affordable prices consistent with the industry average. The contracts are simple and transparent, and the company has mainly positive customer service reviews.
Most customers are satisfied with CarShield, although the company has a low rating from the BBB (Better Business Bureau), attributed to misleading advertising and unresolved complaints. Most negative customer experiences come from failure to read the terms of contracts completely to eliminate any confusion over covered parts and contract terms.
The bottom line is that CarShield is a legitimate broker of extended auto warranties. It is a good fit for many customers as long as you read the contract details to avoid confusion over coverage. It currently ranks as the most popular extended warranty company available in today’s market. If you want to get a free quote and learn even more about the options in your area, just head over to carshield.com, and learn more about the monthly payment and protection plans to decide whether or not CarShield is worth it to you!
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