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Owners can pick from six different CarShield coverage plans that range from bumper-to-bumper extended warranties down to basic powertrain coverage A618wk Brake Pads
Alex Carver is a writer and researcher based in Charlotte, N.C. A contributor to major news websites such as Automoblog and USA Today, she’s written content in sectors such as insurance, warranties, shipping, real estate and more.
Rashawn Mitchner is a MarketWatch Guides team editor with over 10 years of experience covering personal finance and insurance topics.
CarShield has established itself as one of the premier names in the auto warranty industry, and we at the MarketWatch Guides team name it one of the best car warranty companies of 2023. The third-party extended warranty provider offers bumper-to-bumper , powertrain and specialty vehicle service contracts.
This article will examine CarShield coverage in detail, offering details on what each plan covers and excludes. We’ll also detail exactly which benefits come with each CarShield contract.
A reputable extended warranty provider with industry-low rates.
The MarketWatch Guides Team is committed to providing reliable information to help you make the best possible decision about a warranty for your vehicle. Because consumers rely on us to provide objective and accurate information, we created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our rankings of the best extended car warranty companies. We collected data on dozens of auto warranty providers to grade the companies on a wide range of ranking factors. After 500 hours of research, the end result was an overall rating for each provider, with the companies that scored the most points topping the list.
Learn more about our methodology and editorial guidelines .
CarShield customers can choose from five protection plans designed for cars, with each including a number of additional benefits. Coverage is available for vehicles with up to 300,000 miles on them, the highest mileage limit among the most popular extended warranty providers. Options range from the Diamond plan down to Silver coverage, and each includes roadside assistance. CarShield also sells coverage specifically for motorcycles and ATVs.
The chart below shows the systems and major components covered by each of the six CarShield coverage plans.
In addition to covering car repairs, CarShield coverage plans come with the following added perks:
To find out more about what’s included with each plan, read our full CarShield review .
CarShield is a vehicle service contract broker, meaning it sells vehicle protection plans administered by companies like American Auto Shield. Because of the various levels of coverage, parts covered by CarShield service contracts change depending on the plan.
Some options — like the Diamond plan — cover hundreds of parts across the vehicle while others are more specific to components related to the powertrain or electrical system.
CarShield also provides vehicle service contracts for fully electric vehicles (EVs). These contracts are designed to cover special parts such as the electric drive unit, electrical system and battery pack.
Similar to other extended car warranty providers, all CarShield plans come with exclusions. The list of parts left out of contracts typically includes the following:
CarShield will not cover any repairs performed by unauthorized shops. This generally means any mechanic not associated with or certified by the ASE ® .
As you look into CarShield coverage options, it’s best to perform as much research as possible. The company offers sample contracts to help you get a clear picture of what is and isn’t covered under warranty.
Here’s an example of a CarShield vehicle service contract found on CarShield.com:
Depending on the age and mileage of your vehicle, you may not qualify for a vehicle service contract or mechanical breakdown protection. However, CarShield uses its Shield Select Program to boost the accessibility of its warranties. The following services will be covered:
Below are the recommended steps to file a claim when using CarShield coverage. Note that you’ll need prior authorization from CarShield before any work on your vehicle begins.
You can speak with a CarShield customer service representative Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time by calling 1-800-587-4162. While company agents are available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, you won’t be able to call CarShield on Sundays.
Along with long-lasting coverage for up to 300,000 miles, CarShield offers comprehensive plans. Drivers can choose one of six coverage options that range from bumper-to-bumper plans down to powertrain coverage and warranties for specialty vehicles.
Overall, we found that CarShield is worth consideration if you’re planning to purchase an extended car warranty. However, consider getting free quotes from other reputable extended warranty companies like Endurance and Carchex to compare and contrast options.
Below are some frequently asked questions about CarShield coverage:
CarShield pays for auto repairs to various mechanical components on your vehicle. Most CarShield protection plans cover the engine, transmission, drive axles, water pumps and transfer cases. Your CarShield plan should clearly outline what will and won’t be covered.
CarShield coverage plans do not cover pre-existing issues, wear and tear parts or issues with parts not listed on your contract. CarShield warranties also exclude traditional car maintenance services such as oil changes, tire rotations and windshield wiper blade replacements.
CarShield coverage plans typically have a mileage limit of up to 300,000 miles, which makes it one of the most generous warranty providers regarding term lengths.
Some CarShield contracts, like the Gold plan, cover defects for power windows. However, you’ll need to look into the exact details of your contract to find out what is and isn’t covered under the vehicle protection plan.
Every CarShield extended warranty plan other than Aluminum covers basic powertrain components like the engine and transmission. More comprehensive plans like the Diamond and Platinum contracts cover hundreds of components in addition to the powertrain.
CarShield provides roadside assistance coverage with each of its plans, which includes towing. However, you’ll need to look at your CarShield contract to find out the exact terms and conditions for towing limits.
No, CarShield doesn’t offer any extended warranty coverage options in California. The main reason is that California law prevents unlicensed companies from selling mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI).
Many of CarShield’s warranty plans cover brakes. However, maintenance parts like brake pads, shoes, rotors and drums are not covered under warranty.
CarShield’s plan administrator, American Auto Shield, doesn’t offer coverage for catalytic converters.
If you buy CarShield coverage, you’ll need to wait 20 days or 500 miles before your plan becomes active. This prevents the company from paying for pre-existing mechanical issues.
CarShield is known as a legitimate provider for extended warranties on used cars. You’ll likely follow a monthly payment plan and receive protection against damages caused by unexpected mechanical breakdowns. While CarShield only has a 1.3-star rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), nearly 40,000 reviewers give it an average score of 4 out of 5 on Trustpilot.
Because consumers rely on us to provide objective and accurate information, we created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our rankings of the best extended car warranty companies. We collected data on dozens of auto warranty providers to grade the companies on a wide range of ranking factors. The end result was an overall rating for each provider, with the companies that scored the most points topping the list.
Here are the factors our ratings take into account:
*Data accurate at time of publication.
If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides.com.
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