CarShield offers 8 different plans, including 7 auto and 1 motorcycle and ATV option. Prices vary according to your vehicle and its condition, and quotes are developed on a case-by-case basis.
| Diamond (Best all-inclusive coverage) | Platinum (Best comprehensive coverage) | Gold (Best for power train and electrics) | Silver (Best for basic coverage) | Aluminum (Best for electrics coverage) | Motorcycle & ATV (Best for small vehicles) | |
Air Conditioning | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Brakes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Drive Axle | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Electrical Components | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Engine | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Suspension | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Fuel | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
Steering | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Transfer Case | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Transmission | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Turbo/Supercharger | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Any item not specifically listed in your policy won’t be covered. Your policy will be void if you don’t maintain your vehicle appropriately or if you use an unauthorized repairer. Acts of nature are also excluded, and these stretch to include theft, vandalism, fire, or other natural disasters. You may also have trouble making a claim if you’ve made any modifications or alterations to your vehicle, especially if these don’t meet the manufacturer’s specifications.
Although CarShield has specified protection levels, its prices vary on a case-by-case basis. To find out how much you can expect to pay, you will need to request a quote via the company website or by speaking with a sales representative. According to the company website, prices start from just $99 per month. In general, CarShield comes in at the more budget end of the price spectrum.
Claims can be filed either via the company website (24/7) or by calling the customer service team (7:30 am to 7:00 pm CST). The deductible varies with each plan, but most often it is only $100 and can be as low as $0. Most plans come with rental car coverage for up to 7 days while your vehicle is being repaired.
Repair times will vary according to the severity of your problem and the repairer you use. There doesn’t appear to be any payout cap for general repairs, although specific cases such as emergency repair do come with variable caps.
CarShield receives mixed reviews across the web. It is accredited with the BBB, and it receives an A+ rating. CarShield has also been consecutively voted Newsweeks #1 Most Trusted Brand in the “Extended Auto Warranty (non-manufacturer)” category. The company receives a 4-star rating on Trustpilot from more than 21,500 reviews.
CarShield is endorsed by many such as Ice-T, Vivica A. Fox, and Ric Flair. It also offers variable pricing according to the age and condition of your vehicle. The roadside protection bundle is also an attractive feature that includes roadside assistance, courtesy towing, and rental car options.
CarShield offers phone support from 7 am to 10 pm (CST) Monday to Friday and 8 am to 7 pm (CST) Saturday. Email and online ticketing are also available, but don’t expect an immediate response.
There’s also an excellent FAQ section that contains a decent selection of useful information, along with an Education Center containing numerous informational articles.
There’s an app available for both iOS and Android users. It’s designed to facilitate streamlined policy management and is both attractive and highly functional. It provides you with full 24/7 access to every aspect of your contract, and enables you to file claims and access roadside assistance if necessary.
CarShield is one of the most popular vehicle service contract vendors around. It boasts competitive prices, a selection of coverage levels, a streamlined claim process, and an attractive app. If you decide to use its services, ensure you’re familiar with the finer aspects of your policy. Otherwise, you may be surprised when the small print prevents you from claiming something you thought you would be able to.
In sum, while it has received mixed reviews, CarShield remains an attractive option for those looking for personalized, competitively priced vehicle warranty solutions.
Daniel Blechynden writes for Top10.com and specializes in tech, with a focus on web hosting and website building, personal finance and investing, the sciences, and digital marketing. He holds degrees in Chemistry and Marine Science from the University of Western Australia and has written for a number of leading publications.