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How Much Does CarShield Cost?
Updated: October 2nd, 2023
CarShield has been in business since 2005 as an auto warranty service provider, offering customizable plans for nearly every type of vehicle. With so many options available, deciding which plan to select and how much it will cost can be overwhelming. That's where we come in; we'll guide you through the different pricing options and help you decide whether CarShield is worth it.
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How Much Will a Warranty From CarShield Cost?
CarShield offers auto warranty plans that generally cost between $99 and $139 per month, although costs are quote-based and differ from case to case. Costs depend on factors such as the make and model of your car, its age and mileage, and the level of coverage you choose.
With CarShield, you have the flexibility to choose from various deductible options, such as $0, $50, $100, and $500 per qualified repair. The option you choose will impact the cost of the plan. A lower deductible will result in a higher monthly payment, while a higher deductible may lead to a lower monthly cost. CarShield provides a variety of options with limited and unlimited terms based on your preferences. They also offer discounts to first-time customers and those covering multiple vehicles, making their plans even more affordable.
Overall, CarShield's pricing is in line with the industry average for extended warranties.
CarShield’s Seven Plans
CarShield has various coverage plans to suit different budgets and needs. Our research indicates that a car with 28,000 miles can get Diamond coverage for 18 months at $99.99 per month, providing 5-year or 100,000-mile coverage. This plan requires a $295 down payment and a $100 deductible for each repair. A car with 90,000 miles could get unlimited Gold coverage when you opt for a month-to-month contract, with a monthly payment of $119.99 and a $100 deductible. Of course, depending on the vehicle and coverage details, these pricing options are subject to change.
They advertise seven plans online, and while most plans cater mainly to fuel-engine cars they have plans that target other vehicle types. They are all described in brief below:
Diamond plan
This plan offers bumper-to-bumper coverage nearly identical to a factory warranty, ensuring your car is protected from costly repairs. The Diamond plan covers a wide range of vehicle components, including the engine, transmission, drive axles, transfer case, brake system, and instrument cluster. This plan is exclusionary, meaning that it covers most parts and systems except for a specific list of excluded components. This plan is perfect for new car owners and anyone who wants to safeguard their investment. It's also an excellent option for those who want to extend or add coverage to their existing warranty. You can read more about this warranty plan here.
Platinum plan
This plan offers an exceptional level of coverage. The Platinum plan is specifically designed for older cars with high mileage, focusing on parts that experience wear and tear over time. It provides extensive coverage for cars with higher mileage, protecting crucial components such as the engine, transmission, AC, electrical system, starter, water pump, fuel pump, and more.
Gold plan
The Gold plan is designed to strike a balance between providing extensive coverage and keeping the cost reasonable. It's an innovative powertrain plus plan that prioritizes crucial parts, making it an excellent option for pre-owned cars in good condition with less than 100,000 miles. This plan specifically focuses on the vehicle's engine, transmission, drivetrain components, and other vital parts like power windows and the alternator.
Silver plan
The Silver plan may be your best bet if you're looking for an affordable and straightforward plan that covers only the most critical vehicle components. This plan offers coverage for the powertrain, which is the most important part of any car. Specifically, it covers essential components such as the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. The contract lists each component covered, ensuring you know exactly what you're getting.
Aluminum plan
The Aluminum plan is tailored for high-end, modern vehicles that come with advanced electronics and computerized components. It is an ideal choice for cars that require sophisticated servicing, and provides comprehensive coverage for various components, such as power seat control, voice activation control, sensors, GPS, and more. The CarShield Aluminum plan caters to luxury cars and those equipped with intricate electronic systems. But because it covers most parts except for the car's powertrain, it could also be a good complementary plan for a vehicle with a still-existing factory warranty.
Electric vehicle coverage
CarShield has tailored two vehicle service contracts specifically for electric vehicles. These include the EV + Battery Pack Monthly and EV Drive Unit Monthly plans. The EV + Battery Pack Monthly plan provides coverage for electric vehicles, including the electrical system, battery pack, electric drive unit, and more. Similarly, the EV Drive Unit Monthly plan is specifically designed for electric vehicles and covers the electric drive unit and related components. While the exact cost of this plan is not listed in the contract, it is typically in line with the pricing range of CarShield plans. CarShield's EV + Battery Pack Monthly and EV Drive Unit Monthly plans are worth considering if you are looking for an extended auto warranty for your electric vehicle.
Motorcycles & ATVs
CarShield offers two plan levels, Silver and Platinum, of vehicle service contracts designed exclusively for motorcycles and ATVs. The Platinum provides comprehensive coverage for these vehicles, while the Silver offers more basic protection for motorcycle and ATV parts, including the engine, transmission, and drivetrain.
Customers' Opinions
CarShield's auto warranty services have received mixed feedback. While some find the pricing reasonable and the coverage options extensive, others have concerns about hidden fees, denied claims, and pushy customer service tactics. It's important to weigh the pros and cons and do research before deciding if CarShield is right for you. Positive reviews mention quick claim processing and exceptional customer service at an affordable price.
CarShield's customer experience looks good on Trustpilot, where they garner a 4.0 out of 5-star rating from over 40,000 customer reviews. Similarly, reviewers on Google give CarShield a 4.3 rating out of 5. However, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) gives CarShield a very poor rating of 1.35 out of 5 stars based on more than 2,200 reviews, along with a warning of caution for prospective customers based on the pattern of complaints. They state that their reason for their alert concerns misleading advertising, slow or denied repair claims, and other customer service issues. For their part, the provider is disputing BBB's stance in court and currently replies diligently to all complaints; often towards a satisfactory resolution.
When looking at online reviews for CarShield, it's important to remember that ratings can be subjective and vary across different platforms. Despite having a higher number of complaints, CarShield happens to be the most popular warranty provider on the market. With that in mind, it's essential for anyone considering CarShield to review their contract thoroughly and understand the coverage details for clarity regarding covered repairs. By carefully examining the contract, you can clearly understand what repairs and services are included in your chosen plan, which will help prevent any confusion or misunderstandings by ensuring that the selected vehicle protection plan aligns with your specific needs and expectations. By doing thorough research and considering multiple sources of feedback, you can make an informed decision when choosing an extended warranty provider.
Is CarShield Worth It?
CarShield's value depends on your individual needs and preferences. Its costs vary depending on several factors, including the age and mileage of your vehicle, the level of coverage you choose, and your deductible. We recommend you compare costs and coverage with other providers before deciding.
CarShield offers a range of plans that cater to different vehicles and needs. CarShield doesn't disclose its prices online, but we conducted some research and obtained some quotes to provide you with an idea. For a 2017 Honda CR-V with unspecified mileage, the Diamond plan provides unlimited coverage at an estimated monthly cost of $129.99. Similarly, for a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado with 55,000 miles, the Diamond plan offers 5 years or 100,000 miles of coverage at the same monthly cost. The 2014 Ford Fusion, with unspecified mileage, qualifies for the Platinum plan, which provides unlimited coverage at an estimated monthly cost of $129.99.
If you own a 2017 Honda CR-V with 45,000 miles, you can opt for the Silver plan, which offers unlimited coverage at an estimated monthly cost of $119.00. The Gold plan is available for a 2013 Honda Accord with 90,000 miles, providing unlimited coverage at an estimated monthly cost of $119.99. Lastly, for a 2018 Toyota Camry with 28,000 miles, the Diamond plan can be selected for 18 months, costing $99.99 per month.
These payment options and plan choices allow individuals with different vehicle backgrounds and mileage to find a suitable coverage option that meets their specific requirements. Overall, this provider's prices are fairly affordable when compared to their competitors, but it's worth noting that your unique rates may differ depending on your vehicle's condition, location, and other factors. If you're considering a plan, it's important to compare cost versus the potential savings. For instance, if your car's transmission fails and needs repair, it could cost anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000 or more, depending on your car's make and model. However, if you have a CarShield warranty, you would only need to pay the deductible, which can range from $0 to $500, depending on your chosen plan. With a CarShield warranty, you could potentially save thousands of dollars in repair costs in such a scenario. Evaluating the monthly cost is important to decide if it's worthwhile.
Tips for Choosing the Right Plan For You
When considering an auto warranty plan for your car, there are several important factors to take into consideration. First and foremost, reviewing the warranty plan's coverage is crucial. Ensure that it includes the specific components and systems you want protection for. When choosing a car warranty plan, it's important to consider the level of coverage offered. Some plans may only cover basic powertrain components, while others provide more comprehensive coverage for various parts and systems. To ensure that your car's critical components are well-protected, it's crucial to understand the extent of the coverage provided. Additionally, it's essential to carefully review and comprehend the terms and conditions of the warranty contract, paying close attention to exclusions, limitations, deductibles, and waiting periods. Having a clear understanding of what is covered and what is not, as well as the claim procedures and requirements, can help avoid any surprises or misunderstandings in the future.
Secondly, it is vital to research the reputation and reliability of the warranty provider, whether it is CarShield or not. Look for reviews and ratings from other customers to gauge their customer service, claims process, and overall satisfaction. Working with a reputable and financially stable provider is crucial for a hassle-free experience and prompt resolution of any claims or issues that may arise.
Next, consider the cost of the warranty plan and how it fits into your budget. Compare prices from different providers to ensure you are getting a fair price for the coverage offered. Remember to consider any deductibles or out-of-pocket expenses you may incur when filing a claim.
Balancing cost and coverage is essential to finding the right balance for your needs. Additionally, consider the age and mileage of your vehicle. Some warranty plans have restrictions based on these factors. Ensure that your vehicle meets the eligibility criteria for your proposed warranty plan. Explore any additional benefits or perks offered by the warranty plan.
How Does CarShield Compare With Other Extended Warranty Options?
When searching for CarShield alternatives, there are numerous factors to consider. One method is to research and compare extended warranty providers, taking into account their coverage options, pricing, and customer feedback. It's also beneficial to search for companies that offer comparable coverage options to CarShield, such as powertrain coverage, bumper-to-bumper coverage, and specialty plans for luxury or electric vehicles.
Moreover, the vehicle's age, make, model, and mileage should be considered when comparing plans and prices. Requesting quotes from multiple providers can also help in comparing rates and coverage options. Some companies that provide similar plans to CarShield include CARCHEX, Endurance, and Protect My Car, each offering a range of extended warranty plans for various vehicle requirements.
CarShield sets itself apart from competitors with a few unique features. One of its key advantages is its generous mileage limit, which offers coverage for vehicles with up to 300,000 miles. This makes CarShield a top choice for extended warranty coverage on used vehicles. Additionally, a waiting period of 20 days and 500 miles after purchase is a short period to wait before your coverage sets in. CarShield also offers a transfer policy, allowing policyholders to transfer their coverage if they decide to sell their vehicle. Eligible customers can pay a $50 administrative fee for the transfer, providing flexibility and continuity of coverage.
CarShield Alternatives
We believe that CarShield is an excellent choice for those seeking extensive coverage at a reasonable cost. However, we understand that everyone's needs are different, and hence we have compiled a list of some of the best alternative options for auto warranties. In no specific order, we present our top picks based on our analysis:
Endurance Auto Warranty
The auto warranty provider Endurance offers five all-inclusive plans. Over the course of its more than 15 years in business, this company has received numerous favorable reviews. Endurance has term limits of up to seven years and offers limitless miles. With Endurance, you have the flexibility to choose your favorite repair shop. There is also a money-back guarantee and the option to cancel at any time.
Olive Auto Warranty
Olive offers comprehensive coverage options with flexible, customizable terms to ensure that you get the level of protection you require. Olive.com also boasts a simple and hassle-free claims process, making it easy for customers to get the assistance they need quickly and efficiently. Their clear terms and conditions show their commitment to transparency and honesty.
CARCHEX
CARCHEX offers customized warranty plans that cater to each customer's specific needs, whether they have a new or used vehicle. These plans cover a range of components, including the engine, transmission, electrical systems, and more. What sets CARCHEX apart is its vast network of licensed repair facilities, ensuring its customers have access to reliable mechanics all over the country. On top of that, their customer service team is highly responsive and provides assistance throughout the claims process.