CarvanaCare Review: Protection Built Into Your Purchase

CarvanaCare at a Glance

Carvana Care is a vehicle service contract program available to eligible customers purchasing a vehicle through Carvana. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, Carvana operates as an online used car retailer, while vehicle service contracts are administered by SilverRock, the company's in-house warranty and claims administrator. Unlike many extended warranty providers that sell coverage directly to consumers, Carvana Care is only available during the vehicle purchase process. The program is available to eligible buyers purchasing a vehicle through Carvana's online retail platform, with availability depending on the vehicle and the buyer's location.

Rather than offering a single level of protection, the provider gives buyers a choice between several coverage tiers based on the vehicle they purchase. Plans are designed to help cover the cost of unexpected mechanical breakdowns after the included limited warranty expires, with higher-tier options adding benefits such as tire and wheel protection, cosmetic repair coverage, and scheduled maintenance services. All claims are administered by SilverRock, which coordinates repairs, authorizations, and payments with participating repair facilities.

One of the program's defining characteristics is that it is integrated into Carvana's buying experience instead of being sold as a standalone product. Eligible buyers can purchase coverage when completing their vehicle order, and the cost can typically be included in the vehicle financing. In addition to repair coverage, contracts include benefits such as roadside assistance, rental reimbursement during covered repairs, and the option to cancel for a prorated refund, subject to the terms of the agreement.

Carvana is one of the largest online used car retailers in the United States and has built broad brand recognition within the automotive industry. The company currently holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, but is not BBB accredited. Public feedback on Carvana Care is mixed. Many customers appreciate the convenience of purchasing coverage alongside their vehicle, while others report frustrations related to claim approvals, contract exclusions, repair timelines, and communication during the claims process. As with most vehicle service contract providers, reviewing the contract terms before purchasing coverage is important to understand what is and is not included.

CarvanaCare's Coverage & Plans

Carvana Care offers three levels of vehicle service contract coverage for eligible vehicles purchased through Carvana. Each plan is designed for a different level of protection, with higher-tier options covering more components and adding extra ownership benefits. Coverage availability depends on the vehicle's age, mileage, and eligibility.

Available plans

Regardless of the plan selected, vehicle service contracts generally exclude routine maintenance, normal wear-and-tear items, cosmetic damage unless specifically covered, pre-existing conditions, damage caused by neglect or misuse, and repairs resulting from accidents or environmental events. Exact coverage varies by contract, so reviewing the service agreement before purchasing is recommended for a full list of covered components and exclusions.

Coverage terms vary based on the vehicle and the selected contract, meaning there is no single term length or mileage limit that applies to every buyer. Likewise, deductible amounts differ by contract and may vary depending on whether repairs are completed at an in-network or out-of-network repair facility. Carvana does not publicly disclose a standard waiting period. Any applicable waiting period, if required, is outlined in the individual vehicle service contract and may vary depending on the agreement.

The provider also allows contracts to be transferred to a subsequent private owner under qualifying conditions, which may increase a vehicle's resale appeal. Customers may also cancel their contract, with refunds determined by the timing of the cancellation and the remaining coverage, as described in the service agreement.

Additional benefits

In addition to mechanical repair coverage, every Carvana Care plan includes several benefits designed to reduce out-of-pocket expenses when a covered breakdown occurs.

Because benefits, coverage limits, and exclusions can vary by vehicle, buyers should review their individual service contract before purchasing to understand exactly what is covered and what conditions apply.

CarvanaCare's Costs & Contracts

Carvana Care does not publish standard pricing for its extended car warranty plans. Like most vehicle service contract providers, the company calculates the cost of coverage individually for each eligible vehicle, meaning buyers receive a personalized quote during the purchase process rather than seeing fixed prices online.

Several factors influence the final warranty cost, including:

• The vehicle's make, model, model year, and number of miles
• The selected coverage level (Essential, Plus, or Premier)
• The contract term and mileage limits
• The deductible associated with the vehicle service contract
• The expected repair costs for the specific vehicle

Unlike many extended warranty companies that require customers to call for a quote, Carvana displays available protection plans and pricing online during checkout for eligible vehicles. Buyers can compare their coverage options before completing the purchase without speaking to a sales representative.

Through our research, we found that Carvana Care pricing generally falls within the typical range for the extended warranty industry. However, because every quote is personalized, publicly reported prices vary considerably, so any example pricing found online should only be treated as a rough estimate rather than an official quote.

Payment options

Carvana provides several ways to pay for a vehicle protection plan.

Unlike standalone extended warranty providers, Carvana Care is generally only available during the initial vehicle purchase and cannot typically be added after delivery.

Fees, cancellations, and discounts

Carvana Care contracts may be transferred to a subsequent private owner if the transfer requirements outlined in the service agreement are met. Transferability can increase a vehicle's resale value by allowing some remaining warranty coverage to continue with the next owner.

Customers may also cancel their contract. Depending on when the cancellation occurs, whether any claims have been paid, or whether cancellation follows the event of a total loss, they may receive either a full or prorated refund according to the terms of the service agreement.

Carvana does not publicly disclose standard activation fees, cancellation fees, or transfer fees that apply to every contract. Likewise, the company does not advertise discounts such as military, student, senior, multi-vehicle, or pay-in-full savings for Carvana Care. Buyers should review their individual contract to confirm any applicable fees, refund terms, or promotional offers before purchasing.

Advantages

• Protection can be purchased alongside the vehicle: Carvana Care is available during the purchase of an eligible used vehicle, allowing buyers to add an extended car warranty without searching for a separate provider afterward. Combining the vehicle purchase and protection plan into one transaction can simplify the buying process and make it easier to finance both together
• Three coverage levels for different protection needs: The provider offers Essential, Plus, and Premier plans, giving buyers several coverage options based on their budget and the level of extended warranty coverage they want. This flexibility allows vehicle owners to choose a plan that better matches their expected repair costs and long-term ownership goals
• Premier plan includes benefits beyond covered repairs: The highest coverage tier includes maintenance-related benefits such as limited oil changes, tire rotations, tire and wheel protection, windshield repair, and paintless dent repair. These extras help reduce certain ownership expenses that are typically excluded from many vehicle service contracts
• Nationwide repair network administered by SilverRock: Covered repairs are coordinated through SilverRock, which works with a nationwide network of authorized repair facilities. Having an established claims administrator gives customers access to participating repair shops across much of the United States while helping streamline the repair authorization process
• Roadside assistance and rental reimbursement are included: Every Carvana Care plan includes roadside assistance and rental reimbursement when a covered mechanical breakdown leaves the vehicle in the shop. These benefits can help reduce the inconvenience of being without transportation while qualifying repairs are completed
• Transferable coverage may increase resale appeal: Eligible vehicle service contracts can be transferred to a subsequent private owner if the contract requirements are met. Transferability can make a vehicle more attractive to prospective buyers because a portion of the remaining warranty coverage may continue after the sale

Disadvantages

• Coverage is only available during the initial vehicle purchase: Unlike many extended warranty companies, Carvana Care generally cannot be purchased after taking delivery of the vehicle. Buyers who decide against coverage at checkout may need to look elsewhere if they want protection later
• Pricing is not available until an eligible vehicle is selected: The provider does not publish standard pricing because every vehicle protection plan is priced individually. This makes it more difficult to compare costs with other extended car warranty providers before beginning the purchasing process
• Contract terms vary between vehicles: Coverage length, deductible amounts, and some contract benefits depend on the specific vehicle and service agreement. Reviewing the full contract before purchasing is important so buyers understand exactly what is covered, what exclusions apply, and what out-of-pocket costs they may be responsible for
• Customer experiences with claims are mixed: Public reviews include both positive and negative experiences with the claims process administered by SilverRock. While many customers report successful repairs, others describe delays, disagreements over coverage eligibility, or communication issues, making it important to read the contract carefully before relying on the protection plan

Customer Experience

Customer feedback for Carvana is mixed but generally leans positive, with many reviewers praising the convenience of the online buying and selling process, while others raise concerns about vehicle condition, repairs, and warranty-related issues. At the time of writing, Carvana holds a 4.1 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot based on more than 15,000 reviews, while maintaining an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, although they are not BBB accredited. Customers discussing Carvana Care often reference SilverRock because that company administers vehicle service contract claims rather than Carvana handling repairs directly.

Positive feedback

Many positive reviews highlight how simple Carvana makes the vehicle purchasing process, with customers appreciating the ability to complete most steps online and schedule delivery or pickup with minimal paperwork. Buyers also frequently mention a responsive customer service team, clear communication throughout the purchasing process, and an easy financing experience. For customers who needed warranty work, positive reviews commonly describe SilverRock repairs as being approved quickly through participating repair facilities, allowing drivers to get their vehicles back on the road with relatively little hassle.

Critical feedback

Negative reviews tend to focus less on purchasing the vehicle and more on issues discovered after delivery. Some customers report disagreements over whether a repair qualifies for warranty coverage, unexpected exclusions within the service agreement, delays while waiting for repair authorizations, or dissatisfaction with the condition of vehicles that had passed Carvana's advertised inspection process. Other complaints involve communication during the claims process or frustration when repairs are limited to what the contract specifically covers, rather than everything a customer expected.

Carvana regularly responds to both Trustpilot reviews and BBB complaints. Their responses typically acknowledge the customer's concerns, apologize for negative experiences, explain company policies where appropriate, and invite customers to continue the conversation through customer support or private communication channels so individual cases can be investigated further. While not every complaint results in a resolution satisfactory to the customer, the company's public responses demonstrate an active effort to address feedback rather than leaving complaints unanswered.

Customer Support

Carvana provides several ways for customers to get assistance before, during, and after purchasing a vehicle or a Carvana Care vehicle service contract. Because Carvana Care claims are administered by SilverRock, customers may interact with either company depending on whether they need help with their contract, a covered repair, or their vehicle purchase.

Customers needing assistance with a mechanical breakdown or a warranty claim are generally directed to SilverRock, which administers Carvana Care contracts and coordinates repair authorizations with participating repair facilities. This separation helps ensure claims are handled by the contract administrator while Carvana continues to support the vehicle purchase experience.

In addition to direct support channels, Carvana offers several self-service resources that answer common questions about buying, selling, financing, vehicle protection plans, and ownership.

Helpful resources include:

• Help Center
• CarvanaCare information
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Vehicle Protection and Repairs

While Carvana does not publish sample vehicle service contracts on its website, buyers can review their individual service agreement before finalizing coverage and should carefully read the contract to understand covered repairs, exclusions, deductibles, and cancellation terms.

Conclusion

Carvana Care offers three vehicle service plans designed to help protect eligible used vehicles from unexpected costly vehicle repairs after the included limited warranty expires. Buyers can choose between Essential, Plus, and Premier, with the comprehensive plan providing the highest level of coverage through additional maintenance and cosmetic benefits. Because Carvana’s extended car warranty is integrated directly into the online buying process, buyers can arrange financing and protection in one transaction rather than purchasing coverage separately. This may be especially appealing to drivers on a tight budget because the cost can typically be included in their vehicle financing. For many buyers, having protection against expensive mechanical failures can provide added peace of mind, especially if paying for major repairs out of pocket would require dipping into an emergency fund.

The provider's biggest strengths include flexible extended warranty plans, nationwide claims administration through SilverRock, and helpful related services such as roadside assistance and rental reimbursement, along with the ability to finance coverage as part of a vehicle purchase. At the same time, prospective buyers should consider the limited pricing transparency, the fact that CarvanaCare contracts are generally only available during the initial purchase, and the mixed customer reviews regarding the claims process. Drivers should also remember that every service agreement includes exclusions, including many wear items, so reviewing the contract carefully before purchasing is the best way to determine whether the provider offers similar coverage to your needs and budget.

If you're still comparing providers, browse our auto warranty reviews to see how Carvana compares with other best extended car warranty companies, use our auto warranty comparison tool to evaluate coverage and pricing side by side, and visit our educational articles for buying guides, industry news, and educational articles that can help you choose the right protection plan for your vehicle.