American Auto Shield vs CARCHEX

Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Lakewood, Colorado, American Auto Shield is a vehicle service contract administrator that works with dealerships, lenders, marketers, and other partners. They currently present eight coverage options, ranging from focused Powertrain protection to broad Diamond exclusionary coverage, along with two dedicated options for electric vehicles. Their Powertrain coverage is advertised for eligible vehicles with up to 250,000 miles, while the broader Electric Vehicle contract can include optional high-voltage battery coverage. Depending on the contract, additional benefits and options may include roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, trip interruption coverage, rideshare protection, and coverage for certain luxury electronics. Contract holders can also use eligible licensed repair facilities, and sample contracts are available online for greater visibility into coverage terms and exclusions. Customer feedback remains mixed, with positive reviews mentioning successful claims and helpful representatives, while critical feedback frequently focuses on claim denials, authorization delays, and coverage disputes. American Auto Shield also has more than two decades of experience in vehicle service contract administration, alongside a regulatory history that includes their 2024 FTC settlement.

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, CARCHEX is a vehicle protection broker that connects customers with vehicle service contracts administered by third-party providers. Their current lineup includes five levels of coverage, ranging from basic Powertrain protection to the exclusionary Titanium plan, along with dedicated coverage for eligible electric vehicles. CARCHEX also offers access to licensed repair facilities and benefits such as towing, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage on eligible plans. The company has a long history in the extended warranty business and has received recognition, including multiple appearances on the Inc. 5000 list. Their Better Business Bureau profile currently carries an A+ rating, though CARCHEX is not BBB accredited. Customer feedback is mixed. Trustpilot currently lists a 3.2 out of 5 rating based on more than 1,500 customer reviews, while BBB customer ratings are considerably lower. This review looks deeper into CARCHEX’s plans, costs, contract terms, advantages, drawbacks, and customer experiences.