American Auto Shield vs CarShield

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.

CarShield is a vehicle protection provider founded in 2005 and headquartered in St. Peters, Missouri. They offer several coverage levels for mechanical and electrical repairs, ranging from powertrain-focused protection to broader plans, with options for older and high-mileage vehicles as well as electric vehicles, motorcycles, and ATVs. Eligible vehicles can qualify for coverage with up to 300,000 miles, while contract-dependent perks may include roadside assistance, towing, rental reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage. Customer feedback is mixed, with CarShield holding a 4.1 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot based on tens of thousands of reviews. They are also accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating, although their BBB profile shows a substantial complaint history. Their broad plan selection, high-mileage eligibility, contract terms, pricing, and claims experience provide several areas worth examining more closely before choosing coverage.