American Auto Shield vs Endurance

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 2006 and headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, Endurance Warranty Services has grown into one of the largest independent direct providers of vehicle service contracts in the United States. Unlike brokers that resell plans from third-party administrators, Endurance underwrites and administers most of its own contracts, meaning there's no middleman between you and the company handling your claim. The company offers six distinct coverage tiers, ranging from basic powertrain protection to exclusionary near-factory coverage, plus a unique Advantage plan that bundles up to $3,500 in annual maintenance benefits. Endurance is one of the few providers offering unlimited mileage on most plans and accepts vehicles up to 20 years old, making them a rare option for high-mileage drivers and owners of older cars. They offer MBI coverage to California residents instead of traditional service contracts. All plans include perks like 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage, as well as a free first year of Elite Benefits. Customer feedback is mixed, but Endurance holds an A rating from the BBB and is accredited.