trusted formAmerican Auto Shield vs Preferred Warranties Inc | Several.com
Although we earn commissions from partners, we ensure unbiased evaluations. More on our 'How We Work' page

American Auto Shield vs Preferred Warranties Inc

Press [Add to Compare] to Edit, Add or Remove Vendors

Pros
  • Broad range of coverage options
  • Flexible repair facility choice
  • Roadside, rental, and trip interruption benefits
  • Online claims and self-service support
Pros
  • Nationwide coverage
  • Offers powersport coverage
  • Online claim process
Cons
  • No standard pricing published online
  • Coverage and terms vary by contract
  • Mixed customer feedback on claims
  • FTC settlement and regulatory history
Cons
  • Can only be bought at the time of vehicle purchase
  • No online quote
  • Not all the plans include benefits
  • Limited information
  • Not a direct provider
Summary

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.

Summary

Preferred Waranties Inc. was started in 1992 in Pennsylvania as a car shop. Later, they grew into selling guarantees for cars. They've been in business for a long time and offer a full range of care contracts for used cars, bikes, and ATVs to people all over the United States. Their plans range from whole car to engine, and some come with extras like roadside help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They sell their plans through a wide network of authorized sellers nationwide. Instead of third-party managers, ASE-certified claim adjusters are in charge of the fixes. Some customers commented on having had trouble with their claims being denied multiple times, confusing the process and delaying repairs and payments. Contacting customer service was tricky for some, and certain vehicle parts weren't covered. Some customers also didn't like the repair shops in PWI's network.

Quick Stats
  • BBB Rating : (Unaccredited)
  • Maximum Mileage : 250,000 Miles
  • Money-Back Guarantee : Undisclosed
  • Number of Plans Available : 8
  • Waiting Period : Varies by contract
  • Operating Status : Active
  • Deductible Range : Quote-based
Quick Stats
  • BBB Rating : A+
  • Maximum Mileage : Undisclosed
  • Money-Back Guarantee : Undisclosed
  • Number of Plans Available : 7
  • Waiting Period : Undisclosed
  • Operating Status : Active
Selling Points
  • Two dedicated electric vehicle coverage options
  • Powertrain coverage for eligible vehicles up to 250K miles
  • Optional high-voltage EV battery coverage
  • Sample vehicle service contracts available online
Selling Points
  • Covers a variety of vehicles
  • You can use any repair shop of choice
  • Coverage begins immediately
Coverage & Plan Flexibility
  • High-mileage
  • Exclusionary
  • Powertrain
  • $0 deductible option
  • Commercial/rideshare
  • EV/hybrid components
  • No waiting period
  • Option with free maintenance benefits
  • Transferable
Coverage & Plan Flexibility
  • High-mileage
  • Exclusionary
  • Powertrain
  • —
    Undisclosed
    $0 deductible option
  • Commercial/rideshare
  • EV/hybrid components
  • —
    Undisclosed
    No waiting period
  • —
    Undisclosed
    Option with free maintenance benefits
  • —
    Undisclosed
    Transferable
Claims & Repair Experience
  • 24/7 roadside assistance
  • Any licensed repair shop
  • Direct shop payment
  • In-network repair network
  • Mobile app for claims
  • Online claims portal
  • Trip interruption coverage
Claims & Repair Experience
  • —
    Undisclosed
    24/7 roadside assistance
  • —
    Undisclosed
    Any licensed repair shop
  • Direct shop payment
  • In-network repair network
  • —
    Undisclosed
    Mobile app for claims
  • —
    Undisclosed
    Online claims portal
  • —
    Undisclosed
    Trip interruption coverage
Customer Support & Transparency
  • Phone
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Email
  • FAQs / Educational resources
  • Live Chat
  • Mobile Application
  • Online quote without phone
  • Sample contracts online
Customer Support & Transparency
  • Phone
  • —
    Undisclosed
    24/7 customer support
  • Email
  • FAQs / Educational resources
  • —
    Undisclosed
    Live Chat
  • —
    Undisclosed
    Mobile Application
  • —
    Undisclosed
    Online quote without phone
  • Sample contracts online
Contract & Payment Terms
  • Contract (lump-sum) payments
  • —
    Undisclosed
    Pay-in-full discount
  • Month-to-month payments
  • —
    Undisclosed
    Cancellation fee
  • Multi-vehicle discount
  • —
    Undisclosed
    Price lock guarantee
  • *Not all payment methods are available in all states
  • *Some payment methods may incur additional fees
Contract & Payment Terms
  • —
    Undisclosed
    Contract (lump-sum) payments
  • Pay-in-full discount
  • Month-to-month payments
  • —
    Undisclosed
    Cancellation fee
  • —
    Undisclosed
    Multi-vehicle discount
  • Price lock guarantee
  • *Not all payment methods are available in all states
  • *Some payment methods may incur additional fees

Save Big on Auto Warranty

Fill out a quick form to claim special offers on Auto Warranty

image