American Auto Shield vs Select Auto Protect

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 2020 and headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, Select Auto Protect is a direct provider of vehicle service contracts specializing in high-mileage and older vehicle coverage. Unlike many extended warranty companies that impose strict eligibility limits, they accept vehicles of any age and mileage, provided the car is in good working condition at the time of purchase. A major differentiator is their unlimited claims policy, with no stated annual or lifetime cap on approved repairs. The company structures its coverage into three stated-component tiers: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. While the Platinum plan is their most comprehensive offering, Select Auto Protect does not provide an exclusionary bumper-to-bumper contract. Plans include benefits such as 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, trip interruption coverage, and direct payment to ASE-certified repair shops nationwide. Pricing is generally positioned on the more affordable side of the market, with many plans reportedly falling between $1,000 and $3,000. Customer feedback is mixed. Many customers praise the company’s sales experience, affordability, and willingness to cover vehicles rejected elsewhere, while others report inconsistencies in claims processing, communication, and cancellation experiences.