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ASC Warranty vs MaxCare

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Pros
  • Nearly four decades of experience in the vehicle service contract industry
  • Nationwide access to participating dealerships and ASE-certified repair shops
  • Roadside assistance and travel-related benefits are included with many plans
  • Transferable contracts that may help preserve resale value
Pros
  • Coverage similar to factory’s bumper-to-bumper warranty
  • $1.5 billion+ in claims paid since 2009 (3.8M+ customers)
  • 24/7 roadside assistance included
  • Rental car reimbursement for up to 7 days
  • Cancel anytime with a pro-rated refund
  • Transferable to new owner (fee applies)
  • Roll into monthly car payment or pay upfront
Cons
  • Coverage terms and financing options can vary by dealership
  • Some customer complaints involve payout limits and coverage disputes
  • Additional costs, such as diagnostics, fluids, and taxes, may remain the customer's responsibility
Cons
  • Only available during a CarMax vehicle purchase, not after
  • Independent shops may not accept MaxCare
  • Pre-approval required for all repairs
  • Maintenance items excluded (batteries, brakes, tires, wiper blades)
  • Strict documentation requirements; DIY receipts often rejected
  • Third-party administrators handle claims, not CarMax
  • No online claims portal; phone support only
Summary

ASC Warranty is a vehicle service contract provider founded in 1986 and headquartered in Mountain Home, Arkansas. They primarily distribute coverage through dealerships across the United States and offer several protection levels, ranging from basic drivetrain plans to exclusionary coverage designed to resemble a factory warranty. Their contracts are backed by an A-rated insurance carrier and often include additional benefits such as 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage. One feature that distinguishes the provider is their combination of long industry experience and flexible repair options, allowing customers to use participating dealerships and ASE-certified repair facilities nationwide. Coverage can also be transferred to a subsequent owner under certain conditions, which may add value when selling a vehicle. ASC Warranty is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and holds an A+ rating. Customer feedback on Google Reviews and the BBB is generally favorable, with many reviewers praising the claims process and customer service team. At the same time, some complaints focus on coverage limitations and out-of-pocket expenses. Those factors, along with the company's contract options and pricing structure, are explored in greater detail throughout this review.

Summary

MaxCare is an extended vehicle service contract introduced by CarMax in 2009, available exclusively at the time of purchasing a vehicle through their dealership network. Unlike many third-party warranty providers that offer multiple plan tiers, MaxCare uses a single exclusionary coverage model, similar to a factory bumper-to-bumper warranty, covering most mechanical and electrical components except for a defined list of exclusions. Contracts are tailored to each vehicle, with coverage typically extending up to 75,000 to 150,000 total odometer miles. While CarMax facilitates the customer experience, the plans are administered by third-party providers such as Fidelity Warranty Services and CNA National Warranty Corporation. Key benefits include 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, transferable coverage, and flexible payment options, including rolling the cost into monthly financing. A $50 deductible discount is also offered when using CarMax service centers or RepairPal-certified shops. Customer feedback is mixed, with many reporting strong coverage for major repairs, while others cite delays, strict claim requirements, and challenges when working with independent repair facilities.

Quick Stats
  • BBB Rating : A+
  • Maximum Mileage : 120,000
  • Money-Back Guarantee : Available
  • Number of Plans Available : 4
  • Operating Status : Active
  • Deductible Range : $0–$200 (varies by contract)
Quick Stats
  • BBB Rating : N/R (A- for CarMax)
  • Maximum Mileage : 150,000 miles (varies by plan)
  • Money-Back Guarantee : Available (pro-rated refund; fee may apply
  • Number of Plans Available : 1
  • Waiting Period : None for coverage; 30 days/1,000 miles for pre-existing conditions
  • Operating Status : Active
  • Deductible Range : $50–$300
Selling Points
  • Factory Type Coverage plan uses an exclusionary format similar to a manufacturer's warranty
  • Contracts are backed by an A-rated insurance carrier for added financial security
  • Long-standing BBB accreditation dating back to 1987
  • Coverage is available through a large network of dealerships across the United States
Selling Points
  • $50 deductible discount at dealer’s service centers and RepairPal shops
  • Available on any used car sold by CarMax, regardless of year, make, or mileage
  • Over 670,000 rental cars loaned to customers since 2009
  • No waiting period for coverage
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
  • Undisclosed
    High-mileage
  • Exclusionary
  • Undisclosed
    Powertrain
  • $0 deductible option
  • Commercial/rideshare
  • EV/hybrid components
  • No waiting period
  • 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
  • 24/7 roadside assistance
  • Any licensed repair shop
  • Direct shop payment
  • In-network repair network
  • Mobile app for claims
  • Undisclosed
    Online claims portal
  • 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
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Email
  • FAQs / Educational resources
  • Live Chat
  • Mobile Application
  • Online quote without phone
  • Sample contracts online
Contract & Payment Terms
  • Contract (lump-sum) payments
  • Pay-in-full discount
  • Month-to-month payments
  • Undisclosed
    Cancellation fee
  • Multi-vehicle discount
  • Price lock guarantee
  • *Not all payment methods are available in all states
  • *Some payment methods may incur additional fees
Contract & Payment Terms
  • Contract (lump-sum) payments
  • Undisclosed
    Pay-in-full discount
  • Month-to-month payments
  • Cancellation fee
  • Multi-vehicle discount
  • Price lock guarantee
  • *Not all payment methods are available in all states
  • *Some payment methods may incur additional fees
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