Auto Warranty
Top Companies in 2026
CARCHEX vs MaxCare
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- Five coverage levels
- Choice of licensed repair facilities
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Rental and trip interruption benefits
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 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
- No published plan pricing
- Claims handled by third-party administrators
- Contract terms vary by administrator
- Mixed customer feedback
- 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
Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, CARCHEX is a vehicle protection broker that connects customers with vehicle service contracts administered by third-party providers. Their current lineup includes five levels of coverage, ranging from basic Powertrain protection to the exclusionary Titanium plan, along with dedicated coverage for eligible electric vehicles. CARCHEX also offers access to licensed repair facilities and benefits such as towing, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage on eligible plans. The company has a long history in the extended warranty business and has received recognition, including multiple appearances on the Inc. 5000 list. Their Better Business Bureau profile currently carries an A+ rating, though CARCHEX is not BBB accredited. Customer feedback is mixed. Trustpilot currently lists a 3.2 out of 5 rating based on more than 1,500 customer reviews, while BBB customer ratings are considerably lower. This review looks deeper into CARCHEX’s plans, costs, contract terms, advantages, drawbacks, and customer experiences.
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.
- BBB Rating : A+ (Unaccredited)
- Maximum Mileage : 250,000 miles
- Money-Back Guarantee : Yes
- Number of Plans Available : 5
- Waiting Period : Varies by contract
- Operating Status : Active
- 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
- Multiple contract administrators
- Dedicated electric vehicle coverage
- Partnerships with CARFAX, Kelley Blue Book & RepairPal
- Coverage options for vehicles over 100,000 miles
- Coverage terms available for up to 10 years
- $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
- High-mileage
- Exclusionary
- Powertrain
- $0 deductible option
- Commercial/rideshare
- EV/hybrid components
- No waiting period
- Option with free maintenance benefits
- Transferable
- High-mileage—Undisclosed
- Exclusionary
- Powertrain—Undisclosed
- $0 deductible option
- Commercial/rideshare
- EV/hybrid components
- No waiting period
- Option with free maintenance benefits
- Transferable—Undisclosed
- 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
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Any licensed repair shop
- Direct shop payment
- In-network repair network
- Mobile app for claims
- Online claims portal—Undisclosed
- Trip interruption coverage
- Phone
- 24/7 customer support
- FAQs / Educational resources
- Live Chat
- Mobile Application
- Online quote without phone
- Sample contracts online
- Phone
- 24/7 customer support
- FAQs / Educational resources
- Live Chat
- Mobile Application
- Online quote without phone
- Sample contracts online
- Contract (lump-sum) payments
- 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
- Contract (lump-sum) payments
- Pay-in-full discount—Undisclosed
- 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
CARCHEX vs. MaxCare
When considering an extended auto warranty, CARCHEX and MaxCare stand out as two major options. Each provider offers unique advantages and potential drawbacks, making it important to compare their coverage plans, pricing structures, benefits, and limitations.
This comparison will help you determine which company might be the better fit for your vehicle protection needs.
Coverage plans and options
CARCHEX acts as a broker, partnering with multiple third-party vehicle service contract (VSC) administrators. They offer five distinct plans ranging from basic powertrain coverage to comprehensive exclusionary warranties. This flexibility allows CARCHEX to cater to a wide variety of vehicles, including high-mileage cars, with coverage extending up to 10 years or 250,000 miles.
MaxCare, on the other hand, is an exclusive offering from CarMax, available only to those purchasing a vehicle through the dealership. Unlike CARCHEX, MaxCare provides a single comprehensive exclusionary plan, covering most vehicle components except for routine maintenance and explicitly excluded items. Coverage extends up to five years or 150,000 miles, depending on the vehicle. While CARCHEX offers more plan customization and nationwide availability, MaxCare provides a simple, all-in-one plan tailored to CarMax buyers.
Pricing
Pricing varies significantly between these two providers due to their different business models. CARCHEX offers quote-based pricing that depends on the vehicle’s make, model, age, and mileage. Monthly costs generally range from $100 to $200, with total contract costs between $2,300 and $5,000. Customers can choose from term contracts or monthly payment options.
MaxCare provides pricing estimates through its online tool, but exact costs are only available at the time of vehicle purchase. MaxCare allows customers to roll the cost of the warranty into their CarMax auto loan, making it a more convenient but potentially expensive option. Total plan costs typically range between $1,000 and $5,000, with deductible choices between $50 and $300. CARCHEX may offer better deals for those willing to negotiate, while MaxCare’s pricing structure is more predictable but limited to CarMax vehicles.
Standout benefits
CARCHEX covers vehicles in all 50 states, including California, where many providers don’t operate. Customers have the flexibility to choose any licensed repair facility, including dealerships, independent mechanics, and RepairPal-certified shops. CARCHEX also partners with industry leaders like CARFAX, Kelley Blue Book, and RepairPal to enhance customer service and reliability. Additionally, CARCHEX provides a 30-day money-back guarantee for added flexibility.
MaxCare offers seamless integration with CarMax purchases, with the option to bundle costs into auto loans. It provides a straightforward claims process with a single exclusionary plan. Repairs can be completed at any ASE-certified mechanic nationwide, including CarMax service centers and RepairPal shops. Customers also benefit from 24/7 roadside assistance with digital tools for requesting help.
Potential drawbacks
CARCHEX acts as a broker, meaning customers deal with third-party administrators rather than CARCHEX directly for claims. Some coverage limitations may not be as transparent, requiring careful review of contract details. Additionally, CARCHEX’s monthly plans can be more expensive than competitors’ long-term contracts.
MaxCare is only available when purchasing a vehicle from CarMax, limiting options for buyers. It cannot be purchased separately after the initial sale, giving customers little time to compare alternatives. Pricing is not as transparent upfront, requiring direct inquiry during the vehicle purchase process.
Conclusion
CARCHEX is ideal for drivers who want customizable coverage, nationwide service, and the flexibility to choose their repair shop. It’s a great option for those with high-mileage vehicles or those looking for long-term protection.
MaxCare, however, is better suited for CarMax buyers who prefer a straightforward, all-inclusive warranty bundled with their purchase. It offers convenience but lacks flexibility in plan choices.
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