Auto Warranty
Top Companies in 2025
CARCHEX vs MaxCare
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- Relationship with multiple VSC
- Trip interruption reimbursement
- Flexibility of warranty options
- Refund upon contract cancellation
- Choose your own repair shop
- 24/7 emergency roadside assistance
- Customizable plan
- Flexible payment options
- Transferable coverage
- Nationwide protection
- Rental car reimbursement
- Live chat option
- Does not cover all cars
- May be more expensive than others
- They are brokers, not administrators
- No sample contract
- No free quote
- Can only be purchased through CarMax
- Can only be bought at the time of vehicle purchase
- MaxCare is administered by a third-party
CARCHEX boasts a great reputation and excellent customer service, among their many advantages. CARCHEX has been helping people protect their vehicles since 2004. They have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and have been consistently ranked as one of the best extended warranty companies in the industry. If you own a vehicle with high mileage, CARCHEX is an especially good option for you.
MaxCare is an extended auto warranty that is available for all cars purchased from CarMax. This warranty must be purchased at the same time as the car purchase. MaxCare can save you money on repairs and give you peace of mind, knowing your car is covered.
When someone buys a car from CarMax, they get a free limited plan. You can get service for up to 90 days or 4,000 miles with this plan. They can also buy an additional protection called MaxCare. There are now over 200 CarMax stores across the United States. The first one opened in 1993 in Richmond, Virginia. On top of that, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) page gives them an A!
- BBB Rating : A+
- Cancelation Option : Available
- Maintenance Coverage : Unavailable
- Money-Back Guarantee : Yes
- Number of Plans Available : 5
- Repair Shop Choice : Yes
- Term Limits : Up to 10 years
- Waiting Period : 30 days
- Operating Status : Active
- Business Started : 1999
- Online Quote : True
- BBB Rating : NR
- Cancelation Option : Available
- Maintenance Coverage : Undisclosed
- Money-Back Guarantee : 30 days
- Number of Plans Available : 1
- Repair Shop Choice : Yes
- Term Limits : Mileage-based
- Waiting Period : 30 days
- Operating Status : Active
- Business Started : 1993
- Online Quote : False
- Services backed by industry standard-bearers like Kelley Blue Book, CARFAX, RepairPal, and Edmunds.com
- Covers cars with up to 250,000 miles on them
- Choose your own repair shop
- Trip interruption reimbursement
- Available in California and all states
- Long contract terms of up to 10 years
- Flexible payment options
- Comprehensive roadside assistance tool
- Phone
- FAQs
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Mobile Application
- Ticket
- Phone
- FAQs
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Mobile Application—Undisclosed
- Ticket—Undisclosed
- Major Credit Cards
- Major Debit Cards
- Cash
- Check—Undisclosed
- ACH Transactions
- PayPal
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Money Order
- Wire Transfer
- *Not all payment methods are available in all states
- *Some payment methods may incur additional fees
- Major Credit Cards
- Major Debit Cards—Undisclosed
- Cash
- Check
- ACH Transactions—Undisclosed
- PayPal—Undisclosed
- Apple Pay—Undisclosed
- Google Pay—Undisclosed
- Money Order—Undisclosed
- Wire Transfer—Undisclosed
- *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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