Auto Warranty
Top Companies in 2026
CarShield vs MaxCare
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- Affordable prices
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Trip interruption reimbursement
- Transferable warranties
- Accepts high-mileage vehicles
- 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
- May not cover hybrid vehicles
- May not cover entire cost of repairs
- Strained relationship with BBB
- Doesn't offer services in California
- 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
CarShield is one of the most well-known brands in the vehicle service contract industry. They offer a variety of cost-effective packages and a very high mileage limit. With CarShield, you can choose the coverage that best fits your needs and budget. And because CarShield has a high mileage limit, you can rest assured that your car will be protected for years to come.
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 : D
- Maximum Mileage : 300,000 miles
- Money-Back Guarantee : Yes
- Number of Plans Available : 7
- Waiting Period : 25 to 40 days
- 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
- Affordable plans that can be tailored to your budget and coverage needs
- Monthly & term period contracts
- Coverage for most vehicle types (cars, EVs, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs))
- Covers luxury vehicle and high-end components
- Cars with up to 300,000 miles are covered
- Easy-to-use mobile app
- Get a discount of up to $360 yearly
- $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—Undisclosed
- Commercial/rideshare
- EV/hybrid components
- No waiting period—Undisclosed
- Option with free maintenance benefits—Undisclosed
- Transferable—Undisclosed
- 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—Undisclosed
- Any licensed repair shop—Undisclosed
- Direct shop payment
- In-network repair network
- Mobile app for claims—Undisclosed
- Online claims portal—Undisclosed
- Trip interruption coverage—Undisclosed
- 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
- —Undisclosed
- FAQs / Educational resources
- Live Chat—Undisclosed
- Mobile Application
- Online quote without phone—Undisclosed
- 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
CarShield vs. MaxCare
When purchasing a vehicle, an extended auto warranty can provide peace of mind by covering repairs that may arise beyond the manufacturer’s warranty period. Two well-known options are CarShield and MaxCare, each offering coverage plans designed to protect drivers from unexpected costs. This comparison will explore their coverage plans, pricing structures, standout benefits, and potential drawbacks to help you decide which provider is the best fit for your needs.
Coverage plans and options
Both CarShield and MaxCare provide coverage for major vehicle components, ensuring customers are protected against costly repairs. Their plans extend beyond factory warranties and can include essential parts such as the engine, transmission, drivetrain, and electronics. Both companies also offer additional perks, including rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance.
Despite these commonalities, their coverage structures differ significantly. CarShield offers multiple plan options, allowing customers to choose from seven different levels of coverage, including specialized plans for electric vehicles, motorcycles, and high-tech electronics.
This variety makes CarShield a highly flexible choice for different types of vehicles and driving habits. In contrast, MaxCare provides a single comprehensive plan that covers most major vehicle systems but lacks the customization options CarShield offers. Additionally, MaxCare is only available for vehicles purchased through CarMax, whereas CarShield covers vehicles regardless of where they were bought.
Pricing and affordability
Both CarShield and MaxCare structure their pricing based on factors such as the make, model, mileage, and age of the vehicle. The cost of coverage varies depending on the level of protection selected, the deductible amount, and the length of the contract.
However, their approaches to pricing are distinct. CarShield offers month-to-month payment plans, making it a flexible option for drivers who do not want to commit to long-term contracts. Monthly costs typically range between $99 and $139, with some plans available for as low as $69 per month. In contrast, MaxCare requires a one-time purchase at the time of vehicle financing, with total costs ranging between $1,000 and $5,000. While MaxCare allows customers to include the cost in their vehicle financing, it does not offer the same level of monthly payment flexibility as CarShield.
Standout benefits
Both CarShield and MaxCare offer valuable perks designed to enhance customer convenience and protection. Customers of both companies can take advantage of 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage. Additionally, both providers allow customers to take their vehicles to a licensed repair facility of their choice, ensuring flexibility in where repairs are performed.
Where they differ is in their added features. CarShield offers a mobile app that allows customers to manage their plans, file claims, and access customer support more conveniently. Their coverage extends to high-mileage vehicles, with protection available for cars with up to 300,000 miles. CarShield also provides plans tailored to specific vehicle types, including electric cars and motorcycles, a feature MaxCare does not offer. MaxCare, on the other hand, allows customers to transfer their warranty to a new owner if they sell their vehicle, which can increase the car’s resale value. While CarShield warranties are also transferable, MaxCare’s integration with CarMax dealerships makes the process smoother.
Potential drawbacks
Both companies exclude routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tire rotations, from their coverage. CarShield has received mixed customer reviews regarding claim approvals, with some policyholders reporting difficulties in getting repairs covered. The company also has a strained relationship with the Better Business Bureau, receiving a low rating due to customer complaints.
MaxCare can only be purchased at the time of a vehicle sale, limiting options for those who want to buy coverage later. Additionally, MaxCare does not provide online quotes, making it more difficult for customers to compare prices before committing. Another concern is that MaxCare is administered by a third-party company, which can lead to delays or difficulties in processing claims.
Conclusion
CarShield and MaxCare both provide extended auto warranties with roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement, but they differ in flexibility, pricing, and availability. CarShield offers multiple plans, month-to-month payments, and coverage for high-mileage and specialty vehicles. MaxCare provides a single, comprehensive plan available only through CarMax, with the option to include it in vehicle financing. The best choice depends on individual needs, budget, and whether purchasing from CarMax or seeking a broader range of coverage options.
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