trusted formCarShield vs. Premier Auto Protect: Which One Stands Out? | Several.com
Although we earn commissions from partners, we ensure unbiased evaluations. More on our 'How We Work' page

CarShield vs Premier Auto Protect

Press [Add to Compare] to Edit, Add or Remove Vendors

Pros
  • Affordable prices
  • 24/7 roadside assistance
  • Trip interruption reimbursement
  • Transferable warranties
  • Accepts high-mileage vehicles
Pros
  • Coverage available for high-mileage, hybrid, and electric vehicles
  • Freedom to use ASE-certified repair facilities nationwide
  • Included roadside assistance and travel-related benefits with many plans
  • Thirty-day money-back guarantee for eligible cancellations
  • Multiple coverage levels ranging from Powertrain to Exclusionary plans
Cons
  • May not cover hybrid vehicles
  • May not cover entire cost of repairs
  • Strained relationship with BBB
  • Doesn't offer services in California
Cons
  • Waiting period information is not clearly disclosed online
  • Limited online access to sample contracts and detailed policy documents
  • Pricing is not publicly available and requires a quote
  • Mixed customer feedback regarding claims handling and coverage disputes
Summary

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.

Summary

Premier Auto Protect is a New York-based vehicle service contract provider founded in 2016. They offer nationwide coverage and operate as a direct provider, handling both plan administration and customer service. Their coverage options range from basic Powertrain protection to comprehensive Exclusionary plans, with additional options available for electric vehicles through a dedicated EV Exclusionary plan. Many of their contracts include benefits such as roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, trip interruption coverage, and access to ASE-certified repair facilities across the country. Coverage is available for a variety of vehicle types, including used vehicles, higher-mileage vehicles, hybrids, and EVs. The company holds Better Business Bureau accreditation and an A BBB rating. Customer feedback is generally positive on larger review platforms, including Trustpilot and the BBB, where many reviewers praise the sales experience, customer service, and coverage options. At the same time, some customers report concerns related to claims processing, contract interpretation, and coverage disputes, making it important to understand the details of any agreement before purchasing. This review takes a closer look at their plans, costs, contract terms, customer experiences, and support resources to help readers better understand what Premier Auto Protect offers.

Quick Stats
  • 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
Quick Stats
  • BBB Rating : A
  • Money-Back Guarantee : Available 30 days
  • Number of Plans Available : 5
  • Operating Status : Active
  • Deductible Range : Quote-based
Selling Points
  • 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
Selling Points
  • Dedicated EV Exclusionary plan designed specifically for electric vehicles
  • Direct-provider model that handles both sales and contract administration
  • Coverage options available in California, where some competitors have limited availability
  • Transferable contracts that may help increase vehicle resale appeal
Coverage & Plan Flexibility
  • High-mileage
  • Exclusionary
  • Powertrain
  • Undisclosed
    $0 deductible option
  • Commercial/rideshare
  • EV/hybrid components
  • Undisclosed
    No waiting period
  • Undisclosed
    Option with free maintenance benefits
  • Undisclosed
    Transferable
Coverage & Plan Flexibility
  • High-mileage
  • Exclusionary
  • Powertrain
  • Undisclosed
    $0 deductible option
  • Undisclosed
    Commercial/rideshare
  • EV/hybrid components
  • Undisclosed
    No waiting period
  • Undisclosed
    Option with free maintenance benefits
  • Transferable
Claims & Repair Experience
  • Undisclosed
    24/7 roadside assistance
  • Undisclosed
    Any licensed repair shop
  • Direct shop payment
  • In-network repair network
  • Undisclosed
    Mobile app for claims
  • Undisclosed
    Online claims portal
  • Undisclosed
    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
  • Online claims portal
  • Trip interruption coverage
Customer Support & Transparency
  • Phone
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Undisclosed
    Email
  • FAQs / Educational resources
  • Undisclosed
    Live Chat
  • Mobile Application
  • Undisclosed
    Online quote without phone
  • Sample contracts online
Customer Support & Transparency
  • Phone
  • Undisclosed
    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
  • 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
  • Undisclosed
    Cancellation fee
  • Undisclosed
    Multi-vehicle discount
  • Undisclosed
    Price lock guarantee
Get a Free Quote

CarShield vs. Premier Auto Protect

Extended auto warranties can provide financial security when unexpected repairs arise, but choosing the right provider can be challenging. CarShield and Premier Auto Protect are two well-known companies offering vehicle service contracts (VSCs).

This comparison will dive into each provider’s coverage plans, pricing, standout benefits, potential drawbacks, and overall value to help you choose the best one for your vehicle. 

Coverage plans and options

CarShield offers a range of coverage options, with six distinct plans tailored to different vehicle types and levels of protection. Their Diamond plan is the most comprehensive, covering nearly all vehicle components except for a few exclusions. The Platinum plan focuses on high-mileage vehicles, while the Gold and Silver plans provide varying levels of protection for essential systems. Additionally, CarShield provides specialized plans for electric vehicles, motorcycles, ATVs, and high-tech electronics.

In contrast, Premier Auto Protect offers four coverage tiers. Their Basic plan covers essential components like the engine, while the Premier Value plan adds steering and brakes. The Complete plan includes high-tech electronics and hybrids, and the Exclusionary plan covers all parts except those excluded. They also offer coverage for motorcycles, ATVs, and personal watercraft.

Pricing

CarShield structures their pricing based on vehicle specifics such as age, mileage, and location, making costs highly variable. Monthly pricing generally ranges between $99.99 and $139.99, though some plans may cost as low as $69.99 or exceed $200 per month. The company offers both month-to-month contracts and fixed-term agreements, allowing flexibility in coverage duration.

Premier Auto Protect also takes a quote-based approach, meaning pricing is determined on a case-by-case basis. While the company does not publicly disclose pricing details, they offer special discounts for organizations like AAA, AARP, and USAA members. Unlike CarShield, Premier Auto Protect provides prorated refunds for cancellations after 30 days, though a $25 cancellation fee applies.

Advantages

CarShield’s primary advantage is their flexibility. With flexible plans, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and acceptance of high-mileage vehicles up to 300,000 miles, they cater to a broad range of drivers. Additional perks include 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage.

Premier Auto Protect sets themselves apart with their direct payment model, which eliminates the need for customers to pay for repairs upfront and wait for reimbursement. They also offer nationwide coverage, including service in Canada, and provide around-the-clock roadside assistance. 

Drawbacks

While CarShield aims to fit all your extended warranty coverage needs, some limitations exist. They do not cover hybrid vehicle components, including hybrid batteries, and exclude certain expenses like shop charges and storage fees. Additionally, they have a D rating with the Better Business Bureau due to complaints about claims processing and customer service.

Premier Auto Protect also has drawbacks, including a lack of transparency in pricing and eligibility, requiring customers to request quotes without clear costs. Their transferability is limited to one transfer per policy and prohibits third-party transfers, which can be restrictive for resale. Additionally, there’s a 30-day and 1,000-mile waiting period before coverage starts, leaving customers without immediate protection.

Final thoughts

When choosing an auto warranty provider, CarShield and Premier Auto Protect stand out as top choices. CarShield is a better option for those seeking flexibility, a wide range of plans, and budget-friendly month-to-month payments. On the other hand, Premier Auto Protect is ideal for those who prefer a direct provider, a smoother claims process, and better customer service. 

Choosing the best warranty depends on your vehicle type, budget, and preference for contract flexibility or reliability.

Get Your Free Auto Warranty Quote Now!

Save Big on Auto Warranty

Fill out a quick form to claim special offers on Auto Warranty

image