trusted formMaxCare vs Premier Auto Protect | Several.com
Although we earn commissions from partners, we ensure unbiased evaluations. More on our 'How We Work' page

MaxCare vs Premier Auto Protect

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

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
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
  • 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
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

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.

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 : 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
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
  • $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
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
  • Undisclosed
    High-mileage
  • Exclusionary
  • Undisclosed
    Powertrain
  • $0 deductible option
  • Commercial/rideshare
  • EV/hybrid components
  • No waiting period
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • Email
  • FAQs / Educational resources
  • Live Chat
  • Mobile Application
  • 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
  • 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
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

Save Big on Auto Warranty

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

image