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MaxCare vs Select Auto Protect

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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
  • Nationwide coverage
  • Transferable coverage
  • Unlimited claims
  • Covers cars of all ages
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
  • No online quote
  • Limited information
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

Since they started in 2020 in Wilmington, Delaware, Select Auto Protect has quickly become known for its extended car guarantees. They have a good name because they have offered car care contracts for several years. They stand out by providing complete plans that protect car owners and flexible payment plans that work with their budgets. They are known for their dedication to customer happiness. Select Auto Protect offers nationwide coverage for unexpected vehicle repairs, regardless of your vehicle's age. The company only requires that your car be in good condition. Select Auto Protect offers three levels of coverage: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. People using Select Auto Protect have had good and bad situations. Their BBB page has an F grade, and 2.6 out of 5 stars are given by customers. Trustpilot gave them a score of 3.9, and Yelp gave them a score of 1.3. Customers who left good reviews mostly talked about how excellent the company's customer service was and how they could change plans to fit their needs. However, some people were unhappy with how long it takes to handle claims and make repairs. Some users said they were turned down for claims for things that their plan should have covered.
 

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 : F
  • Maximum Mileage : Undisclosed
  • Money-Back Guarantee : 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Number of Plans Available : 3
  • Waiting Period : 30-days and 1,000 miles
  • Operating Status : Active
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
  • Unlimited claims
  • Low-cost plans
  • Covers all makes and models as long as the vehicle is in working condition
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
  • Undisclosed
    Powertrain
  • Undisclosed
    $0 deductible option
  • Undisclosed
    Commercial/rideshare
  • Undisclosed
    EV/hybrid components
  • Undisclosed
    No waiting period
  • Undisclosed
    Option with free maintenance benefits
  • Undisclosed
    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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Email
  • FAQs / Educational resources
  • Undisclosed
    Live Chat
  • Undisclosed
    Mobile Application
  • Undisclosed
    Online quote without phone
  • Undisclosed
    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
  • Undisclosed
    Contract (lump-sum) payments
  • Undisclosed
    Pay-in-full discount
  • Undisclosed
    Month-to-month payments
  • Undisclosed
    Cancellation fee
  • Undisclosed
    Multi-vehicle discount
  • Undisclosed
    Price lock guarantee
  • *Not all payment methods are available in all states
  • *Some payment methods may incur additional fees
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