Review: CarShield
In our research, we found that CarShield is a brokerage that allows you to compare extended warranty contracts from a variety of providers. It has a range of options, including different budget plans, protection for high-mileage vehicles, and specialty coverage for motorcycles, ATVs, and the electronics in your car.
Last updated: January 2024
Key Takeaway
CarShield is a service contract broker, which allows you to select a plan from a variety of providers. Because it offers a wide selection of plans, you can choose a plan that closely matches your needs. The company offers flexible payment plans, low deductibles, and a 30-day guarantee.
Pros
- CarShield offers a wide range of plans, including coverage for specialty vehicles like motorcycles and ATVs.
- You can choose the mechanic you want to work on your vehicle, as long as it’s an ASE-certified technician. (Certification from the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence is a good thing because it indicates your mechanic meets quality standards.)
- Deductibles are low, often $100, and CarShield pays the mechanic or shop directly.
- Many plans include towing and rental car coverage.
Cons
- Because CarShield is a brokerage for many plans, you may have to closely read several plans to find the one that meets your needs.
- Reimbursement limits for towing can be as low as $50, depending on the plan.
What to Know About CarShield: Reviews, Cost, & If It’s Worth It
- Specialty coverage: CarShield offers specialty coverage for motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, and high-tech components on your car, such as the GPS system, engine control module, and backup cameras.
- Term options: CarShield offers month-to-month contracts in addition to extended term contracts.
- Prior authorization: Contracts require you to receive prior authorization from the plan administrator before taking your vehicle for repairs.
- Reimbursement limits: Reimbursement limits for roadside assistance and rental cars may vary by contract, so it’s important to read the details.
- Maintenance requirement: You’re expected to have your vehicle maintained following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, and you may be required to show receipts to prove the maintenance was performed if your car breaks down.
- Transferability: You may be able to transfer the contract to a new owner if your sell your
- vehicle, as long as you were the original purchaser of the contract.
- Free quote: CarShield will provide a free quote based on the make, model, mileage, and age of your vehicle. You can request a quote online or call the company’s toll-free number.
- Deductible: Many contracts have a deductible as low as $100.
Plans and Coverage
CarShield offers six different categories of coverage. Within each category, you can choose from three or more plans. Categories are:
Total New Car Coverage
These plans cover what a manufacturer’s warranty covers, such as the engine, transmission, and fuel pump. If you want to use CarShield to essentially extend the manufacturer’s warranty, arrange to have the contract go into effect when your manufacturer’s warranty expires.
Comprehensive
These plans are designed for used cars and cars with high mileage. CarShield has one of the highest mileage limits available. The contract covers mechanical breakdown of the engine, transmission, electrical system, starter, and other important components.
Power Train
These plans are designed to be affordable and cover the most important part of the car—the powertrain. Items covered include the transmission, water pump, and all lubricated parts of the engine.
Power Train Plus
The enhanced version of the Power Train option covers the powertrain and additional systems such as the air conditioning and electrical systems.
High Tech
These policies are for your car’s high-tech systems and cover many electrical and computer-related problems, such as those affecting your navigation system.
Specialty Coverage
Contracts are available for motorcycles, ATVs, and more.
CarShield: Reviews, Cost, & If It’s Worth It Quick Facts
Company Name:CarShield
Year Founded: 2005
Headquartered in: Saint Peters, Missouri
BBB Accredited: No. BBB advises consumers to use caution when considering whether to purchase a policy from CarShield because the agency has received “a pattern of complaints” about the company’s sales, advertising, and customer service practices. However, other neutral review sites, such as Trustpilot, give positive reviews of the company. On Trustpilot, CarShield has an average of four stars (out of five) with 70% of reviewers rating the company as “excellent.”