CarShield Reviews

CarShield offers vehicle service contracts for new and used vehicles, including motorcycles, ATVs and cars with up to 300,000 miles. Purchasing a CarShield vehicle service contract can provide significant peace of mind for owners looking for extended coverage. The company has six contract options, all of which are available on a month-to-month basis, so you aren’t locked into a long-term commitment.

Contracts are available both in English and Spanish. Most warranties are transferable. All CarShield plans also include access to a customer app that allows you to manage your plan, request 24-hour roadside assistance and get exclusive rewards.

CarShield provides extended auto warranties to protect you against the costs of unforeseen breakdowns. When you need a repair completed, bring your vehicle to an ASE-certified repair facility and file a claim.

Make sure to read the terms and conditions of your contract so you fully understand what CarShield covers. Contracts are available in English and Spanish. Most CarShield contracts are also transferable, meaning the warranty can still cover the car even if you sell it.

Additional CarShield benefits include towing, roadside assistance and rental cars, as well as app access and a map locator for ASE-certified repair facilities.

» LEARN MORE: Pros and cons of extended auto warranties

To file a claim with CarShield, take your vehicle to an in-network repair shop, provide your coverage details to the service manager and let them contact the CarShield claims center. If your vehicle is not functional, you can call roadside assistance to arrange for towing to a repair shop. The shop will handle the claim process from there.

Here’s a step-by-step process for filing a claim with CarShield:

1. Find a network repair shop. CarShield has a network of thousands of repair shops in the U.S. and Canada. You can visit any ASE-certified mechanic or dealership. You can also search for a local in-network repair center at shieldrepairnetwork.com or call 800-852-2502 for assistance.
2. Take your vehicle to the shop. If your car is functional, bring it to any network shop in your area. If not, call roadside assistance at 866-222-7869 for towing, which is included in all of CarShield’s contracts.
3. Provide your contract. After diagnosing the problem, but before performing any work, give your contract to the service manager or certified technician.
4. Allow the repair shop to handle the claim. The shop will contact the CarShield claims department directly. The claims administrator will determine what is covered under your plan.
5. Get approval. Once CarShield approves your claim, it will directly pay the repair facility. You will be responsible for paying your deductible and any costs not approved or covered by your contract.

If your contract comes with rental car benefits, CarShield will provide a rental through Enterprise while your vehicle is being fixed. Some plans may be eligible for rideshare reimbursement instead of a rental car.

CarShield has six protection plans available for both new and used vehicles, offering protection that ranges from powertrain coverage to a bumper-to-bumper warranty. CarShield’s six contracts include:

• Diamond
  • Bumper-to-bumper plan that covers nearly all mechanical and electrical components
  • Best for: Newer vehicles
• Platinum
  • Covers big-ticket items, including the engine, transmission, A/C, electrical components, fuel system, starter and water pump
  • Best for: High-mileage or aging vehicles
• Gold
  • Covers the engine, transmission, A/C, starter, alternator and power windows
  • Best for: Vehicles over 100,000 miles
• Silver
  • A basic powertrain plan that covers the engine, transmission, drive axles and any parts that send power to the wheels
  • Best for: Budget-conscious owners
• Aluminum
  • An electronics-focused plan that covers your GPS, instrument cluster and wiring harness
  • Best for: Tech-heavy or hybrid vehicles
• EV/Motorcycle/ATV
  • Specialized coverage for electric vehicles, motorcycles and ATVs
  • Best for: Niche vehicle types

All plans include 24/7 roadside assistance, towing and rental car or rideshare reimbursement options.

Compare CarShield coverage plans

Motorcycle plans cover the engine, transmission, drive axle, starter, alternator, power windows, fuel pump, radiator, fuel injector, electrical components, brakes, instrument cluster and NAV/backup camera.

The above table contains only the largest or most popular covered items, so each plan likely includes other parts. For more details on what exactly each plan covers, talk to a CarShield representative.

What isn't covered?

CarShield's vehicle service contracts exclude several items and scenarios across all plans:

• Wear-and-tear items: Brake pads, tires, wiper blades, filters, belts, hoses, bulbs, batteries
• Routine maintenance: Oil changes, fluid flushes, alignments, tuneups, spark plugs
• Cosmetic damage: Paint, upholstery, trim, body panels, rust, dents, scratches
• Preexisting conditions: Issues present before coverage begins
• Negligence-related issues: Damage from lack of maintenance, misuse, unauthorized modifications
• Environmental damage: Floods, fires, hail, earthquakes, animal damage, vandalism, theft
• Unauthorized repairs: Work done without prior approval, repairs at non-ASE-certified shops

CarsShield plans typically cost between $110 and $170 per month. Rates depend on your coverage level, the deductible, and the vehicle make, model, age and mileage.

Deductibles range from $0 to $250, and different deductible amounts are available for certain plans. With a higher deductible, you’ll pay a lower monthly cost. You pay a deductible whenever you file a claim. For example, if you file a claim for $600 with a $100 deductible, CarShield will pay $500, and you’ll be responsible for paying $100.

Older vehicles with high mileage will typically cost more to cover than newer vehicles with low mileage. More comprehensive exclusionary plans will cost more than basic powertrain coverage.

You can buy coverage on a month-to-month basis at a price-locked rate. That means that your monthly price will never increase once you begin your coverage, and your protection lasts only as long as you want it to.

The best way to get precise prices is to contact CarShield. You can get a free quote from CarShield by submitting your information via an online form or by calling directly.

CarShield is a solid option, depending on your warranty needs. We like that it protects vehicles with up to 300,000 miles, making it a great choice for high-mileage vehicles. The wide range of plans and deductibles it offers means that there’s an appropriate plan available for every vehicle and price point.

We also appreciate that it offers month-to-month plans and that you’re not locked into a long-term commitment. If you decide it’s not working for you, then you can simply not renew your coverage for the next month.