CARCHEX vs. CarShield

What is the difference between CARCHEX and CarShield?

With both companies selling extended warranty products from the same provider, the main differences come down to minor variations in pricing and services.

Here’s what we found to be some key differences between CARCHEX and CarShield in our research:

• CARCHEX offered slightly more expensive quotes on plans for our sample vehicles than CarShield.
• CarShield has stronger online customer reviews than CARCHEX in general.
• CarShield has a higher mileage limit at 300,000 miles, while CARCHEX caps coverage at 250,000 miles.
• CarShield offers coverage for alternative vehicles like motorcycles and ATVs, while CARCHEX does not.
• CARCHEX offers longer contracts than CarShield, with terms up to 10 years.
• CARCHEX is available in California, while CarShield is not.

CARCHEX vs. CarShield: How to decide

Even though they are relatively minor, the differences between CARCHEX and CarShield can mean that one provider is a better choice for you than the other. Our experts suggest that this may come down to the mileage on your vehicle.

• CARCHEX is likely best if you drive a vehicle with more than 150,000 miles because it often offers a lower deductible on high-mileage vehicles.
• CarShield is likely best if you drive a vehicle with fewer than 150,000 miles since it has a lower minimum deductible and more plan options that tend to offer greater benefits for newer vehicles.

Be aware that the quotes you get may not match the ones we got from CARCHEX and CarShield during our research. It’s always worth comparing quotes from both companies to make sure your rates follow the same pattern.

Our take on CARCHEX

Bottom line: CARCHEX stands out for its secondary benefits, including rental car reimbursements, rideshare assistance and trip interruption coverage. Just know that some of its plans can be a bit more expensive than what CarShield offers.

Our take on CarShield

Bottom line: CarShield has more diverse coverage options, such as its unique Aluminum plan, which covers electronics not covered under other warranty plans. Although CarShield's quote process isn't the best, its plan options and lax vehicle requirements make finding the right coverage easy.

CARCHEX vs. CarShield availability

CARCHEX is licensed to sell warranties in California, while CarShield is not. That makes choosing between the two easy for residents of the Golden State.

For everyone else, both companies will be viable choices unless your vehicle has more than 250,000 miles for CARCHEX plans and 300,000 miles for CarShield plans. The table below provides an overview of each company’s plan availability.

CARCHEX vs. CarShield coverage

CarShield technically has more plan options than CARCHEX, but things are more similar once you take a look under the hood. Both offer the same warranties from American Auto Shield under different names. You can find a summary of each company’s coverage in the table below.

CARCHEX vs. CarShield plans comparison

In the table below, we’ve listed the branded names CARCHEX and CarShield use for matching extended warranty plans.

The main difference in their coverage options is that CarShield goes a step further by offering additional warranties for motorcycles, ATVs and electric vehicles, covering EV components only — such as your drive unit and battery pack.

CARCHEX vs. CarShield cost

Since CARCHEX and CarShield mostly sell the exact same warranties, your decision will likely come down to whichever company offers you a better deal.

The cost of your extended warranty will depend on your vehicle, the plan you want and the deductible you choose. Our researchers collected quotes from both companies for exclusionary coverage on six sample vehicles to get a direct comparison of CARCHEX and CarShield costs.

CarShield offered us a better price on five of our six sample vehicles and a lower deductible on all six of our sample vehicles. CARCHEX did not offer us a $100 deductible option, and a higher deductible typically translates to a lower cost of coverage. That means CarShield plans could be even cheaper with a $200 deductible.

However, extended warranty plan costs can vary widely. You may get different results when you shop for a plan, which is why it’s always a good idea to get quotes from multiple providers and compare them.

You’ll find a list of the CARCHEX and CarShield quotes we received in the table below.

» NEED CONTEXT? How much does an extended car warranty cost?

CARCHEX vs. CarShield policies

As expected, both CARCHEX and CarShield have very similar policies. Both pay mechanics directly and allow you to transfer coverage if you sell your vehicle.

One area where they deviate significantly is in their deductible options. CARCHEX offers a $200 standard deductible on most vehicles, while CarShield’s standard deductible is $100. However, CarShield’s deductible rose to $500 for some of the higher-mileage vehicles we got quotes for, while CARCHEX remained at $200.

That means CARCHEX might offer better deals on vehicles with over 150,000 miles — but again, it’s worth getting quotes from both companies to find out for sure.

» LEARN: How an extended auto warranty works

CARCHEX vs. CarShield benefits

CARCHEX and CarShield both include 24/7 roadside assistance, towing and up to $60 per day in rideshare assistance with each plan. They also provide up to $125 per day (for up to four days) in trip interruption coverage, which can help to cover the cost of meals and lodging if your car breaks down more than 100 miles from home.

How people feel about CARCHEX vs. CarShield

At the time of publishing, CARCHEX has a 3.5-star rating and 4,238 total reviews on ConsumerAffairs, while CarShield has an overall satisfaction rating of 3.1 stars based on 9,451 reviews.

CARCHEX customers seem satisfied with the initial signup process, but reports of claims handling are more varied.

“The agent was very professional and helpful and courteous and easy to communicate with. He explain everything about the coverage, what is covered, how long the coverage will last and the payment plan and I ask about the discounts and he was very helpful with that,” wrote Bernard, a ConsumerAffairs reviewer in Louisiana.

“Jaguar contacted Carchex and provided details on what needed fixed. Carchex told Jaguar that they will not cover OEM parts but would cover aftermarket parts and are saying that I have to pay the difference plus all sales tax. So instead of paying my $100 deductible Carchex is leaving me responsible for a bill over $2000,” wrote Bryan in Indiana.

CarShield reviews that mention claims seem more positive overall.

“Brought my car into the Hyundai dealership for repair. The car was leaking oil from the engine. My Hyundai Advisor called Carshield and it was covered. In these trying times it is so very hard on people that have to pay for car repairs and I was so happy that I had Carshield. I would recommend Carshield to anyone,” wrote Catherine in Florida.

Still, several customers cited frustrations with mechanics refusing to take CarShield. This suggests that you may want to talk to your preferred mechanic about CarShield before you buy.

“I called because an auto dealer in Conroe, TX said they do not take CarShield to cover any repair I might need on my car. The young lady I spoke to was supposed to call me back with the name of a dealer who would work with CarShield, but no word yet,” wrote Patricia in Texas.

Bottom line: CARCHEX or CarShield?

To recap, CARCHEX and CarShield sell identical warranties. That means that your decision between the two will likely come down to availability in your area, the price you’re quoted, and your preferences around your deductible.

CarShield has far more positive reviews than CARCHEX. Those reviews suggest that customers are generally happier with how the company handles claims. In addition, CarShield quoted us a lower deductible and/or a lower price for all six of our sample vehicles.

That being said, CarShield tended to raise its deductible to $500 for sample vehicles with over 150,000 miles, while CARCHEX kept its standard deductible of $200. Such a wide gap could indicate that CARCHEX may give you a better deal on high-mileage vehicles.

In the end, the best thing to do is to reach out to both CARCHEX and CarShield and get quotes for your vehicle to see who offers you a better rate for car warranty coverage. Unless availability or specific coverage options are an issue, price will likely be the deciding factor.

If neither sounds like a fit, though, be sure to check out our guide to the best extended car warranty companies for top-rated alternatives.