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About Carefree Auto
Carefree Auto is a vehicle protection plan provider and a division of Gallagher Affinity. Gallagher Affinity’s size and industry reputation might appeal to drivers wanting extra protection for their aging vehicles. However, the company’s membership plans aren’t as robust as the options offered by other providers in the industry.
Pros & Cons
- Affordable pricing
- Generous secondary benefits with each plan
- Unconventional coverage might appeal to certain buyers
- Only covers up to 30% of repair costs
- Payouts limited to $1,000 per year
- Little coverage information available online
Our editor’s take
Carefree Auto could be a good option for vehicle owners who don't want or need more comprehensive coverage, though it’s hard to compare the company to more robust protection plans from other extended warranty providers.
Be aware that members must pay upfront for repairs and wait for reimbursement, which the company limits to $500 per instance or $1,000 per year. That said, its plans cover every vehicle you own, making the company a bit more flexible than extended warranties tied to specific vehicles.
About Carefree Auto
Carefree Auto is part of a larger company known as Gallagher Affinity.
While it’s tempting to lump Carefree Auto in with other vehicle service contract providers, the company isn’t easily comparable to most extended warranty companies because customers have to pay upfront for repairs, it only covers a small portion of those repair costs and payouts are limited to just $1,000 per year.
» LEARN: What is a vehicle service contract?
Carefree Auto coverage and plans
Carefree Auto’s only plan option offers up to 30% reimbursement on repair bills and up to 20% discounts on regular maintenance items, like oil changes and brake services.
The company does not provide a list of covered components or exclusions, only noting that its reimbursements cover “mechanical or electrical repairs due to breakdown.”
Carefree Auto limits customers to a $500 reimbursement per repair and $1,000 in total yearly reimbursements. Members must wait 30 days before a repair reimbursement can be received, and Carefree Auto’s roadside assistance benefit requires the same waiting period.
| Component Group | Carefree Auto membership |
|---|---|
| Engine | Up to 30% reimbursement |
| Transmission | Up to 30% reimbursement |
| Drive axle(s) | Up to 30% reimbursement |
| All-wheel drive/four-wheel drive | Up to 30% reimbursement |
| Forced induction | Up to 30% reimbursement |
| Fuel system | Up to 30% reimbursement |
| Cooling system | Up to 30% reimbursement |
| Gaskets and seals | Up to 30% reimbursement |
| Electrical system | Up to 30% reimbursement |
| Steering | Up to 30% reimbursement |
| Emissions system | Up to 30% reimbursement |
| Brakes | Up to 20% reimbursement |
| Climate control | Up to 30% reimbursement |
| Suspension | Up to 30% reimbursement |
| Hybrid components | Up to 30% reimbursement |
| Safety systems | Up to 30% reimbursement |
| Electronics and technology | Up to 30% reimbursement |
» LEARN: What does a car warranty cover?
Carefree Auto cost
Carefree Auto membership costs $19.95 per month at the time of publishing, though the company offers frequent discount programs that can cut $5 or more off that cost. Carefree Auto plans do not require a deductible, but as we already mentioned, customers must pay for the repair in advance rather than receive a discount at the point of sale.
This stands in stark contrast to traditional extended warranty providers, which can cost more than $100 per month and usually come with at least a $100 deductible. That said, extended warranty companies typically pay the facility at the time of the repair, and their plans are far more comprehensive, paying most or all of the cost if the broken components are covered.
Carefree Auto benefits
Carefree Auto offers a range of secondary benefits, but these perks also come with strict limitations.
For example, the company offers 24/7 roadside assistance for breakdowns, including towing and fuel needs. But it limits that benefit to $100 per occurrence and only three occurrences per year. Members also get $25 per flat tire with up to two occurrences per year, and Carefree Auto will pay up to $150 for a tire replacement each year.
Rental car discounts of up to 25% are available, and members can call the company’s helpline to receive guidance on car repairs.
| Benefit | Limit |
|---|---|
| Roadside assistance | $100 per occurrence (up to three times per year) |
| Rental car reimbursements | Discounts of up to 25% |
| Trip interruption benefits | None |
| Other | Tire and wheel protection (up to $25 per flat tire twice per year and $150 for replacement tires each year) |
Carefree Auto FAQ
How does Carefree Auto work?
Carefree Auto offers partial car repair reimbursements of up to $500 per occurrence with a limit of $1,000 per year. Customers pay a small monthly fee for the service and receive benefits that include roadside assistance and tire protection.
How do I file a claim with Carefree Auto?
You can call the number on Carefree Auto’s membership card to begin the reimbursement process. You must also download a coupon for the specific repair facility to receive reimbursement, which can be done from the company’s website.
Is Carefree Auto legit?
Carefree Auto is a legitimate company backed by a longtime insurance provider. That said, its products differ significantly from traditional extended warranty companies in that it only partially reimburses repair costs instead of covering them completely, as many warranties do.
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Carefree Auto Company Information
- Company Name:
- Carefree Auto
- Country:
- United States
- Website:
- www.getcarefreeauto.com
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