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CarShield is one of the biggest names in the auto warranty industry. Since 2005, the Missouri-based company has covered more than 2 million vehicles across every state but California with one of its six CarShield plans.
After examining the most reputable extended car warranty companies and researching payment plans, our research team designated CarShield as Most Affordable. From its exceptional pricing structure to a strong reputation, there are plenty of reasons why drivers purchase CarShield plans
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the specifics of what CarShield vehicle service contracts cover and what vehicle components or services may be excluded.
Well-known provider that offers great coverage with great pricing
CarShield is a vehicle service contract broker, which means it offers coverage backed by American Auto Shield. There are six coverage options, with one reserved for motorcycles, ATVs, and other specialty vehicles.
The Diamond plan offers comprehensive coverage for auto repairs similar to a manufacturer’s warranty. The Platinum plan is similarly expansive with a few more exclusions. The Silver and Gold plans are best thought of as expanded powertrain warranty coverage. The CarShield Aluminum plan is designed for high-tech components.
CarShield coverage can last up to 300,000 miles. That makes it a great option for used cars and high-mileage vehicles. Here’s a breakdown of the five CarShield coverage plans most drivers choose from:
Depending on the CarShield plan you choose, it could come with attractive perks, including the following:
To learn more about the fine print of what warranties from CarShield cover, read our full CarShield review.
CarShield is a vehicle service contract broker, meaning it offers protection plans administered by other companies such as American Auto Shield. There are six CarShield plans to choose from, though one is reserved for motorcycles, ATVs, and other specialty vehicles:
To learn more about CarShield plans and covered repairs, read our full CarShield review.
Like most other extended auto warranty providers, CarShield’s plans feature exclusions. The list of auto repair items that are not covered include, but are not limited to:
As mentioned above, CarShield does not cover any repairs performed by unauthorized repair shops, which are generally any repair facilities that aren’t certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE®).
The extended warranty exclusions listed above are pretty standard among reputable extended car warranty companies, so it’s unlikely that you’ll find more generous limits elsewhere.
The more you research before you make a decision, the more likely it is that you’ll find the best coverage for you. CarShield offers sample contracts to help you get a clear understanding of what each plan does and doesn’t cover.
Below, you can see one example of a CarShield sample contract.
Each CarShield plan comes with certain coverage perks that could help in the event of a mechanical breakdown. On the other hand, there are also exceptions from CarShield coverage that are worth noting before you sign up.
All offerings from CarShield include 24/7 roadside assistance, which comes with towing and lockout services, battery jump-starts, and fluid and fuel delivery. Rental car reimbursement is also standard, so you’ll gain access to a replacement vehicle if yours ends up breaking down.
CarShield plans also have complimentary trip interruption coverage, which provides limited reimbursement for food or lodging expenses if your car starts having issues more than 100 miles from home.
While you’ll need to read the fine print of your vehicle service contract to know what specific perks you receive, below is a complete list of the added-benefits offered by CarShield:
Like most warranty providers, CarShield offers various tiers of coverage. There are five CarShield extended warranty options to choose from. A sixth option is available for motorcycles and ATVs, but for this article, we’ll cover the five car warranty options. Remember that your monthly payment will depend on a variety of factors, so it’s a good idea to get a free quote.
The Diamond plan is CarShield’s highest level of coverage. It’s most similar to the factory warranty a dealership would issue with the purchase of a new car. Because the plan is close to comprehensive coverage, the contract will show a list of exclusions rather than a list of what’s covered.
All the major components of your vehicle will be protected in the case of a mechanical breakdown, including of the engine, transmission, fuel pump, and more.
Here’s a list of some of the exclusions, taken from a sample Diamond plan contract:
CarShield’s Platinum plan is an ideal warranty for covering older used cars and high-mileage vehicles. Here’s just a sampling of what auto repairs this plan covers:
CarShield refers to its Gold plan as “powertrain plus,” meaning it’s an enhanced powertrain warranty. This plan covers the three key vehicle systems: the engine, transmission, and drive system. It adds coverage for:
The Silver plan is CarShield’s most affordable coverage option. It’s a basic powertrain warranty that covers all the lubricated parts of your engine, transmission, and water pump.
CarShield’s Aluminum plan is a specialized vehicle protection plan that covers electrical and computer-related problems. It combines the coverage of a powertrain plan with some of the protection from CarShield’s mid-tier warranty plans, offering protection for breakdowns related to the navigation system, alternator, and more.
All CarShield protection plans come with the following added perks:
Most CarShield warranties also come with rental car reimbursement but check your contract to make sure. You can take your car to the repair shop of your choice, as long as it’s certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE®).
Yes, CarShield does cover older and high-mile vehicles. However, you may want to consider lower-tier coverage plans like the Gold or Silver, as they only cover the most vital components.
Like most extended warranty companies, CarShield does not cover wear and tear parts, damage caused by acts of nature and collisions, or issues created due to the lack of regular maintenance. Refer to your service agreement for a complete list of coverage exclusions.
Four of CarShield’s warranty plans cover the actual brakes on your vehicle. However, normal wear items like brake pads are not covered.
CarShield’s Platinum plan and Diamond plan both cover electrical systems. The Aluminum plan covers most electrical parts, including the starter and navigation systems.
All CarShield plans come with a 20-day/500-mile waiting period before becoming active. This is to prevent the company from covering pre-existing mechanical issues.
CarShield’s vehicle service contracts can cover your car for up to 300,000 miles.
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