Here’s a breakdown of how we reviewed and rated the top auto warranty providers
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- Founded in 2005 and available in 49 out of 50 states
- Won Newsweek’s award for “Most Trusted Brand Of 2024”
- CarShield is on the higher end for the average cost for one year of coverage
We conducted a survey of 1,000 VSC holders in January 2025 and 113 respondents reported having CarShield.
- 59% of survey respondents reported they were very satisfied with CarShield.
- None of the respondents reported they were dissatisfied with the company.
- 83% of claims were approved and paid in full.
- None of the respondents reported having a claim denied.
- 83% of claims were approved within one week
Learn more about our methodology and editorial guidelines.
Our Take on CarShield
In our 2025 review, we gave CarShield an overall score of 4 out of 5. CarShield’s coverage selection, month-to-month contracts and coverage for motorcycles, ATVs and electric vehicles are positive. On the flip side, the company’s pattern of mixed customer reviews and FTC charges makes it less attractive than our top choices, Endurance and Carchex.
CarShield sells vehicle service contracts, and the company will handle your contract and manage claims.
| Rating Category | CarShield Rating (Out of 5) | Industry Average Rating (Out of 5) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4 | 4 |
| Reputation | 4 | 3.9 |
| Coverage | 4 | 4.3 |
| Cost | 4 | 4 |
| Transparency | 4 | 3.9 |
| Customer Experience | 4 | 3.7 |
CarShield stands out for its ample and widely available coverage, offering a total of seven plans in every state except California. It has standard exclusionary, mid-level and powertrain options available, in addition to specialized coverage for motorcycles and ATVs, electric vehicles and parts and systems not typically covered by the best extended warranties.
However, it’s important to note that the company did have a $10 million settlement with the FTC over charges of deceptive advertising and a tendency to make unwarranted claim denials.
Overall, CarShield is a viable option for flexible monthly plans and specialized coverage. On the other hand, it may not be a great pick for you if you want to deal with only one company throughout the claims process or if you’re concerned about claims management and approval.
In July 2024, the Federal Trade Commission announced that CarShield agreed to a settlement of $10 million in response to charges of deceptive advertising.
In the extended vehicle protection industry, complaints about coverage denials are common. Often, more customers with negative experiences take time to leave online feedback, so these reviews alone don’t necessarily reflect a company’s dependability as a coverage provider. However, CarShield’s high volume of negative reviews focused on consistent denials of coverage ultimately triggered an FTC inquiry into the company.
The FTC found that CarShield had misrepresented its coverage and customer base through misleading celebrity advertisements. CarShield also failed to fully disclose contract details — including exclusions and coverage terms and conditions — before customers bought one of the company’s coverage options.
In response to the FTC announcing the settlement, CarShield representatives issued a statement saying that while CarShield did not agree with the FTC complaint, the company is committed to improving communication with its customers.
The end result of the FTC settlement is that CarShield is prohibited from failing to disclose coverage terms and conditions during select telemarketing functions. Further, CarShield is barred from misrepresenting customer experiences in direct advertisements or advertisements published by third-party marketers.
Pros and Cons of CarShield
Low-cost monthly plans
Wide repair network
Coverage for high-mileage and electric vehicles
24/7 roadside assistance
Settled with the FTC over charges of deceptive advertising
Not all plans are transferable
Doesn’t offer a maintenance coverage option
CarShield Pricing
We found that CarShield prices range from about $140 to $170 per month, depending on the deductible and plan level you choose.
You can purchase a plan with a set term or a month-to-month contract. With a month-to-month VSC, the final price depends on how long you keep your plan.
CarShield Quotes
Here are some month-to-month quotes we received from CarShield:
| Vehicle | Mileage | CarShield Protection Plan | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Toyota Corolla | 65,000 | Diamond (Comprehensive) | $140 |
| 2022 Nissan Rogue | 65,000 | Diamond (Comprehensive) | $170 |
| 2022 Toyota Tacoma | 65,000 | Diamond (Comprehensive) | $150 |
| 2017 Toyota Corolla | 100,000 | Gold (Mid-level) | $140 |
| 2017 Nissan Rogue | 100,000 | Gold (Mid-level) | $170 |
| 2017 Toyota Tacoma | 100,000 | Gold (Mid-level) | $140 |
CarShield Discounts
In our secret shopping study, we found that CarShield offers a first-time caller discount and a multi-car discount, which requires buying coverage for more than one vehicle.
CarShield Coverage and Plans
The parts covered by CarShield service contracts can vary widely depending on the plan you choose. Some options, such as the Diamond plan, cover hundreds of parts across the vehicle, while others are more specific to components in the powertrain or electrical systems.
CarShield coverage plans include the following:
| Plan | Plan Details |
|---|---|
| CarShield Diamond | Exclusionary plan that covers everything in your car but a small list of parts and components |
| CarShield Platinum | Option for high-mileage vehicles that covers electrical systems, the water pump and the powertrain |
| CarShield Gold Select | This is another plan that’s ideal for high-mileage vehicles — it covers the engine, transmission, water pump, alternator, starter, air conditioning and power windows |
| CarShield Silver | Budget-friendly stated-coverage plan for the engine, transmission, cooling system and transfer case |
| CarShield Aluminum | Coverage for electrical and computer systems like the starter, alternator, navigation system and more |
| Motorcycle & ATV | Various levels of coverage for motorcycles, ATVs and other specialty vehicles |
| Electric Vehicle | Designed for fully electric vehicles, this plan covers the electric drive unit, battery pack and more |
What Isn’t Covered by CarShield?
A CarShield contract won’t cover every repair for your car. Like other providers, CarShield lists several exclusions, such as the following:
- Repairs performed without prior authorization
- Damage from a lack of maintenance
- Pre-existing conditions
- Environmental damage, theft or vandalism
- Vehicle alterations or modifications
- Misuse of the car such as racing or off-roading
- Damage from normal wear and tear
- Odometer tampering
Additional Benefits
In addition to covering car repairs, CarShield plans come with added perks, including:
- 24-hour roadside assistance: This service includes towing, jump-starts, tire changes, locksmith services and fuel delivery.
- Trip interruption: If you’re over 100 miles away from home and your car breaks down, CarShield will reimburse you up to a certain amount for lodging and restaurant expenses.
- Rental car reimbursement: If your car is in the shop for a covered repair, CarShield will reimburse you up to a certain amount for either a rental car or rideshare expenses.
CarShield Policy: Terms and Conditions
The list below contains helpful information about policies that are common across CarShield’s offerings:
- Mileage limit: CarShield covers vehicles with up to 300,000 miles, though your specific plan’s limit depends on your vehicle’s age and mileage. The company’s high mileage limit sets it apart from the competition in used-vehicle coverage.
- Waiting period: CarShield’s waiting period for coverage is 30 days and 1,000 miles or 90 days and 200 miles after purchase. This policy is designed to protect CarShield from covering a repair that the customer knew about before purchasing coverage. When signing with CarShield, representatives will take note of prior problems.
- Transfer policy: If you sell your vehicle while it still has coverage, you may be able to transfer the policy for a $50 fee, depending on your contract.
Who Accepts CarShield?
If you need auto repairs while your car is under contract, you can take your vehicle to either the dealership or a repair facility certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence for covered repairs.
CarShield Claims
Here are the steps you’ll need to take to file a claim with CarShield:
- Take the vehicle to a mechanic within CarShield’s network.
- Give the repair shop your contract information and allow them to call CarShield’s claims department.
- Wait while the claims adjuster reviews the mechanical breakdown and repair.
- If approved, you’ll pay your deductible, and the administrator will pay the mechanic directly.
Did You Know? Auto manufacturers offer protection against mechanical breakdowns through extended car warranties. While similar coverage from third parties is available, this coverage is technically considered a vehicle service contract. Many consumers and third-party companies commonly use these terms interchangeably, so we’ve done the same in this article.
CarShield Customer Reviews and Ratings
Like most independent protection plan providers, CarShield reviews are mixed. While some positive reviews talk about pleasant interactions with customer service staff, negative reviews mention claims being repeatedly denied and cars sitting in repair shops for weeks.
CarShield Ratings
On Google, the company has a 4.3-star rating out of 5 from over 15,000 reviewers. The provider has a similar score on Trustpilot, with a 4.2-star rating out of 5 from more than 52,000 reviewers. We found that 68% of reviewers gave CarShield a 5-star rating, while 9% gave it a 4-star rating.
The BBB gives CarShield an A+ rating. Over 3,000 BBB customer reviews give the provider a 3-star rating out of 5.
CarShield Complaints
The company has received and closed nearly 2,800 complaints from customers on the BBB in the last three years. CarShield closed 778 of those complaints in the last year.
We reached out to CarShield for comment on these scores. A representative responded that the number of complaints filed was small compared to the more than 1,118,000 contracts sold by the provider.
CarShield App
CarShield contract holders have access to a mobile app that allows them to view contract details and information on claims, roadside assistance and customer service. The app has a 4.6-star rating on the App Store and a 4.2-star rating from Google Play.
CarShield Vehicle Service Contracts: FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions about CarShield.
CarShield costs can be worth it for drivers looking for affordable extended protection plans. Prices vary by car and coverage level, but most vehicle protection plans cost between $140 and $170 per month.
CarShield provides extended vehicle protection for used and new cars. As an independent broker, CarShield markets and sells vehicle service contracts. VSCs are like extended warranties in that they agree to fix failing mechanical components within a time or mileage limit.
One con of CarShield is that it has mixed customer reviews across multiple rating sites. Frequent complaints are about claims being repeatedly denied and cars sitting in repair shops for weeks. Also, in July 2024, the Federal Trade Commission announced that CarShield agreed to a settlement of $10 million in response to charges of deceptive advertising.
Yes, CarShield reviews are generally good on Trustpilot. CarShield also has fair ratings across other sites. Out of more than 52,000 reviews on Trustpilot, 77% are positive, so the site gives CarShield a star rating of 4.2 out of 5.
California has strict laws when it comes to extended warranties, so CarShield is not available in the state.
Our Methodology: How We Rated CarShield
Because consumers rely on us to provide objective and accurate information, we created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our rankings of the best extended car warranty companies. We collected data on dozens of auto warranty providers to grade the companies on a wide range of ranking factors. The end result was an overall rating for each provider, with the companies that scored the most points topping the list.
Here are the factors our ratings take into account:
- Coverage (30% of total score): Companies that offer a variety of choices for warranty coverage, long contract terms and added benefits are more likely to meet consumer needs.
- Cost (30% of total score): Auto warranty companies with affordable rates and multiple deductibles scored highest in this category.
- Transparency (20% of total score): This score is based on contract transparency and the availability of a money-back guarantee.
- Reputation (10% of total score): Our research team considers availability, ratings from industry experts and years in business when conferring this score.
- Customer experience (10% of total score): Based on customer satisfaction ratings and our extensive shopper analysis, we consider the responsiveness, friendliness and helpfulness of each warranty company’s customer service team.
Our credentials:
- 500+ hours researched
- 40+ companies reviewed
- 2,000+ consumers surveyed
How we obtained cost information:
- Our research team used a secret shopper strategy to get accurate quotes
- The research team will find out if there are any discounts or savings opportunities
- We keep track of the length of the call, sample contracts, and overall helpfulness of the representative
*Data accurate at time of publication.
