Is CarShield a rip-off?

No, CarShield is not a scam or a rip-off, but it is a below-average company. CarShield is a legitimate company that has been providing vehicle service contracts for over 16 years and has earned a 4/5 rating from the consumer review on WalletHub, yet it has a history of complaints reported to the Better Business Bureau.

Why CarShield Isn’t a Rip-Off 

• 5 levels of protection plans, plus a motorcycle and ATV coverage plan and a roadside assistance program
• Prices starting at $99 per month
• Sample policies on their website so potential customers know what is included before they buy
• Great reviews from customers on TrustPilot and WalletHub 

Why CarShield May Be Right For You

CarShield offers vehicle service contracts – better known as extended warranties – that are designed to cover car repair costs stemming from mechanical issues. They offer several different plans, with prices starting at $99 per month. In contrast, many mechanical issues can cost thousands to repair. For example, transmission repairs can range from $300 to over $1,500.

Most other extended warranties require long-term commitments. For example, Carchex contracts range from 12 months to 84 months. So, if you are looking for short-term coverage, the monthly CarShield option may be right for you. Just make sure you understand everything that their plan does and does not cover before making a decision.

Alternatives to CarShield

Considering the numerous complaints against them through the BBB, you may find that a better option is putting the money you would have spent on an extended warranty into a savings account every month. Then, if you need to pay for a repair, you can use the money you have stored away.

Another alternative is to consider buying mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) from a car insurance company. MBI covers the major systems in your car, from engines to air conditioning, and only costs about $100 a year. However, not all insurance companies offer MBI, so ask your insurer if it is available to you.

To learn more, check out WalletHub’s guide to extended warranties.

CARSHIELD IS A RIP OFF.

I have the gold protection coverage which includes powertrain. 

My transmission started having issues and the adjuster said they

would NOT cover ANY repairs because it was a "PRE-EXISTING CONDITION".

I purchased Carshield to give me peace of mind because it was a 5 year old

vehicle and I had no records of how the previous owners maintained the car. Well

Carshield will not cover repairs that were due to the negligence of the previous owner. I asked the adjuster what was the point of used car warranty if that was the case and he said did not know. The adjusters name is Mark. They send out an inspector that works for them which will find a way to get away with not having to pay for repairs. Mark also clearly told me on the phone that the only thing they could cover was the diagnostics test then refused to cover that as well. I called the Carshield claims department asking for Mark to give me a call and they said he didn't have to call me and then pretended that they couldn't hear me and hung up on me. NEVER IN MY LIFE HAVE I EVER DEALT WITH SUCH A FRAUDULENT, UNETHICAL, UNPROFESSIONAL COMPANY. I highly recommend you do not waste your money on this company or expect for them to pay for any repairs.

While Car Shield may not be a RIP-OFF, you have to be very careful. I purchased what I thought was the best policy they had, which is the Platunum Policy.  Cost was $102.00 per month.  When I took my car in for repairs, turns out that I have the Gold plan instead of the Platinum and it won't cover any of the needed repairs.  To be covered by the Gold plan it almost has to be a Catastrophic drive train failure.  No engine oil leaks unless it is due to the engine actually coming apart due to failure.

Instead of selling me the Platinum policy, I was instead sold the Gold policy.  I called Car Shield and they informaed me that I could upgrade to the Platinum policy but it would cost me $220 per month.  The kicker is that I would be considered a new customer and since I already took my car in for repairs that they will now be considered a PRE-EXISTING CONDITION and can never be covered

$220 per month is almost half a new car payment, $2640 a year.  In certain situations Car Shield can be a good deal.  In others it can be a green wienie.  Who can afford the price of coverage? The BMW dealer quoted repairs at almost $4500.  Their total repair estimate was around $9800 but NONE of the needed repairs was covered under Car Shield.

I am a former automotive technician.  I purchased the Car Shield Warranty because I am getting up in age and in very bad health and wanted my wife to be covered should something happen to me.  I had a warranty through my Credit Union before I paid my car off.  I didn't think I could still get it but checked and I can still get the "Route 66" for about $67 a month.  Actually, it is $3167 for 48 months and 60,000 miles and covers better than Car Shield Gold.

Use your own judgement and check around.  Car Shield may not be a Rip-Off but they are in business to make money and they make it from you.

Yes car shield is a rip off do not buy, check out others or just put $200. In savings every month for repairs down the road