Yes, CarShield is a legitimate extended car warranty provider based in St. Peters, Missouri. However, CarShield's reliability is in question due to its poor customer service record and low scores from insurance rating agencies.
Key Things to Know About CarShield
CarShield has been in operation since 2005 and is currently headquartered in St. Peters, Missouri.
CarShield has a F from the Better Business Bureau.
CarShield has an average user rating of 4.0/5 on WalletHub.
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.... read full answer
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.
Yes, CarShield really pays for covered repairs to your vehicle, as long as you have an active CarShield vehicle service contract. The exact kinds of repairs CarShield will pay for depend on the specific service contract you choose.
Why Some People Wonder Whether CarShield Really Pays
CarShield has an F rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for allegedly failing to pay claims and resolve complaints. In 2020, CarShield filed a ... read full answerpetition against the BBB alleging bias against CarShield after the BBB shifted to an A-F grading system. CarShield claimed that the new system was designed to drive BBB website traffic and to encourage businesses to buy BBB memberships. CarShield does not pay for a BBB membership and alleges that the BBB enforces a moving standard, making a better grade impossible.
Why You Might Still Consider CarShield
The total number of BBB complaints filed against CarShield represent a relatively small portion of the 1 million contracts they claim to have sold. Whether or not there is a bias against CarShield, it is a well-known, affordable company with a 4/5 average user rating on WalletHub. Thus, you should just make sure to understand everything a CarShield plan does and does not cover before purchasing one.
CarShield costs $99 per month and up, though prices may vary by state, driver, and specific vehicle. CarShield sells vehicle service plans, which are similar to extended warranties and will cover the cost of repairs to the car’s systems and mechanical parts.
Key Things to Know About CarShield Plans
CarShield plans cover your vehicle’s engine, transmission, transfer case, drive axle, water pump.... read full answer
Six different plans are available from CarShield, giving drivers options in terms of coverage and cost.
To qualify for a CarShield plan, cars must fulfill certain eligibility requirements, though the company does not disclose the exact requirements. Eligibility can also vary by plan.
Specific details may vary based on which CarShield plan drivers purchase, but this list provides a good example of CarShield coverage.
CarShield vs. Extended Warranties From Major Insurers
Although exact coverage may differ for the providers above, all of them cover the main parts or systems. These include the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, and steering.
It’s also worth noting that mechanical breakdown insurance from a car insurance company is often a cheaper alternative to a third-party vehicle service plan or extended warranty. For more information, check out WalletHub’s guides to mechanical breakdown insurance and extended warranties.
WalletHub Answers is a free service that helps consumers access financial information. Information on WalletHub Answers is provided “as is” and should not be considered financial, legal or investment advice. WalletHub is not a financial advisor, law firm, “lawyer referral service,” or a substitute for a financial advisor, attorney, or law firm. You may want to hire a professional before making any decision. WalletHub does not endorse any particular contributors and cannot guarantee the quality or reliability of any information posted. The helpfulness of a financial advisor's answer is not indicative of future advisor performance.
WalletHub members have a wealth of knowledge to share, and we encourage everyone to do so while respecting our content guidelines. This question was posted by WalletHub. Please keep in mind that editorial and user-generated content on this page is not reviewed or otherwise endorsed by any financial institution. In addition, it is not a financial institution’s responsibility to ensure all posts and questions are answered.
Ad Disclosure: Certain offers that appear on this site originate from paying advertisers, and this will be noted on an offer’s details page using the designation "Sponsored", where applicable. Advertising may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). At WalletHub we try to present a wide array of offers, but our offers do not represent all financial services companies or products.