In our review of the industry’s best extended car warranty companies, both CarShield and Endurance ranked in our top three providers. In this head-to-head comparison, we’ll take a look at CarShield vs. Endurance by looking into coverage options, plan costs, and customer satisfaction to help you decide which provider may be the better fit for you.
In this article:
- Factory Warranty Vs. Extended Warranty
- Extended Warranty Vs. Vehicle Service Contract
- Why Choose CarShield?
- FAQ: What’s The Difference Between Coverage From CarShield And An Extended Warranty From A Dealership?
Factory Warranty Vs. Extended Warranty
When you purchase a new car, it comes with a factory warranty – a combination of various kinds of coverage backed by your car’s manufacturer. Most factory warranties include a bumper-to-bumper warranty, a powertrain warranty, and a corrosion warranty. Some automakers include other warranty coverage as well. A new vehicle’s factory warranty usually lasts between three years and 36,000 miles and five years and 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Extended Warranty Vs. Vehicle Service Contract
Though commonly referred to as “extended warranties,” coverage plans purchased from a third-party provider are called vehicle service contracts. Like a manufacturer’s extended warranty, these service plans protect your vehicle – and wallet – from costly repairs due to mechanical breakdown. Both dealership and aftermarket extended warranties come with a deductible, which is the amount you pay out of pocket for a covered repair. Most warranties have deductibles of $200, $100, or $0.
The main difference, however, is that a third-party extended warranty can be purchased at any point during the car’s life. If you want more targeted protection than what a manufacturer offers, you may want to consider an aftermarket warranty. Third-party warranty companies generally offer multiple levels of coverage that you can tailor to your vehicle’s needs.
Vehicle service contracts from third-party providers tend to allow for more flexibility. Some of the advantages of aftermarket warranties over manufacturer extended warranties include:
- Greater repair shop selection: Manufacturer extended warranties require all covered repairs to be done at the dealership where you purchased the car. Third-party providers usually have a wide network of approved repair shops around the country. CarShield, for example, allows you to choose your own dealership or any mechanic who is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE®).
- Lower costs: Third-party providers typically offer more affordable warranty coverage than dealerships.
- More coverage options: With an aftermarket warranty, you’ll be able to customize your coverage more, ensuring you aren’t paying for coverage you don’t need. For example, CarShield offers six different levels of coverage, whereas many manufacturer warranties offer only three: a comprehensive plan, a mid-level plan, and a powertrain plan.
- Fewer vehicle restrictions: Many dealerships won’t sell you an extended warranty if your car is too old or has too many miles. Third-party providers often offer coverage plans specifically designed for high-mileage vehicles. CarShield, for example, can cover your vehicle for up to 300,000 miles.
Why Choose CarShield?
Cost and flexibility are the major reasons to opt for a CarShield vehicle service contract over a manufacturer’s extended warranty. CarShield’s service plans are among the most affordable on the market, with contracts averaging between $99.99 and $129.99 per month.
In addition, the company offers month-to-month vehicle service plans, meaning there are no coverage terms. You pay for the coverage you want until you no longer need it. Most deductibles on CarShield plans are either $0 or $100.
In our CarShield review, we gave the extended warranty company a high rating of 4.2 out of 5.0 stars and named it the provider with the Best Value.
CarShield Warranty Plans
There are six levels of CarShield coverage to choose from, ranging from bumper-to-bumper coverage to a basic powertrain warranty.
| CarShield Plan | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Diamond | Exclusionary coverage comparable to a factory warranty. Parts excluded from coverage include belts, hoses, glass, and wear and tear items such as brake pads and windshield wipers. |
| Platinum | CarShield’s highest level of inclusionary coverage. Protects the engine, transmission, steering, electrical system, brake system, cooling system, air conditioning, and more. |
| Gold | Enhanced powertrain coverage that covers the engine, transmission, and drive axle and adds coverage for the alternator, starter, and more. |
| Silver | Basic powertrain warranty and most affordable CarShield plan. Covers all lubricated parts of the engine, drive axle, and transmission. |
| Aluminum | Covers the complex electronic systems found in luxury cars, including power seat control, sensors, GPS, voice activation, and more. |
| Motorcycle & ATV | Coverage for motorcycles and ATVs. |
Added Perks Of Choosing A CarShield Extended Warranty
CarShield’s extended warranty plans also include the following benefits:
- Trip interruption reimbursement
- Towing
- Roadside assistance
- Rental car reimbursement
FAQ: What’s The Difference Between Coverage From CarShield And An Extended Warranty From A Dealership?
Is CarShield legit?
Yes, CarShield is a legitimate extended warranty broker that has provided vehicle service contracts for almost 20 years. It is the most popular extended warranty provider in the auto warranty market.
How much does CarShield cost on average?
CarShield warranty plans generally cost between $99.99 and $129.99 per month. The price for your specific warranty will vary depending on a number of factors, including the make, model, and age of your vehicle. CarShield offers month-to-month plans, meaning you can cancel your coverage at any time.
What does CarShield not cover?
CarShield offers six levels of coverage that each provide protection for a different set of components. You can opt for a basic powertrain plan, which won’t cover parts outside of your vehicle’s powertrain, or exclusionary coverage, which excludes only a limited number of components. Be sure to read your contract carefully so you know what is and isn’t covered under your plan.
