CarShield

Coverage Details

CarShield’s coverage options vary depending on the plan you select. Plans range from basic powertrain protection to nearly comprehensive coverage comparable to a new car’s factory warranty. CarShield can cover up to 300,000 miles warranty on used cars, which is an industry high.

The Aluminum plan focuses on electrical and high-tech computer components, such as navigation systems, LCD screens, and electronic sensors. CarShield’s Silver plan provides basic powertrain protection, covering essential components like the engine and transmission, drive axle, and water pump. The Gold plan expands on this by including additional parts like electrical components, the fuel system, and the alternator. For high-mileage vehicles, CarShield offers the Gold Select plan, which provides similar coverage to the Gold plan but omits certain fuel system components.

For broader protection on high-mileage vehicles, you can opt for the Platinum plan, which covers major systems such as air conditioning, steering, electrical components, water pumps, fuel pumps, and brakes.

CarShield’s most extensive plan is the Diamond plan. It offers exclusionary coverage similar to a factory bumper-to-bumper warranty. It covers nearly all vehicle parts and systems except those specifically excluded, like wear-and-tear items (e.g., brake pads, tires, etc.).

CarShield also provides specialized plans for motorcycles, ATVs, and electric vehicles, which include coverage for unique components like the electric drive unit and battery pack. As long as you keep up with your monthly payments, your CarShield coverage won’t expire.

While CarShield will cover many repairs, certain items such as routine maintenance (like oil changes), normal wear and tear, natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, and parts that fail due to lack of maintenance are excluded.

Additional Benefits

All of Carshield’s plans include perks and side benefits for days when your car lets you down.

• 24/7 Roadside Assistance: Round-the-clock roadside assistance nationwide, covering towing, flat tire changes, battery jump-starts, lockout services, and fuel delivery.
• Rental Car Reimbursement: If your vehicle is in the shop for covered repairs, CarShield reimburses up to $100 per day for rental transportation for a maximum of $7 days.
• Trip Interruption Coverage: If your car breaks down more than 100 miles from home, CarShield provides up to $125 per day to cover lodging and meal expenses, with a maximum of four days.

Repair Process & Options

CarShield allows customers to have their vehicles repaired at any ASE-certified repair facility, which means you have great flexibility to choose from a wide network of trusted mechanics and dealerships. The company will usually allow the use of OEM or aftermarket parts for repairs, depending on the specific repair and the terms of your contract. However, CarShield will not claim unauthorized repairs.

Claim process

CarShield simply acts as a provider of vehicle service contracts, while the administration of these plans, including claims, is managed by American Auto Shield.

When a breakdown occurs, your first step is to contact the roadside assistance provider listed in your contract for a tow to an ASE-certified repair facility. You can reach out by phone, through an online portal, or via the CarShield app. Once your vehicle is at the shop, the repair facility will contact American Auto Shield to verify if the repair is covered under your plan.

The repair shop must get authorization from a CarShield claims representative before starting any repairs. We like that payment for approved repairs is made directly to the repair shop, meaning you won’t need to pay upfront and wait for reimbursement. However, you will need to pay a deductible based on your contract. In emergency situations, you can cover the repair costs yourself and receive reimbursement of up to $500 in damages without prior notification. The time taken to approve and authorize repairs largely depends on the complexity of the repair.​

Transferability & Cancelation

CarShield allows the transfer of its vehicle service contracts if you sell your vehicle while it’s still under coverage. You simply contact CarShield’s customer service to initiate the transfer, pay a $50 administrative fee, and the new owner would continue coverage under the existing terms.

Car owners will love that CarShield offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for new customers. You can still cancel after this period, but the refund amount will be prorated based on the unused portion of your contract, minus a $50 cancellation fee and any claims that have been paid. The cancellation can be done by phone or on the website.