Auto Warranty

CarShield cost guide (2024)

Key points
  • CarShield’s coverage plans cost between $110 and $140 per month of coverage.

  • All six of CarShield’s coverage plans are available in both month-to-month and long-term contracts.

  • Deductibles for CarShield warranty plans range from $0–$200.

CarShield ranked as one of the best car warranty providers out of hundreds we researched. Compared to some of the other reputable extended warranty companies in our research, however, CarShield costs run a little high.

CarShield offers six levels of coverage, available in month-to-month contracts with terms of up to 10 years or a maximum of 300,000 miles. Below, we’ll break down what you can expect to pay for different levels of CarShield coverage and how those costs compare to other options for the extended car warranties.

Get quotes from our top pick for auto warranty below:

4.5
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Endurance offers coverage for up to 8 years or 200,000 miles, but it only offers long-term plans.

  • Our top pick for auto warranty
  • Mileage covered: Up to 200,000 miles
  • Longest term: Up to 8 years
  • Money-back guarantee: 30 days
  • Coverage options: 6 plans
  • Discounts: First-time applicant discount
Pros
  • Six coverage plans
  • Mechanical breakdown and maintenance benefits
  • First-time application discount
Cons
  • No unlimited or month-to-month plans
  • Elite benefits only free for the first year
  • BBB pattern of complaints for delay of claims

How much does CarShield cost?

How much you’ll pay for CarShield coverage depends on several factors, including which level of coverage you choose. However, based on quotes we received during our research, you can expect to pay between $110 and $140 per month for a warranty plan from CarShield.

Our quotes from the top warranty companies indicate that most drivers pay an average of $108 per month, $848 per year and $2,845 in total for extended warranty coverage. These contracts typically have limited terms and short contract payment periods. In comparison, CarShield’s month-to-month contracts offer unlimited terms and cost more per year and in total as a result.

CarShield warranty quotes

During our research, we received the quotes for month-to-month coverage contracts from CarShield. When we called the representative for quotes, they were friendly but pushy. They also offered discounted rates, which we’ve listed here as well. Each plan’s down payment is equal to the first month’s payment.

VehiclePlan nameMonthly paymentDiscounted rateDeductible
2020 Hyundai Elantra with 30,000 milesDiamond$140$120$200
2018 Toyota RAV4 with 50,000 milesDiamond$140$120$200
2018 Toyota RAV4 with 50,000 milesGold$120$110$200

The Diamond plan is CarShield’s most comprehensive warranty and covers most car repairs, while the Gold plan is a midlevel contract that covers powertrain components and some additional parts and repairs.

CarShield offers discount opportunities for well-qualified drivers, as shown above in the discounted rate column. You’ll need to ask your customer service representative about discounts you’re eligible for.

CarShield payment options

As mentioned above, CarShield offers month-to-month extended auto warranty contracts. The company also offers long-term plans with upfront payment options. All plans from CarShield require an initial down payment equal to the first month’s payment, and payments can be made by phone or through the company’s mobile app.

Other CarShield costs

CarShield plans require drivers to pay a deductible before receiving payment for covered repairs. Deductibles range from $0–$200. However, choosing a lower deductible may result in a higher monthly payment or overall plan cost.

CarShield costs vs. other providers

CarShield offers a wide selection of warranty coverage options with considerable benefits, but the company’s monthly costs may be high for some drivers. Below, we’ll compare quotes we received for top-tier coverage from CarShield against similar coverage from other great extended car warranty providers.

All quotes are for a 2020 Hyundai Elantra with 30,000 miles.

CompanyPlan nameContract termMonthly CostDeductibleTotal Cost
EnduranceSupreme2.5 years/40,000 miles$90$100$2,703
AutopomExclusionary5 years/100,000 miles$112$100$2,827
CarchexTitaniumUnlimited$140$100Unlimited
CarShieldDiamondUnlimited$140$200Unlimited

Factors that affect CarShield costs

As with all extended car warranties, you can expect a few factors to determine how much you’ll pay for coverage from CarShield:

  • Coverage level: Bumper-to-bumper or exclusionary contracts cover more parts and repairs than stated-component and powertrain coverages, so they cost more.
  • Vehicle: Older vehicles and vehicles known to have a higher rate of mechanical breakdowns may cost more to cover.
  • Mileage: High-mileage vehicles are more likely to need repairs and will cost more to cover than newer vehicles.
  • Provider: Different warranty providers may offer varying prices for similar coverage, so always shop around before committing to a contract.
  • Deductible: Choosing a higher deductible will give you lower monthly payments and vice versa.

Final take: Coverage from CarShield can be expensive, but it has a lot of plan options

Based on the quotes we received from CarShield for different plans, customers pay $110–$140 per month on coverage from the company. This is higher than the industry average per month, and it costs more than the average overall since they’re unlimited, month-to-month plans.

How much CarShield costs depends on which plan you choose and your plan’s deductible. It’s also affected by your vehicle’s make, model, mileage and age. Always shop around for quotes from multiple warranty providers before settling on a contract.

Our rating methodology for auto warranty companies

We analyze, rate and rank top vehicle service contract providers to help you discover the right one for your needs. The best auto service contract companies offer transparency, affordability and expansive coverage options, among other qualities.
We rate companies using our objective scoring methodology. We assess brands on factors that are important to consumers like you — including cost, coverage, market standing, trustworthiness and customer experience. After scoring companies on a 100-point scale, we simplify final scores into the 5-star ratings you see in our content.

Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.

Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

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