CARCHEX Reviews

CARCHEX reviews conducted by our researchers rated the provider with a score of 9.6 out of 10 with the distinction of Best Customer Service in 2021.

Affiliate Disclosure

Among extended auto warranty companies, CARCHEX is known for its excellent reputation and coverage for high-mileage vehicles. In this CARCHEX review, we’ll take a closer look at the Baltimore-based provider to break down coverage, cost and the claims process. Then, we’ll see how CARCHEX stacks up to other top choices for the best extended car warranty.

CARCHEX Ratings

Overall Rating	9.6 / 10.0
Industry Reputation	10.0
Coverage	9.5
Warranty Cost	9.0
Transparency	9.5
Customer Experience	9.0

About CARCHEX

Based in Hunt Valley Maryland, CARCHEX has served customers for over 20 years, providing consumer assurance products like car warranties, pre-inspections, insurance, and financing in the automotive industry.

CARCHEX entered the market in 1999 as vehicle inspection company and purchased in 2003 by Entrepreneur Jason Goldsmith, who expanded the company to all 50 states. Goldsmith has been CEO since 2004 and has transformed the firm into a technology-enabled business that’s disrupted vehicle protection services.

Shortly after becoming CEO, Goldsmith expanded the company into the third-party car warranty market. Today, along with being a leader in automotive direct-to-consumer products and services, CARCHEX is among the largest and most experienced extended protection companies. The company especially stands out as a reputable extended car warranty company.

CARCHEX Warranty Overview

CARCHEX is an extended warranty broker that markets and sells vehicle service contracts for providers. To make sure customers get the best coverage and lowest rates available, the company leverages technology to deliver a “compete” model.

Along with being tech-savvy, the company promises “customer experience above all”, emphasizing consumer advocacy across the car owning process as a core value. A rarity for an extended warranty company, CARCHEX has been accredited with the Better Business Bureau since 2009 and holds an A+ rating with the organization.

What Does CARCHEX Cover?

CARCHEX warranties cover repairs that are a result of mechanical failure or malfunction. They offer a wide range of coverage levels that can be adapted to all new and used vehicles (including hybrids), so its easy to find something affordable that meets your needs.

CARCHEX Coverage

With 5 coverage levels, periods that span from 12 to 84 months, and plans available for vehicles with up to 250,000 miles, CARCHEX has coverage for any vehicle. At the minimum, every extended warranty offered by the company is a powertrain warranty, which includes the essential parts (engine, drive axle(s), transmission, and related components) that make your car or truck run.

With shorter timeframes available, the max coverage time is 10 years. Since plans aren’t renewable, some recommend choosing the longest term available. Coverage begins 30 days and 1,000 miles after you sign the contract. An inspection may be required for eligibility. These industry standard policies are in place to ensure the provider doesn’t pay for issues customers knew about before purchasing.

CARCHEX Plans

From entry-level plans that cover drivetrain components to comprehensive bumper-to-bumper warranties similar to factory warranties, CARCHEX brokers policies to fit everyone’s needs. Contracts from different warranty providers at the same coverage level may differ on specific covered components. There are five levels of coverage spanning 16 distinct plans from several warranty providers. Below are descriptions of each CARCHEX warranty plan:

CARCHEX Titanium

This CARCHEX bumper to bumper plan is the top warranty available. With few exclusions, this package offers comprehensive coverage similar to new car warranties. There are 5 plans at this level with periods of 5-10 years. This plan is best for who want to extend existing coverage or are looking for long, exclusionary protection.

CARCHEX Platinum

As the second-best package and most comprehensive inclusionary coverage available, this warranty covers a part list of hundreds of stated components from all systems. Three tiers are available at this level, with terms from 5-10 years. This is great for those seeking balance between savings and thorough coverage.

This plan covers everything in the lower three tiers plus stated components such as: suspension (ball joints, struts, mountings plates), enhanced technical components (solenoids and wiper motors), and heating components (radiator, mounting brackets, water pump, thermostat).

Component Covered	Bronze Plan	Silver Plan	Gold Plan	Platinum Plan	Titanium Plan
Engine	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Transmission	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Front & Rear Axle	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Transfer Case	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Electrical Systems		✓*	✓	✓	✓
Air Conditioning		✓*	✓	✓	✓
Steering		✓*	✓	✓	✓
Brakes			✓	✓	✓
Suspension			✓	✓	✓
High-Tech				✓	✓
Cooling System				✓	✓
Fuel System				✓	✓
Seals And Gaskets			✓	✓	✓
Wear And Tear			✓	✓	✓
Emission Components					✓
Factory Navigation			✓**	✓**	✓

All of the coverage tiers differ in which specific components are covered, as shown above.

CARCHEX Gold

This CARCHEX powertrain plus option is the company’s highest level of basic coverage, It covers many components for all major systems. There are 3 tiers at this level with coverage periods of 5-10 years, which is ideal for cars over 60,000 miles.

In addition coverage found in the two plans below, this tier covers steering components and braking parts such as backing plates, disc calipers, master cylinders, metal hydraulic lines and fittings, and braking system.

CARCHEX Silver

The CARCHEX Silver plan covers essential components. There are three tiers at this level for 6-7 years, benefiting vehicles over 100,000 miles needing coverage of all major systems.

Coverage: components related to the electric, fueling, and air conditioning systems such as the fuel pump, starter, alternator, relays, gauges, gas tank, switches, ignition coil, A/C compressor, condenser fan, and clutch.

CARCHEX Bronze

This tier is designed to protect high-mileage vehicles from the most expensive repairs, covering major systems like the engine and transmission. There are two tiers at this level with at 5-6 year periods, a good choice vehicles over 150,000 miles.

Coverage includes: Engine components (pistons, main bearings and crankshaft, timing gear, valves, pushrods, connecting rods and bearings), automatic and manual transmission components, and front and rear axles (within differential housing, final drive housing, transaxle housing).

CARCHEX Warranty Plans

The chart below contains information about every CARCHEX warranty plan from all warranty providers:

Administrator	Plan Level	Program Name
Allegiance	Titanium	Ultimate
American Auto Shield	Titanium	Diamond
CARCHEX Care by American Auto Shield	Titanium	Titanium Plus
CARCHEX Care by Royal	Titanium	Titanium
CARCHEX Connect	Titanium	Comprehensive
Royal Administration Services	Titanium	Ultimate
Allegiance	Platinum	Platinum
American Auto Shield	Platinum	Platinum
CARCHEX Care by Royal	Platinum	Platinum
CARCHEX Connect	Platinum	Preferred
Royal Administration Services	Platinum	Premium
Allegiance	Gold	Gold
American Auto Shield	Gold	Deluxe
CARCHEX Care by Royal	Gold	Gold
CARCHEX Connect	Gold	Standard
Royal	Gold	Preferred
Allegiance	Silver	Silver
Allegiance	Silver	Select Elite
American Auto Shield	Silver	Powertrain Plus
CARCHEX Care by Royal	Silver	Silver
CARCHEX Connect	Silver	Powertrain Plus
Royal	Silver	Centennial
American Auto Shield	Bronze	Bronze
CARCHEX Care by Royal	Bronze	Bronze
CARCHEX Connect	Bronze	Powertrain

CARCHEX California

CARCHEX has 5 coverage levels available in every state, including. This is a rarity because few providers operate in California due to a strict legal environment due to strong consumer protection laws.

CARCHEX BMW Extended Warranty

CARCHEX is also a well known and popular warranty for car owners of this brand. While a manufacturer extended warranty requires you extend your coverage while still under your new car limited warranty, you can buy a CARCHEX extended auto warranty any time.

CARCHEX Exclusions

The following items aren’t covered:

• Modifications: lift kits, custom parts, performance upgrades, etc.
• Major Events: collisions, environmental damage, vandalism/theft, etc.(usually covered by insurance).
• Exotic Cars– Lamborghini, Ferrari etc.
• Wear & Tear Items: tires, wiper blades, brake pads, spark plugs.
• Regular Maintenance: tune-ups, oil changes, tire rotations, belt replacements.
• Specialty: RV’s & ATV’s coverage
• Neglect: repairs from failing to maintain a vehicle per manufacturer specifications.
• Pre-Existing Conditions: repairs needed prior to purchasing coverage.

*Keep in mind that these exclusions are normal and some packages may have more exclusions.

CARCHEX Roadside Assistance

The following are included in every plan:

• 24/7 Roadside Assistance: : lockout services, fuel delivery, and flat tire changes.
• Towing: reimbursements for what it costs to tow your vehicle to the nearest repair facility.
• Rental coverage: reimbursements for a rental in the event of a covered repair.
• Trip Interruption Assistance: reimbursements for meal expenses and lodging if your vehicle fails during a trip.

The max amount for benefits is usually $50. These provisions enhance all contracts and have amounts dependent on coverage tier, allowing for the flexibility to increase the standard reimbursement level and/or tack-on these features:

• Key Fob Protection.
• Emissions Coverage.
• Coverage For Complex Electronics.

How Much Does CARCHEX Cost?

CARCHEX extended warranty costs typically range from $180-$250 a month. You can get pricing quotes for cars with 36,000 to 125,000 miles. Extended warranty costs for your particular plan will be based on things like the age, mileage, and condition of the car. In general, rates are competitive, as they leverages the resulting buying power from more sales to get even better rates over time.

CARCHEX Average Cost

The average cost of a CARCHEX extended warranty is $1,500 for a 5 year plan, or about 2 cents per mile of coverage. While the average price is about $1,200 to $1,500, your specific pricing depends on your plan, driving history, and car’s characteristics.

CARCHEX Deductible

An industry norm, the CARCHEX pays for covered repairs and all you pay is a small deductible (typically $100). With low costs overall and some plans with no deductibles, you can choose from a total of $0, $50, $100, or $200 options.

CARCHEX Auto Warranty Prices

When we reached out for quotes from CARCHEX, we were quoted $190 for 18 months for a 7-year/125,000-mile bumper-to-bumper extended warranty and $225 for 18 months for a 5-year/75,000 mile powertrain plus plan. Prices for several vehicle models are included in the chart below:

CARCHEX Extended Warranty	Vehicle Profile	Coverage Term	Monthly Payment	Down Payment	Total Cost
Titanium	2018 Toyota RAV4 with 30,000 miles	7 years/125,000 miles	$190 for 18 months	$342	$3,420
Silver	2012 Chevy Equinox with 90,000 miles	5 years/75,000 miles	$225 for 18 months	First month’s payment	$4,050

CarShield Warranty Plan	Vehicle Profile	Coverage Term	Monthly Payment	Down Payment	Total Cost
Diamond	2018 Toyota RAV4 with 30,000 miles	5 years/100,000 miles	$88.78 for 18 months	$295	$1,893
Gold	2012 Chevy Equinox with 90,000 miles	4 years/100,000 miles	$127.67 for 18 months	$99	$2,398

Because it was our first time calling CARCHEX, we were later offered a discounted down payment of $0 for the Titanium plan. The agent also offered to work with us to reduce the price further if we purchased plans for both vehicles. Compared to other top warranty providers, CARCHEX prices and payment plans are competitive.

CARCHEX Payment

With affordable and flexible monthly payments, you can pay your bill with all major credit cards by phone, company website, or the Prism app. Payment options are paying as a lump sum or no-interest installments of varying periods. While packages that require more money are usually cheaper overall. In addition, there is also a multi-vehicle discount of $650 per contract if you pay in full.

CARCHEX Monthly Payment

The maximum payment time is a total of 24 months. There is also an 18 month option with higher payments. For some, upfront costs correspond with the first month’s installment.

CARCHEX Customer Service

While coverage, pricing, and add-ons are important when considering a warranty, customer satisfaction may be the most important factor. In this section, we’ll look at customer service, claims, and corporate policies.

CARCHEX Quote

When getting a quote from CARCHEX, the provider does the heavy lifting and guides you through the process, as their “No-Haggle, Low-Price Everyday Guarantee™” means questions asked or requests are viewed as opportunities to provide the support and helpful information needed to get you an optimal price and level of coverage. You won’t be pressured, have information withheld, or only be told the most enticing details.

The two options for getting a quote are phone consultations with a specialist at 1-(866)-736-4303 or filling out a quick online form with questions regarding your vehicle. When we called by phone, we went through an automated menu tree that took about a minute to connect before we spoke with someone from CARCHEX.

CARCHEX Claims

Filing a claim is easy. When you sign up, CARCHEX will give you a card and packet containing plan info. If you run into vehicle problems, simply show your card to a facility or dealership and they’ll deal with the charges with the administrator. Claims are paid to the shop or dealership, preventing large out-of-pocket expenses. For plans where the repair facility files claims, if someone forgets to file, there is a department to contact directly to make sure claims are completed.

How Does CARCHEX Work?

Contrary to what many believe, CARCHEX is a broker, meaning it doesn’t administer or offer its own warranties. Instead, the company acts as an intermediary that focuses on sales and customer service and works with experienced administrators like Royal, American Auto Shield, and Allegiance, who provide the vehicle service contract and pay claims.

Administered by multiple top-rated providers, CARCHEX-brokered warranties protect you from unanticipated vehicle expenses resulting from mechanical breakdown. Since these providers are insured, you wont be at risk because they’ll have money to fulfill claims. These partners provide dependable service, with the product being further improved because they compete for your business. Because claims processing is administrator-dependent, there are downsides due to inconsistency, as some laud the rapid service while others complain about wait times.

CARCHEX Car Warranty Repairs

You can choose from any of 30,000 ASE certified repair facilities in the US. Because terms vary, call or visit the company website or mobile app to make sure any shop in question is authorized before taking your vehicle. To prove your vehicle has been maintained per manufacturer guidelines, keep service records.

How To File A Claim With CARCHEX

Follow these steps:

• Confirm the repair is covered by your contract.
• File a claim via phone or web portal.
• CARCHEX processes your claim and answers questions. If 100+ miles away, you’re eligible for trip interruption.
• Take your vehicle a certified repair shop and authorize them to perform diagnosis.
• Have the facility contact the provider for approval.
• After fixing your vehicle is complete, the shop should have received an authorization number.
• CARCHEX pays the shop directly, preventing exorbitant out-of-pocket costs.

How To Cancel A CARCHEX Warranty

You can receive a full refund if you cancel within 30 days and a prorated refund if you cancel after that. Make sure both methods are in the contract before signing to ensure you’re eligible for a refund. To cancel, you must contact customer service and submit a cancellation request. This must be completed 30 days after you sign your service contract for a full refund. After that, the refunds are prorated.

Transferring A CARCHEX Protection Plan

All contracts are transferrable. If you sell your vehicle while under coverage, this can increase your vehicle’s value. There’s an administrative fee for transferring coverage. If you don’t transfer, you can always cancel for a prorated refund.

CARCHEX Customer Reviews

This business differentiates itself because it has an excellent standing among customers. They also manage negative complaints exceptionally well and has an unparalleled 99.99% online customer satisfaction rate as a result.

CARCHEX Ratings

Below are scores from several platforms:

• Better Business Bureau: 2.18 out of 5;
• Consumer Affairs: 4.1 out of 5;
• Consumer Advocate: 4.6 out of 5.0;
• Google: 4.1 out of 5.0 ;
• Shopper Approved: 4.5 out of 5.0 (72% were 5/5);
• Thoroughly Reviewed: Received a 10/10;
• Yelp: 3 out of 5;

Positive Customer Reviews on CARCHEX

Compared to other companies, many are satisfied with pricing, business processes, and transparency. CARCHEX stands out with comments regarding claims, as people feel happy about having more of a say over their options with less sales pressure. Below are some examples of happy CARCHEX customers:

I looked into a couple of options including a proposal from BMW . . . By far, CARCHEX seemed the most thorough, and their agreement listed the exclusions and it was easy to understand . . . I had no apprehension to move forward with CARCHEX.

Al via Trustpilot

[CARCHEX] took care [of] me and my car’s needs. The service center was paid on time . . . no issues.

Andrew via Trustpilot

CARCHEX Warranty Complaints

Several have issued CARCHEX complaints regarding refund policy and bad service during the claims process. While this warrants concern, it doesn’t mean there is a CARCHEX scam or need to write a “CARCHEX ripoff report”. The company gets less complaints than other providers overall. Also, many complaints are a result of customers who fail to understand their coverage and interpret claims denials as poor service. Here are a few examples:

I purchased an extended warranty with CARCHEX, and I had an issue with my transmission alone and they denied my claim. I had been paying for this particular warranty for 13 months, and now [I] am requesting a refund due to my claim not being satisfied and coverage not meeting the needs.

Tonya J. via BBB

So I paid a lot of money for a worthless policy on my X5. [CARCHEX] never agreed to pay for any of the items I needed repaired. It would have been better to be without this policy. I would spend half the cost and use the money for the uncovered items.

Galactus via Trustpilot

CARCHEX BBB Ratings

CARCHEX has an A+ rating from the BBB and has been accredited with the organization since 2009. While not scoring as well with customers as other businesses, they have the highest BBB rating of any warranty company. In fact, they are the only company in our top 5 rankings with accreditation and an A+.

CARCHEX Industry Ratings

CARCHEX regularly gets top assessments and partners with industry experts, including CARFAX, Edmunds.com, Repair Pal, Kelly Blue Book, SiriusXM and, Autoblog, and MotorWeek’s Pat Gross. In the media, the company has been given 5 stars by Top Consumer Reviews for 6 consecutive years and was Thoroughly Reviewed‘s 2017 top pick. Additionally, the Golden Bridge Awards gave them “Silver Status” for 3 consecutive years. They also won Best Choice Award by BestReviewsHub.com for 4 consecutive years.

CARCHEX Extended Warranty Reviews

We rate CARCHEX 9.6 out of 10 with the distinction of Best Customer Service. We also recognize CARCHEX for being an excellent provider for used car coverage. CARCHEX offers more choices and gives consumers more of a say regarding coverage, making it one of the best vehicle protection companies. Along with having the best customer experience and best coverage for used cars, CARCHEX is affordable, straightforward, and backed by dependable administrators. With coverage to suit every vehicle, car owners seeking any coverage level can find a contract that meets their needs.

Is CARCHEX Legit?

In comparison with others, CARCHEX is one of the most experienced companies out there. With numerous accolades, partnerships, and an unmatched reputation, they are arguably the most reputable provider. Another domain where the company stands out is the consultative nature of their quote process, as they focus on helping potential clients get the best warranty instead of pressuring them. CARCHEX is an excellent decision for those seeking coverage, as they consistently offer competitive rates, quality coverage, flexible terms, and great service. Below are some pros and cons of CARCHEX:

CARCHEX Pros	CARCHEX Cons
Respected company with long history	Service varies by administrator.
Included Benefits	Cannot renew some policies
Affordable and solid coverage	*Coverage of electronic components could improve
Plans available for up to 10 years/250,000 miles	No motorcycle or RV coverage
Choose from 30,000 authorized repair shops	No coverage for exotic cars
Exceptional service, pressure-free sales	Doesn’t cover maintenance items

CARCHEX can provide you with a free quote to see what warranty coverage would look like for your vehicle.

Our Picks for Best Extended Car Warranties

CARCHEX is a solid option for an extended warranty, particularly if you have a lot of miles on your car. But we always recommend getting at least three quotes when you shop for coverage to make sure you’re getting the best deal for your situation.

While CARCHEX is a great choice for many or even most drivers, it may not be the right choice for you. Our experts have recommended two reputable extended car warranty companies below to help you make an informed decision about your extended warranty options.

Endurance: Best Provider

Like CARCHEX, Endurance is known for its excellent reputation. The direct provider of extended warranties has been in business for 14 years and holds a place on the 2020 Inc. 5000, the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing companies. It also sponsors Jarett Andretti of Andretti Autosports in the racing world.

We named Endurance the Best Provider overall for its comprehensive coverage and benefits. Endurance plans offer coverage for up to 8 years or 200,000+ miles, and our Endurance warranty review found that prices are very competitive. During the first year of coverage, you also get numerous benefits like roadside assistance, tire repair and replacement and key fob replacement.

To see how CARCHEX and Endurance warranties compare, read our full CARCHEX vs. Endurance review.

*Though not mentioned here, we’ve also rated Protect My Car as one of the top providers in the industry.

CarShield: Most Affordable

When you start researching extended warranties, CarShield is going to be one of the first companies on your radar. The provider is the most popular in the industry by far and is endorsed by many celebrities and television personalities, including sportscaster Chris Berman, actor Ernie Hudson of Ghostbusters and actress Adrienne Janic of TLC’s Overhaulin’.

CarShield offers six levels of coverage, including one plan just for motorcycles and ATVs. Our CarShield review found that Carshield rates are some of the cheapest in the nation, and there are options for traditional financing and unlimited plans. If cost is most important to you, CarShield could be your best choice.

Learn more in our CARCHEX vs. CarShield review.

Conclusion

Below is a recap of this article:

• Review: 5.0/5.0 stars
• Best For: High-mileage/Used
• Service: Motto of “Customer Experience Above All,” and its no-haggling policy reflect customer service commitment.
• Refund Policy:  30 day money-back guarantee; prorated after that.
• Add-ons:  All plans include 24/7 roadside assistance, towing, gasoline delivery, trip interruption services, and rental car reimbursement.
• Mailing Address: 118 Shawan Road, Suite 210, Baltimore, MD 21030.
• Free Expert Advice: Free consultations from experts. Visit here for a personalized quote or speak to a salesperson at (866) 736-4303. You can also email the company.

Read our other guides for more information:

• CarShield Reviews & Coverage
• Volkswagen Extended Warranty
• USAA Extended Warranty
• GM Extended Warranty

Frequently Asked Questions

Methodology

The Detroit Bureau collects data from every major car warranty provider to formulate rankings of the best warranty companies. Our in-depth rating system takes into account coverage, pricing, transparency, customer satisfaction and ratings from industry experts. Each provider is given a weighted score in five categories, as well as an overall score out of 10.0.

We recommend auto warranty companies based on these rankings, but we also encourage you to perform your own research and compare quotes to find the best coverage.