No, CarShield isn’t a scam. When you compare CarShield to other top car warranty providers, it is clear that CarShield is a great choice for affordability.
Is CarShield A Legitimate Company?
In our study of the best extended car warranties, we found that CarShield had the most affordable coverage in 2022. The company has earned a customer review score 4.0 out of 5.0 on Trustpilot based on over 28,000 customer reviews.
CarShield offers five coverage levels that protect against mechanical breakdowns and come with roadside assistance. The provider also offers specialty coverage for motorcycles and ATVs. CarShield plans start at $99 per month and can be canceled at any time.
Is CarShield Reputable?
While CarShield is a legit car warranty provider that has been in the industry for over 16 years, it has a below average Better Business Bureau customer review score that is a result of many customer complaints on the platform.
CarShield has come under fire from BBB for its allegedly misleading advertisements and a failure to address customer concerns after being contacted. In one instance, the BBB took issue with a CarShield mailer that created a false sense of urgency, according to the platform. Because of this, the company has received an rating from the Better Business Bureau. Below are a couple examples of CarShield complaints:
If I could give zero stars I would!! Definitely a scam! We made our payments every month for a year and never made a claim until today! The flat out argued that the part we needed was separate from the ac compressor and its not. They wont pay to have the pully/clutch repaired unless the compressor is also bad.
Tipton P – BBB (4/30/2022)
Poor customer service communication skills I have been without a car 6 days and my car has been ready scar shield is claiming they didn’t receive a invoice to pay and I’m have to pay more than expected because they don’t pay 100% for the parts car shield is a rip off
R.W. – BBB (5/5/2022)
CarShield has denied all of the BBB’s allegations and claims that it is committed to providing transparent and accurate information to consumers.
CarShield Customer Service And Industry Reputation
While the coverage is good, CarShield cuts corners on customer service. One of the most frustrating parts for customers is dealing with CarShield claims. Also, the sample contracts on CarShield’s website can be confusing for people unfamiliar with warranties.
In our CarShield review, we rated CarShield 8.5 out of 10.0 for customer service and 9.0 out of 10.0 overall, meaning the company’s overall rating is higher than its customer service rating. Interestingly, the company also received an 8.5 out of 10.0 for industry reputation. Clearly, cost and coverage options are strongpoints for CarShield and customer service and industry reputation are areas where the provider can improve.
What Company Is Better Than CarShield?
In light of these issues, it’s important to evaluate whether or not CarShield is right for you. While CarShield has affordable rates and month-to-month payment offerings, it may not be the best choice for everyone. To compare rates, coverage, and decide what company best fits your needs, we recommend getting quotes from more than one provider.
If you’re considering buying a policy, make sure you understand the coverage thoroughly and ask lots of questions. know what the claims process entails and speak to someone who has filed a claim with the company before making a decision. And most importantly, don’t wait until you need to use your coverage to find out whether or not it actually works. Do your research ahead of time so you can be sure you’re getting the protection you need.
If you’re looking for the best coverage, we recommend Endurance, CARCHEX, and Protect My Car:
Endurance
Endurance offers 5 standard coverage levels. and an additional plan that combines warranty coverage with a maintenance plan. All of Endurance’s plans come with roadside assistance.
CARCHEX
CARCHEX offers a wide variety of coverage levels that come with extra perks like roadside assistance and trip interruption. Our extended warranty study found that the company stands out when it comes to industry reputation. CARCHEX has earned an A+ BBB rating and is endorsed my several industry leaders.
Protect My Car
Protect My Car has three coverage levels and an “Ambassador” plan that bundles warranty coverage with maintenance. All of Protect My Car’s plans come with roadside assistance.
To learn more about CarShield and other providers, read our full guide to the best extended car warranties.
Is CarShield A Rip-Off?: Conclusion
In this article, we provided an overview around many questions regarding CarShield’s status in the extended warranty industry. When considering CarShield, we recommend proceeding with caution. CarShield can be a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable extended car warranty with short term coverage options. Just make sure to understand what’s included in your policy before signing a contract.
Is CarShield Legit?: Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some common frequently asked questions about CarShield:
Is CarShield a rip-off?
CarShield is not a scam or a rip-off, but it is a below-average company as far as customer service goes. While CarShield is a legitimate company that has been providing vehicle service contracts for over 16 years, it has a history of complaints reported to the Better Business Bureau regarding its sales practices, billing and collections, customer service, and refund process.
Is CarShield real?
Yes. CarShield is a real company that has been in business for years and served many customers.
What is the BBB rating for CarShield?
CarShield has received an F rating from the Better Business Bureau. The BBB advises consumers to use caution if considering doing business with CarShield, a vehicle service contract company, because of complaints about misleading sales and advertising practices, failure to cover repairs, and other issues.
Is CarShield BBB accredited?
No. CarShield is not accredited with the Better Business Bureau.
Is CarShield reputable?
While CarShield is a legitimate car warranty company that can be a good choice for those seeking low rates and short term contracts, it is not the most reputable extended warranty company on our list of top providers.
What is CarShield's rating?
We rated CarShield 9.0 out of 10.0 and named it the provider with the Most Affordable coverage in 2022.
What are the cons of CarShield?
There are a few potential downsides to CarShield. First, they have a relatively high number of complaints compared to some of the other providers. Second, rental reimbursement is not included in all plans – so be sure to check if this is important to you. Finally, their customer service can be a bit slow in responding at times.
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
