CarShield is America's most advertised vehicle service contract. Here's the honest review — including what the TV commercials don't tell you.
Compare CarShield to Other Providers →Good for high-mileage vehicles and flexibility. Weak on claims track record and transparency.
Founded in 2005 in St. Peters, Missouri, CarShield is a vehicle service contract broker — not a direct administrator. When you buy coverage from CarShield, the contract is administered and claims are paid by American Auto Shield, a separate company. CarShield handles marketing and sales; American Auto Shield decides whether your claim gets paid.
CarShield has covered more than 2 million vehicles and paid over $1 billion in claims. It is a legitimate operation. But understanding the broker structure is essential to understanding why the claims experience gets mixed reviews.
CarShield is available in 49 states. It does not operate in California.
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This isn't a technicality. The FTC specifically found that the gap between CarShield's advertising and their actual contract terms was material enough to constitute consumer deception. The practical implication for buyers: request the American Auto Shield contract — not the CarShield marketing materials — before purchasing. The contract is what gets enforced at claim time.
| Plan | Coverage Level | Best For | Est. Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond | Exclusionary — near bumper-to-bumper | Most comprehensive protection | $140–$170 |
| Platinum | Extended — engine, transmission, AC, electrical | High-mileage vehicles, best value | $120–$155 |
| Gold Select | Powertrain + select add-ons | Mid-range protection | $105–$140 |
| Silver | Powertrain only | Basic protection, tight budget | $99–$125 |
| Aluminum | Heating, cooling, electronics | Vehicles with factory powertrain warranty | $99–$120 |
| Electrical Systems | Electronics and tech components | Tech-heavy modern vehicles | $99–$130 |
| EV Plan | Battery, electric motors, charging | Electric vehicles | $120–$160 |
| Motorcycle/ATV | Engine, transmission, drivetrain | Motorcycles, ATVs, powersports | Varies |
CarShield doesn't publish prices online. Based on market data and consumer reports:
| Vehicle | Plan | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Mainstream vehicle, 60K miles | Diamond (exclusionary) | $140–$170/mo |
| Mainstream vehicle, 60K miles | Platinum (extended) | $120–$150/mo |
| High-mileage, 120K miles | Platinum | $150–$190/mo |
| Luxury vehicle, 50K miles | Diamond | $175–$220/mo |
| Electric vehicle | EV Plan | $120–$160/mo |
Deductible options: $0, $100, or $200 per visit. A $0 deductible adds ~$25–$45/month. A $100 deductible is the best value for most drivers.
Payment structure: Month-to-month with no end date. This is flexible but can cost more long-term than fixed-term contracts from providers like Endurance. Over 5+ years, CarShield often costs more total.
The most frequent complaint involves repairs customers believed were covered being denied by American Auto Shield. Common denial reasons: pre-existing conditions argued retroactively, lack of documented maintenance records, and exclusions not clearly explained during the sales process. The FTC settlement addressed this gap directly.
American Auto Shield authorizes a set labor rate. When dealerships or shops charge more than that rate, customers pay the difference on top of their deductible. This is disclosed in the contract but rarely emphasized during sales.
Multiple BBB complaints describe charges continuing after cancellation requests were made. Always get written cancellation confirmation and verify on your bank statement for 2-3 months after cancelling.
CarShield is not a scam. Month-to-month flexibility and high-mileage eligibility up to 300,000 miles are genuine advantages. But the FTC settlement, broker structure, labor rate gap, and complaint volume give us pause. For most drivers, a direct administrator with a cleaner track record offers better value. CarShield makes most sense for very high-mileage or older vehicles where other providers won't offer coverage.
| Provider | Key Advantage vs CarShield | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Endurance | Self-administers claims, no middleman, maintenance plan available | Direct accountability |
| Complete Auto Protect | Exclusionary coverage at competitive prices, A+ BBB, 250K mile limit | Best overall value |
| CARCHEX | All 50 states including California, 25+ year track record | California residents, reputation-focused |
See side-by-side options for your vehicle including direct administrators with cleaner track records. Free, 30 seconds, no obligation.
See If My Vehicle Qualifies →No. CarShield is legitimate and has paid over $1 billion in claims. However, the company was ordered to pay $10 million to the FTC in April 2025 for deceptive advertising. Read your contract carefully — specifically the American Auto Shield contract — before purchasing.
Plans range from $99–$170/month depending on your vehicle and coverage tier. The Diamond exclusionary plan for a mid-range vehicle with 60,000 miles runs approximately $140–$170/month.
American Auto Shield pays claims, not CarShield. CarShield is a broker. When you file a claim you work with American Auto Shield. This separation is why disputes with CarShield can be complicated — you're dealing with two different companies.
Yes. CarShield is month-to-month with no long-term commitment. Full refund within 30 days. After 30 days a $50 admin fee may apply. Get written cancellation confirmation and verify on your bank statement.
No. CarShield does not operate in California. California residents should consider Endurance, CARCHEX, or Complete Auto Protect — all available in all 50 states.
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