VSC Comparison

Empire Auto Protect vs Complete Auto Protect 2026

Empire's $69/mo ads are everywhere. Here is how they actually compare to Complete Auto Protect on coverage depth, pricing, and what happens when you file a claim.

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You found Empire Auto Protect through an ad -- "$69/mo" is hard to miss. Before committing, here is how Empire compares to Complete Auto Protect on the factors that matter when you actually need to file a claim.

Quick Verdict

Complete Auto Protect wins on coverage depth and track record

Empire Auto Protect's low advertised entry price and 2,000+ Google reviews are genuine strengths. But Complete Auto Protect's A+ BBB rating, 5-tier coverage structure, higher mileage limit (250K vs 200K), and absence of coverage cap complaints make it the stronger choice for most drivers. Empire's price advantage largely disappears when comparing equivalent coverage tiers.

Company Overview

FactorEmpire Auto ProtectComplete Auto Protect
HeadquartersWilmington, DEWilmington, DE
Claims modelIn-houseIn-house
BBB RatingNot prominently listedA+
Google reviews2,000+ at 4.4 starsGrowing
FTC or regulatory actionsNone notedNone noted
Coverage cap complaintsMultiple documentedNone documented

Coverage Plans Compared

FactorEmpire Auto ProtectComplete Auto Protect
Plan tiers3 plans5 plans
Powertrain planYes (Silver)Yes (Silver)
Exclusionary planYes (Titanium)Yes (Diamond)
EV coverageLimitedDedicated EV Exclusionary plan
Maintenance coverageNoNo
Max mileage200,000 miles250,000 miles
Repair shop networkAny ASE-certified shopAny ASE-certified shop
Roadside assistanceIncludedIncluded
TransferableYesYes
30-day money backYesYes

Pricing Comparison

Empire's "$69/mo" advertising covers their Silver powertrain-only plan. Complete Auto Protect's Silver plan starts at $89/mo. On the surface Empire looks cheaper. But for equivalent mid-level coverage:

Coverage LevelEmpire Auto ProtectComplete Auto Protect
Powertrain onlyFrom $69/moFrom $89/mo
Extended (mid-level)$110-$150/mo$95-$140/mo
Exclusionary (top-tier)$140-$180/mo$125-$165/mo

For equivalent coverage tiers, Complete Auto Protect is typically priced lower than Empire. Empire's price advantage is primarily in their entry powertrain plan -- which most drivers should not be buying anyway since it does not cover AC, electrical, or suspension.

The Coverage Cap Issue

Empire's documented coverage cap complaintsMultiple verified customer reviews describe being told coverage was 100% during the sales call, then receiving a written contract with a 40% coverage cap up to $2,500. This complaint pattern is documented across multiple review platforms. Complete Auto Protect does not have comparable documented complaints about coverage cap misrepresentation.

Claims Experience

Both Empire and Complete Auto Protect handle claims in-house -- no third-party administrator. The claims process is similar for both:

  1. Take vehicle to any ASE-certified shop
  2. Shop contacts the provider for authorization
  3. Provider approves or denies
  4. Provider pays shop directly -- you pay only the deductible

The difference is in the complaint patterns. Empire has documented complaints about claim denials that customers attribute to coverage being narrower than represented at sale. Complete Auto Protect does not have a comparable documented pattern.

Who Should Choose Each

Choose Empire if:

  • The $69/mo entry price is a hard budget constraint
  • You specifically want powertrain-only basic coverage
  • Their 2,000+ Google reviews give you confidence

Choose Complete Auto Protect if:

  • You want A+ BBB rating
  • You need coverage for vehicles up to 250K miles
  • You want more coverage tier options
  • You want a dedicated EV plan
  • Avoiding coverage cap risk is a priority

See How Empire Auto Protect Compares

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Complete Auto Protect better than Empire Auto Protect?

For most drivers, yes. Complete Auto Protect has an A+ BBB rating, more coverage tiers, a higher mileage limit, and no documented coverage cap complaints. Empire's lower entry price applies only to its most basic powertrain plan.

How do Empire and Complete Auto Protect handle claims differently?

Both handle claims in-house without a third-party administrator. The difference is in documented complaint patterns -- Empire has documented complaints about coverage being narrower than represented during sales. Complete Auto Protect does not have a comparable pattern.

Is Empire Auto Protect cheaper than Complete Auto Protect?

Empire's powertrain entry plan is cheaper ($69/mo vs $89/mo). For equivalent extended or exclusionary coverage, Complete Auto Protect is typically competitively priced and in many cases cheaper than Empire's equivalent tiers.

Does Empire Auto Protect have a coverage cap?

Multiple verified customer complaints describe a 40% coverage cap up to $2,500 on certain plans that was not disclosed during the sales process. Always read the written contract before purchasing from any VSC provider and verify the coverage percentage explicitly.