CarShield does not publish prices. Here is what they actually charge by plan and vehicle type, based on real quote data -- plus the hidden costs most buyers miss.
Check My Coverage Options →CarShield does not publish prices on their website. You have to call or get a quote to find out what you will actually pay. This guide covers what CarShield plans actually cost based on real quote data, what drives your price up or down, and how it compares to alternatives.
| CarShield Plan | Coverage | Typical Monthly Cost | Right For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver | Powertrain only | $99 - $120/mo | Very tight budget, older high-mileage vehicles |
| Gold | Powertrain + some systems | $110 - $140/mo | Basic extended coverage |
| Platinum | Extended -- most popular | $120 - $155/mo | Most drivers who want real coverage |
| Diamond | Exclusionary | $140 - $180/mo | Comprehensive coverage on standard vehicles |
| Titanium | Exclusionary for luxury | $145 - $210/mo | BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Lexus owners |
Luxury and European vehicles cost 30-50% more to cover. A BMW 5 Series will cost significantly more than a Toyota Camry for the same CarShield plan. Vehicles with documented reliability issues or high average repair costs command higher premiums.
CarShield covers up to 300,000 miles -- higher than most competitors. But higher mileage means higher risk, which means higher premiums. Expect costs to increase meaningfully past 100,000 miles and again past 150,000.
CarShield covers vehicles up to 25 years old. Older vehicles face higher rates. A 2005 vehicle will cost more to cover than a 2018 vehicle of the same make and model.
CarShield is not available in California. In other states, pricing varies slightly based on local labor rates and regulatory requirements.
The Platinum plan is CarShield's most popular because it moves beyond basic powertrain to cover AC, electrical, suspension, steering, and brakes. Based on real quote data across multiple vehicles:
| Vehicle Type | CarShield Platinum Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 2018 Toyota Camry, 80K miles | $120 - $135/mo |
| 2016 Ford F-150, 95K miles | $130 - $150/mo |
| 2015 Chevy Silverado, 110K miles | $135 - $155/mo |
| 2014 BMW 3 Series, 75K miles | $155 - $180/mo |
| 2012 Jeep Wrangler, 130K miles | $140 - $165/mo |
| Provider | Extended Coverage Monthly | Claims Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete Auto Protect | $89 - $145/mo | Direct admin | A+ BBB, no FTC issues |
| Endurance | $105 - $155/mo | Direct admin | No FTC issues, maintenance plan available |
| CarShield | $120 - $155/mo | Broker (AAS) | $10M FTC settlement, not in CA |
| CARCHEX | $115 - $165/mo | Broker | A+ BBB, 25-year track record |
CarShield is not the cheapest option for equivalent coverage. Complete Auto Protect and Endurance both offer comparable extended coverage at lower monthly costs, with direct claims administration and no FTC issues.
American Auto Shield (the company that pays your CarShield claims) authorizes labor at a set hourly rate. If your repair shop charges more than that rate -- which is common at dealerships -- you pay the difference on top of your deductible. On a 4-hour repair at a $45/hour rate gap, that is $180 extra out of pocket.
CarShield's month-to-month model sounds flexible, but over 36-48 months it typically costs more than a fixed-term contract from Endurance or Complete Auto Protect for the same coverage level.
Before any covered repair begins, American Auto Shield must pre-authorize it. If repairs start without authorization, the claim can be denied entirely. Factor in potential delays and inconvenience as part of the real cost.
Compare top vehicle service contract providers for your specific vehicle. Free, no obligation, 30 seconds.
Check My Coverage Options →CarShield plans range from $99 to $210 per month depending on vehicle and coverage tier. The most popular Platinum plan typically costs $120-$155 per month for mainstream vehicles between 60,000 and 120,000 miles.
CarShield Platinum typically costs $120-$155 per month for most mainstream vehicles. Luxury vehicles, very high-mileage vehicles, and older vehicles will cost more.
Generally no. For equivalent extended coverage tiers, CarShield is typically $10-$30 per month more expensive than Endurance and $20-$40 more than Complete Auto Protect. CarShield's cheapest Silver plan is competitive but covers only the powertrain.
Yes -- VSC prices are negotiable at every provider including CarShield. Get competing quotes from Endurance and Complete Auto Protect first, then tell CarShield what you were quoted. Prices are often reduced. Never accept the first quote from any provider.
The main costs to watch for beyond the monthly premium are: the deductible per claim ($100 typically), potential labor rate gaps if your shop charges more than AAS's authorized rate, and the fact that the monthly model costs more long-term than fixed contracts from competitors.