- Coverage level
Disclosure: This content was produced by an independent editorial party for the purposes of educating our customers, and is not influenced by the other business operations of CARCHEX.
An extended car warranty is protection from the vehicle manufacturer against mechanical breakdowns. This term is sometimes incorrectly used to describe coverage from third-party providers, which offer similar protection plans called vehicle service contracts. CARCHEX is a vehicle service contract provider.
When choosing a vehicle service contract provider, you’ll want to consider pricing, coverage plans, and the benefits provided. If you’re looking at us as an option, it’s a smart move to consider CARCHEX reviews. Here at CARCHEX, we focus on providing the best customer experience, which extends to all aspects of the company.
Below, you’ll find CARCHEX reviews from both businesses and customers that can shed light on our company. We’ll also give an overview of our vehicle protection services. If you’d like to speak with a CARCHEX representative about an extended vehicle protection plan, call 866-261-3457 or fill out our online form.
CARCHEX Vehicle Service Contracts
From powertrain coverage up to exclusionary options, CARCHEX offers five different plans. Your specific needs will likely vary depending on your vehicle, mileage, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of CARCHEX plans:
- Titanium coverage: This is the highest-level plan available. It offers the best coverage for owners of newer vehicles who want an almost exclusionary plan that lasts for up to 10 years.
- Platinum coverage: This tier is beneficial for those who want to lower their vehicle service contract costs but still get comprehensive stated component coverage. It also offers coverage that can last for up to 10 years.
- Powertrain Plus coverage: This level is another great option for high-mileage vehicles as it extensively protects most major vehicle systems and lasts for up to seven years.
- Powertrain coverage: Our powertrain coverage handles repairs on essential parts such as the engine and transmission for up to seven years.
- Extra Care coverage: Extra Care coverage provides vehicle coverage protection for many of the crucial items outside of the powertrain.
CARCHEX coverage is available in every state, including California. While not every CARCHEX option is renewable, many plans can be extended.
The best vehicle protection companies are upfront about their terms and conditions, so make sure you read the fine print before purchasing a plan. You’ll also want to check out customer feedback on various providers to compare each with our solid CARCHEX reviews.
CARCHEX Plan Comparison
Here’s an overview of the main systems covered by each CARCHEX plan. Different tiers cover separate system parts, so it might help to let a CARCHEX customer service representative explain exactly what’s covered by each contract.
The comparison table below applies to plans administered through American Auto Shield. Other CARCHEX administrators may offer slightly different options, but expect coverage to be relatively similar to what’s shown below.
| Titanium | Platinum | Powertrain Plus | Powertrain | Extra Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Transmission | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Cooling system | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transfer unit | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Drive axle | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Alternator | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Electrical | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Air conditioning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Suspension | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Brakes | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Fuel delievery | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Turbocharger | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| High-tech systems | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Audio center | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Exclusionary coverage | ✓ |
For detailed descriptions of each level of coverage, review the sample contracts found on the CARCHEX website.
CARCHEX Optional Coverages
CARCHEX reviews often speak to the benefits of picking an upgraded coverage plan. Depending on the contract and administrator, you may be able to add the following coverage upgrades:
- Luxury electronics package
- Emissions components package
- Raise the market labor rate coverage limit
- Commercial use option
- Key replacement coverage
- Navigation system coverage
- Windshield repair coverage
- Reducing deductible option
CARCHEX Benefits
In addition to covering numerous repairs, all CARCHEX plans include benefits that help drivers out during vehicle breakdowns. Perks vary by coverage level, but below are a few that are often mentioned in CARCHEX reviews:
- 24/7 roadside assistance: CARCHEX offers lockout services, fuel deliveries, and battery jump-starts to drivers up to a certain number of times per year.
- Towing: In the event of a covered breakdown, CARCHEX will reimburse you up to a certain amount and provide towing services to the nearest repair facility.
- Rental car options: CARCHEX will cover a rental car if you need to drive somewhere while your car receives a covered repair.
- Trip interruption protection: CARCHEX will pay for lodging and meal expenses for a limited period if you suffer a mechanical breakdown far away from home.
Unlike manufacturer extended warranties where drivers are limited to a small number of factory-approved service centers, CARCHEX customers can get car repairs performed at more than 30,000 shops nationwide.
CARCHEX Plan Exclusions
Even the strongest CARCHEX coverage doesn’t cover all vehicle components. In fact, no vehicle service contract on the market protects every single car part. CARCHEX reviews mention that its plans leave out the following:
- Wear-and-tear components like brake pads and windshield wiper blades
- Maintenance items like oil changes and tire rotations
- Damage caused by an accident or environmental factors
A full list of excluded repairs will be clearly listed in your CARCHEX vehicle service contract.
How Much Does a CARCHEX Vehicle Service Contract Cost?
Most drivers pay between $1,500 and $2,500 when they purchase a used car vehicle service contract and get charged somewhere between $100 and $200 per month. Keep in mind that there’s a wide range of coverage options and terms available. CARCHEX reviews often reveal that customers consider our services to be well worth their cost.
Factors That Affect Vehicle Service Contract Costs
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After making a down payment, you can choose your deductible, which can be as low as $0. Monthly payments can also make managing car repairs fit your bottom line, as they only require a down payment to begin coverage.
When you call our representatives, we’ll ask about your car and what kind of coverage you’re looking for. At the end of the conversation you’ll receive a custom quote, which CARCHEX reviews indicate should be competitive.
Why Choose CARCHEX?
Original manufacturer warranties don’t usually outlast cars, which is why extended protection is critical. CARCHEX recognizes that you need coverage but also customization, affordability, and customer satisfaction.
Reasons To Choose CARCHEX
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CARCHEX vs. Competitors
Compared to other third-party providers, CARCHEX has an impressive amount of experience. We’ve been in business for over 20 years, and we’re one of the few providers that’s accredited by the BBB. Our A+ rating tops the industry, CARCHEX reviews reveal that shoppers are satisfied, and we offer instant and free quotes to potential clients.
How CARCHEX Stands Up to the Competition
| CARCHEX | Endurance | Concord Auto Protect | Liberty Bell Auto Protect | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | 25 | 18 | 11 | 14 |
| BBB Accredited | Yes | No | No | No |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A- | F | NR |
| Customer Complaints | 100+ | 3,000+ | 300+ | 1+40 |
| Insured Plans | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Coverage Levels | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 |
| Deductible | $0–$200 | $0–$200 | $100 | $0–$100 |
Updated September 2024.
We pride ourselves on providing the industry’s best service and on being reliable leaders. That’s why our vehicle service contract experts are eager to help you find the plan that best fits your needs and budget.
Reputation of CARCHEX
CARCHEX holds a high customer satisfaction rate, making us a desirable option for car owners. The CARCHEX review performed by ThoroughlyReviewed give us a score of 10.0, showing that we’re a reputable vehicle service contract company.
Not only is CARCHEX preferred by drivers, but the industry trusts us too. We’re backed by companies like Kelley Blue Book, Autoblog, RepairPal, Edmunds, CARFAX, and SiriusXM.
CARCHEX Reviews
While the market for vehicle service contracts is competitive, CARCHEX continues to top customer reviews. We hold an excellent 3.8-star rating on Google, showing that drivers trust us to keep their vehicles safe on the road. Here some CARCHEX reviews from customers:
“This is a good company to do business with. Everyone has good product knowledge, and they have really good customer service. I will stick with them even though other companies are always trying to drag me away.” – Arlene
“Helpful, friendly people. Willing to work with you to get the best deal available for you. Listens to your concerns and willing to explain any issues.” – Patrick
“Very courteous and helpful when signing up for the program over the phone.” – Cheryl via BBB
“CARCHEX is an excellent company. I have nothing but great things to say. Excellent, friendly customer service and very quick to resolve issues.” – Dean via Trustpilot
Expert Opinions on CARCHEX
Experts across the automotive field hold positive opinions of CARCHEX vehicle protection plans. It’s worthwhile to hear what Pat Goss of “MotorWeek” has to say about the CARCHEX vehicle service contract.
Industry leaders consistently offer strong CARCHEX reviews. That’s because our extended vehicle protection plans can save drivers money, come with transparent contracts, and are backed by strong customer service.
How Do CARCHEX Contracts Work?
Vehicle service contracts offer peace of mind for car owners who want to avoid unexpected repair costs. You never know when your transmission will stop working or when your car will break down on the side of the road, so protection before something happens is key. When you purchase a new car at the dealership it comes with a factory warranty, but these usually run out after three years or 36,000 miles.
How To Submit a Claim With CARCHEX
Once you’ve chosen a CARCHEX plan, there’s a waiting period of 30 days. After that, here’s what you can expect:
- Submit a claim to CARCHEX when something wrong happens to your car. You can either call our office or send in a claim through our website.
- CARCHEX processes your claim, and a representative will walk you through the process. If you’re over 100 miles from home, you’ll benefit from trip interruption services through CARCHEX.
- CARCHEX pays the repair shop directly, ensuring that you don’t have to worry about out-of-pocket costs.
CARCHEX reviews show that customers love one perk: getting repairs done from a network of more than 30,000 repair facilities. Also, you can cancel your plan at any time. As part of our 30-day money-back guarantee, you’ll get a full refund if you cancel within that period. You’ll likely get a prorated refund if you cancel beyond the first month.
CARCHEX Claims Numbers
Since CARCHEX works with several administrators, your claims phone number depends on which one you have. If you’re facing a problem getting your administrator to handle a claim, reach out to CARCHEX to resolve the issue.
| Claims Administrator | First Letters of Your Contract | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| American Auto Shield | ABC | 1-800-531-1925 |
| American Guardian Warranty Services | SDR1 | 1-800-579-2233 |
| Assurant Solutions | 801, 802 | 1-866-305-4276 |
| Enterprise Financial Group | 9005 | 1-800-527-1984 |
| National Administration Services Co. | BAA | 1-877-356-1500 |
| Royal Administration Services | 137, 491, 611, 642, 734, 820, RAD, SAD | 1-800-871-0467 |
| The Warranty Group | CX | 1-800-621-2130 |
| Zurich | PV | 1-800-643-9059 |
How To Cancel a CARCHEX Contract
As long as you haven’t used coverage, all CARCHEX plans can be canceled within 30 days for a full refund by contacting the administrator in writing. You may also have to submit a notarized odometer statement depending on the administrator. If you cancel after 30 days, we’ll send you a prorated refund.
Are Vehicle Service Contracts Worth It?
Most cars keep working long after their manufacturer’s warranty expires. And as cars age, there’s a greater chance of major components beginning to fail.
Vehicle service contracts can provide assurance in the event of a mechanical breakdown. With a CARCHEX extended vehicle protection plan, all you’re responsible for in most situations is paying the deductible on a covered repair. We’ll take care of the rest.
Vehicle service contracts don’t cover everything, of course. Routine maintenance like windshield wiper blades and oil changes is usually excluded from vehicle service contracts. Some other parts may not be covered depending on the plan you choose, so read the fine print before signing up for a plan.
Choosing to buy extended coverage means understanding your car’s dependability and your ability to cover unexpected repairs. CARCHEX could be a solid choice for those looking to set a standard monthly budget for car repairs.
If you’re ready to get a CARCHEX vehicle service contract quote, reach out to an agent at 866-261-3457. We’d be glad to teach you more about vehicle service contracts, answer any questions you may have, and learn about your specific needs.