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CarShield vs. Endurance
Compare extended warranty plans from the two top providers on the market.
Diamond
- Comparable to a new car’s manufacturer’s warranty
- Exclusionary coverage – all systems and components of your vehicle are included except a short list of non-covered parts
- Great option for new car owners
Supreme
- Best for complete vehicle (bumper-to-bumper) coverage
- Specialty coverage add-on for luxury vehicle owners
- As close to the manufacturer’s warranty from a dealership as you can get
Platinum
- Best for high-mileage or used cars
- Covers your vehicle’s engine, transmission, cooling system, air conditioning, steering, brakes, electrical components, and fuel pump.
- Stated-component coverage – each covered part is listed in the vehicle service contract
Superior
- A high-tier stated-component plan that covers most components in a vehicle
- This comprehensive inclusionary covers hundreds of parts and, systems.
Silver
- Most basic and affordable powertrain plan
- Covers your engine, transmission, water pump and drive axle
Secure
- Endurance’s most affordable coverage option
- Covers the most vital and costly components of your car – engine, transmission, transfer case, drive axle, and turbo/supercharger
- Offers 24/7 roadside assistance, plus add-on coverage options
- We compare coverage options in this CarShield vs. Endurance guide.
- CarShield and Endurance have both paid out millions in claims over the past decade.
- If you plan to drive your car beyond the factory warranty, an extended warranty can be a good idea.
When you buy a new car, it is covered by a manufacturer’s warranty for several years. But what do you do if the original warranty expires or you buy a used car who’s warranty has already expired. We recommend considering an extended warranty to provide peace of mind and protect you from unexpected repairs.
You have many options when it comes to the best extended car warranty companies. In this article we’ll compare two of the top providers of the market, CarShield vs. Endurance, by looking at plans, cost, exclusions, reviews, and benefits for each.
Endurance vs. CarShield Comparison
CarShield and Endurance are two top providers in the world of extended auto warranties. Both are well established and have paid out millions in claims over the past decade. There are also many differences between the two, so let’s dive into the details.
CarShield Warranty Overview
Who Is CarShield?
- CarShield offers six plan levels with 19 individual contracts.
- CarShield works with highly rated administrators to back its contracts.
- CarShield plans can cover high-tech components and specialty vehicles.
- CarShield is a well-known provider, protecting more than one million vehicles and paying over $1 billion in claims.
CarShield Quick Facts
- Founded in 2005
- Over 1 million vehicles covered
- Headquartered in St. Peters, Missouri
| CarShield Pros | CarShield Cons |
|---|---|
| Six coverage levels | High number of complaints |
| Multiple pricing options | No coverage for hybrid vehicles |
| Sample contracts available online |
Endurance Warranty Overview
Who Is Endurance?
- Endurance has six levels of coverage.
- Perks include roadside assistance, tire repair and replacement, and ID theft protection.
- Drivers can choose any ASE-certified mechanic for auto repairs.
- Endurance is a direct provider, so you deal with only one company when purchasing a plan or filing a claim.
Endurance Quick Facts
- Founded in 2006
- Headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois
- Maximum coverage limits of 8 years or 200,000+ miles
| Endurance Pros | Endurance Cons |
|---|---|
| Direct warranty provider | Perks only free for the first year |
| Endurance Elite Benefits | |
| 5 levels of coverage plus add-ons |
CarShield vs. Endurance: Coverage
CarShield and Endurance both offer extensive coverage plan options, ranging from basic powertrain coverage to exclusionary bumper-to-bumper coverage.
CarShield Plans
CarShield offers six coverage levels:
| Coverage Level | Details |
|---|---|
| Diamond | This is the highest level of coverage, similar to a factory bumper-to-bumper warranty. It covers the entire car except specifically excluded parts like wear items and cosmetic materials. |
| Platinum | The Platinum plan covers hundreds of parts on most major systems including air conditioning, electrical, and steering. It’s the best coverage option for vehicles with higher mileage. |
| Gold | This mid-tier plan covers the powertrain plus the turbocharger, fuel, cooling, A/C, and electrical systems. |
| Silver | This is CarShield’s most affordable plan. It covers the powertrain, which is the engine, transmission, and drive axle. The plan also covers a few extra parts like the water pump and internally lubricated turbocharger components. |
| Aluminum | The Aluminum plan is designed to cover high-tech parts like sensors and instruments gauges. It also covers some basic components on other systems, but it doesn’t cover the powertrain. |
| Motorcycle & ATV | CarShield offers Platinum and Silver plans tailored to motorcycles, ATVs, and other specialty vehicles. |
Additional Benefits
Along with the coverage plans, CarShield offers the following benefits for its customers:
- Key lock-out service
- Fuel delivery service
- Tow and winch services
- Battery jump-start service
- Rental car reimbursement
- Trip interruption reimbursement for food and lodging
CarShield Warranty Exclusions
CarShield plans don’t cover routine maintenance or normal wear and tear. Pre-existing conditions or damage from neglect, lack of maintenance, environmental events, or accidents are not covered either. CarShield does not provide warranty coverage for hybrid batteries or parts related to hybrid batteries.
One other thing to point out – CarShield plans contain a “betterment clause,” which is common in the industry. This basically says CarShield won’t pay for a substitute part if it upgrades the value of your car.
Endurance Plans
Here are the six plans you can choose from:
| Coverage Level | Details |
|---|---|
| Supreme | The Supreme plan is Endurance’s bumper-to-bumper exclusionary coverage warranty. It is the most comprehensive and expensive plan. |
| Superior | This plan covers hundreds of parts on most systems of the vehicle. It is the highest level of stated-component coverage available. |
| Secure Plus | This plan adds coverage for the brakes, steering, and turbocharger, plus it covers more parts for the air conditioning and electrical system. |
| Select Premier | This plan covers a few more parts than the Secure plan including the air conditioning and some electrical components. It’s a good option for high-mileage vehicles. |
| Secure | This basic plan covers the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. These elements make up the powertrain and can be expensive to fix. |
|
EnduranceAdvantage™ |
This plan offers high-level stated-component coverage plus regularly scheduled maintenance services like oil changes. |
Endurance also offers a few add-on coverage options. You can add a high-tech package to a Superior plan and a hybrid vehicle package to a Superior or Secure Plus plan. Tire modifications and body or suspension lifts are also covered (with a surcharge).
Some Endurance warranties cover up to 200,000+ miles, though the coverage you’ll find depends on your car and its condition.
Additional Benefits
All Endurance plans come with one free year of Endurance Elite, which includes:
- Key fob replacement
- Endurance Protect app
- ID theft protection tools
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Repair or replacement of two tires per year
- Collision discount
- Total loss protection
- Up to $5,000 in repair financing for non-covered components
Endurance Warranty Exclusions
Endurance warranties contain similar general exclusions as CarShield warranties:
- Wear items
- Regular maintenance
- Pre-existing conditions
- Environmental events or accidents
- Damage from neglect or lack of maintenance
There is one difference in our CarShield vs. Endurance comparison that we noticed. Endurance does not use betterment clauses in its contracts. So, Endurance would allow a new or better part to replace an older one even if it boosts the value of your car. Contract clauses like these can go unnoticed and cause headaches later on if misunderstood.
CarShield vs. Endurance: Cost
Regarding cost, we named CarShield Affordable Monthly Payments. That said, Endurance tends to have lower total costs for plans. Below, we’ve outlined the basics of each providers’ cost.
CarShield Cost
We found that CarShield warranties are some of the most affordable, usually costing $100 to $120 a month. Extended warranty plans are tailored to your car and its age, so you’ll have to get a quote to find an exact price.
CarShield has an interesting pricing model. It offers unlimited mileage contracts and charges a monthly payment for however long you have the warranty. So, a long contract with CarShield (5 or more years) tends to cost more than a contract of the same length from Endurance. This is because Endurance puts a set price on the term and you pay it off before the five years are up.
Some CarShield plans come with a $0 deductible, while others may require deductibles of $100 to $200 per repair visit.
CarShield also offers month-to-month contracts, which is fairly unique in the industry. These contracts might be a bit more expensive, but they give you some more flexibility.
Is CarShield worth the cost per month? From a strictly financial perspective, there’s a chance any warranty will cost more than the repairs it pays for in the end. But if you wouldn’t be able to pay for an expensive repair, the peace of mind and financial stability are worth it.
Endurance Cost
Like CarShield, Endurance prices are tailored to your situation. In our research, we found that Endurance monthly prices are a bit higher compared to other companies. Expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $200 per month. That said, a bumper-to-bumper plan from Endurance costs about $900 per year of coverage, while the equivalent plan from CarShield costs $1,200 per year of coverage.
With Endurance, you might pay between $100 and $200 for a deductible when you visit a repair facility. Some contracts allow you to add a disappearing deductible option. In this case, the standard deductible of $100 will be waived when you visit AAMCO for repairs.
CarShield vs. Endurance: Customer Reviews
Customer experiences can tell you a lot about a provider’s quality and reputation. Below, we’ve compiled customer reviews and industry ratings for both providers to give you a better idea of how they stack up.
CarShield Reviews
CarShield has a 4.0-star rating on Trustpilot from over 40,000 reviews and a 4.3-star rating on Google from over 14,000 reviews. However, it also has an “D” rating from the Better Business Bureau for a pattern of complaints.
The company has 3,456 complaints on the BBB from the last 3 years, which sounds like a lot. But overall, when you consider how many customers CarShield has, many more people have had a positive experience than a negative one.
Here’s what one CarShield customer said about their experience on Trustpilot:
“Having CarShield was a great experience. They were there when I needed them. All my car repairs were always taken care of in a timely fashion. I highly recommend them to anyone with an expired factory warranty.”
– Marvin C.
Despite the issue of the mailers, many CarShield reviewers talk about how they actually didn’t feel any pressure to buy when working with a customer service agent.
Endurance Reviews
Between CarShield vs. Endurance reputations, Endurance has a smaller number of online reviews overall. Over 7,000 reviewers on Trustpilot gave Endurance 3.7 stars overall.
Endurance also has a high number of positive customer reviews on the BBB, which is uncommon. Unfortunately, Endurance is not rated by the BBB at this time because the BBB is evaluating a pattern of complaints.
Here’s what one reviewer on Trustpilot said about their experience with Endurance:
“Thank goodness we had Endurance covering our 2006 Toyota 4 Runner! The transmission went out on it. Endurance told us to take it to the nearest Toyota Dealership. We did and gave them our Endurance policy number. They ordered the parts and within a week we had our SUV fixed and all we had to do is pay the $100 deductible!”
– Dianne M.
Endurance vs. CarShield
Looking at CarShield and Endurance side-by-side, both have advantages in different areas. Deciding between them may come down to contract specifics for your situation.
Here’s a quick comparison of the main differences.
| CarShield | Endurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage Levels | 6 | 6 |
| Contracts Available | 19 | 5 |
| Deductibles | $0+ | $100–$200 |
| Years of Experience | 18 | 17 |
| Accepted Repair Sites | 30,000+ | 30,000+ |
| Transferable Plans | Yes | Yes |
| Cancellable Plans | Yes | Yes |
| 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee | Yes | Yes |
| Endorsements | Chris Berman, Larry MC Reynolds, Adrienne Janic, and Ernie Hudson | Courtney Hanson, Katie Osbourne, and the Vehicle Protection Association |
If you want to deal with the same company when you shop for a protection plan and when you make a claim, go with Endurance. If you want a bit more control over monthly payment plans, check out CarShield. In the end, it’s a good idea to get a free quote from both since the cost for similar coverage can be different.
Featured Extended Warranty Companies
We reviewed the best extended auto warranty providers, and here are our top picks.
Best Overall Warranty Provider
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Coverage:: 6 plan options, from routine maintenance to full coverage
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Cost:: Several discounts available
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Reputation:: Smooth claims experience as a direct provider
Affordable Monthly Payment
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Coverage:: 6 plan options, some that last up to 300,000 miles
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Cost:: Flexible month-to-month contracts
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Reputation:: Most popular warranty provider
Best Warranty Provider for Used Cars
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Coverage:: 6 plan options, the highest similar to a manufacturer’s warranty
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Cost:: No down payment required
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Reputation:: Strong BBB (Better Business Bureau) rating
Is an Extended Warranty Worth It?
Every year, automakers pack more features into new vehicles. These features can be expensive to repair, and some may even need re-calibration when a neighboring component is replaced.
This is the case with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). According to Automotive Fleet, here’s what Kelley Hatlee, National Service Department Customer Support Supervisor for Enterprise Fleet Management, says about ADAS:
“[ADAS] also adds additional steps to common repair procedures that didn’t exist previously. For example, many minor body repairs, windshield replacements, and steering and suspension repairs now require ADAS re-calibration. This adds to the complexity of the repair, increasing labor costs.”
It’s easy to love safety and performance features. It’s also easy to forget about the possible repair cost. Vehicle service contracts, also called extended warranties, can help cover repairs so you can focus on enjoying your vehicle. Here are a few more reasons why you might consider an extended warranty:
- As your car ages, you may encounter more expensive repairs. An extended warranty can keep your monthly budget predictable.
- Your manufacturer’s warranty may be comprehensive, but it won’t last forever. Extended warranties can expand coverage up to 150,000 miles or more.
- Many extended warranties come with extra benefits like roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and towing at no extra cost.
CarShield and Endurance Competitors
Two more reputable extended car warranty companies – CARCHEX and autopom! – have paid out millions in claims as well. Our CARCHEX vs. autopom! comparison gets into the specifics to help you make an educated decision.
Endurance Warranty vs. CarShield: Conclusion
At the end of the day, we rank Endurance slightly ahead of CarShield because it has more extensive coverage options and benefits. That said, both companies offer good warranty protection. We recommend getting free quotes from both providers to see which offers the better deal.
CarShield and Endurance: FAQ
Below are a few frequently asked questions about comparing CarShield vs. Endurance:
Is Endurance warranty better than CarShield?
We compared both companies head-to-head and found Endurance has better coverage selection and industry reputation than CarShield overall. That said, CarShield covers higher-mileage vehicles, which may be important to you.
What companies are better than CarShield?
If you’re looking to cover maintenance services like oil changes in addition to mechanical breakdowns, Endurance is a better option than CarShield.
Is Endurance cheaper than CarShield?
According to quotes we received, CarShield has lower monthly payments but Endurance is cheaper overall. This is because CarShield charges a monthly payment for however long you have the warranty, while Endurance charges a fixed amount for a set plan.
Our Methodology
Our expert review team takes satisfaction in providing accurate and unbiased information. We identified the following rating categories based on consumer survey data and conducted extensive research to formulate rankings of the best extended auto warranty providers.
- Affordability: A variety of factors influence cost, so it can be difficult to compare quotes between providers. Our team performs ongoing secret shopper analyses for different vehicles, mileages, warranty plans, and locations to give this rating.
- Coverage: Because each consumer has unique needs, it’s essential that a car warranty company offers an array of coverage options. We take into account the number of plans offered by each provider, term limits, exclusions, and additional benefits.
- Industry Standing: Our team considers Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, availability, and years in business when giving this score.
- Customer Service: Reputable extended car warranty companies operate with a certain degree of care for consumers. We take into account customer reviews, BBB complaints, and the responsiveness of the customer service team.
