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Crash Course:
- A CARCHEX extended warranty typically costs between $150 and $250 per month, though prices vary based on your coverage plan and term length.
- CARCHEX offers five levels of coverage, ranging from basic powertrain protection to an exclusionary plan.
- The company picked up our 2023 award of “Best for Used Cars” based on its plans for high-mileage vehicles.
An extended warranty can help you cover the cost of unexpected car repairs without the money coming out of pocket. Among warranty providers, CARCHEX tops many industry lists due to its long history, great service, and coverage for older vehicles. Our team of experts found that CARCHEX reviews are overwhelmingly positive, leading us to name it as one of the best extended car warranty companies.
In this review, we’ll detail CARCHEX warranty coverage, benefits, and costs to see how the company compares to other top providers.
Compare CARCHEX Plans
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Titanium
- Exclusionary plan – similar to a bumper-to-bumper warranty
- Covers all systems and components of your vehicle, except for a few parts.
Platinum
- CARCHEX’s second highest level of coverage
- Includes state component coverage for hundreds of repairs including major vehicle systems.
Gold
- Best for vehicles over 60,000 miles
- Covers powertrain systems and items like brakes, suspension, and steering.
Silver
- Best for vehicles over 100,000 miles
- Includes the fuel systems, alternator, electrical systems, air conditioning, and seals along with the powertrain.
Bronze
- Basic and affordable coverage
- Includes powertrain coverage and repairs for seals and gaskets within the engine and drive axle.
CARCHEX Review
In our team’s in-depth study of the best extended warranty providers, CARCHEX came in fifth place with a score of 4.4 out of 5.0 stars. We found that the company offers some of the best coverage options for older and high-mileage vehicles, which is why CARCHEX earned the title of Best for Used Cars in 2023.
Expand the section below to a see a table that breaks down how CARCHEX performed in each category of our 2023 study.
What We Like About CARCHEX
As with other best extended warranty companies, CARCHEX provides a number of solid coverage options at reasonable rates. CARCHEX reviews in particular mentioned the following as standout features:
- Various extended warranty plans: CARCHEX offers five levels of comprehensive coverage.
- Benefits: Each warranty plan comes with additional perks such as roadside assistance and a 30-day money-back guarantee in case of cancellation.
- Repair shop network: You can take your vehicle to any licensed repair facility certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE®).
CARCHEX Pros and Cons
| CARCHEX Pros | CARCHEX Cons |
|---|---|
| Works with more than 30,000 repair facilities | Some contracts aren’t renewable |
| Includes rental car reimbursement, roadside assistance, and trip interruption benefits | Doesn’t offer coverage for recreational vehicles (RVs) or motorcycles |
| Offers coverage in California | Won’t cover exotic cars |
CARCHEX Highlights
Founded: 1999
Headquarters: Baltimore, Maryland
Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating: A+
BBB customer rating: 1.9 out of 5.0
Warranty plans: 5
Commonly rated one of the top extended warranty providers, CARCHEX offers plans in all 50 states. That’s a rarity in the vehicle service contract industry.
However, CARCHEX is not the direct provider of its vehicle service plans. Instead, the company brokers extended warranty policies from providers like Royal Administration Services, Assurant, and American Auto Shield.
CARCHEX Reviews and Ratings
CARCHEX has high ratings across many customer review outlets, including Google and the BBB. An easy way to see if a company takes care of customers is to check its BBB score and accreditation status. CARCHEX has an A+ rating from the BBB and has been accredited by the organization since 2009.
Positive CARCHEX reviews praise the company’s customer service and mention helpful salespeople. Negative reviews mention consistent issues with denied claims.
We’ve added a few CARCHEX reviews from customers to provide a look at its customer service experience. Expand the section below to read them.
CARCHEX Cost
Generally, a CARCHEX warranty costs between $150 and $250 per month depending on your term length and payment plan. Most CARCHEX coverage plans also require a down payment which varies based on your monthly payment. Compared to other extended auto warranty companies we’ve contacted, this pricing is average for the industry.
We were quoted $2,610 for exclusionary coverage on a newer car, while the lower-tier plan cost $3,600 for a higher-mileage model. In our 2021 warranty survey, we polled 1,000 consumers and found that most pay between $1,600 and $3,200 for extended auto warranties.
CARCHEX Warranty Quotes
We called CARCHEX reps to get quotes for cars of different makes and ages. Our research team asked for quotes on a 2018 Toyota Camry with 28,000 miles and a 2013 Honda Accord with 90,000 miles.
The table below shows the rates we received from CARCHEX.
| Vehicle Type | CARCHEX Warranty | Term Length | Cost | Deductible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Toyota Camry | Titanium | 5 years/100,000 miles | $145 for 18 months | $100 |
| 2013 Honda Accord | Silver | 5 years/75,000 miles | $200 for 18 months | $100 |
CARCHEX Warranty Cost Factors
Each warranty provider has its own way of setting the cost of vehicle service contracts, but commonalities do exist. The cost of a CARCHEX plan varies based on factors such as:
- Coverage level: The more extensive the coverage, the more your plan will likely cost. Powertrain plans will cost less than a bumper-to-bumper warranty plan.
- Deductible: Similar to car insurance, you can choose your deductible in most cases. The higher you set your deductible, the less you’ll likely have to pay for a warranty.
- Type of vehicle: Expensive cars and ones that are pricier to repair will typically cost more to cover with an extended warranty.
- Vehicle mileage: Higher-mileage cars are more prone to suffer mechanical failures and are therefore costlier to cover.
- Vehicle age: The older a car is, the more likely it is to need mechanical repairs. That means you’ll likely pay more to get a warranty on an older vehicle.
In general, a new car with less mileage will cost less to cover than a used car with high mileage. CARCHEX payments can be made upfront or with monthly payment terms that can last up to two years.
CARCHEX Coverage
CARCHEX offers five vehicle service contracts ranging from basic powertrain coverage to comprehensive plans similar to bumper-to-bumper warranties. Here’s an overview of CARCHEX extended warranty coverage:
| CARCHEX Plan | Coverage Details |
|---|---|
| Titanium | CARCHEX Titanium coverage is an exclusionary plan similar to a manufacturer’s warranty. This covers all systems and components of your vehicle except for a few parts. |
| Platinum | Below the highest level of CARCHEX coverage is the Platinum plan. This contract offers stated-component coverage for hundreds of repairs including all major vehicle systems. |
| Powertrain Plus | Powertrain Plus coverage includes the fuel system, alternator, electrical system, air conditioning, and seals along with the powertrain. |
| Powertrain | The most basic protection plan from CARCHEX provides powertrain coverage and repairs for seals and gaskets within the engine and drive axle. |
| Extra Care | This coverage option from CARCHEX protects most critical car components other than those that make up the powertrain. |
Not every car will be eligible for each coverage level or plan. Vehicle eligibility is based on factors including the age and mileage of your vehicle.
CARCHEX Extended Warranty Plans
With its five warranty options, most owners will find a coverage plan from CARCHEX that fits their needs and budget. Expand the following section to learn more about these choices.
CARCHEX Additional Benefits
The most reputable car warranty companies offer perks and benefits to customers that go beyond standard vehicle protection. In addition to coverage levels and contracts for almost any car or driver, CARCHEX provides the following perks:
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Towing coverage
- Trip interruption coverage
- Rental car reimbursement
- Car lockout services
- Fuel deliveries
- Your choice of any licensed repair facility
- Free SiriusXM for eligible vehicles
CARCHEX Warranty Exclusions
Even though some protection plans promise repairs for hundreds of components, each extended warranty has its exceptions. Here are a few items typically not covered under a warranty contract:
- Wear and tear items such as windshield wiper blades and brake pads
- Regular maintenance such as oil changes and tire rotations
- Damage from owner abuse or neglect
- Damage from car accidents
- Damage that would be covered by your auto insurance policy
CARCHEX Coverage Upgrades
In addition to its standard protection plans, CARCHEX offers a number of coverage upgrades. The add-ons below come with more specialized coverage:
- Emissions component package
- Commercial use option
- Luxury electronics package
- Navigation system coverage
- Key replacement coverage
- Raise the market labor rate coverage limit
- Windshield repair coverage
- Reducing deductible option
CARCHEX Sample Contracts
If you want to take a closer look at CARCHEX warranty plans, the company offers several sample contracts on its website. Here’s one example of a warranty contract:
How Does CARCHEX Work?
CARCHEX extended warranty plans are easy to purchase. You can get an instant quote on the company’s website or call its customer service line during business hours. When our team called the warranty provider, we were on hold for only a minute and the entire call lasted 10 minutes. There was no pressure to purchase a plan over the phone.
CARCHEX reviews mention an easy and efficient claims process. You can call the company to file a claim or take your vehicle to the nearest dealership or ASE-certified repair facility. If your car repairs are covered under warranty, CARCHEX will pay repair costs directly to the shop.
How To File a Claim With CARCHEX
If your vehicle needs service while you’re under a CARCHEX warranty plan, filing a claim is fairly simple. Here are the steps you’ll need to take:
- Consult your warranty documents and confirm that the needed repair work is covered under contract.
- Take the car to your preferred repair shop for a diagnosis and service. You can choose from over 30,000 approved repair centers.
- When all work is done, the shop will receive an authorization number for the covered repairs. Once this happens, CARCHEX will pay the shop directly.
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free process, take a look at some tips from a repair shop owner on how to use an extended warranty.
CARCHEX Claims Numbers
If you need to file a claim, it’s important to remember that CARCHEX is a broker and not a direct provider of warranty services. Your warranty will actually be administered by a partner of CARCHEX.
Here are the claims phone numbers for each partner. Consult your warranty documents if you don’t know who your administrator is.
| CARCHEX Warranty Administrator | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| American Auto Shield | 1-800-531-1925 |
| American Guardian Warranty Services | 1-800-579-2233 |
| Assurant Solution | 1-866-305-4276 |
| Enterprise Financial Group | 1-800-527-1984 |
| National Administration Services Co. | 1-877-356-1500 |
| Royal Administration Services | 1-800-871-0467 |
| The Warranty Group | 1-800-621-2130 |
| Zurich | 1-800-643-9059 |
How To Cancel a CARCHEX Warranty
You can cancel a CARCHEX warranty at any time during your contract. If you cancel within the first 30 days of your contract, you’ll get a full refund. Canceling after the 30-day period means you’ll receive a prorated refund based on the time remaining on the contract.
Note that you can’t do this through CARCHEX. Instead, you’ll need to mail or fax a notarized odometer statement and a written cancellation request to your administrator. This could be any of the providers listed above in the claims number section and it should be listed in your contract.
Is CARCHEX Legitimate?
CARCHEX is one of the oldest and most well-known extended warranty providers in the industry. The company has more than enough options to provide drivers with coverage that fits their needs and budget.
The five comprehensive coverage plans CARCHEX offers provide extra protection against expensive repairs, especially for high-mileage vehicles. That kind of coverage can offer owners of older cars with peace of mind on the road.
Is CARCHEX Worth It?
Based on our research, the cost of a CARCHEX warranty is worth it for many drivers, especially for those with used cars. It could also be worthwhile for those who drive often to make sure they have peace of mind behind the wheel. Warranty protection can help you avoid surprise repair bills, especially if you’d have a hard time finding the cash to cover them otherwise.
CARCHEX offers several driver benefits along with affordable prices. Combined with its sterling reputation within the warranty industry, we think CARCHEX is a fantastic option as an extended warranty provider.
Best Warranty Provider for Used Cars
CARCHEX Reviews: Conclusion
While CARCHEX isn’t our number one choice among extended warranty providers, it comes close. Our review team appreciates the company’s generous coverage plans, exceptional industry reputation, and availability in California. However, its customer service record is somewhat spotty and CARCHEX prices are often pretty standard.
CARCHEX Warranty Competitors: Top Picks
Even if you’re fairly confident that an extended car warranty from CARCHEX is right for your vehicle, it’s best to consider your options. We recommend getting free quotes from two other reputable extended car warranty companies as well: Endurance and CarShield.
Endurance: Best Overall
Endurance stands out by operating as a direct warranty provider, meaning the company offers and administers its own contracts. Endurance has six comprehensive vehicle service plans which range from exclusionary bumper-to-bumper coverage to basic powertrain warranties. Each plan comes with rental car reimbursement, trip interruption coverage, and roadside assistance.
Endurance warranty reviews are positive for a company of its size. The warranty provider holds a 3.7-star rating out of 5.0 on Trustpilot and a 3.7-star BBB rating.
Keep reading: Endurance warranty review
Best Overall Warranty Provider
CarShield: Affordable Monthly Payments
CarShield is one of the most popular extended warranty providers in the industry. The company says it has sold more than 1 million contracts since its founding in 2005. CarShield offers six types of coverage, including plans dedicated to specialty vehicles. Plans are available for purchase in every state except California.
CarShield has average customer reviews. The company holds a 4.0-star rating out of 5.0 on Trustpilot but only a 1.3-star rating on the BBB. CarShield has closed over 3,400 complaints in the past three years, which is a high number. However, our research shows that CarShield is one of the most popular extended warranty providers on the market and that these complaints make up a small percentage of its customer base.
Keep reading: CarShield review
Affordable Monthly Payment
CARCHEX Extended Warranty Reviews: FAQ
We rounded up the most frequently asked questions about CARCHEX reviews.
What types of cars does CARCHEX cover?
As an extended warranty broker, CARCHEX can offer plans from several warranty providers. This arguably gives CARCHEX the best chance of finding a protection plan that works for your vehicle. Many makes, models, and ages of cars can be protected by a CARCHEX extended warranty, including:
Audi
BMW
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ford
Honda
Hyundai
Kia
Lexus
Nissan
Toyota
Volkswagen
Volvo
Is CARCHEX legitimate?
CARCHEX is a well-regarded extended auto warranty provider. CARCHEX reviews show positive customer satisfaction ratings, and the company is also backed by industry experts such as CARFAX, Kelley Blue Book, and Edmunds.com.
Is CARCHEX the same as CarShield?
While both companies work in the aftermarket auto industry, CARCHEX and CarShield are separate businesses.
Are CARCHEX protection plans insured?
CARCHEX extended vehicle protection plans are backed by reputable insurance companies, so you can feel confident in your extended warranty.
Who has the best extended warranty?
Our research team found that independent warranty providers such as Endurance, CARCHEX, CarShield, and Protect My Car can be good choices due to their coverage levels and reputations for service. Ultimately, the best extended warranty company depends on your needs and budget.
How do you cancel a CARCHEX warranty?
To cancel a CARCHEX warranty, you must get in touch with CARCHEX customer service and submit an official cancellation form. If you choose to cancel the policy within 30 days, you’ll get a full refund. After 30 days, you can usually get a prorated amount back on your warranty depending on how long was left on the contract.
What is the CARCHEX claims number?
If you need to file a claim, the CARCHEX claims phone number is 877-227-2439 (877-CARCHEX). You can call this number 24/7 to file a claim or speak with customer service.
Is CARCHEX better than Endurance?
CARCHEX and Endurance both performed well in our study of the best extended warranty providers. However, Endurance scored slightly higher than CARCHEX and was named the provider that’s Best Overall.
Does CARCHEX cover brake pads?
CARCHEX warranty plans don’t cover brake pads since they’re wear and tear items that fall outside of your vehicle service contract. This exclusion is typical throughout the extended car warranty industry.
Does CARCHEX cover the transmission?
All CARCHEX plans except for Extra Care cover your vehicle’s transmission.
Does CARCHEX have a waiting period?
CARCHEX has a waiting period of 30 days for all of its plans. This period starts as soon as your contract begins and during it, you won’t be able to use coverage.
Does CARCHEX have a deductible?
CARCHEX plans have a deductible which you can set at $0, $50, $100, or $200. The lower you set your deductible, the more you’ll have to pay for a CARCHEX warranty.
Is CARCHEX a broker?
CARCHEX is a broker of extended car warranty plans. While you purchase the plan through CARCHEX, warranty services will be provided by a third-party administrator.
Can you cancel CARCHEX anytime?
You can cancel a CARCHEX coverage plan at any time. If you cancel your plan within 30 days of starting the contract, you’ll receive a full refund. After this period, the refund will be prorated if you’re entitled to one.
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.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
