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One of the best ways to protect yourself against the cost of repairing a vehicle with a mechanical issue is through an extended car warranty. CARCHEX tops many industry lists for its great service and coverage for older vehicles. Our team of experts found that CARCHEX reviews are overwhelmingly positive, and after researching the best extended car warranty companies, we believe CARCHEX is a strong choice for most drivers.
In this review, we’ll detail CARCHEX warranty coverage, benefits, and costs to see how the company compares to some of its competitors.
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 country’s best extended warranty providers, CARCHEX came in fifth place among all providers with a score of 4.4 out of a possible 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.
CARCHEX Pros & Cons
| CARCHEX Pros | CARCHEX Cons |
|---|---|
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What We Like About CARCHEX
Like the other companies in our list of the best extended car warranty companies, CARCHEX provides a number of solid coverage options at reasonable rates. But in our research, CARCHEX stood out due to a few particulars:
- 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 Highlights
Founded: 1999
Headquarters: Baltimore, Maryland
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating: A+
BBB Customer Rating: 2.0 out of 5.0
Warranty Plans: 5
Commonly rated one of the top extended warranty providers, CARCHEX offers warranty plans in all 50 states. That’s a rarity in the vehicle service contract industry.
However, CARCHEX is not a direct provider of vehicle service plans. Instead, the company brokers extended warranty policies from Royal Administration Services, Allegiance, and American Auto Shield.
CARCHEX Extended Warranty Plans
CARCHEX offers five vehicle service contracts ranging from basic powertrain coverage to comprehensive coverage that is similar to bumper-to-bumper warranties. Here’s an overview of CARCHEX extended warranty coverage:
| CARCHEX Warranty Plans | Details |
|---|---|
| Diamond | CARCHEX’s 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 CARCHEX’s highest level of coverage is Platinum coverage. This contract still offers state component coverage for hundreds of repairs including major vehicle systems. |
| Gold | Intended for vehicles over 60,000 miles, Gold coverage handles powertrain systems and items like brakes, suspension, and steering. |
| Silver | Silver coverage includes the fuel systems, alternator, electrical systems, air conditioning, and seals along with the powertrain. |
| Bronze | CARCHEX’s basic, most barebones protection plan includes powertrain coverage and repairs for seals and gaskets within the engine and drive axle. |
Not every car will be eligible for each coverage level or plan. Vehicle eligibility is based on many factors, including the age and mileage of your vehicle and your state of residence.
CARCHEX Plan Details
With its five warranty options, owners can find coverage plans with CARCHEX that fit their needs and budget.
Titanium
The CARCHEX Titanium plan provides exclusionary coverage similar to a manufacturer’s factory warranty, with terms of seven to ten years. The highest coverage level available, the Titanium plan has only a few exclusions.
Platinum
The Platinum plan is the highest level of stated-component coverage that CARCHEX offers. This coverage plan is available with terms of five to 10 years.
With a Platinum plan, you get the coverage that’s included in the lower-level Gold, Silver, and Bronze plans plus coverage for the following:
- Suspension components like upper and lower ball joints, struts, and mounting plates.
- Heating and cooling system components such as the radiator, thermostat, and water pump.
- Electrical components such as solenoids and windshield wiper motors.
Gold
The Gold plan from CARCHEX provides named-component coverage for all of your vehicle’s major systems with terms of five to ten years. These terms and coverage make the Gold plan a good option for higher-mileage vehicles with more than 60,000 miles on the odometer.
In addition to components that are covered by the Silver and Bronze plans, the Gold plan includes coverage for steering and braking components such as:
- Backing plates
- Braking system components
- Disc calipers
- Master cylinder
- Metal hydraulic lines and fittings
Silver
The Silver plan offers six to seven years of coverage for your vehicle’s essential components, making it a great choice for vehicles over 100,000 miles. Similar to a powertrain-plus warranty, this plan covers everything covered in the Bronze plan and fuel system, air conditioning, and electrical components such as:
- Air conditioning compressor
- Alternator
- Clutch
- Condenser fan
- Fuel pump
- Fuel tank
- Gauges
- Ignition coil
- Relays
- Starter
- Switches
Bronze
The CARCHEX Bronze plan provides coverage for the major systems of your vehicle for terms of five to six years. This powertrain plan covers the most expensive and catastrophic breakdowns.
Bronze plan coverage includes:
- Drive axle components for the front and rear of your vehicle
- Engine components such as connecting rods and bearings, crankshaft and main bearings, pistons, pushrods, timing gear, and valves
- Transmission components for automatic or manual 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 common items typically not covered under a warranty contract:
- Wear-and-tear items such as wiper blades and brakes
- Regular maintenance such as oil changes
- Damage from owner abuse or neglect
- Damage from a collision
- Damage that would be covered under your auto insurance policy
CARCHEX Included Benefits
The best car warranty companies offer customers perks and benefits that go beyond standard vehicle protection. In addition to coverage levels and contracts for almost any car and driver, CARCHEX provides the following perks along with the aforementioned 24/7 roadside assistance:
- Fuel delivery
- Towing coverage
- Trip interruption coverage
- Rental car reimbursement
- Free SiriusXM for eligible vehicles
- Your choice of any licensed repair facility
CARCHEX Optional Coverage Upgrades
In addition to its standard protection plans, CARCHEX offers a number of coverage upgrade options. These add-ons offer more specialized coverage.
Options include:
- Emissions components 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 is one example of a Gold plan warranty contract:
How Much Does a CARCHEX Warranty Cost?
Generally, a CARCHEX warranty costs about $100 to $250 per month or about $214 to $730 per year, depending on your term lengths and payment plan. Most CARCHEX coverage plans also require a down payment, which varies based on your monthly payment plan. Compared to other extended car warranty companies we’ve contacted, this pricing is average for the industry.
CARCHEX’s highest level of coverage costs a total of $2,451, whereas the lower-tier plan costs around $2,786. In our 2021 warranty survey, we polled 1,000 consumers and found most pay between $1,500 and $2,500 for extended auto warranties.
CARCHEX Warranty Cost Estimates
We called CARCHEX representatives to get quotes for cars of different makes and ages. Our research teams obtained quotes for four cars in Raleigh, North Carolina: a 2018 Toyota Camry with 28,000 miles, a 2013 Honda Accord with 90,000 miles, a 2017 Honda CRV with 45,000 miles, and a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado with 50,000 miles.
The table below shows some of the quotes we received from CARCHEX.
| Vehicle Type | CARCHEX Warranty | Term Length | Cost | Deductible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Toyota Camry | Titanium | 5 years/100,000 miles | $136.17 for 18 months | $100 |
| 2013 Honda Accord | Silver | 5 years/75,000 miles | $116.09 for 24 months | $100 |
| 2017 Honda CRV | Platinum | 5 years/100,000 miles | $195.00 for 18 months | $100 |
| 2016 Chevrolet Silverado | Titanium | 5 years/75,000 miles | $215.00 for 18 months | $100 |
What Factors Affect Extended Warranty Costs?
Each warranty provider has its own way of determining the cost of a vehicle service contract, but some commonalities exist when it comes to price. The cost of a CARCHEX plan varies based on factors such as:
- Contract
- Deductible
- Coverage level
- Vehicle mileage and age
- Vehicle make and model
- Existing factory warranty coverage
In general, a new car with less mileage will cost less to cover than an older, used car with high mileage. CARCHEX payments can be made up front or with monthly payment terms that can last up to two years.
How CARCHEX Extended Warranties Work
CARCHEX extended warranty plans are easy to purchase. You can get an instant quote on the CARCHEX website or call the company’s customer service line during business hours. When our team called the warranty provider, we were only on hold for a minute and the entire call only lasted 10 minutes. There was also 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 licensed repair facility or dealership. 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, using that service is fairly simple. Here are the steps you need to take:
- Consult your warranty documentation and confirm that the repair work you need is covered under your contract.
- Take your car to your preferred repair shop for a diagnosis and service. You can choose from over 30,000 approved repair centers.
- After repairs are completed, the repair shop will receive an authorization number for the covered repairs. Once this happens, CARCHEX will pay the shop directly.
CARCHEX Claims Numbers
If you do 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 one of CARCHEX’s partners.
Here are the claims phone numbers for each partner. Consult your warranty documents if you don’t know who your administrator is.
| Administration Plus | 1-800-871-0467 |
| Alpha Warranty Services | 1-800-662-5519 |
| American Auto Shield | 1-800-531-1925 |
| American Guardian Warranty Services | 1-800-579-2233 |
| Assurant Solution | 1-866-305-4276 |
| Century Warranty Services | 1-866-732-8503 |
| Enterprise Financial Group | 1-800-527-1984 |
| National Administration Services Co. (Allegiance) | 1-877-356-1500 |
| Old Republic | 1-800-354-3953 |
| Royal Administration Services | 1-800-871-0467 |
| Universal Underwriters Service Corporation (CARCHEX Connect) | 1-800-643-9059 |
| Vemeco/Warrantech | 1-800-723-5475 |
How To Cancel a CARCHEX Warranty Plan
You can cancel a CARCHEX warranty at any time during your contract. If you cancel within the first 30 days of your contract, you can get a full refund. If you cancel after the 30-day period, you’ll receive a prorated refund based on the time remaining in your contract.
However, 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 numbers section and it should be listed in your contract.
CARCHEX Reviews & Customer Service
CARCHEX boasts 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 rating 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 helpful representatives. Negative reviews mention consistent issues with denied claims.
We’ve added a few CARCHEX reviews below to provide a look at the customer service experience.
Positive CARCHEX Reviews
Positive CARCHEX reviews mostly centered around the helpful, professional service people received and the lack of sales pressure from agents on the phone.
“[The] outstanding customer service representative answered all questions. Also spoke with her supervisor, who was very knowledgeable and friendly. I was very impressed with the professional service and would highly recommend to anyone needing their product.”
– Gerald on Trustpilot
“The individual I spoke to was helpful and not pushy. No problems whatsoever. He made sure I understood things and sent me emails describing my protection plan.”
– Brian H. on BBB
Negative CARCHEX Reviews
Among the negative CARCHEX reviews we saw in our research, some customers complained about contract misunderstandings and communication issues.
“I had a CARCHEX warranty with top coverage. I filed a claim when my shock/strut failed. CARCHEX covers the strut, but not shock. Although the Mercedes dealer said that it was my strut that failed, CARCHEX called it a shock and they did not want to pay for the repair. After a few days of complaints, they decided to make a partial payment. I canceled my contract with them and it took over a month to get back my refund.”
– Basil C. on BBB
“Wait time to talk to someone is ridiculously long. I was on hold for almost an hour. This happened several times. The repair shop couldn’t stay on that long and had to hang up. Wish I hadn’t gotten this company. Very disappointed. Won’t recommend them to anyone.”
– John T. on Trustpilot
CARCHEX Review: Bottom Line
CARCHEX offers more than enough options to provide drivers with coverage that fits their needs and budget. The company’s five comprehensive coverage plans provide extra protection against expensive repairs, especially for high-mileage vehicles. That kind of coverage can offer drivers of older cars real 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 those with used cars. Warranty protection can help you avoid huge surprise repair bills, especially if you’d have a hard time finding the cash to cover them otherwise.
CARCHEX also offers several driver benefits along with affordable prices. Combined with its sterling reputation within the warranty industry, we think CARCHEX is a fantastic option for your extended warranty provider.
Best Provider for Used Cars
Our Other Top Picks for Extended Car Warranties
Even if you’re fairly confident an extended car warranty from CARCHEX is right for your vehicle, you should consider your options. We recommend getting free quotes from at least two other reputable extended car warranty companies: Endurance and CarShield.
Endurance: Best Overall
Endurance stands out from competitors since it operates as a direct warranty provider. This means the company offers and administers its own contracts. Endurance offers 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 has positive reviews for a company its size. The warranty provider holds a 4.0-star rating out of 5.0 on Trustpilot and a 3.5-star rating on the BBB website.
Read our Endurance warranty review to find out more about the company.
Best Overall 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 one 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 holds a 1.3-star rating on the BBB website. CarShield has closed over 3,000 complaints in the past three years, but this is only a small fraction of the company’s clientele.
Find out more about the warranty provider in our CarShield review.
Affordable Monthly Payment
FAQ: CARCHEX Reviews
We rounded up the most commonly asked questions about CARCHEX warranties.
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 an extended warranty, including:
Kia
Audi
Ford
BMW
Volvo
Lexus
Dodge
Toyota
Honda
Nissan
Chrysler
Hyundai
Chevrolet
Volkswagen
Is CARCHEX legitimate?
Yes, CARCHEX is a well-regarded extended auto warranty provider. CARCHEX reviews show positive customer satisfaction ratings, and the company is also backed by several industry experts (including 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?
Yes, CARCHEX Extended Vehicle Protection Plans are backed by an insurance company, so you can feel confident in your extended warranty.
Who has the best extended warranty?
Our research team has 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 the needs and budget of the vehicle owner.
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 your policy within 30 days, you can get a full refund. After 30 days, you can usually get a prorated amount back on your warranty.
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 overall than CARCHEX. Both companies offer quality coverage at competitive rates.
Does CARCHEX cover brake pads?
No, CARCHEX warranty plans do not cover brake pads. These are considered wear-and-tear items which do not fall under service contract coverage, which is typical for the warranty industry.
Does CARCHEX cover the transmission?
Yes. All CARCHEX plans 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 your coverage.
Does CARCHEX have a deductible?
CARCHEX plans do have a deductible which you can choose to set at $0, $50, $100, or $200. Typically, 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 your plan through CARCHEX, your warranty services will be provided by a third-party administrator.
Can you cancel CARCHEX anytime?
You can cancel a CARCHEX coverage plan anytime. If you cancel your plan within 30 days of starting your contract, you can get a full refund. After this period, your refund will be prorated if you are 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.
