Where is the best place to get a car warranty plan in Canada? Buying a car can sometimes feel like gambling. You're always wondering how long it will be until something goes wrong and the car needs a major repair. While you can't necessarily predict future events, many car buyers choose to purchase an additional extended car warranty to cover such expenses for a specified number of kilometres or model years.
Best Option
Ensurall is a family-owned and operated Canadian company providing thousands of extended warranties for used car purchases for nearly 50 years. They offer coverage throughout Canada but are unable to provide warranties for vehicles in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.
Warranties for cars up to 10 (model) years old
Ensurall offers three types of premium warranties for Canadian car buyers. Offered for cars 7 to 10 years old with a maximum of up to 200,000 km on the odometer, first is the Powertrain Plus option. It provides "just enough coverage to cover the BIG things." For cars ages 6 years or newer, there are two options. The Essential Components coverage helps you drive worry-free with most things covered. Then, there's Fully Loaded Coverage, comprehensive coverage supplying peace of mind to cover everything from the big things to the frills. This seems to be their sweet spot, with the most coverage and benefits offered. Extended protection has no per-claim maximums.
Work is completed by your trusted mechanic
When the engine light comes on for your car, simply call Ensurall to start your claim. Choose your mechanic and have a diagnostic examination with an estimate provided in order to get approval before the work is done. Ensurall says they have the fastest preapproval process in the industry, paying the mechanic directly for the work so you can get back to driving as soon as possible. Should your preferred mechanic not accept the Ensurall credit card payment, they will reimburse you for a preapproved claim.
Start the quote process quickly
To request a free quote in under two minutes, provide your first and last name, email address, vehicle year, vehicle make and model, odometer reading, in service date, sale price of vehicle and method of purchase, and a few other details. If you want, you can include your phone number. Then to actually receive your quote, you will have to wait for a call or email quote from them, which is the only drawback we found with this company. We wish there were some way to get an estimate without waiting for them to get back to us, though many of the extended warranty companies employ this method. Ensurall says they are "dealership friendly," offering up to 60% off dealer prices for the same amount of coverage of a similar warranty purchased directly from the dealership, though prices are not listed on the website.
Fully insured with perks for drivers
Noting they process hassle-free claims quickly, Ensurall is a trusted, secure company that is fully insured. Notably, the option to choose your own mechanic is a benefit provided by their warranty. Additionally, they include wear and tear in their warranties, something not commonly found in typical plans. All plans come with a car rental allowance as well as trip interruption benefits, such as a hotel stay, car rental, or meal coverage if you break down far away from home - all nice perks offered by Ensurall.
Customers are overwhelmingly happy
As an accredited business by the BBB, Ensurall boasts an "A+" rating with only two complaints in three years. Across online review platforms, customers are generally pleased with the coverage provided by their warranties. On Google, Ensurall has 4.6 out of 5 stars where reviewers rave about the quick response time and hassle-free claims process, saying the company exceeded their expectations. One dissatisfied customer complained that the rate paid by Ensurall was not aligned with what he was charged for the repairs. A few scattered older reviews had less than average experiences with their claims, but most clients were pleased with the results of the process and raved about the customer service.
Our top choice for Canadian drivers
Providing excellent coverage and reliable claims service, Ensurall's family-owned Canadian company has been around for decades. As a result of their positive customer feedback, we once again choose this extended warranty company as our top pick.
Great
The Canadian company Obvi issues extended used vehicle warranties in
British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Manitoba. They've paid millions in claims with their tailored solutions, including low- or zero-deductible plans since their founding in 2017.
Tailored coverage for cars up to 10 years old
With three levels of plans providing coverage across North America, Obvi can meet your needs based on the age and odometer reading. The first level is Powertrain Plus, which they call "cost-effective coverage for critical vehicle components" - offered for cars up to 10 years old with fewer than 200,000 km. If your used car is up to 10 years old with fewer than 160,000 km on it, there is the Premium Plus plan, which covers an extensive list of vehicle systems. The Elite Plan is their top-tier offering, only available for vehicles up to 10 years old with fewer than 100,000 km - providing "ultimate protection for components and labour to repair breakdowns." While most cars can get extended warranty coverage through Obvi, their FAQs list some makes that are ineligible, including Porsche, Land Rover, Tesla, Ferrari, and Ford Raptor or 1 Ton trucks.
Speedy claims approval
Letting you choose the mechanic to do the work, Obvi says they authorize claims within an hour and pay the shop directly. Just contact Obvi prior to heading to a licensed repair facility to get your estimate and then have the shop contact them with the repair estimate.
Quick application
To obtain a swift, free quote for your used vehicle, Obvi has a quick form to fill out. Just provide the province of residence, make and model as well as vehicle year, and current odometer reading range. Contact information, including an email address to deliver your quote, is required next, but you can see a price prior to submitting to get coverage. The car warranty plans at Obvi are flexible, meaning that they provide options to extend based on your driving habits and coverage requirements - get just what you need.
View pricing options before getting coverage
After you give your personal information, they ask for which plan you want, the length of coverage, deductible amount, and optional monthly payment plan. When you choose a coverage length, you are offered a price for the extended warranty, which can be adjusted depending on the options selected. Finally, you can click on "schedule a call" to review options and set up coverage, or "start a new quote" to begin the process again. If your car still is under some of the original basic manufacturer's warranty or it's certified pre-owned, Obvi doesn't require any other inspections to obtain one of their warranties. However, if the vehicle is over 120,000 km, they will require an inspection with one of their approved partners prior to covering your auto.
Benefits of Obvi plans
If you choose to sell your car while it's still covered by your Obvi warranty, plans can be transferred upon sale. Additionally, policies may offer such extras such as roadside assistance, rental car coverage, and travel protection.
Highly recommended by clients
Obvi is an accredited business by the BBB and has earned a stellar "A+" rating with just one complaint in three years. Across online review platforms, customers are happy with the service received. With averages ranging from 4.69 to 4.92 from over 250 reviews, clients are pleased with Obvi. Customers rave that "the team was extremely responsive and professional," calling customer service "polite and efficient." The handful of negative reviews complained that their claims were denied so they canceled their policies. However, with 99% of customers saying they would recommend Obvi, we can confidently recommend their car warranties as well.
Outstanding option for car warranty
Limited negative feedback and complaints, combined with speedy service make Obvi an obvi-ous option for Canadian drivers in most areas. With flexible coverage and an online quote before you provide contact information, Obvi rises to take second place on our list of the best Canadian car warranty options.
Very Good
Canada-based Autopair Warranty boasts over 20,000 satisfied customers with more than $1.2 million in claims paid on covered components and labour since their founding in 2018. They offer warranties for all vehicle makes without exception throughout Canada, with the exception of Alberta and British Columbia.
Prices available on the website for all plans
There are three levels of plans offered by Autopair Warranty based on your needs and car features. First is The Standard, a 24 months and unlimited km warranty for vehicles 10 years old or newer and less than 200,000 km. This plan costs $1,299 or may alternatively be paid in bi-weekly installments. Their mid-level plan is The Works, which is for cars 6 years or newer with less than 120,000 km, and offered for 24 months or 50,000 km for $1,799 or monthly payments. At the top tier, for vehicles that are 6 years or newer with less than 120,000 km, is The Works Plus, which provides a longer warranty term of 48 months or 100,000 km for $2,559 or monthly payments. There is a 31-day waiting period (and 1,500 km) on most vehicles before coverage takes effect. If desired, you can purchase an extended warranty for your car with Autopair Warranty and defer the start date for up to 12 months, giving you coverage the moment your manufacturer warranty ends and eliminating the wait period.
Claims may take a while
The claims process at Autopair Warranty comes with a 12- to 24-hour response guaranteed. You choose your repair shop and request a diagnostic report from them. Submit this through the submission portal page and get approval for the work. Wait for approval before authorizing work on the vehicle. Once the work is approved by the claims department, you may choose to receive funds on your Autopair card or get the money through an e-transfer.
Prices don't depend on your car make and model
To get started on "Canada's easiest warranty qualification process," click on the button, choose your plan, and fill out the vehicle and owner information. Autopair Warranty says they won't upsell based on vehicle make and model, and they don't require vehicle inspections. Before you even give your information, the listing of their extended warranty plans is available on their website. To get coverage in less than two minutes, select your plan, enter all of your personal contact information and vehicle information (including VIN), and provide payment information.
Perks of their plans
All Autopair Warranty plans come with zero deductible options, towing assistance, rental car assistance, and trip interruption coverage. Should you choose to sell your vehicle, they will transfer coverage to the new owner at your direction.
Customer satisfaction is mixed
Though not accredited by the BBB, Autopair Warranty has an "A" rating, with just two complaints filed against them. Across other online review platforms, customer responses are mixed, giving the company ratings averaging from 3.3 to 4.73 out of 5 stars. Google has the most reviews for the company (just over 100) and that average is 4.2. One reviewer said that even though the process may take a while, he appreciated the company's reliability in paying claims, earning his trust. Another mentioned that the claim process was "seamless and efficient." A negative reviewer ranted about calls not being returned when promised and claims process taking too long, while another mentioned long wait times, even calling the company "a giant scam." While not usual to have a mix of good and bad, the lower ratings kept the company from ranking higher for us.
A solid choice for a warranty
Since this company covers most of Canada with upfront pricing for warranties on all makes and models, we rank it as a solid choice. The potentially lengthy claims process keeps Autopair Warranty from being much higher, but with satisfied customers who trust the company, we suggest it as an option that may work very well for your vehicle's needs.
Good
With coverage for your vehicle throughout North America, A-Protect Warranty Corporation was established in 1999 and has emerged to become one the leading car warranty companies in Canada. Offering a myriad of warranties for most Canadians, they give back to the community from their profits and donate 10% of total net sales to SickKids, The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.
The most options offered to meet your needs
Presenting flexible warranties with coverage customized to meet your specific needs, A-Protect Warranty Corporation features six different levels of plans while letting clients choose their deductibles. There are the Powertrain warranties, which are basic warranties at bronze, silver, gold, or platinum benefit levels. The Essential plan offers more coverage, followed by Premium Special, Luxury, and Diamond Plus. For those who have an existing powertrain manufacturer's warranty, A-Protect Warranty Corporation offers the Top Up plan. Each plan offers a range of claim limits, deductibles (including zero as an add on for the first four levels), and other benefits. Drivers desiring hybrid components or unlimited kilometres can add on those options to their policies as desired. Plans do not have a waiting period and go into effect immediately. Service agreements can be renewed if the car still meets their underwriting guidelines - which could not be found on their website - and they say you could be eligible for savings of up to 60%. Be aware that according to their FAQs, you can only make up to five claims on your warranty. In addition, A-Protect Warranty Corporation offers motorcycle warranties.
Repairs must be completed by their authorized centres
When you have to make a claim with A-Protect Warranty Corporation, call the claims centre during business hours. Should you have a problem after hours, they permit you to take the car to an "authorized repair establishment" for an assessment. They'll make sure the breakdown is covered and issue authorization for the work at one of their repair shops, paying the centre directly. You are responsible for deductible, diagnostic charges, and additional services to the car.
Quotes provided via phone call
Many of the A-Protect Warranty Corporation warranties are sold through dealers, though you can get one on your own from the company. Warranty plans are easy to set up without lots of paperwork. If you're not a resident of Alberta or British Columbia, you can determine your eligibility for an extended car warranty from A-Protect Warranty Corporation by completing their online form. You'll need to provide the make, model, and year of the car, as well as the odometer reading, your personal contact info - phone number is required. They will contact you "with absolutely no obligation" to share a quote for your vehicle warranty. Unfortunately, that means we have no information to compare their pricing to other companies. Additionally, with no limitations about car age or odometer readings anywhere on their website, it's hard to tell what will be permitted and how much you'll spend on a policy.
Inspection may be required
Since most of their agreements are for vehicles purchased through a dealer, they don't typically require a pre-inspection. However, A-Protect Warranty Corporation says they reserve the right to pre-inspect within 90 days of your purchase from a dealership. Private sales may require a pre-inspection.
Benefits offered by their warranties
Auto warranty plans are transferable which may increase your vehicle's resale value. A-Protect Warranty Corporation also offers towing, trip interruption, and travel and lodging benefits of their policies.
Customers are happy
With an excellent "A+" rating from the BBB, this accredited business has received only 13 complaints over the past three years. Across online review platforms, A-Protect Warranty Corporation has earned 4.5 stars out of 5, from over 1,300 Google reviewers. Trustpilot has 100 reviews giving the company just 3.5 stars. Positive reviews mention a straightforward, simple, and quick claims process, customer service that goes "above and beyond" (many reps get a shout out by name in reviews), and saving a lot of money. One even said, "If I could give more than 5 stars, I would." Negative experiences are from people who say their claims were not covered or customer service was rude, warning of scams and shady business. However, with the overwhelmingly positive reviews, low number of complaints to the BBB, and the high rating, we believe this could be a good option.
Just above average
Canadians obtaining a private sale warranty or one via a dealer may encounter A-Protect Warranty Corporation. With their excellent reviews, their service stands out, though limited claims allowed keep this company at just above average for us.
Average
GuardTree started in 2020 and offers car warranties for Ontario residents and cars licensed there. Offering Canada's first subscription warranty, the company offers protection backed by Trisura Guarantee Insurance.
Limited makes and models covered
Cars within 200,000 km at the time of the warranty purchase may receive coverage, though not all vehicle makes and models are eligible, with exclusions like Mercedes, Hummer, Pontiac, and Fiat. At the price quote it says "according to your vehicle's model year, your subscription will last for a maximum number of months" but we found that it stays the same no matter how new the vehicle is. The FAQs mention that subscriptions are automatically cancelled when your vehicle's odometer exceeds 250,000 km or at the end of the billing cycle that starts after the 15th model year. Pre-existing conditions are not covered, and vehicles used more than six months per year outside of Canada are ineligible for the GuardTree warranty.
Monthly subscription plan
GuardTree says they are also the only company to offer a low-cost, high-quality subscription model extended car warranty in the country. Monthly subscriptions may be canceled at any time. However, unlike another monthly subscription plan we reviewed, the monthly subscription price here may change and you will be given 30 days' notice. Plans may not be transferred if you sell your vehicle.
Use your favorite repair centre
Choose any locally licensed repair centre to have the work done on your vehicle, though GuardTree has a network of reviewed, verified, and recommended facilities. Have the mechanic submit a claim to them, and they will work out the details directly with the repair shop to authorize your work. They are billed for the service, though you will pay the deductible. According to the FAQs, the repair shop must contact GuardTree for claim authorization. Failure to follow this may result in unpaid claims. Diagnosis and tear-down charges may be your responsibility as well.
Online quotes are easy to obtain
Warranties from GuardTree are offered completely online with no paperwork or inspection required. Provide the vehicle year, make and model, as well as odometer reading before choosing a deductible and repair coverage limit. You're able to see right away the monthly amount of the warranty cost and adjust it by changing the deductible and repair limit. Keep in mind that this monthly charge will need to be paid regularly to keep the warranty in force, which means the costs can start to add up. To complete your purchase you will need to provide an exact odometer reading and the VIN number.
Extra benefits of this company
Roadside assistance, car rental, and trip interruption benefits are included in their plans. GuardTree also donates a portion of the monthly fee to offset vehicle CO2 emissions through Ostrom Climate. The website also offers a blog of information to help car buyers and owners, though it has not been updated this year. Topics include tips for buying a used car, what to do with a recall notice, and the importance of getting a pre-purchase inspection.
Customers have kept quiet
GuardTree is an accredited business by the BBB with an excellent "A+" rating and only one complaint in the past three years. However, it's difficult to find online reviews at all for this company. While we're happy with their stellar reputation as a business, we'd still like to see some feedback on the claims process, since that's often where clients have trouble with warranty plans.
Website complaints
GuardTree is straightforward with some matters and confusing with others. At the top of each page, it reads that they have "over 25 years of Canadian operations." However, everything we found says the company started much more recently. The page which says what's covered is separate from the one listing the prices. Much information is hidden in the numerous questions listed separately on the FAQs page, making it difficult to find all of the information we want in one place. While there are many cute graphics on their website, GuardTree could do more to make it easy for potential customers to gain access to essential information.
Average option for extended warranty
While we love the idea of a monthly extended warranty plan from GuardTree, the possibility of a price change gives us pause. The exclusions and limited service area make them just an average option for us.
Fair
US-based olive expanded into Canada in 2022 to provide vehicle coverage which protects them from breakdowns and unexpected auto repair bills. Deciding to use their profits for good, olive is part of Premiums4Good, an initiative that invests in environmental and social impact using a portion of premiums for education, sustainable energy, and more.
Monthly plans without yearly mileage restrictions
Offering month-to-month subscriptions, olive is committed to no monthly price increases, allowing clients to cancel any time. Unlike other warranties, there is no yearly mileage restriction on an olive extended warranty. As an added bonus, olive will cover your vehicle for up to another three years, 300,000 km, or 14 model years - whichever comes first. Coverage is good across Canada and within the continental United States.
Choose from a trio of options
There are three plans offered by olive. Complete Care is the most popular plan offered by olive, a comprehensive extended warranty plan. Powertrain Plus is their mid-range offering, while Powertrain covers the basics. All labour and parts are covered. If you need to be towed to a service centre, olive will reimburse you up to $100 for eligible repair visits. Pre-existing conditions are excluded from olive coverage, whether they are known or unknown. Deductibles are chosen when you get the warranty, to make sure it best fits your needs - and your budget. Their coverage is transferable if you decide to sell your vehicle, though you can also end the coverage at that time.
Most makes covered immediately, though it's not clear where in Canada
Covering most auto brands - including luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz - extended warranties from olive have no waiting period or inspection required. Their slogan "Click today. Covered tomorrow" is definitely a perk offered by this company. Autos up to 10 years old or 225,000 km may be covered, which is slightly more than others offered. Disappointingly, nothing on the olive website showed which provinces and territories were able to be covered.
Promising to be a different kind of company
olive says they do things differently - from their spam-free, no-haggle, and no-pressure guarantees to allowing customers to choose the coverage, deductible, and the repair facility they want, they put you in the driver's seat. To file a claim, find a repair shop and pay the deductible, then they will pay your bill so you can relax and get back on the road again. There is a phone number given for filing claims on weekdays, and the website says emergency repairs can be filed the next day.
Online option for quotes
They say everything you need to do to get coverage can be done online. However, when we tried to get a rate, the page could not be reached, and no links were found elsewhere on their website. We tried this over numerous days and an email to the company requesting help was returned because it couldn't be delivered. According to the page on their US website, you can get a quote in a minute or less by providing your vehicle's year, make, model, trim, fuel type, and mileage. Then give your contact details - phone number is optional but email is required to see your price. The page breaks down your plan options and costs, where you can choose between three levels of deductibles: $100, $250, and $500. Considering that this is a monthly fee paid for years, the costs can truly add up, so keep that in mind.
No complaints but no Canadian reviews either
Calling themselves "the (virtually) 5 star auto repair coverage," olive is accredited by the BBB and has earned a stellar "A+" rating with zero complaints. While the website and some platforms have reviews for the US side of the company, there is not much to be found anywhere from Canadian car owners. One review platform has them at 4 stars out of five - a bit below their self-proclaimed rating - from nearly 600 reviews, with around three-quarters of them giving the company five stars. While pleased customers rave about clear terms and sign-up process, negative experiences mention difficulty getting work approved in a timely manner and being denied for their definition of pre-existing conditions. One reviewer warns "run, don't walk away from this company."
May not be the best option
When we last looked at olive, they fared much better. However, the lack of Canadian customer reviews and availability of information give us no choice but to place them further down on our list of recommendations.
Subpar
Calling themselves "Canada's leading independent warranty provider," Global Warranty has been protecting drivers and their vehicles since 1987, paying over $300 million in claims. They work with dealers to provide a repair network throughout North America, including all Canadian territories and provinces.
Plans only available through dealerships
Unfortunately for many buyers, Global Warranty's products are only available on vehicles purchased at their partner dealerships. There is no way to get one online for a car you have purchased from an independent party, which greatly limits who can benefit from their products. They will, however, provide a flexible comprehensive warranty for any year, make, and model to meet your specific driving needs, with five coverage levels and variable term options, including wear and tear on covered parts with seals and gaskets included on all programs. Plans can be deferred to commence when the existing manufacturer's plan expires. Customize your plan with options such as a tire and rim package, glass protection, roadside assistance, zero deductible, and a "test drive" plan.
Use their repair shops only
With EazeeClaims online, Global Warranty simplifies the process for their clients. First, contact their claims department to be directed to the nearest authorized repair centre, or look online to find one in your area. Then your vehicle will be inspected to determine the cause of the mechanical breakdown before Global Warranty determines whether the claim is covered. The repairs are directly paid to the repair facility, leaving you to only cover deductible, diagnostic charges, and any other fees, including tax.
Special features offered
A three-month trial of SiriusXM is included on all Global Warranty products, and a discount on auto insurance through Sonnet Insurance is also offered. RV and commercial-purpose warranties are other choices for drivers.
Cause for concern from customers
An accredited business, Global Warranty Corporation has received a stellar "A+" rating with just seven complaints over the past year. However these complaints claim that they had trouble getting the work completely covered by the warranty or getting responses in a timely manner. The reviews on the BBB are low, with 1.96 out of 5 stars from 25 customers, while Yelp has another 66 reviews giving the company 1.2 stars on average. With a total of less than 100 negative reviews, we realize that's not necessarily representative of all of the millions of policies issued. However, there aren't a significant amount of reviews available, which is strange when considering the length of time the company has been offering their warranty products. The negative reviewers are vocal calling the Global Warranty product "an absolute waste of money and complete scam" and "not worth the paper it is written on." With other companies having higher customer service satisfaction, we suggest looking elsewhere.
Try looking at other options first
While Global Warranty covers any make, model, and year for cars sold at partner dealerships, they have low ratings from customers. We suggest looking at other options to get an extended warranty for your vehicle.
Poor
US-based CarShield has protected over 2,000,000 cars throughout Canada and the United States since their formation in 2005. Claiming to have coverage plans for every budget, they work with customers to create service plans to fit each person's needs.
Not much information on their plans
Warranty plans at CarShield are flexible and customizable to fit your specific needs. However, that's almost all you will find on their website. The two plans are New Car Diamond for "total new car coverage" and Gold Select for "best for high mileage." A checklist of what is covered may be viewed if you scroll past the sample policies featured at the top of the page.
Not focused on Canadians
While the company has a.ca website, CarShield does not say much at all to indicate servicing Canadian drivers. It's impossible to find out which territories and provinces are included and where covered drivers can get work completed in Canada. Their Shield Repair Network of 12,000 approved facilities mentions a partnership with American Auto Shield, but you have to search by your location to see if there is a repair centre near you (we found some in Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Niagara Falls, but none in Québec or Halifax). We wish they would just clearly state which areas of Canada they are able to service so you don't waste your time.
Claims to help all drivers
Contending that CarShield has a service plan for every type of driver, they provide a shield from the high cost of automobile repairs for new car owners, high mileage vehicles, expired manufacturers' warranty drivers, commuters, families, and educated consumers. While we appreciate their candor - "If you've been gouged by a $120 per hour mechanic (and who hasn't been?)" - we would like to see more details about their policies prior to providing our personal information and receiving a sales call. Unlike other companies, no prices are available, just a couple of sample policies you can review before you get a quote from the company, to see what they may or may not cover, as well as a glossary of terms to help you translate what you're looking at. As for which vehicles are covered, the website only states that they "protect almost every make and model."
How the warranty works
According to their website, CarShield will be standing by "at all hours of the day and night" to get you back in your car after a breakdown. To start the claim process, clients complete an online form and search for a licensed repair centre - or contact their Concierge Service to assist you through the process of finding one. According to their FAQs, you can visit any ASE-certified repair shop that accepts their warranty. When your vehicle is at the repair shop with a diagnosis, they must contact the CarShield claims department prior to completing work. Then they'll determine if you have rental car benefits and covered claims will be paid directly to the facility, leaving you to take care of the deductible and any uncovered or not approved costs. Be aware there is a waiting period before you can file a claim (though that could not be found on the website).
Claims paid page
One interesting part of the CarShield website is focused on displaying "real claims paid for real CarShield customers." They boast that they have the highest-rated and most reliable contract administrators who pay claims on time. A listing of the amount saved with vehicle and claim details listed is meant to demonstrate the amount that someone can save by getting a warranty with CarShield. While twenty-five samplings of customer savings are listed, when you click to see more, the page is broken. Many of the claims themselves are vague, not listing the dates reported or paid (though the page has a place for both).
Quotes may take time
You can request a free quote by completing the form on the CarShield website with your vehicle's year, make, model, and odometer reading, as well as your contact information. However, you won't get a quote until they review your vehicle's details and contact you. Their vehicle protection specialists will work with you to create a custom plan for you. We find it frustrating that there is no option to get a price range online first prior to this step. One reviewer mentioned paying $130 a month for her policy that only covers the powertrain, which can give you some idea of how much a payment can be here.
Benefits of their warranties
Encouraging shoppers to look for policies with a cancellation option, monthly payment plan, towing and rental benefits, and a money-back guarantee, CarShield boasts that their plans include all of those features. Roadside assistance is also offered. Most of CarShield's warranty contracts are transferable to another owner, should you sell your vehicle, and they offer multi-car discounts. The 30-day guarantee is mentioned but no details are offered on the website. However, we noticed that they do offer coverage for salvaged or branded title vehicles, commercial vehicles, rideshare autos and delivery cars, unlike many other companies we viewed.
An alarming number of complaints to the BBB
Endorsed by actor and musician Ice-T (whose photo is featured throughout the CarShield website along with a quote of why he uses the company), CarShield is accredited by the BBB with an excellent "A+" rating. However, through the BBB, the company has received more than 2,700 complaints in the past three years. Clients complain that their claims are not covered, and they receive unwanted solicitations and experience rude customer service. Reviewers have given below average marks for CarShield, with nearly 3,400 people's ratings averaging 2.95 stars out of 5 on the BBB website. "The coverage I was promised and the coverage I actually got were two completely different things," lamented one recent reviewer.
Better with online reviews
Across online review platforms, they have better ratings, which includes all of their vehicles in the United States. With ratings of 4.2 to 4.3 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot and Google from over 67,000 reviews, the company fares much better there, though we are wary of some of the wording on the positive reviews. Negative reviewers complain that no one accepts CarShield and that they "keep looking for reasons not to pay claim." We suggest proceeding with caution if you decide to go with this company.
Much better options than this
While CarShield has unique warranty offerings, the sheer volume of complaints is cause for concern. We recommend checking out the other companies on our list and skipping this company altogether.
Continued from above...
Buying a car can sometimes feel like gambling. You're always wondering how long it will be until something goes wrong and the car needs a major repair. While you can't necessarily predict future events, many car buyers choose to purchase an additional extended car warranty to cover such expenses for a specified number of kilometres or model years.
When purchasing at a dealership, an extended warranty plan is often presented as something to consider. Did you know that you may qualify to get one even if you get your car from a private sale? Getting a car warranty could be a shrewd financial decision, depending on a number of factors, as purchasing a policy can help cushion you from major repair costs. The real question every driver needs to consider though is whether or not these policies are worth the financial investment. Many can be extremely pricey and list pages of exclusions. However, if you purchase from a reputable company, these extended warranties are absolutely worth the investment you'll make.
Did you know that you don't have to buy your extended car warranty from the dealership? Convenience aside, dealers can mark up their plans and often provide less coverage for more money. Savvy shopper that you are, you're going to check out independent companies that sell these plans so you can get one on your own.
Canada is home to several reputable auto warranty companies which provide complete coverage at great rates. Some companies are based in Canada while others simply service the country but are based elsewhere. One warranty company asserts that Canadians should consider consumer protection laws and be certain they are covered by a Canadian company in case of a dispute, though the choice is completely up to you.
Keep in mind that these plans can vary widely so you'll have to compare apples to apples when you look at prices. What repairs do you want to cover? Some people choose just the powertrain while others seek bumper-to-bumper protection. Electronic components will be included in many plans, but you're not going to get new brakes or other normal wear-and-tear items covered by a car warranty.
One thing you'll need to keep in mind with many car warranty plans is that you must maintain your car according to the manufacturer's schedule and be able to show a record of service from licensed repair facilities - meaning you can't change your own oil or brake pads if you want to qualify for coverage. In fact, some policies are voided if you work on your own car.
Also note that pre-existing conditions are not covered by most car warranty plans, even if you didn't know there was something wrong with your automobile. Some companies will require an inspection before they'll cover your car, while others suggest you have one done yourself.
There are many factors to consider when comparing extended auto warranty companies. Here are the top ones we keep at the forefront of our search:
At Top Consumer Reviews, we want to help you to be protected from costly repairs and unpleasant surprises. We've identified the most popular Canadian car warranty companies to review their services and rank them so you can choose the best option for your situation. It's our hope that this information allows you to keep driving smoothly once you encounter the inevitable breakdowns covered by your extended warranty.
Compare Any 2 Products
The Basics of Auto Warranties
Cars are expensive investments, whether you like to purchase new or pre-owned. In protecting that investment and to avoid future repair expenses on your car, you may want to consider purchasing an auto warranty.
Most new and some used cars are covered by some sort of warranty when purchased. For example, new cars are usually covered by a manufacturer's warranty. These warranties vary greatly and are limited in duration. They may cover a variety of repairs until either a time limit or mileage limit such as three years or 36,000 miles. Once you reach that time or mileage limit, the warranty will either totally expire or much of what it covers will be void.
Some manufacturers also offer various program warranties on specific used or pre-owned cars, usually called "certified used" or something similar, that extend the original manufacturer's warranty or parts of the warranty.
If you plan on keeping the car past the life of the manufacturer's warranty, you may want to consider purchasing an extended warranty. Extended warranties are insurance policies against expensive, unforeseen repairs. In essence, extended warranties are actually service contracts. They cover expenses incurred that your warranty doesn't cover.
Unlike manufacturer's warranties, extended warranties are purchased separately from your car. They can be purchased either through the original manufacturer or through a third-party, independent warranty company. In some cases, you'll receive offers to purchase extended warranties in the mail or over the phone from the manufacturer just as the original manufacturer's warrantee is expiring.
Extended warranties are all different. They each differ on what repairs are covered, how much is covered, duration of the coverage and cost of the warranty. Before purchasing any extended warranty, determine what is still covered on the warranty you possess, determine how long past the life of the warranty you'll keep the car, what you want covered and for how long.
When researching the details of the warranty you want to purchase, look for information on the policy's deductible, whether the policy is transferable if you sell the car and whether repairs can be done anywhere or only with specific shops. Also, look for specifics on what is covered and what is not. For instance, does the warranty cover breakdown of parts as well as wear and tear? A warranty that only covers breakdown requires the part to break before the warranty will pay to replace it. A wear and tear policy will cover parts that need to be replaced because they are too worn to work efficiently.
Purchasing an extended warranty can be a smart investment. Don't forget to research the warranty specification and the companies offering them online before making the purchase.
Top Products.
Top Reviews.
Top Consumer Reviews.
Reviews
Browse through thousands of reviews.
Social Media
Like us? Follow us! We'd love to have you join our community.
Newsletter
Stay up to date with the latest reviews. We'll keep you informed, and we'll never sell your information to anyone.
