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CarShield Review

Tuesday, March 19th

2024 Canadian Car Warranty Reviews

CarShield Review 2 Star Rating

CarShield

2 Star Rating
  • 2 warranty plans to choose from
  • Customized options offered during phone call
  • All plans have a cancellation option, monthly payment plan, towing and rental benefits, and money-back guarantee
  • Can have your vehicle serviced anywhere
  • In business since 2005

You're undoubtedly going to come across the CarShield name as you begin your research. But, let's start by saying that CarShield is a predominantly American company. Despite offering a .ca website, almost everything you'll find there is geared towards our neighbours to the south. In other words, if you're looking for a proudly Canadian car warranty provider, this isn't it. But, since they've covered over a million vehicles between the two nations, it's worth looking into what they have to offer.

2 warranty plans

In Canada, CarShield presents two distinct warranty plans to potential customers. The New Car Diamond plan mirrors the coverage found in a brand-new vehicle's manufacturer's warranty. On the other hand, the Gold plan covers a reduced set of components, such as the engine, transmission, alternator, starter, and power windows.

View a sample contract

For those who want to get into the specifics, sample contracts for each plan are conveniently accessible on the CarShield site in both English and Spanish (but not French, as you'd expect from a company trying to serve Canadian customers: just another example of how this service isn't exactly geared towards us).

Best Canadian Car Warranties

Getting a quote will have you waiting for a call

But, you'll ultimately have to wait for a CarShield representative to reach out to you, in order to find out what coverage might be available. Even after you click the green button and answer a few questions about your vehicle, you'll just get a "Congrats" message that explains that a rep will contact you. That's not our favourite way of shopping around for auto warranty protection, especially since CarShield is tight-lipped about the details of their packages.

Some benefits... maybe

According to the CarShield website, you could have a plan that offers no deductible, roadside assistance, and rental car coverage. All plans include courtesy towing and the ability to visit any ASE-Certified repair facility you like.

Customer feedback is pretty troubling

But, can you really? We're not confident about that after reading numerous reviews from CarShield customers who say that their favourite mechanics refused to work with this car warranty company. That's a red flag if we ever saw one. Then, looking at what the Better Business Bureau tells consumers, it gets worse.

Best Canadian Car Warranties

Way too many complaints

Not only does the BBB give CarShield a "D" rating overall, but it also indicates that there's a pattern of complaints that include failing to cover repairs, not cancelling policies on request and providing refunds, providing poor customer service, and leaving customers without vehicles by taking too long to take and process claims. Despite reassuring the BBB back in 2020 that they take such complaints seriously, CarShield still had almost 3,500 complaints filed with the BBB in the most recent three-year period. That makes us think that the vast majority of the positive reviews with Trustpilot (over 40,000 of them) aren't on the up-and-up. Another big red flag.

Disappointing choice for car warranties in Canada

We weren't feeling too reassured by CarShield the last time we evaluated their auto warranty coverage, and unfortunately nothing has changed for the better since then. You'll face the likelihood of denied claims, long wait times before getting your car fixed, and less-than-attentive customer service overall. That "D" from the BBB and the thousands of corresponding rants from unhappy clients should be all you need to know.

Where is the Best Place to Get a Car Warranty Plan in Canada?

Whether you're buying a brand new car or a gently used resale, the prospect of an extended warranty plan may be on your radar. An extended warranty could be a shrewd financial decision, to help you have a cushion against the inevitable costs of future repairs.

Are extended warranties worth the investment? From a reputable company, absolutely. We've all experienced the frustration of a major malfunction just as the manufacturer's coverage runs out - or, even worse, a mere few days after driving that "as-is" car off the used car lot.

The Best Canadian Car Warranties Compare Canadian Car Warranties Compare Canadian Car Warranty Reviews What are the best Canadian Car Warranties Best Canadian Car Warranty Reviews

Canadian Car Warranty FAQ

There are lots of companies offering warranty coverage for your car. They work very similarly to health insurance: you'll pay more for higher coverage, some things are covered and some aren't, and your policy will have a time limit. You can shop around for auto warranty plans just like insurance, too: you don't have to go with the plans offered at the dealership.
That depends on your car and your coverage. On a new vehicle, you might pay $25/month for bumper-to-bumper coverage, but an older vehicle's premium could be three times that. You can usually pay in full or monthly, with no difference in total cost.
The cost of your auto warranty will never be cheaper than when your car is new. But, you'll want to read the terms of your plan very carefully. While warranty plans at the dealership usually start from the time the manufacturer's warranty runs out, third-party plans often start from the date you purchase them. That could mean you're paying twice for the same coverage.
Probably. Each provider sets the limit for coverage, but there are options for cars with up to 150,000 miles! Most auto warranty plans are available for cars that are 20 years old or newer.
YES! The most important part of choosing an auto warranty plan is knowing what's covered and what isn't! Even comprehensive plans don't cover items with normal wear-and-tear, like brake pads and tires. The most user-friendly plans usually give you a list of what isn't covered - and if it's not on that list, it's covered!
Sometimes, but it's usually limited to the first 30 days after the purchase date. Again, be sure to read the terms of your auto warranty plan very carefully, to avoid any unpleasant surprises when you go to use your policy for the first time.
Almost all plans let you use the mechanic of your choice. Some providers will reduce your deductible if you go to one of their network partners.
Despite all of the annoying spam phone calls you've gotten, desperately trying to contact you about the expiring warranty on your car, auto warranty plans are a real thing. And, when you choose a plan from a reputable provider, you can save thousands of dollars on car repairs.
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Continued from above...

But here's a nugget of wisdom: buying the extended warranty directly from the dealer might not be your savviest move. Dealers often slap on hefty mark-ups, and their coverage might not be as comprehensive or flexible as you'd like. Fortunately, Canada boasts several reputable auto warranty companies, providing stellar coverage at competitive prices.

Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of what these extended warranty plans entail. Similar to car insurance, these plans range from covering just the major systems, like the powertrain, to offering comprehensive bumper-to-bumper protection, excluding only normal wear and tear. So, while they'll handle your in-dash electronics going haywire, don't expect them to foot the bill for your fresh set of brakes or wiper blades.

As you embark on the quest to find the ideal car warranty plan in Canada, keep these essential factors top of mind to guide your decision-making:

  • Coverage. Make sure you're crystal clear on what's covered and what's not. Opt for a plan that offers you the most coverage within your budget.
  • Service. Be aware of what you'll have to do to get repairs done. Is it required that you use an in-network mechanic, or is the repair shop of your choice fair game? Will you front the repair costs and turn in the receipts for reimbursement, or does the warranty company settle the bill directly with the mechanic?
  • Reputation. What's the word on the street as you look into customer experiences? Are claims processed smoothly? Does the provider enjoy a solid rapport with both customers and mechanics?
  • Price. How much will you pay for your auto warranty coverage? Is it a one-time lump sum or a monthly commitment? And, most importantly, how long before it kicks in - especially if your new vehicle still has a manufacturer's warranty lasting a year or more?

For a comprehensive rundown of your options in the Canadian car warranty marketplace, check out the reviews here at Top Consumer Reviews. Our experts have meticulously reviewed and ranked the best choices, arming you with the knowledge to pick the perfect plan for your vehicle. We're confident that your chosen warranty plan will provide the peace of mind that accompanies knowing you're covered when the unexpected road bumps appear!

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