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Sunday, February 9th
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).
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.
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.
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.
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:
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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