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GuardTree Review

Sunday, February 16th

2025 Canadian Car Warranty Reviews

GuardTree Review 3 Star Rating

GuardTree

3 Star Rating
  • Only available in Ontario
  • Monthly premiums instead of a large one-time payment
  • Premiums range from $49.95 to $85.95 per month
  • Cars have to be within 13 model years and within 200,000km at the time of purchase
  • Part of the monthly fees offsets your carbon monoxide emissions
  • Can use any licensed mechanic
  • Deductibles of $100, $250, or $500 per claim
  • Claim limits of $2,500 or $5,000 per repair
  • Roadside assistance, car rental, and trip interruption benefits
  • "A+” rated and accredited by the BBB

GuardTree, a unique player in the Canadian auto warranty scene, sets itself apart with a focus on monthly subscription plans and an eco-friendly twist - using part of your premiums to offset your car's CO2 emissions. Prioritizing accessibility, affordability, and environmental responsibility, GuardTree offers a range of features across several tiers of coverage.

Transparent monthly premiums

GuardTree's online quote platform is user-friendly. You can easily customize your plan by entering vehicle details, deductible preferences, and claim limits. The pricing is transparent, with monthly premiums displayed instantly, allowing you to see and adjust costs on the spot. The coverage spans a wide range of components, with a clear list of exclusions available on their website.

No guesswork

What you pay will depend on how much you're willing to chip in towards a deductible, how much coverage you want per claim, and what you can afford for your monthly cost. For example, the most affordable monthly plan is priced at $49.95/month; it comes with a $500 deductible and a $2,500 limit per repair. The most expensive coverage is $85.95/month, but you'll only have a $100 deductible and a more generous $5,000 limit per claim. There's no guesswork here.

Best Canadian Car Warranties

Read through what's covered

You'll still want to browse the What's Covered section, to ensure you're crystal clear on what GuardTree will pay to fix. In that section, you can get more information on some of the included benefits, like roadside assistance, trip interruption coverage, and the car rental benefit.

Use any licensed mechanic

When the time comes to make a claim, you can use any licensed mechanic of your choice. Give him or her the GuardTree phone number, and they'll work out the details. GuardTree will pay your mechanic directly, leaving you just with the deductible to pay out of pocket.

Reputation has moved from great to excellent

We're happy to see that GuardTree's reputation with the Better Business Bureau has continued to be positive, moving from an "A-” to an "A+” rating and gaining accreditation, with zero complaints filed there in the last three years. That's pretty impressive for a car warranty company.

Best Canadian Car Warranties

Only in Ontario

Unfortunately, GuardTree hasn't expanded its service as we'd hoped to see over the time between our previous evaluation and this one. You're only eligible if your car is registered in Ontario (and you don't spend more than 6 months of the year outside of Canada). Your car has to be within 13 model years and have no more than 200,000km at the time of purchase. Plus, we found that there are plenty of vehicle makes that won't qualify for warranty coverage: in the FAQ alone, you'll see that Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and most other luxury brands aren't eligible for GuardTree protection.

Too many limitations

That leaves us with no choice but to drop GuardTree in our rankings. We had been hopeful that the service would continue to expand going forward. That hasn't been the case, and since only Ontario residents can get car warranties from GuardTree, many Canadians will be left out by this service. GuardTree will be held back until they're an option for more people nationwide.

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.
Compare the Best Reviews

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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