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American Auto Shield

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6.0

Overall Score

LAST UPDATED: November 28th, 2023

American Auto Shield was established in 2002, and based out of Colorado. American Auto displays its commitment to customers by providing 24/7 customer service options through phone, and live chat. 

American Auto Shield also shows devotion to its community by raising awareness and supporting charities such as Every Child's Hope, Make-A-Wish, Adopt-A-Family, and other great philanthropic efforts. American Auto Shield has also made excellent partners in the industry so that their customers are fully covered in more locations.

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The Good

  • Multiple Customer Support Features
  • Flexible Vehicle Requirements
  • Protection Plans

Multiple Customer Support Features

American Auto Shield offers customer support 24/7 and through phone, and live chat. This is very uncommon in the industry, as most auto warranty companies only offer customer support during normal business hours. 

Some warranty companies do not have the live chat option for support. Live chat is becoming a desirable option for customers who do not have the time or desire to speak on the phone, but don't want to wait for answers through email.

We really like that American Auto Shield understands the desires of customers and offers this form of support. The company also provides a way for customers to submit reports and claims online for added convenience. Its roadside assistance is also 24/7, which is a huge benefit for clients.

Flexible Vehicle Requirements

Many extended warranty companies only cover vehicles within a very limited max year and max mileage range. The average is approximately 15 years, with 175,000 miles. This allows warranty companies to pick and choose which cars they will cover. Older cars or cars with more mileage tend to have more issues than newer cars. It is less risky for these auto warranty companies if they restrict their vehicle protection plans to newer cars with lower mileage.

While American Auto does have restrictions, it is very generous. American Auto covers cars up to 25 years old with 250,000 miles. This makes American Auto Shield's service contracts available to more car owners. American Auto is a great choice for people with older cars with a great deal of mileage.

Protection Plans

American Auto Shield offers several protection plan options that cover different types of automotive issues. These extended warranties offer repair cost coverage for some malfunction and breakdowns once the factory warranty has expired. They do not cover normal wear and tear or damage caused in a car accident.

The vehicle protection plans a customer can choose will depend on how many miles their car has, the age of the car, and what the customer would like covered. Optional coverage may be added to customize an auto warranty, which is very convenient for customers who would like more coverage than what is offered in the basic extended warranty:

  • Deluxe: covers cars up to 20 model years and 150,000 miles. Covers most major car components.
  • Platinum: covers cars up to 20 model years and 100,000 miles. Covers most major car components.
  • Diamond: covers cars up to 9 model years and 90,000 miles. Covers all but a small list of exclusionary parts.

American Auto Shield's powertrain coverage plans include the following:

  • Powertrain: covers cars up to 25 model years and 250,000 miles. Covers engine, transmission, cooling system, and etc.
  • PT Silver: covers cars up to 25 model years and 200,000 miles. Covers engine, transmission, cooling system, and etc.
  • PT Gold: covers cars up to 25 model years and 200,000 miles. Covers engine, transmission, cooling system, and etc.

Each service contract for cars includes roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption assistance. An American Auto Shield vehicle service contract may also be transferred if the vehicle is sold. An extended auto warranty can add value to your vehicle, which is nice for customers who decide to sell their car.

American Auto Shield clients can add coverage for luxury electronics, emissions, and the ability to use the repair shop's labor rate.

In addition to offering good vehicle service contract plans, American Auto Shield also offers service contracts for motorcycles, ATVs, and dirt bikes. These additional protection plan offerings make American Auto Shield stand out from other car warranty companies.

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The Bad

  • Limited Online Cost Information

Limited Online Cost Information

American Auto Shield supplies good information about its extended car warranties, including plan-type and coverage. It would be nice to see cost information. However, because the cost is based on vehicle make, model, and mileage, there is a lot of variability. The level of variability makes it difficult to offer helpful general information.

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The Bottom Line

Should your car have a mechanical breakdown, an extended car warranty can save car owners money on that expensive repair. American Auto Shield offers good protection plan options, and covers more years and mileage that almost any other company in the industry. It shows a commitment to customers and community by investing in technological advances in the industry, and participating in philanthropic efforts.

While American Auto Shield could offer more cost information for each extended warranty, this is difficult due variation based on vehicle-specific information. American Auto Shield is worth considering, especially for those seeking a service contract for a motorcycle, ATV, dirt bike, or car. Before making a final choice, consider what American Auto Shield clients have to say about the service.

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Star Rating

3.8

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128 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

39%

4 grade

29%

3 grade

10%

2 grade

9%

1 grade

13%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

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Quality

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Service

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Trustworthiness

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Rebecca Talavera San Antonio, TX

Tracy was very informative and was able to get me up and going relatively quickly. He was extremely knowledgeable and answered all my questions thoroughly. I was really impressed with how well taken care of the carshield customers are from breaking down to getting back on the road again. As I was telling Tracy, it makes me feel like a princess. The only reason I did not give a five star review was because it is a little pricey.

1 week ago

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Michael Bridwell

I would like to thank CarShield for all they have done for me. They have helped me through some really bad situations with my vehicle. I purchased Carshield when I bought my vehicle. When I purchased my coverage, I really hoped that I would never need their help. I purchased coverage just in case something was to go wrong. Well, something did go wrong. And I mean seriously wrong. Just after I reached the minimum requirements for coverage the check engine light came on. The code indicated a timing chain issue. To my surprise CarShield authorized and paid nearly $3,500 to have the timing chains replaced. All it took was for the repair shop to file a claim and then provide the necessary evidence of failure and the quote for the job.

3 weeks ago

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Gary Gilson Missouri City, TX

I was impressed by the fact my motor mounts were covered on my December 22 claim. This didn’t resolve the error in the computer, so I had to go to a dealer to have the computer reprogrammed to recognize the repaired part. The supplemental claim was resubmitted in March ‘23 electronically, but never acknowledged. In October ‘23 I made calls and resubmitted the claim again to the same email site as in March, and followed up with a phone call and email reception acknowledgment. I received email acknowledgment of the claim, and that a review of the matter was in progress. I received a check a week later via mail. Persistence pays off!

1 month ago Edited November 7, 2023

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Eric

The company as a whole has been outstanding. But, I have just made my first claim and it's not working out so well at this point. My guess is Car Shield likes paying out money for repairs. My vehicle needs the lifters replaced because two have had catastrophic failures. So instead of replacing all lifters, you all are only replacing two. With that said and miles on my vehicle there is a 90% probability that one or some of the remaining lifters will fail soon. That means I will be making another claim to replace more lifters, which in turn will cost you more money. When more fail I'll make another claim and so on. It would be in Car Shields best interest to replace them at this current point in time.

1 month ago

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Suz T Harrodsburg, KY

Car Shield was able to save me over $3500.00 in repairs to my Lincoln Presidential Town Car. What a blessing!! Car Shield was wonderful!!

1 week ago

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frigop14896 Franklin, MI

Warranty work was completely covered. I didn't like the fact that my dealership charged me a $200.00 dollar processing fee to use my warranty in addition to the $100. 00 dollar deductible.

2 months ago

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ebskolnick

I like accessability of customer service. I dislike limited coverage of Gold plan for dashboard electronics including all interactive touch screen functions related to vehicle operations , especially for hybrid vehicles, including hands free cell phone pairing, tire pressure monitoring, trip mileage statistics, traction battery charging, also odometer reading speedometer and other non-touchscreen displays.

3 months ago

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Reginald Goins Slidell, LA

I don’t like that LED lights are not covered for all the money that I spend every month for other things and my LED lights are not covered and also my sunroof is not covered also under this policy. That’s something that needs to changed also or you will be losing a lot of your customers…

1 month ago

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Tracy Tenpenny Grovetown, GA

My vehicle broke down on a Sunday and I had to get it repaired to get home for work on Monday. Pep Boys was the only place open on Sunday. I paid them just over $1,200 for the work. I submitted the claim and I was only reimbursed for $777. The company is not able to provide any details of how they reached that dollar amount. This company is a SCAM. Please do not purchase a policy from them.

1 month ago

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Eileen & Randy Pard Abington, PA

Car Shield does not pay for entire labor expenses.

2 days ago

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Emma Kimble Benton Harbor, MI

I’ve only had to use Car Shield one time since I’ve had the coverage. My problem was I had to wait until the adjuster decided if they were going to cover my engine problem. I was anxiously waiting for an answer. Car Shield finally came through in my favor. I was happy like all the other happy people in the Car Shield commercials.

4 months ago

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michael d allen Montgomery, TX

Rental car perk is worthless/. Takes forever to get approved for the repair and then the car rental. Car sits in transmission shop for 2-3 weeks before you approve the repair and then you have no car for that period. The transmission then went out again and had to be sent to the local dealer where it sat for another 10 days without benefit of a rental car.

6 months ago

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Vic Burgess Whitney, TX

The young lady Ashton was very professional she said that she's gonna make calls to find me a place in Lufkin Texas to be able to get my car fixed if they can work with so I can actually have a rent a car most of the places that we do have dealers that do it there is no rent a car company available

6 months ago

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Joelle Kaut (ELLIEk.) Auburn, WA

Hello, I decided to call Car Shield after receiving a letter promoting their service. Although the initial person I spoke with was impersoneI & rushed... the sales rep he transfered me to however, was very professional, informative and relatable throughout our conversation! I can't attest to anything other than the initial purchase experience that i had... being that the product is not tangible, it will have to be a "to be determined" as far as recommending Car Shield, ... for now.... I wanted to extend my thanks and give a compliment to your phone sale Rep!

10 months ago Edited January 18, 2023

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David Barnes New Orleans, LA

Okay, I’m up front and direct with my comment about the service that I have with my warranty company, CarShield has been about what they offer to me, I have had another warranty company that was offering warranty protection, but fell short on their promises, CarShield is real about the parts that they are stating they would cover,a good deal for a good price 👍🏾

1 year ago

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Alex M. Los Angeles, CA

I purchased a used car, so The services that CarShield promoted were quite appealing to me. One year after I signed up w/ CarShield I had a major engine issue w/ my car. When I informed them of such CarShield immediately sent a tow truck to my location and I took it to a local mechanic. Once the claims process began CarShield was Highly professional, courteous and very prompt (sending money to the mechanic within 24 hours). My car was only inoperable (and returned to me) for two days. I highly recommend their services. Alex M. Las Vegas, Nevada

1 year ago

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Clarence McLeod

Hi Clarence M I have been with Carshield for a while now and I just had a problem with my bmw 328i what I thought sounded like ok Mr Clarence we got you covered turned out to be we need you to pay the remaining balance plus the hundred dollars deductible and I had just got them another customer because at first everything was going ok up until paying the remaining balance what if he don't have now he mad at me for referring him

2 years ago

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Thomas SunHawk Indiana, PA

I haven’t needed to have any service done yet but I have been very pleased with my experience so far.

3 months ago

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Jerry Rumph

They sent a tow truck within two hours after I call them about my transmission problem and they work with me to find the right shop

5 months ago

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Sam Clark Memphis, TN

I really don't like the haggling that they do with the shops. I know that there are some scammers out there, but for the most part, many of us go to reputable technicians and I think that their professional opinion should outweigh much of the back and forth banter of whether a procedure is needed or not.

11 months ago

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JuanR Oklahoma City, OK

Had a claim to have a starter and alternator repaired CarShield did not want to pay the shop for their part, but wanted to ship their own part in which would have taken 1 to 2 days or longer. So I had to come out of packet to pay difference to have to completed that day, because I need my vehicle for work that next day and could not be without vehicle 1 to 3 longer.

11 months ago Edited December 19, 2022

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Shelia Woody Memphis, TN

it was Hard to find a company that would accept Carshield, but after numerous tried found Express oil, Lakeland, TN , they accepted carshield, we took our truck, they checked it out, the manager (Travis) great guy and the mechanical were great, also friendly and efficient, they filed our claim & everything handled in about 4 hours, our claim was denied, item wasn't covered but Express oil made it a good experience

1 year ago

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Nicholas Clarey San Francisco, CA

I have a policy with car shield and I’m very certain that if I have a major brake down I will be more than happy I bought into it. My one thing I would point out is that they don’t cover things like brake rotors and pads witch I needed to replace on my truck today and much to my surprise it is very expensive ($1,000.00) dollars expensive. Maybe if enough people complain about it they will change there policy to possibly help with some of the cost. A lot of us don’t have 1,000 dollars laying around

1 year ago

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Cba Kba San Antonio, TX

The Customer Service Agent (Amanda) was attentive, patient and very helpful. Her friendly nature really helped in my stressful situation. With such great customer service agents it was/is a pleasure talking to Car Shield. I am greatful for their outstanding Customer Service.

1 year ago

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nichols harriette Kingsland, GA

I was concerned about the bad reviews that Car shield was receiving and was going to change car protector warranty ,I called CarCHex and after talking to them decided to stay with Car Shield ,they were very nice after I told them what was going on ,and very helpful in my decision to stay

1 year ago

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Carol Wenner Summerville, SC

Tried to cancel my husband's account, but found out it was with another Mepco affiliate. Kathy stayed on the line with me until she got me to the proper plae. She couldn't have been more helpful. Need more customer service reps like her.

2 years ago

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Paul Lewistown, PA

Always a pleasure to talk with. Knowledgeable and short hold time if any. Always articulate and easily understood and with a pleasant attitude. Their fees for what they cover are very reasonable but the peace of mind I get from them is priceless!

2 years ago

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Odell Cohens Jr Monroe, NC

I love what this company stands for and I have been a customer for over a year or so. I just recently put my jeep in the shop because it didn't pass emissions so I could get it registered and here it is over two weeks later 16 days to be exact no vehicle, no rental, or no courtesy car for my wife to get to and from. Finally, after numerous calls and you are more than welcome to check your email and phone call recordings and finally they are sending an Inspector to hopefully approve the job. I believe that this is unsatisfactory...it just doesn't take this long on behalf of the dealership and Carshield!

3 years ago

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WmsFamily Williams Houston, TX

The objective of writing this letter to express my appreciation towards the excellent customer service delivered to me by your service rep this morning. I must compliment her on her concern about my issue and her prompt response. Wishing her all the best in her future endeavors. Calvin R Williams

3 years ago

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Dorothy Fitzhugh Ft. Washington, MD

I have 3 vehicle plans with Car Shield, the service is just what they say it is. The customer service is polite, professional & helpful, I’ve referred 2 people I know and they have purchased the plan as well. I’ve sold one vehicle, the new vehicle I’m purchasing will also be put in the plan for xtra coverage.

3 years ago

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Gail Woods New Orleans, LA

Have not used car shield yet, but was notified at 1230am that my payment would be changed to Metro instead of my bank!!!!! That's flaky business!!!! That is not what I signed up for. I do not appreciate it at all!!!!!

3 months ago

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Laverne Simms, MSP Wilmington, DE

Representative was very knowledgeable and patient. I didn’t feel rushed or pressured.

3 months ago

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Chris Duffee Tallahassee, FL

Customer service was very good, however, on two occasions I needed to use CarShield, the was only 1 shop that would accept CarShield, and the dealership (Dale Jr Chevrolet/ Hendrick Motor Company)was not a participant.

9 months ago

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David Barr Houston, TX

Like having help with repair cost. Don't like being deceived. Need to cover more of the overall repair cost especially for senior citizens with low incomes. If you want to be #1 auto repair insurance company....THEN BE THE #1 auto repair insurance company with customer endorsement. Do & Cover more!

10 months ago

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Kevin Huth Stroudsburg, PA

Seems alright so far. Used once for a repair. I herd from a garage that in Pennsylvania that car shield will not cover a lot of the repairs. So a lot of garages will not expect Car Shield coverage.

1 year ago

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Matt AZ

The representatives I have talked to have been very helpful. I got a sweet rental car. Don't expect the process to move fast, it doesn't, but I have no worries . I'm waiting for the reimbursement of my rideshare , then I know they will get 5 stars. Fromthe work being done, I know I'm going to save about 1000. Very excited!

1 year ago

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Karen Nelson Raleigh, NC

Had 2 claims and wasn't impressed. 1 claim for Axles. Due to backordered parts, CarShield left us paying $800+ for the parts. 1 claim for Check Engine light which ended up being 3 engine rings allowing oit to leak up into spark plugs etc. and fault catalytic converters. Called for a tow and was told that if the claim ($1200) wasn't covered, I'd have to pay the tow bill. Used AAA instead. Claim for both issues was denied. Neither oil seals nor catalytic converters were covered.

1 year ago

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BJohnson

It's a long process with certain repairs and it's not fair to the paying customer to be without a car due to the fact carshield has to send out an inspector with certain repairs and it can take weeks and that's what makes shops not wanting to take the job. I was forced to trade my 2017 Q50 in just because no shop wanted to take carshield to repair my turbos.

1 year ago

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Claudio Williams New York, NY

Customer service is great.....! Claim was not covered 100% but my car is a Mercedes Benz and parts and labor are over the rates of other makes. The 3 day car rental was NOT paid at all and the claim for that rental was denied. I filed a complaint and a customer service advisor called me back lowering my monthly payment rate to a more affordable payment. Coverage remained the same.

1 year ago

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Robert Britt Columbus, OH

My experience was very meaningful. I learned about the Auto Warranties differences with purchased Vehicles. I Feel comfortable with my expensive learned pandemic trials. God is good! All the time!

1 year ago

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Carolyn Jenkins-Mullins Hammond, IN

I had to update information on my plan . And the representative was professional and kind it was a pleasure speaking with her. Thank you for the professional support Ms.Mullins-Jenkins

2 years ago

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Dave Williams Fort Worth, TX

The customer service rep I spoke to today was very professional and seems to be an asset to her company. She stayed calm even though I wasn’t at the time. Great job, Holly!!

2 years ago

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Tracey Silco IL

I like Car Shield because I feel like they back me up when something goes wrong with my vehicle. They help so much financially as prices these days are through the roof. Gives me a peace of mind.

2 years ago

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Gabriel Viera FL

I called today because for some reason it has taken over 2 weeks to get my claim approved and funds sent to my mechanic so he can start working on fixing my issue. My A/C compressor is not working and it is very hot where I live at which is in Miami, Florida. So I was told by the customer service representative that she will have this escalated and taken care of today. So far I have not heard back from you guys so I’m hoping that by end of day today that it will be resolved. As of now I can’t give you a rating more than 2 stars because nothing has be resolved as of yet and I have been waiting for over 2 weeks now. The customer service rep I spoke with today was very friendly and did apologize for the delay with my claim. I will change my rating as soon as my claim has been resolved but for now this is where I stand. Below I really can’t give any ratings because this has been my first claim since I joined American Auto Shield. But so far it hasn’t been a successful claim process. Thank you

2 years ago

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James D Martin Mansfield, TX

We just got with this company, so we have not had any dealings so far. But the personal we have talked to have been wonderful in helping us get started. So far great service!

2 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Rick Fisk Lake Zurich, IL

I had a great experience purchasing the warranty and felt it was a good product until I traded cars and got a new car with full warranty. The cancellation process was very frustrating because of willful ignorance on the part of the customer representative. What had been a good experience soured as I felt they sapped the last dime out of me in the cancellation process ignoring the policy language about a refund for for 29 unused days after cancellation.

2 years ago

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Liz Bustillo Kaneohe, HI

First and foremost, I really appreciated the "no pressure" conversation. The initial contact was casual and congenial. I was given enough time to consider the representative's offer.

3 years ago

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John Bishop Raleigh, NC

On my first claim, for a water pump for my Corvette, it took Car Shield almost 4 weeks to pay the claim! I had to do without my car for 3 weeks, while it was sitting in the dealers service shop. Then, when Car Shield rep finally got busy considering the claim, he nickel and dimed it to death, for example, he actually argued about not paying for a bolt and nut that held the water pump to the engine block! I couldn't believe it. The dealers service department manager was made to wait 1.5 hours on the phone the first time he called on the claim. He said they were going to quit doing business with Car Shield because of their really bad service.

3 years ago

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David St. John Bellefontaine, OH

Got the part and a better price than my dealer with a 12 month warranty. What I didn't like was the run around I received in the time it took to get the part to my dealer (a month and a half) with many phone calls and a threat to go to my local news and my lawyer.

3 years ago

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Bernie Dearborn, MI

The new EV platform along with hybrid motors reduce/eliminate costly standard motor repair. With this in mind, CarShield should seriously consider covering the replacement of these gas-replacement batteries.

10 months ago