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American Auto Shield

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6.3

Overall Score

LAST UPDATED: March 22nd, 2024

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

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3.9

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145 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

39%

4 grade

30%

3 grade

10%

2 grade

9%

1 grade

12%

Sentiment Criteria

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Quality

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Service

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Mark Cary

Not quite like advertised on TV ... kind of hassle with the rental car ... still don't know if I'll get reimbursed for my rental expenses ... timing is everything and the timing of services versus filing claim versus having an active claim ... seems a bit disjointed ... Check back with me after a week or so ...

3 weeks ago

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Card Country Music

It's a great service and the customer service representatives are very helpful. I got my car fixed and Car Shield delivered as promised and pulled through. However, the monthly rates are way too high. Please lower my monthly payment. Thank you 🙏

4 weeks ago

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Michael Conner Fort Lauderdale, FL

The app is not usable after the update even after following all the recommended steps to get it working again, The website doesn’t properly reflect account payments and most recently stated my account was past due. Turns out my account which was on autopay was not past due however I made two payments before this was discovered. The second payment was made thanks to the webpage indicating I had an additional amount due of $16.?? However when I paid this amount I was emailed a receipt for another full payment what happened is the site left off the “2”! With the two you have my monthly payment of $216.?? You can’t upload service records The entire web team needs to be fired.

1 month ago

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Jeff Wilson Woodstock, ON

If you live in Canada, while choosing which aftermarket warranty to buy, be sure to read covered components for Canadian coverage, US and Canada are different. For example my vehicle is all wheel drive, in the US the drive shaft is a covered component which without it it’s only a front wheel drive. In Canada they feel you don’t need it and is not a covered component as a mechanic I don’t understand, it is an important part of the powertrain. The advisers at Carsheild were on it very helpful but the adjusters refused it twice. I would be interested in seeing the adjuster’s mechanics licence so they could prove they totally understand the driveshaft being an integral part of an all wheel drive vehicle. Aside from this they are a good company to do business

3 months ago

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vondra Theresa smith Randallstown, MD

I am ever so grateful. For having car Sheild. I am a retired widow and live on a very tight budget. I had to put my car in the shop, due to it not starting up periodically, the mechanic found the problem, which was electrical. Unfortunely, the mechanic told me it would. cost me $1,200.00 for repairs, I began to panic. Then I remembered that I had Car Sheild. they came to my rescue they paid about $800.00. I was so relieved. I am ever so grateful for Car Sheild's help.

3 months 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.

5 months ago

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Kerney D Cook

This car company which is Ace warranty auto protect lied and said that my car was on Carfax as a rental car I've never used my car as a rental car It may have been done before I bought it they denied and took my $140 and didn't want to give me my money back after I asked him to fix my car and I kept the warranty for a while they lied to me you know and I'm like what happened you know yeah my car was in an accident and I totaled it I agree to that but for is my car being used for rental purposes I never saw that on Carfax and they won't give me my money back and they're treating customers like animals and I do believe there's a class action lawsuit against these guys so my thing is that why won't you return my money LR get my car fixed America be aware of these people and if this is a fact that they're doing all customers like that it need to be bought to a cease

2 months ago

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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.

4 months ago

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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.

5 months 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!

5 months ago Edited November 7, 2023

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Sandra Shoytush Schenectady, NY

CarShield should have discussed the options on my policy before I chose my level of coverage. I think that the exhaust system should be covered because of its exposure to the elements.

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.

8 months ago

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Mike Sides Warrenville, SC

Quick, professional, and friendly with its business acumen, joy to speak to, and kind.

1 month ago

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Tom Cooper San Antonio, TX

Dealing with carshield representative was nice and knowledgeable and listens well

1 month ago

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Audrey Johnson Arlington, TX

I was able to speak with Ryan who help me with an issue of coverage. I was so impressed with her, I was planning to drop coverage but decided to stay because of her.

3 months 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.

7 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.

11 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

11 months ago

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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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Floyd Gipson Springfield, IL

I was able to get the help I needed with no problem and it was fast. Thank you for your help.

2 months 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!!

5 months 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.

9 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!

1 year ago Edited January 18, 2023

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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

2 years 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

2 years 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.

2 years 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

2 years 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!

3 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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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…

6 months 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.

6 months ago

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Monte E Thomas SR Cleveland, OH

everything is fine people was nice and helpful

1 month 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.

1 year 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.

1 year ago Edited December 19, 2022

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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.

2 years 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.

2 years 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!

2 years 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

3 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!

3 years ago Edited September 14, 2021