CARCHEX Reviews

Each year, our research team collects data from dozens of companies to rank the best extended car warranty providers. We analyzed CARCHEX based on cost estimates, coverage options, customer ratings from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and J.D. Power, and more. Our team also mystery shopped providers to better understand the overall customer experience, survey past clients, and collect quotes. After 1,475 total hours of research, we rated CARCHEX 4.4 out of 5.0 stars and named it Best for Used Cars for 2023.

CARCHEX extended warranties give consumers more choices and control over their plans, which positive CARCHEX reviews consistently highlight. CARCHEX’s overall review score of 4.4 out of 5.0 stars is determined by the company’s ratings in five areas: industry standing, coverage, cost, transparency, and customer service.

How We Rated CARCHEX

We update our review standards multiple times each year to ensure up-to-date information. Our warranty research is broken down into five main categories: industry standing, coverage, cost, transparency, and customer service.

Industry Standing

We give CARCHEX a perfect 5.0-star rating in this category due to its A+ rating from the BBB and numerous prestigious awards. The company has been on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies eight times and on Selling Power’s Top 50 Companies to Sell For on four occasions.

Coverage

CARCHEX offers five levels of warranty coverage that can last up to 10 years or 250,000 miles, which are higher limits than many warranty providers feature. CARCHEX plans include towing assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption benefits that help pay for food and lodging when you have a covered breakdown far from home. Weighing all these factors, we give CARCHEX a healthy 4.6 out of 5.0-star coverage rating.

Cost

We give CARCHEX 4.0 out of 5.0 stars for cost, as many of its plans come with above-average prices. However, the fact that the company offers long warranty terms means you pay less per year of coverage than you would with many other leading providers.

Our team gathered CARCHEX quotes for two vehicle models: a 2017 Honda CR-V with 45,000 miles and a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado with 50,000 miles. We selected several coverage levels and terms with a $100 deductible for each quote.

The process of collecting quotes from CARCHEX was fast and simple. We were immediately connected with a helpful agent who walked us through all our warranty options. After hearing initial price estimates, we were also offered an array of discount opportunities.

Transparency

We consider several factors when rating warranty providers for transparency, including the availability of a money-back guarantee and easily accessible sample contracts for each warranty plan. CARCHEX checks these boxes, so we give the provider a 5.0-star rating for transparency.

Customer Service

Customer ratings and complaints through sites like the BBB and Trustpilot play key roles in our customer service ratings. We give CARCHEX 4.0 stars here due to its easy quote process and helpful representatives. The company loses some points for middling customer reviews and its lack of an online chat option. 

Is CARCHEX A Good Extended Warranty?

Yes, CARCHEX is one of our top picks for extended warranty coverage. CARCHEX partners with top-rated and fully insured administrators such as American Auto Shield and Royal Administration Services. Each provider competes for your business, giving you a quality product at the best price. CARCHEX plans can last up to 10 years or 250,000 miles, making the provider an excellent used car warranty option.

Is CARCHEX Worth It?

If you are looking for a good auto service contract, we recommend CARCHEX. CARCHEX can be worth it for those who seek protection against repair costs from unexpected mechanical failures. In addition to being one of the most reputable extended car warranty companies in the industry, CARCHEX can be an excellent choice for owners of used and high-mileage vehicles.

CARCHEX Quick Facts

• Founded: 1999
• Headquarters: Baltimore, Maryland
• Coverage options: Five levels of coverage, ranging from powertrain warranty coverage to more comprehensive coverage similar to a bumper-to-bumper warranty
• Coverage terms: Up to 10 years
• Partners: Edmunds.com, CARFAX, Kelley Blue Book, and more

Is CARCHEX Legit?

Yes, CARCHEX is one of the most respected and experienced providers in the industry. Along with maintaining strong customer satisfaction scores across several notable platforms (see below), CARCHEX also maintains several partnerships with leading automotive industry experts, including CARFAX, Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, and RepairPal. 

CARCHEX BBB Reviews

CARCHEX is in good standing with the BBB, holding an A+ rating with accreditation. This shows the company cares about building trust with consumers. Take a look at how CARCHEX ratings compare to other popular third-party warranty companies:

*Accurate as of March 2023

CARCHEX has mostly positive ratings and a solid reputation among customers. Just under 1,500 CARCHEX reviews on Trustpilot give the company an average of 2.8 out of 5.0 stars. The CARCHEX customer score on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website is not quite as strong at only 2.0 out of 5.0 stars. However, the average is based on a relatively small number of reviews (just over 150).

In CARCHEX reviews, happy customers often praise the company’s customer service and transparency. Several customers also mention being pleased with CARCHEX pricing, especially compared to competitors’ offers.

CARCHEX Complaints

Of course, not everyone is satisfied with CARCHEX. Some customers have posted negative reviews on the BBB website regarding claims service and refunds. Complaints about claims are common for any extended warranty provider.

These complaints come from a small fraction of CARCHEX customers. The company has closed 167 complaints over the last three years, which is a small number compared to many of its competitors. Still, read your contract carefully before purchasing an extended warranty from any provider. You can find sample contracts on the coverage options page of the CARCHEX website.

According to our research, the median monthly cost for a CARCHEX warranty is between $100 and $220 per month. Total costs range from about $2,500 to $4,000 for the quotes we received, but you may find different prices based on your vehicle. Compared to the market as a whole, CARCHEX prices are about average. According to our March 2022 survey of 1,000 people who had purchased an extended car warranty, the median cost is $2,458.

CARCHEX Prices

For a five-year plan costing $1,500, expect to pay around 2 cents per mile for coverage. Our review team reached out to get prices for various CARCHEX coverage levels, and we were quoted the following prices:

Here’s a look at the quotes we received for the same plans and vehicles in 2021. As you can see, some CARCHEX warranty plans have seen more significant price increases:

CARCHEX Quote

Warranty costs vary based on the make, model, mileage, and year of your vehicle, so take advantage of free instant quotes online or direct consultations with a customer service representative over the phone. Doing so will give you the most accurate customized quote and help you answer any questions about CARCHEX costs before you make a purchase. CARCHEX mileage quotes typically range from 36,000 to 125,000 miles.

CARCHEX Payment

An extended warranty plan is a service agreement – you pay a bit every month to save more when breakdowns and repairs happen. CARCHEX requires a down payment equivalent to one monthly payment, and the maximum payment schedule is 24 months.

CARCHEX Deductible

CARCHEX warranty plans usually come with a deductible. You can choose between a deductible of $0, $50, $100, or $200 when you purchase your plan. Generally, the higher you set your deductible, the lower your CARCHEX warranty payments will be (and vice versa).

CARCHEX extended warranty coverage protects customers against unexpected costs due to mechanical breakdowns. As an extended warranty broker, CARCHEX offers five coverage levels with contract terms running from 12 to 84 months. CARCHEX covers most cars and trucks, but be aware that the company doesn’t cover RVs and ATVs.

Additionally, CARCHEX coverage can last up to 10 years or 250,000 miles, making the provider an excellent used car warranty option. All CARCHEX protection plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you change your mind after purchasing coverage. After 30 days, you can still cancel plans at any time for a prorated refund.

CARCHEX Plans

CARCHEX vehicle protection plans come in five coverage levels. Plans are customizable for all vehicles – including hybrids and new cars or pre-owned vehicles – and each plan comes with additional benefits such as 24/7 roadside assistance and coverage for towing, rental cars, gas delivery, and trip interruption. The table below provides basic information about each CARCHEX plan:

What Does CARCHEX Cover?

The sections below provide more detailed information about the specific components covered in each CARCHEX coverage plan.

CARCHEX Titanium Coverage

The CARCHEX Titanium plan provides coverage similar to a bumper-to-bumper warranty, with a term of seven to ten years. Similar to your car’s factory warranty coverage, this plan covers most parts of your vehicle and has only a short list of exclusions. It’s the highest level of coverage available.

Our survey of 1,000 extended warranty customers found that the majority (51 percent) purchased bumper-to-bumper coverage instead of other plans.

CARCHEX Platinum Coverage

The Platinum plan covers hundreds of components and offers the most comprehensive level of stated-component coverage with a service term ranging from five to ten years.

In addition to components covered in the lower-tier Gold, Silver, and Bronze plans, Platinum coverage includes:

• Suspension components such as struts, mounting plates, and the upper and lower ball joints
• Enhanced electrical components such as wiper motors and solenoids
• Heating components such as the water pump, thermostat, and radiator and mounting brackets

CARCHEX Gold Coverage

The Gold plan provides coverage for all major systems of your vehicle for five to ten years, making it a good choice for vehicles with 60,000 miles or more. Along with coverage offered in the lower-tier Silver and Bronze plans, you are covered for braking and steering components such as:

• Master cylinder
• Metal hydraulic lines and fittings
• Disc calipers
• Backing plates
• Braking system components

CARCHEX Silver Coverage

The Silver plan covers essential components of your new or pre-owned vehicle. In addition to powertrain coverage, you are protected for fuel delivery, electrical, and air conditioning components, including parts such as:

• Fuel pump
• Fuel tank
• Starter
• Alternator
• Ignition coil
• Relays
• Gauges
• Switches
• Air conditioning compressor
• Clutch
• Condenser fan

The Silver plan offers six to seven years of coverage and is a good fit for high-mileage vehicles (more than 100,000 miles).

CARCHEX Gold Coverage

The Gold plan provides coverage for all major systems of your vehicle for five to ten years, making it a good choice for vehicles with 60,000 miles or more. Along with coverage offered in the lower-tier Silver and Bronze plans, you are covered for braking and steering components such as:

• Master cylinder
• Metal hydraulic lines and fittings
• Disc calipers
• Backing plates
• Braking system components

CARCHEX Silver Coverage

The Silver plan covers essential components of your new or pre-owned vehicle. In addition to powertrain coverage, you are protected for fuel delivery, electrical, and air conditioning components, including parts such as:

• Fuel pump
• Fuel tank
• Starter
• Alternator
• Ignition coil
• Relays
• Gauges
• Switches
• Air conditioning compressor
• Clutch
• Condenser fan

The Silver plan offers six to seven years of coverage and is a good fit for high-mileage vehicles (more than 100,000 miles).

CARCHEX Bronze Coverage

The Bronze plan provides 5 to 6 years of coverage for the major systems of your vehicle. It’s designed to protect you from the most expensive and common breakdowns. You will be covered for powertrain components, including:

• Engine components such as pistons, connecting rods and bearings, crankshaft and main bearings, pushrods, valves, and timing gear
• Transmission components for an automatic or manual vehicle
• Drive axle components for front and rear parts such as those within the differential housing, transaxle housing, and final drive housing

The Bronze plan is a good choice for vehicles with 150,000 miles or more.

CARCHEX Roadside Assistance (And Other Benefits)

Along with the coverage offered with each CARCHEX plan for mechanical breakdowns, CARCHEX warranties come with additional benefits that include:

• Freedom to choose your repair facility: Manufacturer warranties typically restrict where you can take your car, often forcing customers to go to the nearest dealership, regardless of distance. With CARCHEX warranties, you can take your vehicle to any of the 30,000 licensed repair shops for an assessment by a certified mechanic. Because each plan is different, it’s a good idea to call in advance to ensure the shop is approved for your plan.
• Direct payments: CARCHEX will pay the repair costs to the shop directly (minus your deductible), so you don’t have to worry about paying for any expensive repairs upfront. Note that some plans may come with a small deductible you must pay when you pick your car up.
• 24/7 roadside assistance: Emergency roadside assistance includes flat tire changes, fuel delivery, and lockout services. This benefit also includes towing services, which provides customers with reimbursements for expenses incurred when your vehicle is towed to a repair facility. 
• Trip interruption: CARCHEX reimburses customers for loading and meal expenses that come as a result of mechanical breakdown that happens during a trip. 
• Rental coverage: CARCHEX reimburses customers for rental car costs that are incurred while your car is in the shop for covered repairs. 
• Satellite radio: If you drive an eligible vehicle, you may receive access to free Sirius satellite radio. 

*The maximum amount CARCHEX provides for several benefits is typically $50. The amount of benefits you receive generally depends on the coverage level you choose.

CARCHEX Exclusions

All CARCHEX plans exclude certain parts and types of damage. Here are a few examples:

• Damage from misuse or lack of maintenance
• Regular maintenance like oil changes or filter replacements
• Pre-existing conditions
• Certain emissions components
• Cosmetic items
• Regular wear and tear
• Damage from the environment, accidents, or vandalism

CARCHEX offers several options for assistance, including 24-hour support for contract holders. Here’s how CARCHEX customer service offerings compare to those of other top warranty providers:

*For contract holders

CARCHEX Claims

When your vehicle requires service, follow these three easy steps to file a claim and get back on the road:

1. Gather your warranty documentation and confirm that the needed repair work is covered under your plan.
2. Take your car to your preferred repair shop for diagnosis and work.
3. Once repairs are complete, the repair shop will receive an authorization number for the covered repairs and CARCHEX will pay the shop directly.

CARCHEX Claims Phone Number

To file a claim with CARCHEX, you need to call the administrator listed on your contract. However, if you have an issue with a claim, you can contact CARCHEX customer service at 1-877-227-2439. See below for a list of administrator phone numbers.

How To Cancel CARCHEX Warranty

To cancel a CARCHEX warranty, you need to mail or fax a notarized odometer statement along with your request for cancellation in writing to the contract administrator. This may be American Auto Shield, Royal, or another administrator. You can get a full refund if you cancel within 30 days or a prorated refund after that.

In this article, we reviewed the cost, coverage, plans, and customer service of CARCHEX’s extended warranties. Along with being awarded Best for Used Cars in 2023 for its wide range of coverage options and long warranty terms, CARCHEX’s overall review score of 4.4 makes it one of the highest rated extended warranty companies in the industry. 

CARCHEX Alternatives

However, we always recommend getting at least three quotes so you can compare your options. We’ve reviewed all the major players in the industry and found that Endurance and CarShield are also among the best extended warranty providers.

Endurance: Best Coverage

We named Endurance Best Coverage in 2023. Endurance has a 4.0-star rating on Trustpilot with over 5,800 reviews. from drivers. Endurance offers six vehicle service contract plans that are customizable to your budget and preferred coverage. One nice thing about Endurance is that all plans come with one year of Endurance Elite Benefits for free. That includes collision assistance, total loss protection, tire replacement, roadside assistance, and more. Learn more in our review of Endurance.

CarShield: Best Monthly Payments

We awarded CarShield Best Monthly Payments in 2023 due to its due to low costs and flexible payment options. CarShield has an average rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 stars from more than 34,000 Trustpilot reviews and gets 4.2 out of 5.0 stars averaged from more than 12,000 Google reviews. CarShield offers coverage for new and used cars, as well as protection for high-tech systems and components and specialty vehicles.

CarShield plans are convenient and affordable; many of their plans are month-to-month contracts,  so you’re not locked in for any number of years. Since your vehicle’s age and mileage help determine eligibility, the best way to find out how long you can cover your vehicle is to contact CarShield. Learn more in our CarShield review.

Below are common questions related to CARCHEX extended warranties.