CarShield Vs. Endurance

Two names that often pop up when drivers search for extended warranty plans are Endurance and CarShield. Both companies are known for their excellent warranty coverage and competitive pricing, but what’s the best choice when comparing CarShield vs. Endurance?

This review will take a look at coverage options from both providers, the cost of their protection plans, and their overall customer experiences. We looked at the best extended car warranty companies to streamline your shopping experience, and while doing so, we compared Endurance vs. CarShield.

Both CarShield and Endurance are in the business of selling vehicle service contracts, otherwise known as extended auto warranties. New cars come with factory warranties that handle repairs for hundreds of components until a certain time limit or mileage is reached.

After your factory warranty expires, you have the option to add to your peace of mind by buying extended coverage from either a dealership or a third-party provider. Endurance and CarShield are two of the industry’s largest and most reputable third-party options.

While CarShield and Endurance offer impressive plans and competitive rates, drivers in California should look elsewhere as they’re not available in the state.

CarShield: Best Monthly Payments

CarShield is based out of St. Peters, Missouri, and has over 16 years of experience in the aftermarket automotive industry. The company offers some of the best value in the extended warranty space due to its low-cost plans that provide valuable vehicle protection.

Endurance: Best Coverage

Our choice for Best Coverage is the Northbrook, Illinois-based independent provider Endurance. The company is backed by an insurer with an A+ financial strength rating from AM Best and has been recognized by Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest-growing businesses in the country.

Unlike many competitors, Endurance is a direct provider. That means it administers its own vehicle service contracts instead of brokering deals out to other administrators.

The best way to find a competitive extended warranty rate is by comparing free quotes from multiple providers, so we pitted Endurance vs. CarShield to match up their costs. Each warranty provider determines the rate of an auto warranty differently, but several factors always play a part in your monthly bill:

• Age, make, and model of your vehicle
• Coverage limits
• Deductible amount

Bumper-To-Bumper Warranty Cost

For our Endurance vs. CarShield warranty data, we obtained quotes for a 2018 Honda Civic with 30,000 miles.

Powertrain Warranty Cost

The following CarShield vs. Endurance quotes are for a 2012 Subaru Outback with 88,000 miles.

CarShield’s exclusionary coverage is over $1,100 cheaper than the plan from Endurance. CarShield has a higher monthly rate for its powertrain plan, though. While CarShield holds a reputation as one of the cheapest extended car warranty providers, our research makes it clear that Endurance can hold its own.

Endurance and CarShield both offer six coverage options for customers to choose from, but they’re not quite identical. Endurance has more fleshed-out offerings for vehicles, while CarShield also offers specialized plans for the electrical system and for ATVs and motorcycles.

Here’s an overview of CarShield vs. Endurance coverage:

CarShield Protection Plans

• Diamond: CarShield’s top-tier, exclusionary bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage

• Platinum: Comprehensive coverage that’s slightly slimmer than the Diamond plan

• Gold: Mid-level option that includes powertrain coverage and backs the alternator, water pump, starter, air conditioning, and power windows

• Silver: Basic powertrain coverage that also takes care of the water pump

• Aluminum: Coverage for high-tech components such as navigation systems and the engine control module

• Motorcycle and ATV: Covers repairs for the powertrain, suspension, brakes, gauges, and more for motorcycles and ATVs

Endurance Protection Plans

• Supreme: Endurance’s most comprehensive plan for bumper-to-bumper coverage

• Superior: Stated-component coverage of hundreds of parts including the suspension, cooling system, and fuel system

• Secure Plus: Similar coverage to the Secure plan, but with added protection for air conditioning, steering, and brakes

• Secure: Covers essential powertrain components such as the engine, transmission, and drivetrain

• Select Premier: Protection for high-mileage vehicles that includes powertrain coverage

• EnduranceAdvantage™: Extensive component protection mixed with broad maintenance coverage

When it comes to used cars, both Endurance and CarShield offer service plans designed for high-mileage vehicles. If a covered component breaks, customers can take their vehicles to any repair facility certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE^®).

Warranty Exclusions

Even though having an extended warranty means a wide variety of components are covered in the event of a breakdown or poor workmanship, CarShield and Endurance won’t pay for everything.

Here are some items not covered under vehicle protection plans:

• Damage from a collision
• Damage from owner abuse or neglect
• Damage from environmental factors
• Damage from improper repairs
• Wear-and-tear items such as brake pads and wiper blades
• Regular maintenance such as oil changes

Some vehicle service plans offer limited maintenance protection as part of their contracts, but it’s far from standard across the industry. The EnduranceAdvantage plan covers tire rotations along with oil changes and other standard maintenance.

Customer Benefits

Besides potentially covering costs at the repair shop, it’s common for third-party warranty providers to include additional benefits for customers. Here’s a comparison chart of the benefits offered by Endurance vs. CarShield:

*Only offered as part of your one free year of Endurance Elite Benefits

When it comes to CarShield vs. Endurance for customer perks, the two providers seem about even. While Endurance Elite Benefits add perks such as key fob replacement, it’s worth noting that drivers only receive one free year of the program.

Endurance’s trip interruption benefit clocks in at a max of $450, which is considerably more than what CarShield offers. However, CarShield offers a far more generous rental car reimbursement program.

Both providers’ contracts include a 30-day money-back guarantee. Customers have the entire waiting period to cancel their contracts and receive full refunds as long as they didn’t file claims in that period. If claims were filed, customers will receive prorated refunds.

Something to remember is that both providers require a $50 cancellation fee if a customer ends coverage after the 30-day window closes.

Customer service is a mixed bag for both providers. Both CarShield and Endurance receive less than an A when it comes to Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings. Below is an overview of industrywide reviews:

CarShield Reviews

CarShield’s poor rating from the BBB stems from complaints that claim the company engages in misleading advertising practices, fails to cover repairs, and doesn’t provide refunds to contract holders. Below is a negative review posted about CarShield:

“I have electrical and brake system coverage and CarShield would not cover the claim to fix my truck. It is sad to find out that the company you relied on was not there to help. I canceled my contract and will never do business with them again.”
– Ashley F. via BBB

On the other hand, many customers say CarShield provides speedy service and handles its claims process in a professional manner. You’ll find a positive CarShield review below:

“I have had to use CarShield two times. Both times they responded and covered my repairs without any hassle. I hope they continue to be a good company.”
– Mary M. via BBB

Endurance Reviews

Similar to CarShield, Endurance warranty reviews mention both informative conversations with sales representatives and stories of denied claims and issues with getting refunds. The BBB attributes Endurance’s C rating to the company’s use of mailers that resemble federal tax documents.

Here’s a negative Endurance customer review found online:

​​”Canceling my policy and it took over [two] hours to do so. I was transferred to several different departments before I spoke with someone who could help me.”
– L. Caldwell via BBB

Below is one of the positive reviews posted about Endurance:

“​​Good coverage at a good price. Filed a claim for a transmission problem. New transmission replacement [at a] shop of my choice. Small deductible and no-hassle service. Very satisfied customer.”
– Kimmy Panico via Trustpilot

When considering CarShield vs. Endurance, know that both are reputable extended car warranty companies. Plans from Endurance offer a wider range of coverages, and many drivers enjoy the quality of service that comes from Endurance being a direct warranty provider.

But CarShield offers month-to-month protection plans, which are great options for customers who aren’t ready to commit for years. Many drivers also consider CarShield to set the industry standard for affordable coverage, so you’ll likely find strong rates from the provider.

Picking Endurance vs. CarShield isn’t the worst decision to make. Both companies have established industry reputations, countless satisfied customers, and coverage plans for all needs and budgets.

If CarShield vs. Endurance isn’t the only warranty decision you’re weighing, Protect My Car and CARCHEX are also exceptional choices to consider for extended warranty coverage.

Protect My Car: Best Customer Service

Drivers who want more than car repairs handled under their extended warranties should check out Protect My Car reviews. Protect My Car is our choice for Best Maintenance Benefits since each plan includes oil changes and tire rotations.

Protect My Car covers powertrain components on each of its three plans, along with electrical components, air conditioning, and heating. The company performs well with customers, holding an A+ rating from the BBB and a customer review score of 4.5 out of 5.0 stars. If you’re considering this option, it might be worth comparing Protect My Car vs. CarShield.

CARCHEX: Best For Used Cars

CARCHEX is our pick for used car owners because it offers coverage for up to 250,000 miles. Customers can also pick vehicle protection plans that last from monthly all the way up to 10 years.

CARCHEX reviews show that it’s a strong warranty option, as seen by its accreditation and A+ rating from the BBB. The company receives industry endorsements from CARFAX to Kelley Blue Book to RepairPal.

If CARCHEX is an option you’re considering, it’s worth reading our CarShield vs. CARCHEX and Endurance vs. CARCHEX reviews.

Our review process aims to deliver consistent and unbiased assessments of extended auto warranty providers. While there are multiple qualities that make a warranty company successful, our review team focuses on those we believe are the most important for consumers:

• Reputation: It’s important that an extended car warranty company is able to meet its claims obligations. Companies with a strong rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) score well in this category. Established providers with a long history of reliable service also receive positive marks.

• Coverage: Our team of experts looks at the number of extended warranty plans available, as well as term limits, exclusions, and added benefits like roadside assistance. Ratings also take into account the availability of maintenance coverage.

• Cost: Cost can be difficult to compare between providers because so many factors impact vehicle service contract pricing. To determine our cost score, we perform a secret shopper analysis for a variety of vehicles and plans and consider available deductibles.

• Transparency: Our team evaluates the availability and transparency of each company’s contracts, as well as whether each provider offers a money-back guarantee.

• Customer Experience: We listen to real customer sales calls and comb through reviews on sites like the BBB to learn about customer experiences. Warranty companies with a low volume of complaints score well in this area. We also consider the availability of mobile apps and chat features.

*Data accurate at time of publication.