CARCHEX Auto Warranty Review
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Last Updated: November 22, 2022
CARCHEX is a well-known company that offers extended warranties, but is it the best? CARCHEX is a trusted name in extended car warranty. But can it be a good fit for your vehicle? We have reviewed CARCHEX auto warranty and examined the cost of coverage which is covered in this review. Hopefully this will aid in helping you make a decision.
CARCHEX was rated 4.5 out of 5.0 stars by our review of the best extended-car warranty providers. In addition, CARCHEX's review can help consumers learn more about warranty companies. Find out more below.
CARCHEX Auto Warranty Company's Highlights
CARCHEX is the market's largest provider of vehicle service contracts. CARCHEX plans are available for up to 10 years and 250,000 miles. This makes them an excellent used vehicle warranty option. Here are some facts about the company.
- Founded: 1999
- Headquarters Baltimore, Maryland
- Coverage options - Five levels of coverage. These range from powertrain warranty coverage to more extensive coverage similar to a bumper-to-bumper warranty
- Coverage terms - Up to 10 Years
- Endorsements - Edmunds.com CARFAX, Kelley Blue Book, and many more
Pros and Cons of CARCHEX
Pros
- A respected company with a long history
- Benefits included
- Solid coverage at an affordable price
- Plans are available up to 10 Years/250kilometers
- You can choose from over 30,000 repair shops that are authorized
- Outstanding service and stress-free sales
Cons
- Service charges vary by administrator
- Some policies cannot be renewed
- The coverage of electronic components could increase
- There is no coverage for motorcycles or other motorbikes
- Exotic cars not covered
- There is no maintenance coverage
CARCHEX Extended Warranty Plans
CARCHEX offers five levels of vehicle protection plans. Each plan can be customized for any vehicle, including hybrids or pre-owned cars. CARCHEX partners with highly rated, fully insured administrators like American Auto Shield or Royal Administration Services. Each provider competes for your business and will provide you with the highest quality product at a competitive price.
CARCHEX auto warranty covers most SUVs, cars, trucks, and other vehicles. However, RVs and ATVs are not covered by the company.
Below is a closer look at each of the five coverage options and sample coverage.
Titanium
CARCHEX Titanium plans to provide coverage comparable to a bumper-to-bumper warranty. The term is 7-10 years. This plan is similar to the factory warranty coverage for your car. It covers most of your vehicle, with a few exceptions. This plan provides the most comprehensive coverage.
We surveyed 1,000 customers with extended warranties to determine their shopping habits and found that 51% prefer bumper-to-bumper coverage over other plans.
Platinum
The Platinum plan includes hundreds of components and provides the most extensive coverage for each component with a service term of five to ten years.
Additional to the components that are covered by the Bronze, Silver, or Gold plans, Platinum coverage also includes:
- Suspension components like struts and mounting plates, as well as the upper and lower ball joints
- Electrical components with enhanced electrical capabilities, such as solenoids and wiper motors
- Heating components, such as the thermostat, water pump, and radiator, are all included in this kit.
Gold
The Gold plan covers all major systems for your vehicle for five to 10 years. This makes it an excellent choice for 60,000 miles or fewer vehicles. You will also be covered for steering and braking components, which are not included in the Silver or Bronze plans.
- Master cylinder
- Hydraulic lines and fittings for metal
- Disc calipers
- Backing plates
- Braking system components
Silver
The Silver plan covers the essential components of your pre-owned or new vehicle. You will also be covered for powertrain components such as fuel delivery, electricity, and air conditioning.
- Fuel pump
- Fuel tank
- Starter
- Alternator
- An ignition coil
- Relays
- Gauges
- Switches
- Compressor for air conditioning
- Clutch
- Condenser fan
The Silver plan provides 6 to 7-year coverage. It is suitable for vehicles with more than 100,000 miles.
Bronze
The Bronze plan offers coverage for major vehicle systems for 5-6 years. It is designed to protect you against the most costly and common breakdowns. Powertrain components will be covered, including:
- Engine components include pistons, connecting rods, bearings, crankshaft bearings, crankshaft bearings, and main bearings, as well as pushrods, valves, and timing gear.
- Transmission components for an auto or manual vehicle
- Front and rear axle components, such as those in the differential housing, transaxle shelter, and final drive housing, are driven by drive axle components.
For vehicles that have 150,000 miles or more, the Bronze plan is a great choice. CARCHEX protection plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee for any reason. You can cancel your plans anytime for a prorated refund after 30 days.
CARCHEX Extended Warranty
Exclusions
All CARCHEX plans do not cover certain types and parts of damage. Here are some examples:
- Failure to maintain or misuse the equipment can cause damage.
- Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and filter replacements
- Pre-existing conditions
- Some emissions components
- Cosmetic products
- Regular wear and tear
- Vandalism, accidents, and damage to the environment
How Much Does a CARCHEX Warranty cost?
Our research shows that most customers pay between $100- $200 monthly for CARCHEX warranty coverage. CARCHEX warranty coverage costs range from $2,500 to $3,000. We received quotes, but prices may vary depending on the vehicle.
CARCHEX prices compare well to the rest of the market. Our survey shows that the median price of an extended warranty is $2458.
The make, year, model, mileage, and year of your vehicle will affect the warranty costs. Get instant online quotes or phone consultations to get free estimates. This will allow you to get an accurate, customized quote and answer any questions about CARCHEX before buying.
Extended warranty plans are service agreements. You pay a little each month to help you save money on repairs and breakdowns. CARCHEX mileage estimates typically range between 36,000 and 125,000 miles. A five-year plan costs $1,500 and covers coverage up to 2 cents per mile.
Reviews and reputation for CARCHEX
CARCHEX enjoys a strong reputation and has received mostly positive reviews. CARCHEX has over 1,480 reviews on Trustpilot, giving the company an average rating of 3.0 out of 5.0 stars. However, CARCHEX's customer score on the Better Business Bureau website (BBB) is only 2.13 out of 5.0 stars. This average is based only on 151 reviews.
CARCHEX provides several assistance options, including 24-hour support for contract holders. This is how CARCHEX customer support compares to other top warranty providers.
CARCHEX Partnerships
To ensure that a third-party warranty provider is trustworthy and legitimate, it is important to do thorough research.
CARCHEX has partnerships with top automotive industry professionals, such as CARFAX and Edmunds.com. CARCHEX is also partnered with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to raise awareness about road safety.
CARCHEX has an A+ accreditation with the BBB and is in good standing. This is a sign that the company values building trust with customers. Compare CARCHEX ratings to other third-party warranties companies.
CARCHEX has also been recognized for its excellence in media. It was picked as a 2017 Top Pick by Thoroughly Reviewed and has received a five-star evaluation from TopConsumerReviews.com for six consecutive years. In addition, BestReviewsHub.com awarded the company its Best Choice Award four years in a row, while the Golden Bridge Awards (r) rewarded the company for its customer service with "Silver status" for three years.
What is CARCHEX?
Your contract will protect you against unexpected breakdown costs if you sign up for a CARCHEX extended car protection plan. You also get the following benefits:
- You have the freedom to choose where your vehicle can be repaired. Manufacturer warranties often restrict where your car can go, so customers are often forced to take their vehicle to the closest dealership regardless of how far away they live. CARCHEX warranties allow you to take your car to 30,000 authorized repair shops for a certified mechanic's assessment. Each plan is unique, so it is a good idea to call ahead to confirm that the shop is authorized for your plan.
- Direct payments CARCHEX will pay for the repairs to the shop directly (minus the deductible) so that you don't worry about having to pay upfront for costly repairs. Some plans have a small deductible you will need to pay when you pick up your car.
How to File a Claim with CARCHEX
These are the steps you need to follow when your vehicle needs service.
- Take along your warranty documentation to confirm that you have the right coverage for the repair.
- For diagnosis and work, take your vehicle to the preferred repair shop.
- After repairs are completed, the repair shop will be issued an authorization number, and CARCHEX will pay directly.
CARCHEX Claims Numbers
CARCHEX will only accept claims if the administrator on your contract is available. CARCHEX customer support can be reached at 1-877-227-2439 if you have any questions about a claim. Below is a list with the phone numbers of administrators.
How to Cancel a CARCHEX Warranty
You can cancel a CARCHEX warranty by sending or faxing a notarized statement of the odometer along with your request for cancellation to the contract administrator. American Auto Shield, Royal, or another administrator may be involved. If you cancel within 30 calendar days, you can receive a full or prorated refund.
The Car Data Verdict on CARCHEX Auto Warranty
We rated CARCHEX 4.5 out of 5 stars and consider them the Best Benefits auto warranty company. In addition, CARCHEX extended warranties offer consumers more options and control over their plans. This is a positive CARCHEX review that consistently highlights.
CARCHEX is our top choice for extended warranty coverage. However, we recommend you get at least three quotes to compare your options. We have reviewed all major players in the market and found that CarShield, autopom! and Endurance Auto Warranty companies are among the top extended warranty providers.
The Car Data Review Methodology
Our expert review team is committed to providing honest and objective information. Based on consumer data, we identified the following rating categories and did extensive research to determine the top extended auto warranty providers.
- Affordable: Many factors influence the cost of a service, making it difficult to compare prices between providers. Our secret shopper team analyzes different vehicles, mileages, and warranty plans to give you this rating.
- Coverage - Each consumer has different needs. Every car warranty company must offer a variety of coverage options. We consider the number of plans available, terms limits, exclusions, and additional benefits.
- Industry Standing: Our team considers Better Business Bureau (BBB), ratings, availability, years in business, and other factors when determining this score.
- Customer Services: Trusted extended car warranty companies provide a level of customer care. We consider customer reviews, BBB complaints, and responsiveness to customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Steven Dillon
Author
Steven is the founder and product tested for The Car Data, that has extensive knowledge in automotive industry. While most of his free time he participates in typical "car guy" activities, his passion for cars, data analytics, and tech, always has his looking for the next cool tool, software, trend, etc. to share with his audience on The Car Data or on his Instagram.
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