Carchex ranks No. 3 in our list of the best extended car warranty companies based on its market standing, coverage and trustworthiness, earning a total of 4.2 out of 5 stars. The third-party warranty broker offers multiple coverage options with high mileage limits, making it a solid choice for drivers of used vehicles.
In our Carchex review, we discuss the company’s coverage options in depth, look at the cost of coverage and evaluate general customer sentiment. We also compare Carchex to other extended warranty companies, including Endurance, our No. 1 overall pick.
Endurance offers coverage for up to 8 years and unlimited miles, but it only offers long-term plans.
- Our top pick for auto warranty
- Mileage covered: Unlimited
- Longest term: Up to 8 years
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days
- Coverage options: 6 plans
- Discounts: First-time applicant discount
Pros
- Six coverage plans
- Mechanical breakdown and maintenance benefits
- First-time application discount
Cons
- No unlimited or month-to-month plans
- Elite benefits only free for the first year
- Three of its six plans aren’t listed on its website
Our thoughts on Carchex
Our review standards resulted in a rating of 4.2 out of a possible 5 stars overall for Carchex, making it one of the best extended car warranties on the market. The company has a market standing score of 4.6 out of 5 stars, based, in part, on its length of time in business and the availability of its plans in all 50 states.
Carchex also has high scores in our coverage category, with 4.8 out of 5 stars, due to its five coverage levels and other coverage options, term length and mileage limit. The company earns 4.9 out of 5 stars in our trustworthiness category thanks to the company’s money-back guarantee and ease of finding its sample contracts.
However, Carchex falls short when it comes to plan cost, with 3.9 out of 5 stars, based on the cost of the company’s unlimited monthly contracts and long-term plans. We gave Carchex 3.1 out of 5 stars for its customer service score.
| Category | Carchex Rating | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.2 | 3.7 |
| Market standing | 4.6 | 3.9 |
| Coverage | 4.8 | 3.6 |
| Cost | 3.9 | 3.7 |
| Trustworthiness | 4.9 | 4.2 |
| Customer service | 3.1 | 3.2 |
What we like
Carchex has an outstanding industry reputation and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with an A+ rating, which means it responds to most complaints on the site. Carchex partners with well-known names in the automotive industry like Edmunds, CARFAX, RepairPal, Kelley Blue Book (KBB) and SiriusXM to provide comprehensive vehicle services and information.
Carchex also offers five distinct coverage plans, meaning you can tailor your extended warranty coverage to your specific needs. The company’s plans have high mileage limits, which makes it an excellent coverage choice for used and older vehicles.
Drivers working with Carchex can research and purchase coverage with peace of mind thanks to the company’s transparency with sample warranty contracts and its 30-day money-back guarantee.
What we don’t like
Our research showed monthly payments for Carchex warranty plans to be higher than other providers. The high quotes we received were for plans with service deductibles of $100 or $200 as well, meaning drivers pay a lot out of pocket for Carchex warranty coverage.
Despite Carchex’s high rating from the company on the platform, customers on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) give the company a customer review rating of 1.9 out of 5 stars. Feedback highlights issues with claims coverage and poor customer service. Reviews from Trustpilot users give Carchex 2.2 out of 5 stars. Reviews on Trustpilot also highlight issues with claims coverage, coverage denial and poor customer service.
The company doesn’t offer a customer support chat service through its website, and some customer support features available through its site were found to be outdated or broken during our research.
As a note, Carchex sells warranty contracts for several claims administrators, including American Auto Shield, Royal Administration Services and Zurich. Reviews on any platform may reflect different experiences with each company.
Customer thoughts on Carchex
Customer feedback on Carchex warranty plans is mixed. While the company has an excellent BBB rating, it received a low score in our team’s customer experience category due to poor customer reviews on both BBB and Trustpilot.
Recent reviews for Carchex on both platforms appear to be largely negative. Customers highlight a variety of discrepancies between understood and actual coverage and report frequent denial of claims from the warranty servicers Carchex works with. Among these reviews, customers discuss paying for expensive repairs in addition to the deductible for their warranty coverage.
One customer on Trustpilot said that Carchex refused to match the labor rate at an approved repair shop. Another noted considerable difficulty contacting a Carchex customer service representative to cancel their coverage.
According to our December 2023 survey of 1,500 auto warranty owners, 108 respondents — 7% of those surveyed — reported having a Carchex policy. A total of 88% of respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with Carchex:
Overall satisfaction with Carchex
| Satisfaction Level | Percentage of Respondents |
|---|---|
| Very Satisfied | 32% |
| Satisfied | 56% |
| Neutral | 6% |
| Unsatisfied | 3% |
| Very Unsatisfied | 2% |
Of those respondents, 25% purchased a Carchex warranty because of warranty length, and 21% did so because of the company’s reputation:
Primary reason respondents chose Carchex
| Reason | Percentages |
|---|---|
| Warranty length | 25% |
| Company reputation | 21% |
| Customer service | 13% |
| Cost | 12% |
| Covered components (e.g., powertrain, drivetrain) | 11% |
| Perks (e.g., roadside assistance, rental cars) | 7% |
| Claims resolution ease | 6% |
| Claims resolution speed | 4% |
| Other | 1% |
When asked to rate their satisfaction level with Carchex customer service, 86% of respondents were satisfied or very satisfied:
Satisfaction with Carchex customer service
| Satisfaction Level | Percentage of Respondents |
|---|---|
| Very Satisfied | 44% |
| Satisfied | 42% |
| Neutral | 12% |
| Unsatisfied | 1% |
| Very Unsatisfied | 2% |
After scoring their overall satisfaction with Carchex coverage, 87% of respondents reported being satisfied or very satisfied:
Satisfaction with Carchex coverage
| Satisfaction Level | Percentage of Respondents |
|---|---|
| Very Satisfied | 35% |
| Satisfied | 52% |
| Neutral | 7% |
| Unsatisfied | 3% |
| Very Unsatisfied | 3% |
In general, Carchex received more favorable scores from our survey respondents than from online reviews, which supports our claim that feedback is mixed.
How much does Carchex cost?
During our research, we got quotes from Carchex and found its warranty costs range from $90 to $150 per month, depending on the plan chosen and if any discounts apply. While extended warranty coverage can sometimes cost around $100 per month, Carchex’s plans cost more than most providers we reviewed.
The quotes we received were for plans that included deductibles of $100 and $200. However, the company also offers $50 and $0 deductibles for select plans. If you choose a lower deductible, the monthly payments for your Carchex plan may be higher.
Carchex offers unlimited monthly contracts as well as term contracts. Long-term warranty plans are typically paid off months or years before coverage ends. The unlimited monthly plans provide coverage without commitment to a multiyear contract. Each has drawbacks and benefits.
Based on the quotes we received from the top providers, the average extended car warranty cost per year is $824. Keep in mind that most long-term warranty contracts would be paid in full typically by the first two to three years of coverage. This means you’d pay nothing but your deductible for the remainder of your coverage term.
In contrast, monthly contracts require you to pay a predetermined rate for the duration of your coverage. The lowest month-to-month quote we received from Carchex was $90 with discounts, but without discounts the lowest quote we received was $130. This means you’ll pay at least $1,080 or more for a year of warranty coverage during the entire life of the contract.
Monthly payments vary based on the type of contract you choose as well as its terms.
What does Carchex cover?
Carchex offers a broad range of coverage options similar to those offered by most car warranty brokers. Warranty options range from basic powertrain to comprehensive coverage and provide three tiers of stated component plan options and one exclusionary plan option. Carchex also offers Extra Care Coverage, which is designed to complement powertrain coverage and covers additional systems.
Carchex extended vehicle protection plans are available with monthly and term contracts, with limits of up to 10 years or 250,000 miles. See how the coverages compare below:
- Titanium: Carchex’s highest level of coverage is considered bumper-to-bumper or exclusionary and is similar to a factory warranty that comes with a new vehicle. The Titanium plan covers all components except those stated as excluded in the contract.
- Platinum: This is Carchex’s most comprehensive level of stated-component coverage. Platinum Coverage includes all systems and repairs in the Powertrain Plus plan and below, plus additional coverages for brakes, high-tech components and other major vehicle systems.
- Powertrain Plus: This coverage includes all parts and repairs included in Carchex Powertrain plan plus additional coverages for air conditioning, fuel, supercharger and electrical systems.
- Powertrain: Carchex’s powertrain warranty provides the most basic stated-component coverage for a vehicle’s engine, transmission, coolant and drive axle systems.
- Extra Care: Designed to complement existing powertrain coverage, Extra Care covers parts and repairs for systems not typically covered by a powertrain plan. Additional covered systems include steering, air conditioning, suspension, brakes and fuel.
With a Carchex warranty, you can take your car to any ASE-certified repair facility for repairs. This may include select dealership service centers. The customizable coverage and repair options make extended car warranties like those offered by Carchex a great option for drivers unsatisfied with manufacturer warranty or extended warranty coverage.
Carchex’s plans are adaptable for many electric vehicle models, but the company doesn’t list any coverage options for motorcycles or ATVs. Additionally, Carchex doesn’t offer any maintenance plans, which are sometimes offered through vehicle manufacturers and select extended warranty providers.
Compare: Carchex vs. Autopom
Carchex added benefits
Carchex extended warranty plans offer the following standard perks:
- Roadside assistance: Carchex roadside assistance is 24/7 and includes fuel delivery, lockout service, winching, flat tire assistance and towing reimbursements.
- Trip interruption: This coverage provides reimbursement for lodging and meals if you experience a mechanical breakdown during trips.
- Rental car reimbursement: Carchex will reimburse you for a car rental or alternative transportation in the event your car needs repairs. Alternative transportation includes rideshare services like Uber or Lyft.
- SiriusXM: Select Carchex plans come with complimentary SiriusXM access for drivers of eligible vehicles.
Reimbursement and coverage levels for the benefits above vary based on which Carchex coverage level you choose.
Exclusions
Like many extended warranties, Carchex plans won’t cover maintenance services like oil changes or tire rotations. These plans also aren’t designed to cover repairs for cosmetic damages or damages to body panels or trim.
In addition to the above exclusions, some services won’t be covered even by Carchex’s most extensive warranty plan. Included items:
- Damages caused by lack of maintenance
- Damages caused by vehicle misuse
- Damage to a covered component by a noncovered component
- Damage to or caused by aftermarket parts or alterations
- Wear-and-tear parts such as brake pads, wiper blades or filters
- Windshield or window glass
Additional coverages for select items may be available through Carchex plans depending on the administrator of your warranty contract. Before committing to any vehicle warranty contract, read through the contract and ask the provider questions. Ensure you have a clear understanding of your coverages and the fine print.
Carchex warranty terms and conditions
Many extended warranty contracts enforce a waiting period before coverage begins. For Carchex plans, this waiting period is typically 30 days or 1,000 miles for term contracts. Waiting periods for monthly contracts and select term contracts may differ.
If you elect to cancel your Carchex warranty coverage, you may do so within 30 days of the contract purchase date to receive a full refund from the company. Canceling after the 30-day guarantee period may result in a partial or prorated refund.
Carchex warranties are transferable to subsequent vehicle owners. This means you can choose to include Carchex’s extended warranty coverage as part of the resale value of your vehicle. Carchex charges a fee of $50 for most drivers and $40 for customers in Florida.
Does Carchex cover warranty claims?
Carchex is an extended warranty broker, which means it sells plans on behalf of policy administrators. This means Carchex doesn’t handle the claims process itself. Instead, your plan’s administrator — such as American Auto Shield or Zurich — manages the claims process, including claims approval and denial.
How do you file a Carchex warranty claim?
Take the following steps to submit a Carchex warranty claim:
- Prevent further damage: If necessary, contact the roadside assistance provider listed in your contract to arrange a tow.
- Take your vehicle to a licensed repair facility: Find an ASE-certified mechanic or repair shop and arrange for your car to be inspected and repaired.
- Authorize the repair facility to diagnose the issue and provide a cost estimate: Work with the repair shop to figure out why your vehicle broke down and how much it will cost to repair your car.
- Contact the claims department for approval: Give the repair facility the number for your contract’s administrator so the shop can secure authorization to begin repairs. You must receive authorization before repairs are completed. The administrator will pay the shop on your behalf, minus your deductible.
Carchex claims numbers
The contact information for filing a Carchex claim depends on your policy administrator. You can identify your plan administrator by referencing your contract number, which helps identify your administrator. Claims phone numbers for Carchex administrators are listed in the table below:
| Carchex Claims Administrator | Identifier (Contract Begins With) | Claims Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| American Auto Shield | ABC | 1-800-531-1925 |
| American Guardian Warranty Services | SDR1 | 1-800-579-2233 |
| Assurant Solution | 801, 802 | 1-866-305-4276 |
| Enterprise Financial Group | 9005 | 1-800-527-1984 |
| National Administration Services Co. | BAA | 1-877-356-1500 |
| Royal Administration Services | 137, 491, 611, 642, 734, 820, RAD, SAD | 1-800-871-0467 |
| The Warranty Group | CX | 1-800-621-2130 |
| Zurich | PV | 1-800-643-9059 |
Is Carchex legit?
Carchex partners with a number of warranty administrators to provide access to extended coverage. As a result, customer experiences with warranty products purchased through Carchex vary.
Overall, Carchex and its partners appear to cover car repair claims a majority of the time, though customer feedback indicates issues with stated and delivered coverages.
According to our survey, 40 respondents filed a claim with Carchex. A total of 90% of those claims — or 36 — were approved, with 31 of those claims paid for in full by the plan administrator.
Compare top auto warranty companies
In the table below, you’ll find a direct comparison of our team’s highest-rated extended car warranty companies. While Carchex scored among our top three, the company’s monthly cost range is higher than any other provider on our list. However, Carchex offers vehicle protection plans with higher mileage limits than some providers.
Carchex vs. Endurance
Endurance ranks No. 1 in our list of top extended warranty providers with an overall score of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Carchex maintains a similar overall score of 4.2 out of 5 stars, though it falls short in the coverage and cost categories. Carchex offers five coverage levels compared to Endurance’s six. Additionally, Carchex plans are available on a month-to-month basis, which means you don’t need to sign up for a long-term contract. However, Endurance scores higher in the coverage category because of its maintenance plans, something that Carchex doesn’t offer.
In terms of cost, Carchex extended warranties cost an annual average of $1,427, whereas Endurance plans cost an annual average of $1,256. However, we consider the cost of both companies’ plans to be on the high side.
Learn more: Carchex vs. Endurance comparison
| Review Category | Carchex Score | Endurance Score |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.2 | 4.5 |
| Market standing | 4.6 | 4.9 |
| Coverage | 4.8 | 4.9 |
| Cost | 3.9 | 4.2 |
| Trustworthiness | 4.9 | 4.9 |
| Customer Service | 3.1 | 3.8 |
Final take: Carchex offers strong coverage options for used vehicles
Carchex is our No. 3 pick for best extended warranty providers based on its five distinct coverage plans, including three levels of stated-component coverage, one exclusionary plan and one plan designed to complement powertrain coverage. This makes it a strong competitor to Endurance, our top pick, which offers six coverage levels, though Carchex falls short since it doesn’t offer any maintenance benefits.
The company’s plans are also available in unlimited month-to-month terms or as long-term contracts, which allow you to customize coverage to suit your needs and budget. However, Carchex isn’t a direct provider, which means your experience with coverage and claims may vary based on the company that administers your plan.
When receiving a free quote from Carchex, pay attention to the plan administrator so you can research its online reviews and learn more about its claims process and approval rate, then compare your quote against other top providers.
Our rating methodology for warranty companies
At Homefront, we analyze, rate and rank top vehicle service contract providers to help you discover the right one for your needs. The best auto service contract companies are well-established and offer transparency, affordability, expansive coverage options and responsive customer service.
We rate companies using our objective auto warranty methodology. We assess brands on factors that are important to consumers like you — including cost, coverage, market standing, trustworthiness and customer service. After scoring companies on a 100-point scale, we simplify final scores into the 5-star ratings you see in our content.
BBB and Trustpilot scores are accurate as of April 2024.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.
Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
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