CarShield vs. Endurance

Extended warranty companies sometimes get a bad rap, but they are not all bad apples. Many providers are legitimate, and actually offer solid coverage for vehicles that would have none otherwise. Two of these companies, Endurance and CarShield, are remarkably similar but do have some key differences in customer reviews and levels of service.

Endurance vs CarShield Overview

Should I get an Endurance or a CarShield Warranty?

Endurance and CarShield are quite similar, both in terms of pricing and service offerings. Both have the same $100 deductible for most plans and both have similar restrictions on what won’t be covered. Most importantly, both have sternly-worded text written about them on the BBB’s website. Only CarShield, however, has had a warning issued against it by the BBB, which advises using caution when dealing with the company. Despite stellar customer reviews, there have been enough complaints that allege deceptive business practices for the organization to feel a warning is necessary. For this reason, we recommend Endurance.

Endurance Overview

Endurance is a company that is known for its great customer service and selection of coverage options for high-mileage vehicles. It allows customers to select their own ASE-certified technician as well, which makes life much easier when a repair is needed. See our full review of Endurance here.

Pros and Cons

Carshield Overview

CarShield has been under scrutiny at the BBB for what is perceived as being deceptive business practices. A few potential customers report bait and switch tactics and sometimes say they don’t get what they paid for. On the upside, the company seems to keep its customers happy once they’ve signed up. See our full review of Carshield here.

Pros and Cons

Plan Options - Endurance vs. Carshield

Warranty Cost - Endurance vs. Carshield

(Get two quotes for your car. One as the mid-tier and one as the best plan)

Mid-tier Plan Cost

High-end Plan Cost

Endurance Warranty Reviews

The following reviews come from Consumer Affairs:

"My factory warranty was about to run out but I didn't renew it because it’s Nissan and they’re expensive. My next door neighbor also has Endurance and he's the one that recommended them. The reps explained everything good, and it's good price. I was told the coverage was bumper to bumper, just like it was when I bought a brand new vehicle. $135 is a bit more than what I previously paid for a warranty, but I'm satisfied with it."

"My experience with Endurance went pretty smoothly although there was a little bit of confusion on the last day when we went to sign up and do the payment. They wanted to change the terms on me and it was explained to me that the guy that did my claim was new. I explained to them that we were on a recorded line and those numbers were never mentioned. That was a hiccup but I schooled them on that right away."

"I read these glowing reviews on how easy it is to sign up for Endurance...wait until you need something repaired. I'm still in the process of working my claim, but so far it has been nothing but a headache and it would appear, a waste of money on my part. First was the receipts for oil changes, sent in 3 times each time a different excuse as to why they needed to be resent."

"Endurance goes for longer miles. I signed up with them and I didn't have a really good experience. They promised things that didn't come true. They don't explain things thoroughly if you ask questions about what to do if you have a problem. They don't tell you that when you have a problem with your engine, it goes to a third party to get done. It's not Endurance that you're going through."

Carshield Warranty Reviews

The following reviews are from Consumer Affairs:

"The service department had stated that they requested repair but were told it was not covered. In the call with CarShield they determined that the repair shop had looked up the incorrect policy. In correcting this it is now being fixed."

"There were a few hiccups in the transaction, with the wrong part being sent at first which took more time to correct, but all in all I was completely satisfied. They replaced the engine in my 2008 F-150, which allowed me to be back on the road."

"For what I pay a month for Carshield, they paid less for my repair work than I did. Didn't cover the hoses or taxes. I had to sit at the garage for 2 hours waiting for Carshield to send payment to the garage for the work they did on my car. Was very disappointed!"

"Your policy is not clear and will not pay out on an electrical item that clearly should be covered. I have electrical damage by the alternator and it did damage to the computer and you all will not cover the part."

How to Choose a Warranty Provider for Your Needs?

The most important thing to consider when thinking about an extended warranty is whether or not you actually need one. Many vehicles run without major problems for years, so paying for a warranty in these cases can end up being a big waste of money and time.

Also consider the type of coverage you think you need. If your vehicle is fairly simple, you may want to opt for simple coverage for powertrain and related components. Don’t buy more than you need.

Do your homework ahead of time to make sure you know what is and isn’t covered with your extended warranty.

Read our full recommendations for the Best Extended Warranty Companies here.