Purchasing an extended car warranty can provide peace of mind for vehicle owners looking to protect themselves from expensive auto repairs. Two popular extended warranty providers, CarShield and Everything Breaks, offer coverage options that aim to reduce out-of-pocket costs for covered repairs.
But how do these companies and their plans compare?
This comprehensive guide will examine CarShield and Everything Breaks side-by-side, exploring their reputations, coverage options, costs, customer service, and more.
With an objective analysis of the pros and cons of each company, vehicle owners can make an informed decision on which extended car warranty provider may be the better choice for their needs and budget.
At A Glance Comparison
| Aspects | CarShield | Everything Breaks |
| Reputation | Mixed reviews, accredited with BBB | Positive reputation, accredited with BBB |
| Levels of Coverage | 6 plans from basic powertrain to exclusionary bumper-to-bumper | 4 tiers from powertrain to comprehensive coverage |
| Additional Perks | Rental car reimbursement, trip interruption, 24/7 roadside assistance | Roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement |
| Cost | $100-$700 deductible, monthly payment plans available | $0, $100, $200 deductible options |
| Availability | All 50 states | All 50 states |
| Sample Quote | Platinum plan for 2010 Honda Civic: $167/month for 48 months | $3,600 total for 5 years of comprehensive coverage on 2010 Honda Civic |
| Cancellation Policy | Full refund within 30 days, pro-rated afterwards | Full refund within 30 days, cancellation fee after 30 days |
| Accreditation | A+ rating with BBB | A+ rating with BBB |
Now let’s dive into the details on how these extended warranty providers compare.
Reputation and Customer Service Comparison
Reputation and quality of customer service are important factors when choosing an extended warranty company.
You want to ensure the provider has a track record of fair claims handling and maintaining positive relationships with customers.
CarShield has mixed customer reviews.
They currently hold a 1 out of 5 star rating on ConsumerAffairs.com based on nearly 900 reviews. Many complaints cite denied claims, poor customer service, and misrepresentation by sales agents.
However, they do have an A+ rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau with a relatively low volume of complaints.
Everything Breaks enjoys more consistently positive customer feedback. Reviewers on ConsumerAffairs.com rate them 4.2 out of 5 stars over nearly 200 submissions. Customers praise the company for approving claims easily and providing great customer service.
Everything Breaks also has accreditation and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
When it comes to interacting with customer service representatives, both CarShield and Everything Breaks receive acceptable marks. Everything Breaks appears to have a slight edge in quality of support based on reviews, but both companies offer customer service by phone during standard business hours.
Also Read: Comparison of Mopar And Chrysler Warranty Direct.
Coverage Options
The levels of coverage offered can vary between providers. More comprehensive plans with higher limits for covered repairs tend to come with higher premium costs.
CarShield offers six extended warranty plans:
- Basic Powertrain Protection
- Powertrain Plus Protection
- Silver Protection
- Gold Protection
- Platinum Protection
- Aluminum Protection
Everything Breaks provides customers with four tiers of coverage:
- Powertrain Protection
- Powertrain Plus Protection
- Comprehensive Protection
- Exclusionary Protection
CarShield extends a few more options for coverage customization. Their plans range from basic powertrain to more expansive bumper-to-bumper exclusionary coverage. Everything Breaks also offers powertrain basics up to a comprehensive exclusionary plan, just with fewer incremental steps in between.
For most drivers, a mid-level plan like Gold or Silver from CarShield or Comprehensive from Everything Breaks would provide suitable coverage. Comparing the fine print details of covered components for your vehicle would be needed to determine optimal coverage limits.
Additional Perks
Aside from covering repairs, extended warranty companies often include extra perks and add-ons with plans.
These supplemental benefits can enhance the overall value proposition.
With all plans, CarShield includes 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage.
Everything Breaks provides rental car reimbursement and 24-hour roadside assistance with all of their extended warranty plans as well.
The perks offered by both providers are very similar. Roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement are the standard inclusions. CarShield extends a little more value with their trip interruption coverage, which helps pay for lodging and meals if your vehicle breaks down away from home.
Costs and Payment Plans
The warranty coverage you choose and length of the extended protection plan will determine the total cost with any provider. Comparing quotes side-by-side is the best way to assess pricing differences.
CarShield offers monthly payment plans over terms from 12 to 48 months. Their plans require a deductible payment of $100, $200, or $700 for covered repairs. Everything Breaks gives the option of $0, $100, or $200 deductible.
As an example, CarShield would charge roughly $167 per month over 48 months for their Platinum coverage on a 2010 Honda Civic. This totals around $8,000 for the plan. Everything Breaks would cost approximately $3,600 in total for 5 years of comprehensive coverage on the same 2010 Civic.
Pricing for CarShield tends to run higher overall compared to the competition. However, they offer more flexibility in payment plans. Everything Breaks provides lower upfront pricing, but requires lump-sum payments for their warranties.
When assessing affordability, be sure to get an itemized quote from each provider on the total cost for your vehicle. Their prices can also fluctuate based on factors like vehicle age, mileage, and location.
Also Read: Comparison of Firestone And Midas Auto Service Chains.
Availability
All providers have limitations on which vehicles they will cover. Newer cars still within the manufacturer’s warranty period are generally ineligible. Older high mileage cars outside a coverage limit, typically around 200,000 miles, may also be excluded from extended warranty plans.
CarShield and Everything Breaks offer plans in every U.S. state. Eligible vehicles for both companies include gas or diesel powered cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs up to 20 years old with less than 200,000 miles. Hybrid and electric vehicles can also be covered.
So essentially any owned vehicle within age and mileage limits would likely qualify for either CarShield or Everything Breaks extended protection. Checking specifics for your car would be necessary before purchasing a plan.
Cancellation Policies
The ability to cancel with a refund is an important consideration if you change your mind after purchasing an extended warranty.
CarShield and Everything Breaks have similar cancellation policies.
Both companies offer a 30 day money back guarantee.
This allows you to cancel within the first month for a full refund, no questions asked.
If you cancel an Everything Breaks plan after 30 days, you will pay a $50 cancellation fee.
CarShield does not charge a fee, but will pro-rate any refunds due on the unused portion after the first month.
So you have more flexibility to back out penalty-free with either provider within the initial 30 day window after purchasing coverage. After the first month, Everything Breaks penalizes cancellation with a fee, while CarShield prorates the refund.
Pros and Cons of CarShield
Pros
- Six levels of coverage to choose from
- Payment plans available over 12-48 months
- Trip interruption perk provides additional value
- Direct payment to repair facility option
Cons
- More expensive pricing compared to other providers
- Mixed customer reviews and claims process complaints
- Telemarketing sales process can be pushy
Pros and Cons of Everything Breaks
Pros
- Lower upfront cost warranty plans
- Simple coverage tier options
- Consistently positive customer feedback
- Direct payment option for repairs
Cons
- Cancellation after 30 days incurs a fee
- Fewer coverage levels to choose from
- Claims process not as well established
Also Read: How Trustful Hendrick Autoguard Platinum Car Warranty Is?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Everything Breaks earns higher marks according to most customer reviews. They appear to offer better overall value with lower pricing and better rated claims service. Their reputation is more consistently positive compared to CarShield.
Based on analysis of extended car warranty providers, the companies with the highest customer ratings include CARCHEX, Endurance, and Everything Breaks. All three hold an A rating or higher with the Better Business Bureau. Everything Breaks stands out for affordable pricing combined with great customer service.
CarShield promotes their coverage heavily through advertising and sales calls. But customer opinions on their claims handling and overall value are mixed. Negative reviews frequently cite denial of claims, misleading sales tactics, and difficulty cancelling. While they offer extensive plan options, CarShield fails to consistently deliver the service promised according to many customer reports.
Everything Breaks offers fixed-cost warranty plans over 1 to 7 year terms. For example, a 5 year/60,000 mile Comprehensive plan would cost approximately $3,600 for a 2010 Honda Civic. Their extended warranties range from around $2,000 up to $4,500 for most vehicles to get Exclusionary coverage. Actual pricing depends on the vehicle, coverage level, and length of plan chosen.
Final Thoughts
When weighing CarShield and Everything Breaks for extended car warranty coverage, Everything Breaks is the better option according to reputation and reviews. They provide plans with comprehensive protection options at affordable fixed rates.
Backed by positive customer feedback and easy claims processes, Everything Breaks proves the superior value over CarShield.
Drivers looking for the best extended warranty coverage should compare quotes and reviews carefully. Getting quotes from highly rated providers like CARCHEX and Endurance can also help find the right plan at the fairest price.
Considering your budget, coverage needs, and provider reputations will lead to the ideal extended car warranty.
