CARCHEX Reviews

The Gist:

• CARCHEX offers five levels of extended warranty coverage through various administrators in all 50 states.
• Perks mentioned in CARCHEX reviews include 24/7 roadside assistance, towing benefits, rental car coverage, and trip interruption benefits.
• We named CARCHEX as the best for High-Mileage Limits due to its many coverage options for vehicles with up to 250,000 miles on them.

Our team of warranty experts has researched the best extended car warranty companies and is ready to compare CARCHEX reviews to those for other industry leaders. In doing so, we’ll look at this provider’s coverage plans, pricing, customer experience, and company reputation.

Our CARCHEX Review

In our study of the best extended car warranty companies, CARCHEX earned a score of 4.4 out of 5.0 stars. Because of the company’s favorable coverage options for older and high-mileage vehicles, we named it best for High-Mileage Limits in 2024.

CARCHEX Ratings

Our CARCHEX review score of 4.4 out of 5.0 is determined by the same system we use to evaluate all warranty providers, which is based on ratings in five areas: cost, coverage, reputation, transparency, and customer experience. The table below shows how CARCHEX scored in each of these ratings categories:

In addition to its ample coverage options, reasonable rates, and solid reputation, here’s what stood out to our researchers when reviewing CARCHEX:

• Coverage options: With five coverage tiers available, CARCHEX contracts are among the most wide-ranging in the extended warranty industry.
• Expansive benefits: Each plan comes with numerous benefits and add-on options, including a 30-day money-back guarantee.
• Flexibility: You can choose to have repairs done through any licensed repair facility certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE^®).

CARCHEX Pros And Cons

See the table below for a list of things we liked and disliked when reviewing CARCHEX:

Is CARCHEX Legit?

CARCHEX is an aftermarket extended warranty broker that markets and sells vehicle service contracts, or vehicle protection plans, for third-party providers. Based outside of Baltimore in Hunt Valley, Maryland, CARCHEX has served customers for over 20 years.

CARCHEX entered the market in 1999 as a vehicle inspection company and was purchased in 2003 by entrepreneur Jason Goldsmith, who expanded the company to all 50 states. Today, CARCHEX is among the largest and most experienced extended auto warranty companies on the market. 

In our March 2022 extended car warranty survey that polled 1,000 respondents, over 19 percent stated they had purchased a CARCHEX warranty for their vehicle.

CARCHEX Endorsements

CARCHEX regularly receives top ratings and endorsements from industry experts such as:

• CARFAX
• Edmunds.com
• RepairPal
• Kelley Blue Book
• SiriusXM
• Autoblog
• MotorWeek’s Pat Goss

In the media, CARCHEX has been given five stars by Top Consumer Reviews for six consecutive years and was ThoroughlyReviewed’s 2017 top pick. Additionally, the Golden Bridge Awards awarded the company with “Silver Status” for three consecutive years. CARCHEX also won Best Choice Award by BestReviewsHub.com for four years in a row.

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CARCHEX Warranty Coverage

CARCHEX extended warranties cover vehicle repairs caused by mechanical failures or malfunctions. At a minimum, most CARCHEX plans provide powertrain coverage, meaning the warranty covers your vehicle’s engine, transmission, drive axle, and turbocharger. The highest-tier plans offer bumper-to-bumper coverage similar to a new car factory warranty.

CARCHEX Coverage Plans

With five coverage levels and warranty periods spanning from 12 to 84 months, it’s easy to find an affordable option that fits your needs. The maximum coverage period for CARCHEX warranties lasts up to 10 years, which is long for the industry.

Since plans aren’t renewable, many CARCHEX reviews recommend choosing the longest term available. Coverage begins 30 days and 1,000 miles after signing the contract and an inspection may be required for eligibility. These policies are in place to ensure that the provider doesn’t pay for issues that customers knew about before purchasing.

CARCHEX Plan Levels

From entry-level plans that cover drivetrain components to comprehensive bumper-to-bumper policies, CARCHEX brokers plans to fit most drivers’ needs. However, contracts from different administrators at the same coverage level may differ on specific covered components.

The table below offers descriptions of each CARCHEX warranty plan:

Each of the five tiers of coverage offered by CARCHEX is available in all 50 states, including California. This is a rarity because few warranty providers operate in California due to a strict legal environment.

You’ll find sample contracts like the one below readily available for each level of coverage from CARCHEX.

CARCHEX Exclusions

The following items aren’t covered by CARCHEX extended warranties:

• Modifications: Lift kits, custom parts, and performance upgrades
• Major events: Includes situations typically covered by car insurance such as collisions, environmental damage, and instances of vandalism or theft
• Exotic cars: Lamborghini, Ferrari, and other pricey and rare car brands
• Wear and tear items: Tires, windshield wiper blades, brake pads, and spark plugs
• Regular maintenance: Tune-ups, oil changes, tire rotations, and belt replacements
• Specialty models: Coverage for recreational vehicles (RVs) and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) 
• Neglect: Repair costs from failing to maintain a vehicle per manufacturer specifications
• Preexisting conditions: Repairs needed prior to purchasing coverage

Keep in mind that these exclusions are the industry norm and that some protection plans may have more.

CARCHEX Added Benefits

In addition to the warranty coverage offered with each vehicle service contract, CARCHEX reviews speak well of the following benefits:

• 24/7 roadside assistance: Lockout services, fuel delivery, and flat-tire changes
• Towing: Reimbursements for what it costs to tow your vehicle to the nearest repair facility
• Rental car coverage: Reimbursements for a rental car in the event of a covered repair
• Trip interruption assistance: Reimbursements for meal expenses and lodging if your vehicle fails during a trip
• Satellite radio: Free SiriusXM satellite radio for eligible vehicles

These provisions enhance all warranty contracts and have amounts dependent on each coverage tier, allowing flexibility for customers to increase their standard reimbursement level.

CARCHEX Coverage Upgrades

In addition to the coverage and benefits provided in standard CARCHEX protection plans, customers can add on the following upgrades for more specialized coverage:

• Commercial use option
• Luxury electronics package
• Navigation system coverage
• Key replacement coverage
• Emissions component coverage
• Reducing deductible option
• Windshield repair coverage
• Raise the market labor rate coverage limit
• Navigation system coverage

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CARCHEX Warranty Cost

Our researchers found through secret shopping efforts that CARCHEX warranties range from $167 to $222 per month. The table below offers a detailed look at CARCHEX quotes for its Titanium, Platinum, and Powertrain Plus levels of coverage.

We found the average extended car warranty cost across all providers to be $3,026 in total. However, keep in mind that your specific costs will vary depending on factors like your chosen level of coverage and your vehicle’s make and model.

CARCHEX Deductibles

CARCHEX pays for covered repairs other than a small deductible, typically $100. CARCHEX reviews speak highly of the company’s flexibility with deductibles since there are $0, $50, $100, and $200 options.

CARCHEX Payment Options

CARCHEX customers can pay bills with all major credit cards over the phone, on the company website, or through the online app. Payment options include being charged a lump sum or by using no-interest installments of varying periods. The maximum payment time is a total of 24 months, but there’s also an 18-month option with higher payments. For some, upfront costs may correspond with a down payment equivalent to the first month’s installment.

CARCHEX Quotes

When getting a quote from CARCHEX, the provider carefully guides car owners through the process. Its “No-Haggle, Low-Price Everyday Guarantee™” means questions are viewed as opportunities to get you an optimal price and level of coverage. You won’t be pressured, have information withheld, or only be told the most enticing details.

The two options for getting an instant quote are through phone consultations with a specialist or by filling out a quick online form. When we called by phone, we went through an automated menu tree that took about a minute to connect before we spoke with someone from CARCHEX.

The salesperson we talked with lived up to the CARCHEX reputation for quality, being willing to walk through all warranty options. We were also presented with discounts for first-time buyers and were told about a military discount. Overall, our CARCHEX review team was satisfied with its experience.

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CARCHEX Customer Reviews

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How Does CARCHEX Work?

CARCHEX is an extended warranty broker, meaning it doesn’t directly administer the vehicle service contracts that it sells. Instead, the company acts as an intermediary that focuses on sales and customer service.

It partners with experienced administrators like Royal Administration Services, American Auto Shield, Zurich, and Allegiance. Since these providers are insured, you won’t be at risk of them being unable to fulfill claims because they ran out of money.

CARCHEX compares quotes from reputable warranty administrators to get better rates for its customers. However, because claims processing is administrator-dependent, the downside to this approach is a higher potential for inconsistency in the claims process.

This is evident in the variation of customer experiences expressed through CARCHEX reviews online, as some laud rapid service while others complain about wait times.

CARCHEX Customer Service

CARCHEX has several options to assist contract holders, including 24-hour customer service reps. The table below shows how CARCHEX compares with other competitors regarding customer support:

*For customers with an active contract

CARCHEX Warranty Car Repairs

CARCHEX customers can choose from any of 30,000 ASE-certified repair facilities in the U.S. for covered repairs. Because terms may vary, call or visit the company website or mobile app to make sure any repair facility in question is authorized before taking your vehicle.

To prove your car has been maintained per manufacturer guidelines, make sure to keep all of its service records. This will aid in getting your repairs approved quickly if they’re covered under your chosen protection plan.

CARCHEX Claims

Filing a claim is easy according to most CARCHEX reviews. When you sign up, CARCHEX will give you a card and a packet containing plan information. If you run into vehicle problems, simply show your card to a facility or dealership and it’ll deal with charges through the administrator.

Claims are paid to the shop or dealership, preventing large out-of-pocket expenses. For plans where the repair facility files claims, there is a department to contact directly via phone number if someone forgets to file.

How To Cancel A CARCHEX Warranty

All CARCHEX extended auto warranty plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can cancel at any point within those 30 days for a full refund. If you request a cancellation after that point, you can cancel for a prorated refund.

If you sell your car, you can transfer the contract to a new owner for a $50 fee.

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Is CARCHEX A Good Extended Warranty?

The bottom line is that CARCHEX is one of the most experienced and reputable providers in the extended warranty space. CARCHEX stands out due to the consultative nature of its quote process, as the company emphasizes helping potential clients get the best warranty. Additionally, the CARCHEX app makes it fast and convenient to find a licensed repair facility.

CARCHEX has room to improve in some areas, especially with regard to its consistency across administrators. If you’re considering a CARCHEX warranty, read the fine print so that you understand your coverage.

Is CARCHEX Worth It?

CARCHEX extended warranties are worth it if you prefer having peace of mind knowing that you’re protected against unexpected repairs. Additionally, the company’s wide plan selection is its most attractive quality for customers seeking flexible coverage and expansive benefits.

Along with its numerous coverage options, the added benefits of CARCHEX like fuel delivery and roadside assistance can save you money. This is especially the case if you own a vehicle that is older, has high mileage, or is unreliable. That said, those with newer vehicles are less likely to benefit from a CARCHEX extended warranty.

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CARCHEX Review: The Bottom Line

We rate CARCHEX 4.4 out of 5.0 stars in total after exploring the company’s reputation, coverage options, prices, and customer experience. After a thorough CARCHEX review, we name the company as best for High-Mileage Limits because it covers vehicles up to 250,000 miles.

Top Recommendations For Extended Car Warranties

Even if you’re convinced that CARCHEX has the best auto warranty, it’s worth getting free, no-obligation quotes from multiple companies. In our comprehensive research into the most reputable extended car warranty companies, we found Endurance and CarShield to also be good choices.

Endurance: Best Plan Offerings

As a direct warranty provider, Endurance administers and manages every plan it sells. This means that drivers work with the same customer service and claims team for the entire length of their warranty plan.

Endurance has been around for 17 years, and it offers six types of coverage along with a wide range of benefits. Drivers get one free year of Endurance Elite Benefits, which include perks like a $500 collision discount and tire repair or replacement.

Learn more: Endurance warranty review

CarShield: Month-to-Month Contracts

CarShield is another reputable extended car warranty provider, and many drivers find affordable coverage through the company. In our research, CarShield quoted the cheapest monthly prices. The company has been in business for 18 years and has a 4.1-star rating out of 5.0 from over 42,000 customer reviews on Trustpilot. Its six coverage plans provide perks such as 24/7 roadside assistance, trip interruption benefits, and rental car reimbursement.

Learn more: CarShield review

CARCHEX Reviews: FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions brought up by our CARCHEX review.

How We Rate Warranty Providers

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) and a long history of reliable service score well in this category. We also evaluate the availability and transparency of each company’s contracts, as well as whether each provider offers a money-back guarantee.

• 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.
• 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.