Strengths
- Flexible in terms of the selection of warranties and payment schedules
- Accepted by nearly all repair facilities
- 24/7 support across multiple channels
- Affordable pricing
Weaknesses
- Exotic cars, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles aren’t covered
Breakdown
Extended Warranty
Yes - $1.500 - $5.000
MBI
Yes
Deductibles
$100
Down Payment
None
Years In Business
21
BBB Rating
A+
CARCHEX has been in the business of helping consumers through all phases of vehicle ownership since 1999 offering:
- roadside assistance plans
- auto warranties
- auto finance services
CARCHEX is an accessible and consumer-friendly service with a long track record, affordable packages, and great customer support. They’ve received great CARCHEX client reviews, numerous industry recommendations, and rewards from sources like Inc., Selling Power, and Amac as well as a Better Business Bureau rating of A+.
What is covered in this review:
- A detailed review of services
- Full list of benefits
- How to sign up
- Pros and cons
- CARCHEX vehicle protection reviews
- FAQ
CARCHEX Vehicle Service Contract Features
So, what does CARCHEX cover? CARCHEX acts as an intermediary who facilitates claims on behalf of third-party providers. Here’s what they offer:
- Down Payment
No, none of CARCHEX’s used car warranties require a down payment.
- Monthly Payment
Prices are based on quotes with payment schedules of up to 2 years.
- Cancellation Policy
You have 30 days from the date of purchase to cancel your contract in order to get a full refund.
- Cancellation Fee
There is no additional fee for the cancellation of your contract.
- Deductible
Yes, for most repairs there is a flat deductible fee of $100.
- Repair Facilities
CARCHEX is accepted by over 30,000 repair facilities throughout the U.S. As long as the facility is licensed/certified, you should have no problem claiming via CARCHEX.
- Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI)
CARCHEX does offer MBI in some form or another with all of its vehicle protection plans. Coverage varies from typical powertrain insurance to total bumper-to-bumper coverage with limited exclusions.
- 24-hour Road Assistance
Yes, CARCHEX offers 24/7 roadside assistance with or separately from their vehicle protection plans.
- Trip Interruption Coverage
Yes, CARCHEX does offer trip interruption coverage with reimbursement for accommodation ($150/$50 per day for 3 days), car rental, etc.
- Rental Car
Included with CARCHEX’s trip interruption coverage for up to $160 over 4 days at $40 per day.
- Discounts Available
None
- Extended Warranty/Cost
Extended warranties are quoted on a case-by-case basis. Prices range from around $1,500 to $5,000.
- Towing
Yes, towing is included in CARCHEX’s roadside assistance package, up to the value of $75.
Auto Repair Plans & Pricing
There are 5 CARCHEX vehicle protection plans: Titanium, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. These tiers are further divided into individual policies based on the specific provider. Different policies within the same tier offer roughly the same coverage, with a few exceptions. The table below follows the coverage schedule according to the policies by Royal Insurance, but should give you a rough idea of what you can expect from each tier:
| Titanium | Platinum | Gold | Silver | Bronze | |
| Coverage | Covers almost every component in the vehicle, except for components listed under exclusions in the contract. | Covers everything in Gold, plus suspension, advanced electrical and heating/cooling components. | Covers everything in Silver, plus braking and steering components. | Powertrain coverage, plus air conditioning, electrical, and fuel delivery components. | Powertrain coverage for the major components of your vehicle, such as the engine, transmission, and drive axle. |
| Exclusions | Standard exclusions apply such as damage caused by accidents, extreme weather, or vandalism. Parts covered by the manufacturer’s warranty are also not included. | Same as in Titanium Plan | Same as in Titanium Plan | Same as in Titanium Plan | Same as in Titanium Plan |
| Waiting Period | 30 days or 1,000 miles from the date of purchase. | 30 days or 1,000 miles from the date of purchase. | 30 days or 1,000 miles from the date of purchase. | 30 days or 1,000 miles from the date of purchase. | 30 days or 1,000 miles from the date of purchase. |
| Maintenance Requirements (Normal Maintenance) | The maintenance plan of the vehicle must be followed. | The maintenance plan of the vehicle must be followed. | The maintenance plan of the vehicle must be followed. | The maintenance plan of the vehicle must be followed. | The maintenance plan of the vehicle must be followed. |
| Liability Limitations | Aggregate repair costs and total benefits will not exceed the vehicle’s purchase price. Once-off repairs will not exceed the manufacturer’s suggested retail price or the NADA trade-in value of your vehicle. | Same as in Titanium Plan | Same as in Titanium Plan | Same as in Titanium Plan | Same as in Titanium Plan |
| Pricing | In the range of $200 to $400. | In the range of $150 to $200. | In the range of $140 to $180. | In the range of $100. | Typically, below $100. |
How To File Your Claim Step By Step
How does CARCHEX work?
Luckily, there is little to prepare when claiming repair costs. However, having your policy contract with you for the repair service manager to review can speed up the process.
You should also always have the CARCHEX contact number handy. As CARCHEX offers policies from different providers, make sure that you have the correct number according to your policy.
- Prevent further damage by not driving the car any further and get it to a car dealership or repair facility as quickly as possible.
- Take your vehicle to any licensed repair facility countrywide. Ask whether the facility is AAA or ASE approved for complete peace of mind.
- The repair facility will then need authorization from you to diagnose the vehicle, identify the cause of any issues, and determine what needs to be repaired or replaced.
- The repair facility will then contact a CARCHEX warranty administrator to receive authorization to continue with the repairs. A repair shop should get the go-ahead as well as receive an authorization number before servicing your vehicle.
- CARCHEX will pay the cost of repairing the vehicle as soon as repair work is completed.
- You can then head back to the repair shop and collect your vehicle once you’ve paid the deductible.
Pros & Cons
Very affordable pricing compared to most competitors
Flexible in terms of the selection of warranties and payment schedules
Accepted by nearly all repair facilities
24/7 support across multiple channels
Exotic cars, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles aren’t covered
CARCHEX Warranty Reputation Reviews
CARCHEX is a BBB accredited company with an A+ rating and over 20 years of experience. On their website, you’ll see them proudly display their numerous awards and outstanding ratings from consumer protection agencies like ConsumerAffairs and Shopper Approved. Unfortunately, CARCHEX reviews by customers on BBB only average 2/5 stars based on 77 reviews.
However, they tend to get better results on other sites with more CARCHEX customer reviews. For example, they are rated 3.7 based on 1,800+ reviews on Trustpilot and generally receive positive CARCHEX auto warranty reviews online.
Competitors
If you have the extra budget and want a direct provider of extended vehicle warranties, then Endurance Warranty is a good alternative. Like CARCHEX, CarShield is a similar third-party provider, but it offers even more affordable prices.
Wrap-Up
Overall, CARCHEX offers a pocket-friendly and convenient car warranty option. With one of the longest track records of success, significantly more positive than negative feedback from CARCHEX client reviews, and BBB accreditation – at the very least you know that you’re doing business with a solid and trustworthy provider.
According to most CARCHEX extended warranty reviews, CARCHEX’s biggest advantages are its affordable pricing and the numerous coverage options you can choose from. This should provide almost all car owners against unexpected losses with the opportunity to select the package that meets their needs exactly.
The fact that CARCHEX claims are nearly universally accepted by licensed repair facilities and the fact that they service high-mileage vehicles really means they are a provider everyone should consider.
FAQ
How old is too old for a car warranty?
Car warranty providers have age and mileage limits when it comes to the cars they are willing to cover. Generally, new car warranties or manufacturer’s warranties expire after the first 36,000 or 60,000 miles. Extended warranties can usually get you a bit further to around the 100,000-mile mark. However, CARCHEX is one of the few vehicle protection providers with a mileage limit of up to 250,000 miles.
Does my car insurance cover damage to my car?
The simple answer is, yes. However, you’ll need to carefully read over your policy to know exactly what’s covered by your car insurance or vehicle service contract. Even if it’s promoted as a “comprehensive” package, there will almost certainly be some exclusions when it comes to specific parts or types of damage.
How can I reach customer service?
CARCHEX is one of the best options for customers who value easily accessible customer service. They provide customer service through multiple channels, including live chat, phone, and email. They also have plenty of self-help resources on their website. Their good customer service is one of the reasons why CARCHEX reviews are mostly positive.