Out of 9 different extended car warranty companies we reviewed, CARCHEX outshines them all. They have excellent coverage options, an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and provide quality nationwide services for an excellent price point.
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CARCHEX History
CARCHEX has been in existence since 1999 and changed the way that would be car owners checked out the cars they were interested in. All too often cars that are for sale do not have thorough enough descriptions and major pieces of information can be left out. Current CEO Jason Goldsmith had his own personal experience with CARCHEX back in 2003 when he was looking at a particular car that he had wanted for some time that was being sold on EBay. He was skeptical of the seller’s description.
He used the CARCHEX Car Inspection Service to check out the car before he invested in a costly cross-country trip to get the car. The inspection report he got on the car he was looking at kept him from wasting money both on the car and the trip. He was so impressed with the CARCHEX service that he purchased the assets of CARCHEX. His intention was to educate all consumers about the necessity and value of this service that could say people thousands in wasted money for cars that had hidden issues.
Jason’s efforts have definitely not been for nothing. Since that time, CARCHEX has continued to grow; adding inspectors that have reached over 900 that cover all fifty states. Its valuable service has helped countless people avoid making huge mistakes when it comes to buVINg used cars that are listed on EBay or Craigslist and other places.
CARCHEX now offers consumers Extended Vehicle Protection which is another title for extended auto warranties. With its highly valued and trusted name, consumers can be assured that they are getting their money’s worth when they purchase an extended car warranty from them.
The company is based out of Baltimore but anyone in the U.S. can use their services and purchase the extended car warranties. The company has an A+ rating and accreditation with the BBB as well as being featured in Inc. magazine to its 500/5000 list which is an exclusive listing of the nation’s fastest growing and top private companies. It’s been on this list for four years in a row. CARCHEX has been the only business in Maryland that has had the honor of receiving the 2012 BBB torch award. This award is to recognize outstanding businesses across the country. These awards and honors are a testament to CARCHEX’s integrity as a consumer based company and give consumers the reassurance and trust that the service provided are top quality.
The Qualification Process
QualifVINg for an Extended Car Warranty or an Extended Vehicle Protection plan (as they are called with CARCHEX, but mean the same thing) starts with their online free instant quote form that is on the CARCHEX website. Just fill out some basic information on the first page including make and model of the vehicles you want coverage on, and some personal information about you including your name, telephone, email address and zip code. Many people are afraid to give out this information due to worrVINg about spam, but you can always unsubscribe after you get your quote if you choose not to use CARCHEX for your Extended Car Warranty plan.
You will need the answers to some simple questions such as
- how many miles do you drive each year
- how many years do you want coverage for
- what type of coverage are you wanting
You will also need to have the VINs handy for each car you want an Extended Car Warranty on. Part of the quote process gives you access to their simple website that will display quotes that have been prepared by your representative. There will also be a product comparison tool you can use and a handy self check out feature that many people like and appreciate the ease of.
Up to 3 agents will call you, and this is only because your quote is given to three agents at the same time to ensure that you receive the attention you need to get your quote. Not every agent will respond to every quote request that is sent out, so understand that they are not trVINg to overload you with sales people they just want to ensure you get the quote you are looking for in a timely manner.
Be certain to use correct information, especially your email address and phone, so the agents can call you and get a complete quote prepared for you. Check your email’s spam box to ensure CARCHEX’s emails don’t end up there. There’s nothing to be concerned about when it comes to the agents calling you, you are getting a quote, not committing to anything, but it is a necessary part of the process that will ensure you get the quote you’re looking for. Without your vehicle information and an agent talking to you or emailing you about your specific needs, you will not get an accurate quote.
CARCHEX Coverage Options You Can Choose From
There are five coverage option levels that you can choose from when getting an Extended Vehicle Protection Plan from CARCHEX. These are:
- Bronze
- Silver
- Gold
- Platinum
- Titanium
No matter what level of coverage you choose, you will get exceptional service. Each level of coverage comes with a contract that spells put for each consumer what you get under that coverage level. Be sure to read these contracts carefully because they contain all the information you need for the coverage you decide on. The descriptions below do not contain ALL the specifics of what each plan includes which will be discussed with you by your agent and included in your own personal contract depending on the coverage you choose.
You have the option of having several different payment plans available for all of CARCHEX’s Extended Vehicle Protection Plans. A small down payment will get you started and then you can choose to spread of the rest over 6, 12, 18 or 24 months. There’s something for every budget and they accept ACH debits and all major credit cards for payments as well.
One of the many benefits to these offered payment plans is that people can afford to get them due to their affordability. Payment plans appeal to many people, especially if they don’t have a lot of money to pay for extended warranty plans all at once and upfront. Keep in mind that late or missed payments can affect the validity of your warranty so be sure to keep up with those payments and choose a plan that you can easily afford.
The different coverage levels are outlined below but not in their entirety. Depending on the type of car you have and the amount of money you want to spend, there is a plan that will work for you. Once you start talking to an agent, you will find out every specific detail of your contract that pertains to the coverage plan you choose.
Bronze Level Coverage
Provided by Assurant Solutions Companies, the bronze level protection offers three options; Standard Protection, Bronze and Standard Protection Plus. The standard protection and the Bronze options are both 5 year plans and the Standard Protection Plus are 7 years. Bronze Level Standard and Bronze level Bronze packages cover the major systems on your vehicle which include the following. This coverage will protect you from the most expensive and common types of repairs that can be required with a pre-owned vehicle.
Bronze Protection Plan
- 5 Year Coverage Plan
- Engine Components
- Transmission Components
- Drive Axle Components
- Substitute Transportation
- Trip Interruption Reimbursement
- 24-hour Roadside Assistance
Standard Protection Plus Plan
- 7 Year Coverage Plan
- Engine Components
- Transmission Components
- Drive axle Components
- AC Components
- Heating/Cooling Components
- Electrical Components
- Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Components
- Braking Components
- Substitute Transportation
- Trip Interruption Reimbursement
- 24-hour Roadside Assistance
Silver Level Coverage
Provided by Assurant Solutions Companies and Royal Administration Services, the silver plan includes 4 options; Classic, two sentinel plans, (one just for Florida) Select and the Silver plan. The variations of each plan will be explained by your agent. Each plan ranges in length from 4-7 years. The Silver plan covers more than just your power train and they are outlined below.
- Choose from 4-7 Year Coverage Plans
- Gasoline/Diesel Engine Components
- Transmission Components
- Drive Axle
- Steering
- Brakes
- Electrical
- 24-hour Roadside Assistance
- Trip Interruption Reimbursement
- Substitute Transportation Reimbursement
Gold Level Coverage
Provided by Assurant Solutions, Royal Administrative Services, and National Administrative Services. The Gold level coverage is great for vehicles that have over 60,000 miles. It’s a comprehensive coverage package that has flexible terms and great prices. It has 6 levels within the Gold Level Coverage; Premier, Car Guard Used Gold, Two Preferred Plans (one Florida only), Comprehensive, two Preferred New plans (one Florida only) and Gold. These plan range in length from 4-7 years and the variables of each plan within Gold level will be explained in detail by your agent. The Gold Plan covers the components below:
- Gasoline/Diesel Engine Components
- Choose from 4-7 Year Coverage Plans
- Transmission Components
- Drive Axle
- Steering
- Brakes
- Electrical
- Heating and Air Conditioning Components
- Front and Rear Suspension
- Cooling Systems
- 24-Hour Roadside Assistance
- Trip Interruption Reimbursement
- Substitute Transportation Reimbursement
Platinum Level Coverage
Provided by Assurant Solutions Companies, Royal Administrative Services, National Administrative Services and includes 8 levels inside the Gold coverage plan. In your contract there will be literally hundreds of specific parts and components covered including all of the major systems on your vehicle. The eight levels of coverage within the Platinum are two Ultimate Used (one Florida only), Car Guard Used Platinum, two Premium (one Florida only), Elite, Car Guard New Platinum, two Premium New (one Florida only), Platinum, and Deluxe Protection. They range in length from 2-7 years and can be explained in detail by your agent. The components covered under the Platinum Plan are outlined below:
- Choose from 2-7 Year Plans
- Gasoline/Diesel Engine Components
- Transmission Components
- Drive Axle
- Steering
- Brakes
- Electrical
- Heating and Air Conditioning Systems
- Front and Rear Suspension
- Cooling Systems
- Fuel Systems
- Hi-Tech Systems
- 24 – hour Roadside Assistance
- Trip Interruption Reimbursement
- Substitute Transportation Reimbursement
Titanium Level Coverage
The top level, highest level of protection you can get for your vehicle. These are the “bumper to bumper” plans and provide the most protection from breaking down that the company can offer. They offer so much that it is easier for them to provide only a short list of excluded items. The coverage is very similar to what you get in a factory coverage. There are five levels within the Titanium Level Coverage; OEM, Car Guard New Ultimate, two Ultimate plans (one Florida only), Titanium, and Premium Protection. The plans range in length from 6 to 7 years.
- Choose from 6 to 7 Year Coverage Plans
- The Most Comprehensive “Bumper to Bumper” Coverage available
- Includes ALL components of your vehicle EXCEPT what is on the not covered list (agent will go over the items in detail for the plan you choose)
- 24-hour Roadside Assistance
- Trip Interruption Reimbursement
- Substitute Transportation Reimbursement
- Towing Reimbursement
- Locksmith Reimbursement
- Substitute Transportation Reimbursement
- Out of Gas/Dead battery Reimbursement (fuel will not be reimbursed)
Using CARCHEX’s Claims Service
The process of filing a claim for anyone who has purchase the Extended Protection Plan, is very simple. They will ensure that your contract responsibilities have been met such as paVINg your premiums, adhering to the maintenance guidelines and you must maintain all receipts and records of services done to the car. You’ll take your vehicle to any repair facility that is licensed and will give them your Service Provider’s name, the claims phone number and the contract number that is listed on your ID cards and contract. Keep this information in a safe place so you have it right there if you need it. Since roadside assistance is offered with EVERY level of coverage, do not risk further damaging the car if it breaks down, Pullover and call roadside assistance. The reason for this is that if it is determined that the problems with the car were made worse by continuing to drive the vehicle in a broken down state, it could void your warranty.
What will happen after you visit the licensed repair facility is that the repair facility has to call the Administrator that is named in the service contract and the claims have to be approved before any work is done. Your repair facility and Administrator in the claims department work hand in hand to process the claim. Sometimes an adjuster has to come to the car, but not always. Once the Administrator has authorized a claim, the payment will be issued to the repair facility directly. Any pre-existing conditions that the car has prior to getting coverage will not be covered and modifVINg the car in any way can also void the contract.
Help and Support Services
There are several ways to contact CARCHEX if you need help or support. You can send in an email support ticket which will typically be answered within one business day. You can call them directly by dialing 1-877-CARCHEX (1-877-227-2439), you can chat online with a representative or you can use regular mail. Their mailing address is on their website. Whichever method you choose, you can be assured that their customer service department will do everything it its power to help you as fast as possible.
Support services could help you with questions about your plan, getting quotes for new plans, billing questions, cancellations, tech support with the website, questions about claims, and information about becoming an affiliate or other business related questions.
Repair Services
You have a lot of freedom when it comes to finding a repair facility. Your contract can be used at ANY licensed repair facility and those include your local dealers, an independent repair shop and one of the chain places like Goodyear, Firestone and similar shops. The main thing is to ensure it’s a licensed repair facility and ASE certified. If they don’t post that information, don’t hesitate to ask them. You can get a contract in any of the United States and use licensed repair shops when and if you ever need to file a claim.
Contacting CARCHEX
Contacting CARCHEX is easy. You can find them at www.carchex.com. If you want to find them anywhere else, they have social media presences on
- Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/carchex
- Twitter – https://twitter.com/CARCHEX
- And YouTube – http://www.carchex.com/carchex-videos
- Google + – https://plus.google.com/+carchex
CARCHEX is a company that will get the job one and get it done correctly with minimum hassle or headache for you. Not only can they help you purchase a car that you want safely and while knowing all there is to know about its previous life, you can get excellent extended vehicle protection in as little or as much coverage as you want. It’s a company that has proven its dedication to customer satisfaction time and time again. Extended Vehicle Protection plans that CARCHEX offers are a great way to keep your vehicle in good running order. With all these choices and the ease that the company offers to get one, there’s no reason to not take advantage of the offer and get great peace of mind for your vehicle.
CARCHEX Video on Youtube.com
Resources
- CARCHEX – http://www.carchex.com
- Better Business Bureau – http://www.bbb.org/greater-maryland/business-reviews/extended-warranty-contract-service-companies/carchex-in-hunt-valley-md-23015869/complaints
- MBWorld – http://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w221/452887-carchex-extended-warranty-can-we-have-official-extended-warranty-thread.html
- PissedConsumer.com – http://carchex.pissedconsumer.com/
Every company will have complaints however CARCHEX had very few complaints compared to the rest of the competition.