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Service contracts, 2026
What you get depends on the contract. Here is the FTC's checklist and what one company publishes.
FTC and CarShield, read Oct 2, 2026. See source
| If you are asking | Start with | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Got a 'Final Warranty Notice'? | Usually not from your dealer, the FTC says | Read why |
| Car still under warranty? | Check for overlap before buying | The questions |
| Comparing plans? | Read what each level covers | See levels |
The FTC explains that a warranty is a promise to fix certain defects for a set time after you buy a vehicle, and is included in the price of a new car. A service contract, often sold as an extended warranty, is optional and bought separately from a manufacturer, dealer or independent company1.
Ask before you buy: who backs the contract, what exactly is covered and excluded, whether you can choose the repair shop, what deductible applies, and what maintenance you must keep up to stay covered1.
Be wary of the pitch. Calls, texts or mail with phrases like 'Final Warranty Notice' usually are not from your dealer or manufacturer, the FTC says1.
| Plan | What CarShield says it covers | Aimed at |
|---|---|---|
| Diamond2 | Described as closest to a new-car manufacturer warranty | Not stated by the source |
| Platinum2 | Engine, transmission, AC, electrical system, starter, water pump, fuel pump and more | Higher-mileage cars |
| Gold Select2 | Engine, transmission, water pump, starter, alternator, A/C, power window motors | Cars over 100,000 miles |
| Silver2 | Powertrain: lubricated engine and transmission parts and water pump | Not stated by the source |
| Aluminum2 | Electrical and computer parts such as the engine control module, starter, alternator and navigation | Not stated by the source |
CarShield publishes term and monthly sample contracts for each level, with separate Florida versions. Prices are quoted per vehicle after a call3. Read October 2, 2026.
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Good for reading a sample contract before you talk price
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Prices and rules are what the named source published on the date we read it. The provider's own page and contract, and your state's DMV or court, are the final word.
