How Do You Contact CarShield Customer Service?

Last Updated on February 5, 2026

CarShield sells vehicle service contracts (VSCs) designed to help cover certain repair costs after your factory warranty ends. It’s not auto insurance—think of it as closer to an extended warranty with its own terms, exclusions, and claims process.

Important: Always use the phone number printed on your contract if it’s different from the website numbers. Service lines and administrators can vary by plan and state.

  1. Start With the Right Department: Claims, roadside, billing, and customer service use different lines—calling the correct one speeds everything up.
  2. Roadside Is 24/7: Towing and breakdown help are available around the clock, but customer service and claims agents usually follow posted hours.
  3. Claims Often Require Authorization: Have the repair shop coordinate with the claims administrator before major repairs to avoid delays or denials.
  4. Use Your Contract as the Source of Truth: If a phone number or administrator name differs from the website, follow what’s printed in your plan documents.

CarShield Customer Service Contact Information

If you’re trying to reach CarShield fast, start with the department that matches your situation (customer service vs. claims vs. roadside). Here are the official channels CarShield lists online.

DepartmentHow To ReachHours (Central Time)
Customer Service1-800-587-4162Mon–Fri 7:00 AM–6:00 PM; Sat 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Claims (American Auto Shield)1-800-859-9923Mon–Fri 7:00 AM–6:00 PM; Sat 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Roadside Assistance1-866-222-786924/7, 365 days/year
Payment Processing1-800-587-4603Mon–Fri 7:00 AM–7:00 PM; Sat 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Sales / Quotes1-800-588-8501Mon–Fri 7:00 AM–10:00 PM; Sat 8:00 AM–7:00 PM; Sun 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Online Contact FormSubmit a request onlineOnline anytime (reply times vary)
Mailing AddressCarShield, 503 Pearl Dr, St. Peters, MO 63376-1071Mail delivery times vary

If you run into routing issues with any support line, CarShield also lists an alternate customer service number on its main site: 1-800-569-9044.

Quick tip: Before you call, grab your contract number, VIN, current mileage, and the repair shop’s name/phone. It can cut your call time way down.

Does CarShield Offer 24/7 Support?

Yes and no. CarShield’s roadside assistance line is available 24/7. Claims can be started online anytime, but live agents for customer service and claims support typically follow posted business hours.

CarShield Customer Service Hours

Customer service and claims phone hours are generally Monday through Saturday (Central Time). Sales hours are usually longer and may include Sundays. Hours can change, so double-check the Support Center or your contract if you’re calling around holidays.

How To File a Claim With CarShield

For the smoothest claims experience, contact CarShield before authorizing repairs (especially teardown/diagnostics) when possible. Most VSCs require approval to confirm the repair is covered under your contract’s terms.

  • Call the claims line: 1-800-859-9923 (American Auto Shield).
  • Start online: File a claim online (portal options may vary by plan).
  • Need help finding a shop? CarShield lists a Concierge Service line: 1-800-852-2502.

Quick tip: Ask your repair shop to call the claims administrator for authorization before repairs begin, and keep notes (dates, names, and what was approved).

How To Get Roadside Assistance

If your plan includes roadside coverage, call the 24/7 hotline for help such as towing, lockout service, jump starts, and similar services. (Here’s a helpful explainer on emergency roadside assistance coverage.)

  • 24/7 Roadside Assistance: 1-866-222-7869

How To Get a Quote or Buy Coverage

You can request pricing online or speak with a sales representative by phone. Quotes are typically based on your vehicle (make/model/year), mileage, location, and the plan level you choose.

  • Sales / Quotes: 1-800-588-8501
  • Online: Visit CarShield.com and use the quote flow.

What To Have Ready Before You Call

  • Your contract number (and administrator name if shown)
  • Your vehicle’s VIN and current mileage
  • A short description of the problem (warning lights, symptoms, when it started)
  • Your preferred repair shop’s contact info (or ask for help locating an eligible shop)
  • Any recent maintenance/repair records that might be relevant

If You Need To Escalate a Complaint

If you believe a claim was handled incorrectly or you’re stuck in a loop, start by requesting a clear explanation in writing (what was denied, why, and which contract provision applies). Keep copies of estimates, invoices, photos, and call notes.

  • Ask for details: Have the repair facility provide a written diagnosis and itemized estimate.
  • Use consumer resources: The FTC has guidance on auto service contracts and warranties, including how to spot misleading claims and where to report problems.
  • File outside complaints if needed: You can also file a complaint with the BBB or your state consumer protection office (rules and oversight vary by state because service contracts aren’t the same as insurance).

Consumer resource: FTC: Auto Warranties and Auto Service Contracts

What Reviews Can (and Can’t) Tell You

Like most warranty and service contract providers, CarShield has a mix of positive and negative reviews online. Ratings can vary widely by platform, and claim frustrations often come down to contract exclusions, maintenance requirements, waiting periods, and pre-authorization rules.

To see recent complaint trends and customer feedback in one place, you can review the BBB business profile here: CarShield on BBB.org.

Bottom line: The fastest path to help is usually calling the correct department (claims vs. customer service) and having your contract details ready—then making sure the repair shop coordinates directly with the claims administrator.

FAQs on Contacting CarShield Customer Service