beebs

MaxCare Benefits, Explained


PUBLISHED MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2020

Learn how our extended service plan gives you extra peace of mind.

Three service technicians working on a red sedan in a CarMax service center

There’s nothing like driving a new-to-you car, especially when you buy from CarMax. You get a boost of confidence from knowing you get upfront pricing on CarMax Certified quality cars.  

 And you may have questions about the added protection of an optional MaxCare extended service plan.1 CarMax has the answers you want. Read on to learn more. 

  1. What is MaxCare?

  2. Other than repair coverage, what else does MaxCare include?

  3. What’s not covered?

  4. What is the difference between a limited warranty and an extended service plan?

  5. Why should I consider buying an extended service plan?

  6. How should I select an extended service plan?

  7. How do I use MaxCare benefits?

1. What is MaxCare?

MaxCare is an optional extended service plan that makes every mile you drive worry-free.2 It provides repair coverage beyond the manufacturer’s warranty and the CarMax limited warranty. Since 2009, nearly 4 million customers have purchased MaxCare plans.

MaxCare covers your car’s major systems, including the engine, transmission, drivetrain, electronics, electrical, steering, suspension, cooling, and climate control.3 If your car needs a covered repair, your only out-of-pocket cost is the deductible (starting as low as $50).

And here’s good news: You may be able to get a $50 discount on your deductible when you bring your car to any CarMax Service Center® or RepairPal® Certified shop.4 RepairPal is a CarMax partner with locations nationwide, and all RepairPal shops have been assessed thoroughly to assure quality of personnel, parts, and service.5

2. Other than repair coverage, what else does MaxCare include?

MaxCare provides emergency roadside assistance around the clock, 365 days a year, starting the day your plan begins. You’re covered anywhere in the United States or Canada. If you need to leave your car in the shop overnight for covered overnight repairs, MaxCare includes rental reimbursement – up to $40 a day for up to seven days. And, if you buy a MaxCare plan, you can cancel at any time. Some customers may also be eligible for a pro-rated refund.

3. What’s not covered?

MaxCare, Explained | CarMax
  • maintenance services and parts, such as batteries, brakes, trim, wiper blades, and wheels

  • aftermarket accessories or equipment installed after your vehicle purchase date

  • breakdown, including overheating, caused by abuse or misuse

  • certain vehicle components and conditions caused by corrosion, collision, or inadequate maintenance

  • emergency roadside assistance for flat tire doesn’t cover tire replacement, only removal of the flat tire or mounting of spare tire replacement

  • emergency roadside assistance for fuel delivery doesn’t cover cost of fuel2

4. What is the difference between a limited warranty and an extended service plan?

MaxCare, Explained | CarMax

At CarMax, both provide peace of mind, but there’s one main difference. MaxCare extended service plans are optional and need to be purchased when you buy your car, while every CarMax used car automatically comes with a limited warranty, even if that car is still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Our limited warranty covers the vehicle's major systems, plus hundreds of parts inside and out, and the labor required to make repairs. It lasts for 90 days or 4,000 miles, whichever comes first.1

An optional MaxCare extended service plan, provides protection after the 90 days or 4,000 miles covered by the CarMax Limited Warranty. You can choose to add a MaxCare extended service plan when you purchase your car. MaxCare covers major systems, parts, and labor, with deductibles starting as low as $50 on any car you choose.3

5. Why should I consider buying an optional extended service plan?

If your vehicle needs an unexpected repair, an extended service plan can help you pay for it. Here are a few examples of all-too-common repairs/costs, based on actual claims provided by RepairPal:

MaxCare, Explained | CarMax
  • Transmission: $5,086 - $5,263

  • AC compressor: $942 - $983

  • Head gasket replacement: $1,285 - $1,568

Many repairs, including the ones listed here, are covered by MaxCare. So you would only pay the deductible (as little as $50) for each repair.

6. How should I select an extended service plan?

Optional MaxCare plans are available for any CarMax car you choose, no matter the year, make, model, or mileage. Coverage options vary based on the vehicle and plan you select. We offer plans up to 5 years or 150,000 vehicle miles, whichever comes first, so every mile you drive can be worry-free.

When it comes to choosing the right plan for you, consider how many miles you drive per year. Our plans range from 75,000 miles to 150,000 miles. Plans are tailored to the specific vehicle and odometer miles on the vehicle. On average, CarMax customers drive between 12,000 and 15,000 miles each year. If you drive less than 12,000 miles, consider a lower mileage plan. If you average over 16,000 miles each year, you may want to opt for a higher mileage plan. CarMax can help you choose a plan that best fits your vehicle selection and your lifestyle.

Choose a custom plan to your budget by choosing from a range of deductibles. Every vehicle has a $50 deductible option. From there, deductibles range from $50 to $500, depending on the vehicle type. The higher the deductible, the lower the cost of your plan. Use this tool to estimate the cost of a MaxCare plan.

Of course, deciding on an extended service plan is just one part of the overall car-buying process. Once you find the right car, you choose whether to finance it over time or pay for it up front. The same payment options are available for your MaxCare extended service plan. You can include MaxCare with your car financing or pay for it up front using a credit card, cash, or check.6

7. How do I use MaxCare benefits?

With MaxCare, repair work is simple. We recommend scheduling service with our trusted network of CarMax Service Centers or RepairPal Certified shops to receive your $50 discount, if eligible.4 Make sure the repair is covered by referring to your contract, and plan to pay your selected deductible at your visit.

While MaxCare covers repairs to your car’s major systems, routine maintenance is your responsibility. Check your owner’s manual for a schedule of oil changes and other regular services that will help your car run smoothly.

1See store for written details.
2MaxCare is administered by the below independent third-party administrators. CarMax is not a party to MaxCare contract.

Automotive Warranty Services of Florida, Inc.
175 West Jackson Blvd, 8th Floor
Chicago, IL 60604
License #60023
Consumer Program Administrators, Inc. d.b.a. The Administrators of Consumer Programs

CNA National Warranty Corporation
4150 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Suite 400
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
License #60098
Continental Service Provider, Inc.

Fidelity Warranty Services
P.O. Box 8567
Deerfield Beach, FL 33443
License #60026

Emergency Roadside Assistance provided through Cross Country Motor Club, Inc.
Request help by phone at 1-800-693-5324 or request help online at
carmax.rsahelp.com

3Please review your MaxCare Service Contract for details, including limitations and exclusions.
4Reduced deductible is not valid for any extended service plans purchased in Oregon or Washington.
5RepairPal Certified Shops are third-party service providers, and they are not owned or controlled by CarMax. RepairPal Certified Shops do not perform repairs under CarMax’s Limited Warranty, and they are not necessarily affiliated with specific vehicle manufacturers. CarMax receives compensation for this relationship.

^##6MaxCare must be purchased and fully financed, if applicable, at time of credit transaction. Terms apply.
* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.​ By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.

We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.