Safeguard yourself from the unexpected costs of car ownership with a vehicle protection plan and gap coverage
Most warranties last for less than a third of a car’s lifetime when it’s least likely to have issues. Our protection plans provide comprehensive coverage against mechanical and electrical problems so you don’t have to pay out of pocket.
What does it cover?
Gap coverage covers the “gap” between what your auto insurance pays and what you still owe on the car if you ever experience an accident or theft.How does it work?
Get reimbursed when you need a locksmith to save you from a lockout jam
Get reimbursed for a rental while your car’s in the shop
No-charge tow service to any ASE-certified repair facility within 150 miles
Get a lift to the tire shop if your spare won’t work
Need some juice? Have a technician come to you to help get your car started
Get the gas you need to get you to the pump
Claims are easy. If you need to have your vehicle repaired, simply call the number provided on your protection plan contract and you will be recommend a reputable shop. If you already have a preferred mechanic that is ASE certified, you can also take your vehicle there. The mechanic will bill the contract provider directly, so the only thing you need to do is pay the $100 deductible.
Extended warranties from most dealers encourage or strongly incentivize you to have any repairs and maintenance on your car performed at the dealership. At Shift, our protection plans work the same regardless of whether you take your car into your local mechanic, a franchise dealership, or even an out-of-state mechanic while on a road trip.
Normal wear & tear and maintenance services are not covered by our protection plans. This includes, but is not limited to, items like spark plugs, batteries, filters, lubricants, hoses and belts, wiper blades, and brake pads.
Also not covered are failures to tire and wheels and cosmetic items like: glass, trim, upholstery, paint, sheet metal, headlights, alignment of body panels, convertible tops, and others.
Full exclusions can be found in the protection plan sample contract.
Most of Shift’s customers choose to finance their protection plans through their auto loan. If you’re not paying with a loan, we also accept ACH wire transfers, or credit/debit cards.
Many cars from Shift still have an original manufacturer warranty. Often, these warranties last for 36,000 miles / 36 months. This means that, as soon as the car’s mileage exceeds 36,000 miles OR as soon as the car has been in service for 36 months, the original manufacturer warranty is no longer valid.
Shift protection plans start immediately after your purchase. If your vehicle is still under factory warranty then you’ll receive some additional benefits while the warranty is still valid (e.g., roadside assistance and trip interruption). The plans ensure you continue to have "as new" coverage when the factory warranty ends.
Yes, you can cancel your protection plan at any point in time. If you cancel during the first 60 days you own your Shift car, you will receive a full refund. If you cancel after the first 60 days, then you will receive a partial, pro-rated refund.
Talk to your Shift advisor or simply find a vehicle and add a protection plan after booking a test drive
In the example above, the $5,000 gap would be entirely covered, as well as any deductible up to $1,000.
Often, that payment won’t be sufficient to cover what’s owed on the vehicle. That’s where gap coverage comes in.
Gap coverage claims are stressful and we are here to help. Simply contact Shift at buyer-support@shift.com and we’ll help walk you through the claims process and collect the required documentation.
Gap coverage can supplement your existing auto insurance by up to $50,000. The actual amount that gap coverage pays depends on many factors including your original down payment on your auto loan, the length of your loan, the size of your auto deductible, and other factors.
Talk to your Shift advisor or simply find a vehicle and add a protection plan after booking a test drive
“I purchased a 2008 BMW 650i convertible, love the car! However when the car started to have alternator seal leak, Shift acted quickly to get it taken care of as promised. No questions asked they just took care it and I was back on the road in no time! Thank you!”
Brian W, Los Angeles