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MaxCare Benefits, Explained


PUBLISHED WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2026

Learn how our extended service plans give you extra peace of mind.

Blue Nissan with CarMax yellow bow on hood

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.

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 by MaxCare?

  4. What is MaxCare Plus?

  5. What's not covered by MaxCare Plus?

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

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

  8. How should I select an extended service plan?

  9. How do I use MaxCare benefits?

1. What is MaxCare?

MaxCare is an optional extended service plan that gives you peace of mind with comprehensive coverage on your vehicle.

It provides repair coverage beyond the manufacturer’s warranty and the CarMax limited warranty. Since 2016, over 5 million customers have purchased MaxCare plans, and over $3.5B in claims have been paid.

MaxCare covers your car’s major systems for up to 5 years, including

:

MaxCare Icons WORKING Left Align
  • Engine

  • Steering

  • Drivetrain

  • Transmission

  • Suspension

  • Electronics

  • Cooling systems

  • Climate control

  • Electrical systems

If your car needs a covered repair, your only out-of-pocket cost is the deductible.

To make the most out of your MaxCare plan, you can visit any CarMax Service Center® for repairs and receive a discount on your deductible. If you’re unable to visit a CarMax location, you may also receive a discounted deductible at a RepairPal® Certified shop. RepairPal is a CarMax partner with locations nationwide, and all RepairPal shops have been assessed thoroughly to assure quality of personnel, parts, and service.

Family smiling in their front yard as their new to them CarMax car is delivered to their driveway complete with yellow bow on hood of car

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 Substitute Transportation Reimbursement (rental car or ride-share reimbursement)–up to $50 a day for up to ten days.

And, if you buy a MaxCare plan, you can cancel at any time. Your refund, if applicable, may be pro-rated.

3. What’s not covered by MaxCare?

The following are examples of what is not covered:

  • Maintenance service 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.

  • Emergency roadside assistance for flat tire doesn’t cover tire replacement, only removal of the flat tire or mounting of spare tire replacement. (Read on for information about MaxCare Plus coverage, which includes tire protection.)

  • Emergency roadside assistance for fuel delivery doesn’t cover cost of fuel.

Consult the MaxCare or MaxCare Plus contract for a full list of exclusions; ask an associate for details.

MaxCare is administered by independent third party administrators. CarMax is not a party to the MaxCare contract. Please see store for details.

4. What is MaxCare Plus?

MaxCare Plus

covers everything included in our MaxCare plan, in addition to:

MaxCarePlus Icons WORKING Left Align
  • Tire protection: Repair or replace a damaged tire due to road hazards

  • Wheel protection: Repair or replace a damaged wheel due to a road hazard or cosmetic damage

  • Dent & ding repair: Fix minor dents or dings from body panel surfaces using paintless dent repair

Under MaxCare Plus, these types of repairs are all covered with a $0 deductible.

5. What’s not covered by MaxCare Plus?

The following are examples of what is not covered under MaxCare Plus

:

  • Damage caused by a vehicle collision or other accident, weather hazards (e.g., hail), or off-road use.

  • Tire repair or replacement due to lack of maintenance or normal wear and tear.

  • Paint repairs on vehicle body.

  • The repair of dents larger than 4 inches long or in diameter.

Man smiling at his passenger from drivers seat

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

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. And while every CarMax used car automatically comes with a limited warranty, it only lasts 30 days, whereas MaxCare provides a range of term months and mileage coverage to help protect you through ownership. An optional MaxCare extended service plan provides protection after the 30 days covered by the CarMax Limited Warranty. In CT, MN, and RI, it’s 60 days/3,000 miles (whichever’s first), and in MA, NJ, and NY it's 90 days/4,000 miles (whichever's first). See store for details.

You can choose to add a MaxCare extended service plan when you purchase your car. MaxCare covers major systems, parts, and labor, with a range of deductibles to meet your budget on any car you choose.

7. 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. Today’s cars rely on advanced technology and components. MaxCare helps cover repairs that could otherwise be costly to handle out of pocket—especially in an environment where repair costs continue to increase year over year.

All major systems, including mechanical and electrical, are covered by MaxCare for up to 5 years. MaxCare Plus adds more peace of mind, with tire and wheel protection and dent and ding repair.

8. 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. We offer flexible coverage options so every mile you drive can be worry-free. Plans are tailored to the specific vehicle and odometer miles on the vehicle, offering multiple term lengths and mileage options. When it comes to choosing the right plan for you, consider how many miles you drive annually and how long you plan to keep the vehicle. We offer flexible plans with a range of deductibles. The higher the deductible, the lower the cost of your 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.

9. How do I use MaxCare benefits?

With MaxCare, repair work is simple. Log in to the CarMax app (download on the App Store or Google Play Store) to view your provider’s name and contact information, your plan’s coverage details and schedule a service appointment. Come to CarMax for MaxCare repairs to take advantage of a streamlined service experience and discounted deductibles. We recommend scheduling service with our trusted network of CarMax Service Centers (or RepairPal Certified shops, if needed) to receive your discount, if eligible. 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. 

* 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.

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