IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — CarMD, a leading provider of automotive diagnostic information, and CARCHEX, the industry-leading provider of direct-to-consumer Vehicle Protection Plans, today announced a strategic partnership to provide CarMD customers with additional means to reduce unforeseen car repair costs.

“This partnership with CARCHEX is a value-add for CarMD customers who tend to be cost conscious when it comes to their cars and trucks,” said David Rich, CarMD’s Technical Director. “CARCHEX’s Vehicle Protection Plans nicely complement our CarMD Garage Vehicle Health Reports that provide vehicle owners with insight on the likelihood and costs of upcoming maintenance and repairs, as well as warranty, recall and other cost of ownership details.”

CarMD Garage reports are based on tens of millions of in-use repairs compiled by CarMD over the past 20 years. For instance, a top five most common check engine light repair is “replace mass air flow sensor” at an average cost of $378, while other repairs such as replace engine, transmission or catalytic converter can cost thousands of dollars. With this insight, car and truck owners can predict upcoming repairs and make educated decisions about whether to keep, sell or purchase an extended warranty for an out-of-warranty vehicle with a high likelihood of a costly repair in the next year.

“This partnership enables us to connect with CarMD’s audience of vehicle owners who seem to appreciate insight to help reduce the cost of car ownership,” said CARCHEX CEO Jason Goldsmith. “Your automobile is most likely your second largest investment that you use on a day to day basis. A CARCHEX Vehicle Protection Plan will ensure that your vehicle is in the best mechanical condition and can help you avoid expensive repair bills.”

A turnkey online tool for car and truck owners. CarMD Garage is an online service that enables anyone to input a vehicle’s year, make, model – or vehicle identification number (VIN) – and mileage to generate a free CarMD® Garage Vehicle Health Report with information that can reduce the cost of vehicle ownership and extend a vehicle’s life. CarMD Garage reports include VIN decoder, average MPG, safety recalls, Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) count and upcoming maintenance. Optional in-report purchases include maintenance details and costs, predicted diagnostics likelihood with parts costs and labor times, and detailed TSBs. To view a sample CarMD Garage Vehicle Health Report, click here. To get your free CarMD Garage report, visit www.carmd.com/garage.

CARCHEX plans are fully transferable, and like a car warranty, can increase a vehicle’s resale value.  Additional benefits include 24/7 roadside assistance, towing benefits and rental car. Plans are customizable, allow you to choose the repair location and can be paid with an affordable payment plan.