Assurant vs. Zurich Vehicle Service Contract
Compare coverage, cost and reviews
 |  |
|---|---|
3.5
677 reviews
|
4.5
848 reviews
|
| No. of plans:4 | No. of plans:3 |
| Max mileage200,000 | Max mileage150,000 |
| Max vehicle age12 years | Max vehicle age15 years |
| Waiting period30 days | Waiting period10 to 30 days (varies) |
+1 more
Assurant Extended Warranty and Zurich Vehicle Service Contract both offer extended car warranties that protect you financially after your manufacturer’s warranty expires.
While they offer similar services, there are some differences between the coverage they offer, the cost of their plans and the additional benefits you get. We’ve analyzed both companies to help you decide which is the right fit.
Assurant is our recommendation to drivers looking for a premium plan with the most comprehensive coverage. The company offers a wider selection of plans, including more high-tier options that cover more components, such as the transmission, which can be costly to repair.
Zurich Vehicle Service Contract works better if you live in an area with extreme weather. Plans from Assurant may be more comprehensive, but even the highest-tier plan doesn’t include heating and cooling systems. If you live in an area where going without heat or air could be dangerous, you’ll want to go with Zurich If you live in an area where going without heat could be dangerous, or in a warm climate where your engine is at greater risk of overheating, you’ll want to go with Zurich.
Assurant Extended Warranty vs. Zurich Vehicle Service Contract coverage
Plans from Assurant Extended Warranty and Zurich Vehicle Service Contract offer varying levels of coverage for your vehicle's parts and systems.
Assurant Extended Warranty coverage
Assurant offers four plans:
- Powertrain covers the basics, including the engine, transmission, all-wheel/four-wheel drive, forced induction, gaskets, seals and hybrid components.
- Base adds coverage for electrical systems, steering, brakes and suspension to the Powertrain plan.
- High-Tech matches the Base plan's coverage with a focus on additional systems like electrical systems, steering, brakes and suspension.
- Comprehensive provides the most coverage, including all components in the three other plans plus safety systems and electronics/technology.
Zurich Vehicle Service Contract coverage
Zurich’s three main coverage options:
- Powertrain is a basic warranty that covers your vehicle’s engine, transmission, transfer case and drive axle(s).
- Standard includes everything from the basic plan plus adds protection for suspension, steering, brakes, heating and air conditioning, and electrical components.
- Comprehensive builds on the first two plans by adding coverage for your cooling system, interior (door lock linkages, interior lights, etc.) and exterior (hinges, door mirrors, exterior lights).
We’ve broken down what’s covered under each of the companies’ plans below:
 |  | |
| Coverage | | |
|---|---|---|
| Plan | ||
| Engine | | |
| Transmission | | |
| Drive axle | | |
| Transfer case | | |
| Seals and gaskets | | |
| Turbocharger/supercharger | | |
| Heating system | | |
| Cooling system | | |
| Air conditioning | | |
| Brakes | | |
| Suspension | | |
| Steering | | |
| Fuel system | | |
| Electrical components | | |
| Navigation/GPS | | |
| High-tech components | | |
» LEARN MORE: What does a car warranty cover?
Assurant Extended Warranty vs. Zurich Vehicle Service Contract cost
The cost of an extended auto warranty can vary significantly based on several key factors. Vehicle age and mileage are typically the most influential factors — newer cars with lower mileage generally cost less to cover than older vehicles with high mileage. The make and model of your vehicle also impact pricing, with luxury and high-performance vehicles usually commanding higher premiums due to more expensive repair costs.
Additionally, plans with comprehensive coverage cost more than basic powertrain protection. Plans may also be more expensive depending on where you live.
We gathered quotes for different vehicles with varying mileage to give you an idea of how prices compare between Assurant Extended Warranty and Zurich Vehicle Service Contract. The prices below are for each company's lowest-tier plan unless otherwise noted. Keep in mind that coverage for these plans varies, so it’s not an exact apples-to-apples comparison of value.
You can only purchase an extended auto warranty with Assurant through your vehicle’s dealership. Contact your dealer to see if coverage with Assurant is available and how much it costs.
Typically, the only way to obtain an extended auto warranty with Zurich, is to purchase it from your vehicle’s dealership. To find out if your vehicle qualifies and how much you can expect to spend, contact your dealership and see if it is an authorized dealer.
| Model and mileage | Assurant Extended Warranty | Zurich Vehicle Service Contract |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 Ford F-150 (150,000 miles) | - per year | - per year |
| 2014 Honda CRV (135,000 miles) | - per year | - per year |
| 2015 BMW 3 Series (125,000 miles) | - per year | - per year |
| 2016 Toyota Camry (110,000 miles) | - per year | - per year |
Assurant Extended Warranty vs. Zurich Vehicle Service Contract policies
Assurant plans don’t have limits to the number of visits or repairs you can schedule per year. However, payout limits and deductibles vary by plan. All Assurant plans have a waiting period of 30 days and are fully transferable (for an additional fee).
Zurich Vehicle Service Contract’s plans are available for purchase through a certified dealership. The company also offers plans for motorcycles and ATVs.
| Benefit | Assurant Extended Warranty | Zurich Vehicle Service Contract |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle inspection required | | |
| Contract length | - | - |
| Quote process | Call | Online |
Assurant Extended Warranty vs. Zurich Vehicle Service Contract additional benefits
In addition to coverage for mechanical failures of your vehicle's parts, Assurant Extended Warranty and Zurich Vehicle Service Contract offer a few other benefits.
Assurant Extended Warranty benefits
All Assurant plans come with roadside assistance (up to $125 per occurrence for flat tire, towing, fuel delivery, lockout and more), rental car reimbursement ($40 for a maximum of one day) and trip interruption benefits (up to $200 while 100 miles or more from home).
If your vehicle is still covered by a manufacturer’s warranty, Assurant also offers “manufacturer’s deductible reimbursement.” This benefit covers the difference if the manufacturer’s warranty doesn’t fully cover repairs.
Zurich Vehicle Service Contract benefits
Most Zurich plans include emergency roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement and trip interruption protection. It also offers add-on coverage options (at an additional charge), such as:
- Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP)
- Road hazard tire and wheel protection
- Environmental protection
- Dent repair
- Key replacement
- Prepaid maintenance plans
- Technology protection
- Lease wear and use
| Benefit | Assurant Extended Warranty | Zurich Vehicle Service Contract |
|---|---|---|
| Roadside assistance | | |
| Rental car reimbursement | | |
| Trip interruption | | |
| Transferability | | |
Assurant Extended Warranty vs. Zurich Vehicle Service Contract reviews
For an honest assessment of customer satisfaction, let's examine what actual policyholders say about Assurant Extended Warranty and Zurich Vehicle Service Contract.
Assurant Extended Warranty reviews
Reviews for Assurant are mixed. Most positive reviews cite efficient customer service, easy claims handling and timely responses.
"I called Assurant, and the very nice person that I talked to knew English perfectly and was easy to communicate with. She told me I could have the transmission fixed anywhere I trusted and felt confident. The shop simply had to communicate to Assurant when the diagnosis was complete. In the end, my truck is fixed, Assurant covered 100% for the repair, and the entire process was actually easy and peaceful for me. I had a great deal of stress and tension over everything, and as it turns out, it was one of the easiest things I've done." — Carl from New York
“Vehicle was taken in the morning with the complaint and claim was process in a very timely manner, same day. Paid my deductible and the rest the representative took care with the warranty. I was able to pick up my vehicle the very same day. Very satisfied with their response.” — Blanca from California
Assurant’s negative customer reviews mention slow claims processing, unclear denial reasons and poor communication.
“600 of my 2100 dollar claim was paid. The rest was denied ... I requested the inspection report that was used to determine the denial and was told they don't have it.” — Brian from California
» SEE FOR YOURSELF: Assurant Extended Warranty reviews
Zurich Vehicle Service Contract reviews
Most ConsumerAffairs reviewers leave positive comments spotlighting Zurich’s ease of use, quick approvals, comprehensive coverage and affordability.
“The cool thing about Zurich is it does what it advertises. Anything that I've needed done on the car has been quick and efficient. There hasn't been any lagging or delay. Everything was covered. The only thing I had to pay for was a diagnostic.” — Mckenzie from Texas
“I liked the availability and the pricing of Zurich. Their claim process was easy. I filed a claim and got it processed through. Went quickly. No issues and I was able to get into a loaner vehicle throughout the duration of repairs. A good experience overall.” — Tyler from Florida
Negative reviews for Zurich tend to focus on claim denials, frustration with customer service, complicated or confusing contract terms and unexpected exclusions.
“Zurich inspected the vehicle and contacted me to ask about it—which I don’t know why they did. I thought they were only supposed to speak to the dealership?” and “I will never purchase any vehicle that has anything to do with Zurich ever again. They’ve wronged me terribly.” — Kellie from Michigan
» SEE FOR YOURSELF: Zurich Vehicle Service Contract reviews
Bottom line: Assurant Extended Warranty or Zurich Vehicle Service Contract?
All things considered, what kind of driver is each provider best for?
Assurant is best for customers looking to get an extended auto warranty through a dealership when they make their vehicle purchase.
Zurich Vehicle Service Contract is best for customers purchasing a vehicle at a Zurich-certified dealership, particularly those seeking comprehensive coverage with multiple add-on options.
If neither sounds like a good fit, or if you’d simply like to see more top-rated providers, check out our other picks for the best extended car warranty companies.
