Concord Auto Protect vs. Zurich Vehicle Service Contract

Compare coverage, cost and reviews

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Written by Matt Zane
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Edited by Jon Bortin

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    Concord Auto Protect 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.

    Concord Auto Protect is better for buyers who value flexibility in their warranty options. With more plans to choose from than Zurich Vehicle Service Contract, Concord makes it easier to match coverage to your specific needs. Keep in mind, however, that due to its lower mileage and vehicle age limits, Concord works better for newer cars.

    Zurich Vehicle Service Contract works well for buyers with older or high-mileage vehicles. It supports cars that are older or driven more frequently than Concord. These differences make Zurich a better option for extending coverage to vehicles with more wear and tear.

    Concord Auto Protect vs. Zurich Vehicle Service Contract coverage

    Plans from Concord Auto Protect and Zurich Vehicle Service Contract offer varying levels of coverage for your vehicle's parts and systems.

    Concord Auto Protect coverage

    Concord Auto Protect offers three extended auto warranty plans: Powertrain, Advanced and Premium.

    • Powertrain covers six items including the engine, transmission, drive axle(s), electrical system, cooling system and brakes.
    • Advanced expands the Powertrain coverage to include all-wheel-drive/four-wheel-drive components and steering components.
    • Premium, the most comprehensive plan, protects everything in the first two plans and adds coverage for heating and air conditioning components, fuel system, anti-lock brake system (ABS), high-tech electronics, turbo/supercharger and front/rear suspension.

    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:

    » LEARN MORE: What does a car warranty cover?

    Concord Auto Protect 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 Concord Auto Protect 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.

    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.

    Concord Auto Protect vs. Zurich Vehicle Service Contract policies

    Concord Auto Protect is available nationwide and provides a 30-day money-back guarantee to all customers (provided no claims have been made during that time). Customers can choose any ASE-certified mechanic, as well. All Concord plans have a waiting period of 30 days.

    Zurich Vehicle Service Contract’s plans are available for purchase through a certified dealership. The company also offers plans for motorcycles and ATVs.

    Concord Auto Protect vs. Zurich Vehicle Service Contract additional benefits

    In addition to coverage for mechanical failures of your vehicle's parts, Concord Auto Protect and Zurich Vehicle Service Contract offer a few other benefits.

    All Concord Auto Protect plans include 24/7 roadside assistance (up to $120 per occurrence), trip interruption insurance (up to $50 per day for up to three days when more than 100 miles away from home), dead battery service, towing, locksmith service and rental care reimbursement (up to $225 and a maximum of three days). Plans are transferable and typically last three to five years.

    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

    Concord Auto Protect vs. Zurich Vehicle Service Contract reviews

    For an honest assessment of customer satisfaction, let's examine what actual policyholders say about Concord Auto Protect and Zurich Vehicle Service Contract.

    Concord Auto Protect reviews

    Some Concord Auto Protect reviews reported excellent customer service, a smooth purchasing process and competitive pricing. Some highly recommended the product.

    • “Two claims have been approved by the staff at Concord Auto Protect. The process was easy and they paid for the repairs in full. I can not complain about anything because they did their job. I would easily recommend them to others that are looking for a car warranty company to use that is priced fair.” — Dylan from New York

    Other reviewers complain about delayed claims processing, unresponsive communication and denials for covered repairs.

    • “My vehicle has been in the shop for 53 days since the initial claim process began and like many others I call nearly every day and email every day and get nowhere.” — Keith from Michigan

    » SEE FOR YOURSELF: Concord Auto Protect 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: Concord Auto Protect or Zurich Vehicle Service Contract?

    All things considered, what kind of driver is each provider best for?

    • Concord Auto Protect is best for car owners seeking longer policy terms and broad availability of repair facilities.

    • 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.