Endurance Auto Warranty 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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    Endurance Auto 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.

    Endurance Auto Warranty is our recommendation for the best overall coverage. Plans from Endurance provide better coverage for major components and accept older vehicles with higher mileage compared to Zurich Vehicle Service Contract. Endurance is also recognized for its transparency, offering clearer pricing information and an easier quote process than Zurich.

    We recommend Zurich Vehicle Service Contract to customers looking for the best value. ConsumerAffairs reviewers praise Zurich for its competitive pricing and report feeling they get more out of their plans thanks to secondary benefits, such as complimentary towing. These features, combined with positive feedback on claims resolution, make Zurich a good choice for those who are most concerned with getting the best bang for their buck.

    Endurance Auto Warranty vs. Zurich Vehicle Service Contract coverage

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

    Endurance coverage

    Endurance offers six plans, but you’ll typically only see three when you get an online quote (Supreme, Superior and Secure Plus). The other three (Superior, Select Premier and Advantage) are usually only available over the phone and have more restrictive eligibility criteria.

    • Secure is a powertrain-only plan.
    • Secure Plus is the equivalent of a powertrain warranty but with added coverage for your air conditioning and brakes.
    • Select Premier offers similar coverage to Secure Plus for vehicles with more than 150,000 miles. It also offers greater coverage for all the components it covers.
    • Superior covers 300-plus components across most major component groups.
    • Supreme is an exclusionary, bumper-to-bumper warranty with coverage for virtually all components on your vehicle (2,000+), except wear-and-tear and a short list of exceptions.
    • Advantage offers Supreme coverage plus up to $3,500 in annual maintenance costs.

    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?

    Endurance Auto 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 Endurance Auto 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.

    For Endurance quotes, note that the Secure Plus plan was not available for the Honda CRV or the Ford F-150; for these vehicles, we received quotes for the Premier plan.

    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.

    Endurance Auto Warranty vs. Zurich Vehicle Service Contract policies

    Endurance offers a standard deductible of $100. However, it automatically assigns a $500 deductible to any Supreme plan covering an Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Jaguar, Porsche or Alfa Romeo. It also only covers these vehicles until they hit eight years old or 80,000 miles, whichever comes first.

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

    Endurance Auto Warranty vs. Zurich Vehicle Service Contract additional benefits

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

    Endurance benefits

    Endurance offers 12 months of Elite Benefits with each plan for an additional $29 (one-time payment). These include:

    • Up to $500 for key fob replacements
    • Up to two tire repairs/replacements
    • Up to $1,000 in collision repair assistance
    • Up to $1,000 in total loss protection, which goes toward a replacement vehicle if your current vehicle is declared a total loss

    While these benefits are valuable, one of Endurance’s hidden shortcomings is that it only offers $30 per day (or $150 maximum per repair) in rental car assistance.

    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

    Endurance Auto Warranty vs. Zurich Vehicle Service Contract reviews

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

    Endurance reviews

    The general sentiment surrounding Endurance is that the reps are friendly and knowledgeable and that claims move along quickly.

    • “They're good people and we get no hassle whenever I have a claim. I had a claim for the radio and Endurance took care of it. They're the real deal. I have already got four of my family members signed up with them.” — William from Georgia

    • "The first claim I ever had with Endurance was awesome ... Endurance has been great with me, and I've never been on the phone 15 minutes when I called there.” — Yvonne from Kentucky

    Most of Endurance’s negative reviews seem to stem from a misunderstanding of coverage, waiting periods or other key terms of the warranty. To its credit, Endurance responds to its critical reviews, seeking ways to make things right with the reviewer.

    • “I was told I need 30 days before my warranty was activated. It’s been over 90!!!! Come time to use the warranty fine print page 3 on a digital contract say 30 days and 1000 miles. I drive my car 550 miles so I have been paying them and I am not covered????” — Ivorie from Pennsylvania

    » SEE FOR YOURSELF: Endurance 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: Endurance Auto Warranty or Zurich Vehicle Service Contract?

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

    • Endurance is best for drivers who value robust coverage and generous first-year benefits for added peace of mind.

    • 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.