Premier Auto Protect vs. Zurich Vehicle Service Contract
Compare coverage, cost and reviews
 |  |
|---|---|
4.8
167 reviews
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4.5
847 reviews
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| No. of plans:4 | No. of plans:3 |
| Max mileage200,000 | Max mileage150,000 |
| Max vehicle age- | Max vehicle age15 years |
| Waiting period30 days | Waiting period10 to 30 days (varies) |
+1 more
Premier 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.
We recommend Premier Auto Protect to drivers who want the most coverage on their vehicles. Plans from Premier tend to offer protection on more major components than plans from Zurich, which means Premier is the better choice for buyers who want the most comprehensive warranty available.
Zurich Vehicle Service Contract works best for buyers who want the most bang for their buck. Customers reported high satisfaction rates with pricing, claims handling as well as extra perks like free towing. ConsumerAffairs reviewers felt that, for the money, Zurich offered the better value.
Premier Auto Protect vs. Zurich Vehicle Service Contract coverage
Plans from Premier Auto Protect and Zurich Vehicle Service Contract offer varying levels of coverage for your vehicle's parts and systems.
Premier Auto Protect coverage
Premier Auto Protect offers four main levels of coverage:
- Premier Basic covers your vehicle’s engine, transmission, drive axle(s), all-wheel-drive/four-wheel-drive systems, cooling system and brakes.
- Premier Value combines everything in the basic plan with added protection for steering (manual/power), turbo/supercharger, air conditioning, fuel system, seals and gaskets, and electrical components.
- Premier Complete builds on the Value plan by including coverage for anti-lock brakes (ABS), heating, high-tech electronics, front/rear suspension and hybrid vehicles.
- Exclusionary adds coverage for your key fob. While specific details of this plan are unavailable online, it’s Premier Auto Protect’s most comprehensive plan.
Premier Auto Protect offers two additional plans with slightly different coverage:
- Premier Powertrain Enhanced is a powertrain warranty (engine, transmission, axles and differential) that also includes coverage for cooling, dead battery, running out of gas, parts and labor, towing, locksmith, 24/7 roadside assistance, turbo/supercharger, air conditioning, fuel system, seals and gaskets, electrical, heating, high-tech electronics and hybrid vehicles.
- Premier Repair Assist expands the Premier Powertrain Enhanced plan to cover ABS, heating, front/rear suspension and trip interruption.
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?
Premier 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 Premier 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.
Note that some Premier Auto Protect plans are cheaper with higher coverage than basic powertrain coverage. Be sure to speak with a representative and be aware of all your options.
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 | Premier Auto Protect | Zurich Vehicle Service Contract |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 Ford F-150 (150,000 miles) | $996 per year | - per year |
| 2014 Honda CRV (135,000 miles) | $985 per year | - per year |
| 2015 BMW 3 Series (125,000 miles) | $1,733 per year | - per year |
| 2016 Toyota Camry (110,000 miles) | $924 per year | - per year |
Premier Auto Protect vs. Zurich Vehicle Service Contract policies
Premier Auto Protect covers vehicles up to 8 years old with up to 100,000 miles under its Exclusionary plan. It also has plans for vehicles with over 200,000 miles.
Premier Auto Protect offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a prorated refund for those who cancel after this period. Contracts are transferable and allow you to choose any dealer or mechanic (as long as they’re ASE-certified).
Zurich Vehicle Service Contract’s plans are available for purchase through a certified dealership. The company also offers plans for motorcycles and ATVs.
| Benefit | Premier Auto Protect | Zurich Vehicle Service Contract |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle inspection required | | |
| Contract length | Month to month | - |
| Quote process | Online | Online |
Premier Auto Protect vs. Zurich Vehicle Service Contract additional benefits
In addition to coverage for mechanical failures of your vehicle's parts, Premier Auto Protect and Zurich Vehicle Service Contract offer a few other benefits.
Premier Auto Protect benefits
Premier Auto Protect also offers protection plans for power sports (ATVs, UTVs, scooters, personal watercraft and motorcycles) and homes.
Limits on roadside assistance, trip interruption coverage and rental car reimbursement depend on your policy level.
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 | Premier Auto Protect | Zurich Vehicle Service Contract |
|---|---|---|
| Roadside assistance | | |
| Rental car reimbursement | | |
| Trip interruption | | |
| Transferability | | |
Premier Auto Protect vs. Zurich Vehicle Service Contract reviews
For an honest assessment of customer satisfaction, let's examine what actual policyholders say about Premier Auto Protect and Zurich Vehicle Service Contract.
Premier Auto Protect reviews
Most of Premier Auto Protect’s positive reviews focus on great customer service, ease of sign-up, peace of mind, a good variety of coverage options and fast claims handling.
“Premier Auto is the BEST auto protection company out there. When I had a issue with my focus and needed it fixed they were there and covered it totally.” — Crystal from Virginia
“Stan was very helpful as we worked out the very best policy for me. I have talked to two other companies and Premier Auto Protection had the best coverage for the price. What also was impressive is their Better Business rating.” — Ella from Kansas
However, some reviewers express disappointment at dealing with poor follow-up, delayed service or claims, and unclear plan terms that led to additional fees or denied claims.
"Premier Auto Protect has denied the claim stating they were worn over time. How would I/they know if nothing before that day indicated a problem? So if it just suddenly goes out, but it’s been used, EVEN NORMALLY, they aren’t going to cover it." — Donna from Texas
» SEE FOR YOURSELF: Premier 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: Premier Auto Protect or Zurich Vehicle Service Contract?
All things considered, what kind of driver is each provider best for?
Premier Auto Protect is best for customers who want flexible coverage options and robust sales support.
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.
