Zurich Vehicle Service Contract vs. Nova Warranty
Compare coverage, cost and reviews
 |  |
|---|---|
4.5
850 reviews
|
4.8
114 reviews
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| No. of plans:3 | No. of plans:2 |
| Max mileage150,000 | Max mileage130,000 |
| Max vehicle age15 years | Max vehicle age- |
| Waiting period10 to 30 days (varies) | Waiting period30 days |
+1 more
Zurich Vehicle Service Contract and Nova Warranty 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.
Zurich Vehicle Service Contract is the best choice for drivers of older vehicles with more mileage. Most insurers put age limits and mileage caps on vehicles, which can exclude some older vehicles. Both the age and mileage limits at Zurich are higher than those offered by Nova Warranty.
We recommend Nova Warranty to buyers looking for the most comprehensive coverage. Both premium and basic plans from Nova protect more components than plans from Zurich, with coverage for items that some insurers consider bells and whistles, like high-tech components and GPS systems.
Zurich Vehicle Service Contract vs. Nova Warranty coverage
Plans from Zurich Vehicle Service Contract and Nova Warranty offer varying levels of coverage for your vehicle's parts and systems.
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).
Nova Warranty coverage
Nova Warranty offers two plans: Nova Powertrain and Nova Superior.
- Nova Powertrain covers essential components, including the engine, transmission, drive axle, electrical systems (like the starter and alternator), cooling systems (like the radiator) and brakes.
- Nova Superior provides more comprehensive coverage. It includes everything in the Powertrain plan plus components like turbos and superchargers, all-wheel or four-wheel drive, suspension systems, steering, air conditioning and heating, fuel systems, anti-lock brakes and high-tech electronics (like factory-installed GPS).
Both plans include roadside assistance, towing, rental car reimbursement and trip interruption coverage.
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?
Zurich Vehicle Service Contract vs. Nova Warranty 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 Zurich Vehicle Service Contract and Nova Warranty. 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.
Nova Warranty quotes were collected based on its shortest contract period, three years. We received quotes for the Nova Powertrain plan.
| Model and mileage | Zurich Vehicle Service Contract | Nova Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 Ford F-150 (150,000 miles) | - per year | $850 per year |
| 2014 Honda CRV (135,000 miles) | - per year | $967 per year |
| 2015 BMW 3 Series (125,000 miles) | - per year | $1,268 per year |
| 2016 Toyota Camry (110,000 miles) | - per year | $1,117 per year |
Zurich Vehicle Service Contract vs. Nova Warranty policies
Zurich Vehicle Service Contract’s plans are available for purchase through a certified dealership. The company also offers plans for motorcycles and ATVs.
Nova Warranty allows you to cancel your plan at any time. If you cancel within 30 days, you can receive a full refund. After 30 days, you may qualify for a prorated refund based on the time remaining in your contract.
| Benefit | Zurich Vehicle Service Contract | Nova Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle inspection required | | |
| Contract length | - | - |
| Quote process | Online | Online or call |
Zurich Vehicle Service Contract vs. Nova Warranty additional benefits
In addition to coverage for mechanical failures of your vehicle's parts, Zurich Vehicle Service Contract and Nova Warranty offer a few other benefits.
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
Nova Warranty benefits
Nova offers several added benefits with its extended auto warranty plans:
- 24-hour roadside assistance covers services like towing, fuel delivery and more.
- Rental car coverage helps you stay on the road while your vehicle is in the shop.
- Locksmith services assist if you're locked out of your vehicle.
- Out-of-gas assistance offers help if you run out of fuel.
- Dead battery assistance including jump-start services when your battery dies.
- Trip interruption coverage reimburses you for lodging and meals if your vehicle breaks down while traveling.
| Benefit | Zurich Vehicle Service Contract | Nova Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Roadside assistance | | |
| Rental car reimbursement | | |
| Trip interruption | | |
| Transferability | | |
Zurich Vehicle Service Contract vs. Nova Warranty reviews
For an honest assessment of customer satisfaction, let's examine what actual policyholders say about Zurich Vehicle Service Contract and Nova Warranty.
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
Nova Warranty reviews
Customers have mixed experiences with Nova Warranty. Positive reviews highlight that the representatives are professional, respectful and helpful in explaining coverage options. Many customers appreciated prompt claims processing and direct payments to repair shops.
“Recently had a repair done on my Range Rover Sport HSE. They paid for it right away with no hassle, all they needed was a diagnostic and invoice from my dealer, they even paid for my rental car although I did have to send the receipt but they reimbursed me which wasn't too big of a deal and they sent it right to my card. Highly satisfied with their service!” — Roger from New Jersey.
Some reviewers expressed significant dissatisfaction, citing poor customer service and unmet expectations.
“Getting in contact with NOVA claims department took way too long, I had to call the original person who signed me up in order to get a call back. After she called I was contacted, very poor instruction on how to submit a claim.” — Diana from California
» SEE FOR YOURSELF: Nova Warranty reviews
Bottom line: Zurich Vehicle Service Contract or Nova Warranty?
All things considered, what kind of driver is each provider best for?
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.
Nova is best for drivers seeking reliable coverage for all types of cars, from daily drivers to exotic sports cars.
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.
