Zurich Warranty Overview: Coverage And Cost
We rated Zurich Auto Warranty 3.9 stars because of its insurance-backed extended warranties, positive industry standing, and high customer satisfaction ratings.
With our #1 rated provider, 
Motor1 Reviews Team Take:
- Zurich offers three extended warranties that range from basic coverage to exclusionary bumper-to-bumper protection.
- Zurich has nearly 40 years of experience in the warranty industry, but its higher costs and lack of coverage options mean that other providers might be better choices.
- You can only purchase Zurich warranties and get quotes through dealerships.
- If your car is more than 10 years old or has over 100,000 miles, it may be worth it to get a Zurich warranty.
Our team of experts has thoroughly analyzed 44 providers to determine the best extended warranty companies. As part of our 1,475 hours of research, we take a close look at companies’ industry reputations, coverage offerings, average plan costs, and reviews from customers on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot.
We’ve also surveyed roughly 2,000 warranty customers to learn more about the consumer experience. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Zurich’s coverage, costs, customer satisfaction, and industry standing to help you determine if it’s the right provider for your needs.
Zurich Warranty Overview And Methodology
Comprehensive coverage offerings and positive reviews make a Zurich warranty a good choice for extended protection, but there are other options out there with more availability and perks.
How We Rated Zurich Warranty
To give you the most current information, we update our review standards several times each year. Our warranty research evaluates providers in the following categories:
Industry Standing: 4.8 Stars
We give Zurich a high rating in this category largely because of its decades of experience in the warranty industry and its accredited A+ rating from the BBB. Zurich has been offering vehicle service contracts since 1984. Its nearly 40 years of experience is unique in the industry. Zurich’s rating in this category is higher than the average of 4.1 across 44 providers.
Coverage: 4.5 Stars
Zurich offers fairly standard coverage plans with a long list of add-on coverages and maintenance contracts to choose from. However, Zurich provides less versatile coverage options when compared to other companies like Endurance, which offers six different vehicle service contracts for customers with varying needs.
Zurich again checks in above our average rating of 4.3 in this category.
Cost: 3.8 Stars
Zurich comes in below our average cost rating of 4.1 largely because of its higher rates. Zurich warranties are only available through dealerships, so you can’t buy a plan directly from the company. What you pay for a Zurich warranty plan will depend on several factors, such as your vehicle type and mileage, the coverage level you select, and more.
Transparency: 2.5 Stars
While Zurich is a reliable warranty provider, it offers limited transparency into its contracts. It doesn’t offer sample contracts online, nor does it mention a money-back guarantee on its website. Because of this, we give Zurich a lower transparency rating. Our average rating for transparency is 3.4.
Customer Service: 3.7 Stars
Overall, Zurich has a decent reputation among customers. It has many positive reviews on sites like ConsumerAffairs, where customers cite the hassle-free ease of Zurich’s claims process and the added benefits that help when the car is in the repair facility. However, Zurich has its fair share of negative reviews on sites like the BBB as well. Zurich matches our industry average rating for this category.
Is A Zurich Warranty Worth It?
If you own a car that’s at least 10 years old or has more than 100,000 miles on it, a Zurich warranty may be worth it. Older vehicles with higher mileage are far more likely to break down and need repairs.
In our 2023 Pollfish survey, we asked 1,000 car owners if they would consider purchasing an extended car warranty from a third-party provider. Of all the respondents:
- 58 percent said they would consider it
- 20 percent said they would not consider it
- 22 percent were either unsure or unfamiliar with the concept
Independent warranty companies often provide an array of benefits compared to manufacturer warranties. They generally offer a wide selection of coverage options, more affordable prices on average, and flexibility in repair shop choices. The peace of mind a third-party warranty can offer is worth it for many car owners.
Cost Of Auto Repairs
You could end up paying thousands of dollars out of pocket if your car breaks down, depending on what vehicle parts need to be fixed. It helps to know generally how much repairs could cost when deciding whether an extended warranty is worth it.
According to RepairPal, the average cost of car repairs is $652 per year across 32 car manufacturers. Here are the average prices for some common part replacements:
| Vehicle Component Replacement | Average Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Valve cover gasket | $240 to $289 |
| Fuel injector | $644 to $784 |
| Engine control module | $1,010 to $1,081 |
| Timing chain tensioner | $1,062 to $1,250 |
| Camshaft | $1,448 to $1,683 |
Reliability Of Your Vehicle
One good way to determine if you need an extended warranty is to look at the manufacturer that made your car. If your car brand has a reputation for unreliable vehicles or consistent mechanical issues, it may be worth getting an extended warranty from Zurich.
Lexus vehicles suffered the fewest mechanical problems in 2023, according to the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Vehicle Reliability Study℠. Land Rover was dubbed the least reliable automaker brand by J.D. Power, suffering on average 273 problems out of 100 vehicles after three years of ownership. The industry average was 186. The table below lists the top six and bottom six auto manufacturers by reliability:
| Most Reliable Automaker Brands | Least Reliable Automaker Brands |
|---|---|
| Lexus | Land Rover |
| Genesis | Lincoln |
| Kia | Audi |
| Buick | Ford |
| Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Mitsubishi | Jaguar |
Zurich Warranty Quick Facts
- Founded: 1913
- Headquarters: Schaumburg, Illinois
- Coverage options: Comprehensive, Standard, Powertrain
Zurich has been operating for over 100 years, and it’s been offering vehicle service contracts for nearly 40 years. Zurich’s vehicle service contracts are offered through Zurich North America, which is a subsidiary of Zurich Insurance Group. Zurich operates in more than 200 countries and territories.
Is Zurich Warranty Reputable?
It’s important to know whether you can trust a warranty provider before signing any contract. Zurich has a solid history as a legitimate multi-functional company and has many years of experience offering vehicle service contracts. It also holds accreditation and an A+ rating from the BBB, indicating its reliability as a company and its commitment to resolving customer complaints.
Zurich Warranty Customer Reviews
Zurich’s warranty service received mixed reviews on different platforms. The company receives a 1.3-star rating out of 5.0 from customers on the BBB, but customer reviews on ConsumersAffairs give the provider an average of 4.4 stars out of 5.0.
Zurich Warranty Positive Reviews
Positive Zurich auto warranty reviews talk about the company’s excellent customer service. Multiple customers remark on Zurich’s efficiency and consistency in handling claims, as well as the company’s tendency to go the extra mile with its service.
Zurich Warranty Complaints
Like all companies, especially in the warranty industry, Zurich has a collection of complaints alongside its positive reviews. Many customers talked about Zurich’s representatives being dismissive and unhelpful in their service. Several others commented on Zurich’s attempts to use loopholes to get out of paying for services.
Our Extended Warranty Surveys
Our research team frequently conducts surveys of the warranty industry to understand driver satisfaction with vehicle service contracts. While polling drivers with third-party warranties, we haven’t come across many with coverage from Zurich, but we did have several contract holders respond to a recent survey in January 2024.
One driver with a Chevrolet Trax reported paying between $2,000 and $3,000 for coverage. “Fortunately, I have not had to use the warranty yet,” she said. “I had one concern or issue and, after reading and searching the information about what was included in my warranty, the issue with my oil leak was not covered. I was not upset because what had happened had not been an incident that caused it to be covered… I have spoken with customer service/claims in helping me determine if the warranty would cover damage that I needed repaired. It was not a covered issue, but the service I was given was very courteous, respectful, knowledgeable, and professional.”
Another driver with a BMW Series 6 reported paying over $5,000 for coverage and, after using the warranty for some failed electrical parts, said, “[I] am completely satisfied and had [a] good experience.”
Zurich Warranty Coverage
You can choose from three levels of coverage with a Zurich extended warranty plan. Plan levels give you the option to choose basic coverage or comprehensive coverage. See an overview of the Zurich warranty options below:
Zurich Auto Warranty Plans
| Zurich Warranty Option | What’s Covered? |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | Zurich’s Powertrain warranty covers the:
• Engine • Transmission • Transfer case • Drive axle |
| Standard | All covered components of the powertrain plan, plus stated components of the following systems:
• Suspension • Steering • Heating • Air conditioning • Brakes • Electrical |
| Comprehensive | The comprehensive plan is a bumper-to-bumper warranty and exclusionary coverage. This means your entire vehicle and systems are covered, except for a specified list of excluded parts or systems. |
Zurich Warranty Benefits
Zurich auto warranty plans come with additional benefits for drivers. Trip interruption coverage, rental car reimbursement, emergency roadside assistance, and towing and lockout services can all help you stay on the road when you have a breakdown. These roadside benefits are included with all levels of protection.
Unlike most extended warranties offered by dealerships, you can choose to get covered repairs at any shop certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE®) with a Zurich warranty. Many dealership warranties require that you have your vehicle serviced at the dealership for the repair to be covered, so this is a major benefit of the Zurich extended warranty.
Other Vehicle Protection Options From Zurich
In addition to extended warranties, Zurich offers other types of vehicle protection products for your car. These services can be added to your total cost along with your extended warranty to give your vehicle more protection.
Zurich Shield® Advanced Environmental Protection
Zurich Shield is a protection plan to help keep your car looking its best, even after being exposed to environmental hazards. Zurich Shield helps pay for damages to the interior and exterior surfaces.
Covered items include paint, fabric, vinyl, and leather surfaces of your vehicle that are protected against everyday hazards. Hazards may include stains, weather-induced fading, loss of gloss shine, acid rain, and bird waste.
New car warranties and extended warranties alike don’t normally cover these damages, so this plan is designed to fill in the gaps.
Tire & Wheel
The Zurich Road Hazard Tire and Wheel protection covers some tire repair expenses. The cost of mounting and balancing tires and wheels may also be covered. This protection is extra but could be helpful if you live in an area with lots of potholes or road hazards.
Many tire manufacturers provide their own warranties and guarantees for tires. Be sure to check for tire manufacturer warranties before adding more cost to a Zurich warranty.
Prepaid Maintenance
A prepaid maintenance contract allows you to pay upfront for the cost of recurring maintenance expenses. You will likely save little, if any, money using a prepaid maintenance plan, but they’re helpful in keeping your routine maintenance expenses on track.
Additional Zurich protection plans include:
- Guaranteed asset protection (GAP): In the event of a total loss, this will cover the financial “gap” between your car’s cash value and the remaining amount on your loan or lease.
- Theft-deterrent: Using Universal Security Guard®, this package protects against theft through warning labels and assists with car recovery.
- Paintless dent repair: This plan is available for new and pre-owned vehicles. There are no deductibles, and repairs are quickly completed by nationally certified technicians.
How Does A Zurich Warranty Work?
As an insurance provider, all Zurich vehicle protection plans are backed by the insurance division of Zurich. Having an insurance-backed extended warranty is important so you know your claim has the necessary financial backing.
Zurich Warranty Claims
If you experience a breakdown, take your vehicle to your preferred repair shop. The repair shop will diagnose your vehicle. For covered components or repairs, you must have your repair shop or dealership service center file a claim with Zurich. The shop will receive an authorization number. If the Zurich warranty claims team authorizes the repair, your shop can complete repairs to your vehicle.
Most Zurich plans require you to pay a deductible after your vehicle is repaired. When you pick up your car, you’ll pay the deductible amount, usually up to $200. The rest of the authorized amount is paid to the repair shop by Zurich directly.
Can You Transfer A Zurich Auto Warranty?
Yes, you can transfer your Zurich warranty to a new owner. In fact, offering a vehicle with an extended car warranty could help increase the resale value of your car.
Zurich Warranty Cost
Like most warranty providers, Zurich doesn’t post its extended warranty prices online. This is largely because extended warranty costs are based on a vehicle’s make, model, mileage, and age, so they vary significantly from driver to driver.
In our 2023 warranty survey, the majority of respondents reported paying between $1,500 to $3,500 total for their extended warranties. However, this number accounts for consumers who bought service contracts from many different warranty providers – not specifically Zurich.
Realistically, most extended warranty costs range anywhere from $300 to $700 per year, or $1,500 to $4,000 overall. The price of an extended warranty from Zurich will depend mostly on your car and your chosen protection plan. To know how much a Zurich warranty will cost, call 888-835-5063 to find the nearest selling dealership where you can get a quote.
Zurich Car Warranty: Bottom Line
All in all, we think Zurich is a reputable extended warranty company that can provide you peace of mind, but its limited availability may make purchasing a plan more difficult depending on whether it’s available through your dealership.
Third-Party Car Warranty Recommendations
We recommend getting quotes from multiple extended warranty companies to compare your options. In your search, it’s worth checking out Endurance and CarShield.
Endurance: 4.6 Stars
Endurance receives our highest score because of its many flexible coverage options, outstanding benefits, and records of great customer satisfaction. Endurance offers six coverage options that can fit your specific needs. All Endurance warranties also include one free year of Endurance Elite Benefits, which include key fob replacements, up to $500 in collision discounts, and more.
Keep reading: Endurance review
CarShield: 4.4 Stars
In our 2023 survey, CarShield was the warranty company of choice for 60 percent of the respondents who purchased extended warranties from third-party providers. The company offers flexible month-to-month service plans for affordable prices, making it a smart option for many drivers.
Keep reading: CarShield review
Zurich Auto Warranty: FAQ
Below are frequently asked questions about Zurich Warranty:
Is Zurich Warranty worth it?
If your vehicle is at least 10 years old or has more than 100,000 miles on the odometer, an extended warranty is probably a wise investment. We give Zurich Warranty solid ratings across the board, but it’s always best to compare quotes from multiple warranty providers before purchasing a plan.
What’s the difference between a manufacturer’s warranty and an extended car warranty?
A manufacturer’s warranty is a promise from your car manufacturer that they stand behind the product. Manufacturer, or factory, warranties cover the cost to repair damage to your vehicle caused by defective parts or workmanship. A factory warranty doesn’t cover damages due to regular wear and tear of parts or mechanical breakdowns due to vehicle age. Most importantly, it’s included with your car purchase and isn’t a separate cost.
Do I need an extended warranty if my car is still under factory warranty?
The earlier you purchase an extended warranty, the less expensive it is – and that’s true across all providers. As cars age, they tend to have more mechanical issues, making them more expensive to cover. If you purchase longer-term coverage with an extended warranty while the car is still under the factory warranty, you could save money in the long run.
What is and isn’t covered by an extended car warranty?
While the specific parts or systems that are covered will depend on your contract, most warranties offer protection for internally lubricated parts of your engine and transmission. It’s important that you read your entire vehicle service contract and ask questions if you have concerns.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
