Auto Warranty
Top Companies in 2026
CarShield vs Zurich
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- Affordable prices
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Trip interruption reimbursement
- Transferable warranties
- Accepts high-mileage vehicles
- No waiting period when purchased at dealership
- Exclusionary Comprehensive plan covering virtually all mechanical and electrical components
- Vehicles up to 15 years old and 150,000 miles eligible
- Available in all 50 states, including California
- Any ASE-certified repair facility in the US
- Direct payment to repair facility upon claim approval
- Purchasing flexibility: dealerships, direct, and broker partners
- A+ BBB accreditation with AM Best A++ financial strength rating
- May not cover hybrid vehicles
- May not cover entire cost of repairs
- Strained relationship with BBB
- Doesn't offer services in California
- Quotes only available through dealership or direct contact
- Dealership-only primary sales model introduces dealer markup
- Non-renewable contracts; new purchase required at expiry
- Significant gap between Standard and Comprehensive tiers
- Engine teardown requirement documented in major failure claims
- Florida contracts administered by a third-party entity (Vehicle Dealer Solutions, Inc.)
- Plans not transferable on dealer trade-ins, only on private sales
- No mobile app or online claims portal for consumers
CarShield is one of the most well-known brands in the vehicle service contract industry. They offer a variety of cost-effective packages and a very high mileage limit. With CarShield, you can choose the coverage that best fits your needs and budget. And because CarShield has a high mileage limit, you can rest assured that your car will be protected for years to come.
Zurich North America offers vehicle service contracts backed by one of the world’s largest insurance organizations, with US auto-related coverage dating back to 1914. Their plans are issued and administered by Universal Underwriters Service Corporation in most states, with state-specific structures in Florida, California, and New York. Coverage is primarily sold through franchised and independent dealerships, though direct inquiry and select broker access may also be available. Zurich’s vehicle protection lineup includes three main tiers: Powertrain, Standard, and Comprehensive. The Comprehensive plan is exclusionary, covering most mechanical, electrical, and electronic components except listed exclusions. Zurich also offers a dedicated EV service contract, with the Comprehensive EVSC tier standing out for its high-voltage battery coverage. Eligible vehicles may qualify up to 15 years old and under 150,000 miles, and most dealership-purchased plans begin with no waiting period. Benefits include roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, trip interruption coverage, direct repair shop payment, and access to any ASE-certified repair facility. Zurich’s institutional strength, A+ BBB accreditation, and A++ AM Best rating add credibility, though pricing transparency, dealership markup, non-renewable contracts, and mixed claim-related feedback are important considerations.
- BBB Rating : D
- Maximum Mileage : 300,000 miles
- Money-Back Guarantee : Yes
- Number of Plans Available : 7
- Waiting Period : 25 to 40 days
- Operating Status : Active
- BBB Rating : A+ (accredited)
- Maximum Mileage : 150,000 miles
- Money-Back Guarantee : Undisclosed
- Number of Plans Available : 3 plus dedicated EVSC plans
- Waiting Period : N/A (no waiting period when purchased at dealership; inspection may apply if purchased after factory warranty expiry)
- Operating Status : Active
- Deductible Range : $0–$200 (negotiated at point of sale)
- Affordable plans that can be tailored to your budget and coverage needs
- Monthly & term period contracts
- Coverage for most vehicle types (cars, EVs, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs))
- Covers luxury vehicle and high-end components
- Cars with up to 300,000 miles are covered
- Easy-to-use mobile app
- Get a discount of up to $360 yearly
- Dedicated EV service contract with explicit high-voltage battery coverage
- $284 million in mechanical claims paid in 2024
- Motorcycle, powersport, personal watercraft, and snowmobile VSCs available through dealerships
- Most extensive ancillary protection suite in the dealership F&I market
- 150+ years of institutional insurance history backing every contract
- High-mileage
- Exclusionary
- Powertrain
- $0 deductible option—Undisclosed
- Commercial/rideshare
- EV/hybrid components
- No waiting period—Undisclosed
- Option with free maintenance benefits—Undisclosed
- Transferable—Undisclosed
- High-mileage
- Exclusionary
- Powertrain
- $0 deductible option
- Commercial/rideshare
- EV/hybrid components
- No waiting period
- Option with free maintenance benefits
- Transferable
- 24/7 roadside assistance—Undisclosed
- Any licensed repair shop—Undisclosed
- Direct shop payment
- In-network repair network
- Mobile app for claims—Undisclosed
- Online claims portal—Undisclosed
- Trip interruption coverage—Undisclosed
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Any licensed repair shop
- Direct shop payment
- In-network repair network
- Mobile app for claims
- Online claims portal
- Trip interruption coverage
- Phone
- 24/7 customer support
- —Undisclosed
- FAQs / Educational resources
- Live Chat—Undisclosed
- Mobile Application
- Online quote without phone—Undisclosed
- Sample contracts online
- Phone
- 24/7 customer support
- FAQs / Educational resources
- Live Chat
- Mobile Application
- Online quote without phone
- Sample contracts online
- Contract (lump-sum) payments
- Pay-in-full discount
- Month-to-month payments
- Cancellation fee
- Multi-vehicle discount
- Price lock guarantee
- *Not all payment methods are available in all states
- *Some payment methods may incur additional fees
- Contract (lump-sum) payments
- Pay-in-full discount
- Month-to-month payments
- Cancellation fee
- Multi-vehicle discount
- Price lock guarantee
- *Not all payment methods are available in all states
- *Some payment methods may incur additional fees
CarShield vs. Zurich
When choosing an extended auto warranty, both CarShield and Zurich offer valuable protection, but their structures, pricing, and benefits differ. CarShield is known for its flexible, budget-friendly plans, while Zurich provides dealership-backed coverage with comprehensive vehicle protection. This comparison explores their coverage plans, pricing, standout benefits, and potential drawbacks to help you determine which provider best suits your needs.
Coverage plans and options
CarShield offers a variety of plans tailored to different needs. They provide six core vehicle service contracts (VSCs), as well as specialized coverage for electric vehicles, motorcycles, and ATVs. Their most comprehensive plan, Diamond, closely resembles a manufacturer’s bumper-to-bumper warranty, while their Silver plan focuses on critical powertrain components. CarShield also allows customers to choose any ASE-certified repair shop, providing flexibility in servicing their vehicles.
Zurich primarily sells its extended warranties through dealerships. They offer three main plans: Powertrain, which covers essential drivetrain components like the engine and transmission; Standard, which expands coverage to include the steering, brakes, suspension, and air conditioning; and Comprehensive, an exclusionary plan that protects nearly all vehicle components except those explicitly listed as exclusions.
Pricing
CarShield’s pricing is more transparent and flexible, allowing customers to choose between monthly payments or fixed-term contracts. The average monthly cost for CarShield plans ranges from $69.99 to $139.99, depending on the plan and vehicle details. CarShield also frequently offers promotional discounts, making their coverage more affordable.
Zurich’s pricing is determined by dealerships, which makes upfront cost comparisons more difficult. Zurich’s extended warranties typically range between $2,000 and $4,500 for a full contract, with deductibles varying from $0 to $200 per repair. Unlike CarShield, Zurich does not provide online quotes, requiring customers to visit a dealership to obtain pricing.
Standout benefits
Both CarShield and Zurich include 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage, ensuring support during unexpected vehicle breakdowns. However, each provider offers unique advantages.
CarShield’s standout benefits include high mileage coverage up to 300,000 miles, a wide selection of plans, and the ability to choose any ASE-certified repair shop. They also provide lower deductibles, typically between $0 and $100 per repair, and a CarShield mobile app that allows customers to manage contracts and request roadside assistance.
Zurich distinguishes itself with dealership-backed coverage, meaning that plans purchased through a dealership have no waiting period. Zurich warranties are also transferable, making them an attractive option for vehicle owners who plan to sell their cars.
Potential drawbacks
CarShield has received mixed customer reviews, with some complaints about denied claims and policy exclusions. The company is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and some repair shops may refuse CarShield coverage due to its use of third-party administrators. Additionally, CarShield’s hybrid vehicle coverage is limited, as they do not explicitly list hybrid components in their plans.
Zurich’s main disadvantages include non-renewable contracts, meaning customers must purchase a new plan once their existing coverage expires. Their pricing is not transparent, requiring negotiations through dealerships.
Conclusion
CarShield is a better choice for customers looking for affordable, flexible, and high-mileage coverage options. Their month-to-month payment plans and ability to choose any repair shop make them ideal for those seeking customizable protection.
Zurich is better suited for drivers who prefer dealership-backed coverage and comprehensive protection for electric vehicles. Their plans work well for those purchasing a new or used vehicle from a dealership and looking for bundled protection products.
If affordability and flexibility are your top priorities, CarShield is the better option. If you value dealership integration and extensive coverage options, Zurich may be the right choice for you.
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