Auto Warranty
Top Companies in 2025
CarShield vs Zurich
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- Affordable prices
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Trip interruption reimbursement
- Transferable warranties
- Accepts high-mileage vehicles
- Transferable contracts
- No waiting period
- Live chat option
- Can be bought directly or at dealerships
- True nationwide availability
- Comprehensive plans are very thorough
- Offers many other protection products
- May not cover hybrid vehicles
- May not cover entire cost of repairs
- Strained relationship with BBB
- Doesn't offer services in California
- Not transparent, no sample contracts available
- Policies are not renewable, you have to purchase another contract
- Could be pricey
- Different administrator in Florida
CarShield is one of the most well-known brands in the extended auto warranty 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's extended auto warranty covers a wide range of parts and services, including the engine, transmission, electrical system, and more. You can choose from a variety of plans to fit your needs and budget. Zurich's extended auto warranty is easy to purchase either directly from the provider, through warranty brokers, or at authorized dealerships. You can get a quote online or by calling a Zurich representative.
- BBB Rating : D
- Cancelation Option : Available
- Maintenance Coverage : Unavailable
- Money-Back Guarantee : Yes
- Number of Plans Available : 7
- Repair Shop Choice : Yes
- Term Limits : Mileage-based
- Waiting Period : 25 to 40 days
- Operating Status : Active
- Business Started : 2005
- Online Quote : True
- BBB Rating : A+
- Cancelation Option : Available
- Maintenance Coverage : Unavailable
- Money-Back Guarantee : Available
- Number of Plans Available : 3
- Repair Shop Choice : Any providing dealership or any ASE certified repair shop
- Term Limits : Undisclosed
- Waiting Period : None
- Operating Status : Active
- Business Started : 1872
- Online Quote : False
- 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
- Online chat available
- Covers electric vehicles
- High-tech components and computer systems coverage
- Generous eligibility criteria
- Many other protection products
- Phone
- —Undisclosed
- FAQs
- Help Guides
- Live Chat—Undisclosed
- Mobile Application
- Ticket
- Phone
- FAQs
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Mobile Application—Undisclosed
- Ticket
- Major Credit Cards
- Major Debit Cards
- Cash
- Check
- ACH Transactions
- PayPal
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Money Order
- Wire Transfer
- *Not all payment methods are available in all states
- *Some payment methods may incur additional fees
- Major Credit Cards
- Major Debit Cards
- Cash—Undisclosed
- Check
- ACH Transactions—Undisclosed
- PayPal
- Apple Pay—Undisclosed
- Google Pay—Undisclosed
- Money Order—Undisclosed
- Wire Transfer—Undisclosed
- *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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