Century Warranty vs Fidelity Warranty Services

Century Warranty Services vs. Fidelity Warranty Services

Both Century Warranty Services and Fidelity Warranty Services offer extended vehicle service contracts that aim to reduce the financial stress of unexpected car repairs. While they share some core benefits, they differ in how they sell their plans, the types of vehicles they cover best, and how transparent they are with customers. Here’s a breakdown of how they stack up in terms of coverage, pricing, benefits, and potential drawbacks.

Coverage plans and options

Both Century and Fidelity provide tiered coverage options to accommodate different needs. Each offers powertrain plans as an entry-level option and comprehensive exclusionary coverage for drivers seeking near bumper-to-bumper protection. Hybrid and electric vehicle components are covered under both companies, and customers also benefit from reimbursement perks like alternate transportation and trip interruption assistance. Repair flexibility is another shared benefit, with both providers allowing repairs at over 6,000 licensed facilities in the U.S. and Canada.

What separates them is access and customization. Century Warranty sells plans through a broad network of third-party retailers and allows flexible deductibles from $0 to $500. They also offer immediate coverage and plans designed for newer and more technologically advanced cars. Fidelity, in contrast, requires you to purchase a plan through a dealership, limiting accessibility. However, they offer more total plan options (five vs. Century’s three), including contracts for high-mileage vehicles and separate plans for new car maintenance, which Century doesn’t provide.

Prices

Both companies follow a quote-based pricing model, meaning your final price will vary depending on your car’s age, mileage, and condition. This flexibility allows both Century and Fidelity to price plans according to individual risk factors, and each gives customers the option to finance the contract cost or pay in full. Deductibles are also adjustable, generally between $0 to $300 for Fidelity and up to $500 for Century.

That said, there’s a difference in pricing transparency. Fidelity’s plans are only available through dealerships, which often means pricing is bundled into your vehicle purchase or added as a dealer upsell—often without a clear breakdown. Reports suggest costs range from $1,800 to over $5,000 depending on add-ons. Century doesn’t provide online quotes either, but customer reviews imply their top-tier plan may run close to $5,000. Unlike Fidelity, however, Century handles claims directly with repair shops, reducing out-of-pocket expenses at the time of service.

Standout benefits

Both companies offer a solid list of perks that go beyond basic repair coverage. Trip interruption, rental car reimbursement, and nationwide coverage are standard for both. Their contracts are transferable, helping boost resale value. Additionally, both providers include coverage for alternative fuel vehicles.

Century edges ahead with a few standout perks. Century includes 24/7 roadside assistance with every plan, while Fidelity does not offer it in all of theirs. Moreover, Century’s coverage starts immediately upon enrollment, with no waiting period. They also allow more direct customer interaction through retailers rather than limiting access to dealerships only. On the other hand, Fidelity’s broader product line—including GAP waivers, tire and wheel protection, and cosmetic repair plans—might appeal more to drivers who want everything bundled from a single provider.

Potential drawbacks

Fidelity Warranty Services comes with a few limitations that may affect your experience. The biggest issue is that their plans are only available through dealerships, which means you can’t shop independently or compare prices upfront. This often leads to bundled pricing that’s not clearly explained, and some customers have reported feeling pressured into buying or having coverage added without full consent. The lack of transparency continues online—there are no sample contracts or detailed plan breakdowns available. Roadside assistance is also missing from several plans, which is unusual for a provider at this level.

Century Warranty Services, on the other hand, is more accessible but still has its own drawbacks. Their coverage is limited to vehicles under 105,000 miles and nine model years old, which excludes a large number of older or high-mileage vehicles. While they advertise strong benefits, some customers report long claim approval times and poor communication from the service team. There’s also very little information available online—you can’t get an instant quote or view a sample contract, and you’ll likely need to call them directly for details. This lack of transparency can be frustrating for shoppers who want to evaluate their options without a sales pitch.

Conclusion

Century and Fidelity both offer strong protection, but they take very different approaches. Century is better suited for drivers who want direct access, fast activation, and coverage for newer or advanced vehicles. Fidelity may appeal more to those buying through a dealership who want bundled options and coverage for high-mileage cars.

The right choice for you depends on how you’re buying your car, what kind of vehicle you drive, and whether you prefer convenience or control. Neither provider is fully transparent—so before you commit, get the details in writing and compare them closely.