Auto Warranty
Top Companies in 2026
Century Warranty vs Zurich
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- Rental car reimbursement
- Nationwide coverage
- Roadside assistance
- Trip interruption reimbursement
- Flexible deductible options
- 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
- Limited coverage
- Limited coverage terms
- No transparency
- Lack of transparency
- 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
Century Warranty Services has a 40-year history of providing protection plans and has responded to the growing demand for auto warranties by expanding its services to over 6,000 repair shops in the US and Canada. The company also has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
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 : A+
- Maximum Mileage : 120,000
- Money-Back Guarantee : Undisclosed
- Number of Plans Available : 3
- Waiting Period : None
- 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)
- Trip interruption reimbursement is available on all their plans
- Reimbursement on covered repairs is instant
- Covers hybrid/EV/hydrogen batteries
- 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—Undisclosed
- 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
- 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
- —Undisclosed
- FAQs / Educational resources
- Live Chat—Undisclosed
- Mobile Application—Undisclosed
- Online quote without phone—Undisclosed
- Sample contracts online—Undisclosed
- Phone
- 24/7 customer support
- FAQs / Educational resources
- Live Chat
- Mobile Application
- Online quote without phone
- Sample contracts online
- Contract (lump-sum) payments—Undisclosed
- Pay-in-full discount—Undisclosed
- Month-to-month payments
- Cancellation fee—Undisclosed
- Multi-vehicle discount—Undisclosed
- 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
Century Warranty vs. Zurich
When it comes to extended auto warranties, both Century Warranty Services (CWS) and Zurich North America stand out as prominent providers. Each company offers unique benefits, coverage plans, and service options to protect vehicle owners from costly repairs. However, their offerings differ in terms of pricing, contract flexibility, coverage scope, and customer experience. This comparison explores the key aspects of Century Warranty and Zurich, helping you determine which provider aligns better with your needs.
Coverage plans and options
Century Warranty Services offers three levels of coverage, ranging from basic powertrain protection to comprehensive exclusionary plans. It also includes hybrid, electric, and hydrogen vehicle coverage, making it a strong choice for advanced vehicle owners. In contrast, Zurich North America provides three warranty plans, with a specialized Electric Vehicle Service Contract (EVSC) designed for EV owners. However, Zurich limits eligibility to vehicles under 150,000 miles and 15 years old, while Century Warranty extends coverage up to 175,000 miles.
Pricing and transparency
Pricing for both providers is not readily available online, as both offer quote-based pricing dependent on factors like vehicle make, model, mileage, and coverage level.
Century Warranty Services does not disclose standard pricing, but customer reviews suggest that its Sentry Guard Max plan can cost around $5,000. However, CWS offers flexible deductible options ranging from $0 to $500, giving customers more control over upfront costs.
Zurich North America also follows a quote-based model, with contracts typically ranging from $2,000 to $4,500. Unlike CWS, Zurich does not provide sample contracts online, making it harder for customers to assess the specifics before purchasing. Additionally, Zurich’s pricing may be higher when purchased through dealerships rather than directly from the company.
For customers who prioritize pricing transparency, Century Warranty may be the better choice, as Zurich’s reliance on dealership negotiations can lead to inconsistent pricing.
Standout benefits
Both Century Warranty and Zurich offer useful perks that enhance their value.
Century Warranty’s Standout Benefits
• Comprehensive hybrid, EV, and hydrogen vehicle coverage
• Trip interruption reimbursement, covering food and lodging if a breakdown occurs over 100 miles from home
• Nationwide repair network, allowing coverage across all 50 states
• Instant coverage for repairs, eliminating wait times for reimbursement
• Rental car reimbursement of $40 per day for up to 10 days
• Flexible deductible options ranging from $0 to $500
Zurich’s Standout Benefits
• Coverage available in all 50 states, including California (uncommon among warranty providers)
• No waiting period when purchased at a dealership
• Transferable contracts, allowing coverage to be passed to a new owner
• Additional vehicle protection products, including paint protection, key replacement, theft protection, and GAP coverage
• Trip interruption coverage, similar to CWS
• EV-specific service contracts, providing a strong option for electric car owners
While Century Warranty focuses more on vehicle-specific perks and flexible contract terms, Zurich provides a broader range of vehicle protection products that extend beyond warranty coverage.
Potential drawbacks
Despite their benefits, both providers have drawbacks. Century Warranty caps coverage at 175,000 miles, making it less suitable for high-mileage vehicles, and some customers report difficulty reaching customer service. Zurich’s contracts are non-renewable, meaning customers must purchase a new one after expiration. It also lacks pricing transparency and offers fewer warranty plan options than competitors.
Conclusion
Choosing between Century Warranty Services and Zurich North America depends on your vehicle type, budget, and warranty preferences. Both providers have their strengths, and the best choice will ultimately depend on your vehicle’s needs, the level of protection desired, and whether you prefer direct purchasing options (CWS) or dealership-based contracts (Zurich). If you’re considering one of these providers, it’s best to request personalized quotes and compare contract details carefully to ensure you get the best extended warranty for your vehicle.
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