Zurich Extended Warranty Review

Zurich Insurance Group was founded in Switzerland in 1872, making it one of the longest-running and largest insurance companies in the industry. Despite its extensive history and size, its extended warranties are not widely available. You can only purchase them at dealerships in your area that only offer the warranty at the time of vehicle purchase. If you already have a car and want an extended warranty plan, then a Zurich plan may not be an option.

Pros and Cons of Zurich

What is Covered by Zurich Extended Warranty Plans

Zurich offers four basic extended car warranty plans. Choose from Powertrain, Standard, Preferred, or Comprehensive depending on how many components you want covered. There are lots of additional service plans offered by Zurich that aren’t technically extended warranties so it gets pretty confusing looking at their site. You can add on some of those smaller plans, but as far as the main extended warranty options, there are only four.

Here’s how the Zurich coverage breaks down for the 10 most expensive car repairs.

(*) Brakes does not include: Pads, Rotors, Shoes and Drums

Which Zurich Car Warranty Plan is Right for Me?

Additional Benefits Included in All Zurich Plans

Every plan offered by Zurich includes the following benefits:

• Rental reimbursement- up to $30 per day for a limited number of days
• Trip interruption - reimbursement for up to three days for limited amounts if breakdown occurs more than 100 miles from home.
• Emergency roadside assistance - covers towing, flat tire changes, gas and fluids delivery, jump-starts, frozen lock and lockout services up to specified limits

Powertrain Plan From Zurich

This is your most basic warranty and, you probably guessed, coverage is limited to the powertrain. It includes:

Engine

• All internally lubricated parts including: pistons, piston rings, wrist pins and bushings, connecting rods and rod bearings, crankshaft and main bearings, camshaft, cam chains, cam bearings and cam cover, timing chain, gears, tensioner and guide, variable valve timing parts, rocker arms, shafts and bushings, rocker arm pivots, adjustment screws, spring and tension controller, valves, valve seats, valve springs, valve spring retainers, valve guides, valve push rods, hydraulic valve lifters, oil pump, oil pump drive, shaft and gears
• Seals and gaskets
• Water pump
• Fuel pump
• Valve covers
• Oil pan
• Dipstick and tube
• Timing belt
• Timing chain/belt cover
• Engine mounts
• Flywheel
• Ring gear
• Flex plate
• Harmonic balancer
• Belt tensioner and idler pulleys
• Intake and exhaust manifolds
• Factory installed supercharger/turbocharger
• Cylinder head
• Engine block and rotor housings
• Coolant lubricants
• Oil filters
• Diesel fuel injection pump, fuel injectors, and fuel lines

Transfer Case (Automatic Transmission)

• All internally lubricated parts including: bands, pump, pump housing, carrier assembly, planetary gears, drums, reaction shaft and governor, internal linkage, valve body, servo assemblies, vacuum modulator
• Seals and gaskets
• Torque converter
• Transmission mounts
• Oil pan
• Dipstick and filler tube
• Vacuum modulator
• Transmission case
• Fluids, lubricants, and filter

Transfer Case (Manual Transmission)

• All internally lubricated parts including: main shaft, center shaft, all gears, input shaft, hub assemblies, synchronizers, shift rails, shift forks, internal linkage and bearings
• Seals and gaskets
• Transmission mounts
• Transmission case
• Fluids, lubricants, and filter

Drive Axle

• All internally lubricated parts including: bearings, gears, thrust washers and spacers, limited slip posi-traction rear and front axle assemblies
• Axle shafts
• Axle bearings
• Constant velocity joints and boots
• Universal joints
• Center support bearing
• Seals and gaskets
• Final drive housing
• Lubricants

Standard Plan From Zurich

The Standard plan builds on the Powertrain plan with a large number of additional vehicle systems. It adds suspension, steering, brakes, heating and air conditioning, and electrical system coverage to include:

Suspension

• Upper and lower control arms
• Upper and lower control arm shafts and bushings
• Double wishbone assembly
• Upper and lower ball joints
• Wheel bearings
• Steering knuckle
• Torsion bars and bushings
• Track bar and bushings
• Stabilizer bars and bushings
• Stabiliser links
• Spindle and spindle support
• Cil springs and leaf springs
• Electronic level control compressor
• Sensor and limiter valve
• Seals and gaskets

Steering

• Steering box
• Rack and pinion assembly
• Power steering pump
• Pitman arm
• Idler arm
• Radius arm
• Tie rod adjusting sleeve
• Tie rods and center link
• Steering column shaft
• Shaft coupling and bearing
• Seals and gaskets
• Fluids and lubricants

Brakes

• Master cylinder
• Vacuum assist booster
• Hydro-boost and accumulator
• Disc calipers
• Wheel cylinders
• Flexible hydraulic lines and fittings
• Compensating valve
• Load distribution valves
• Backing plates
• Self adjusters
• Parking brake linkage and cables
• Seals and gaskets
• Brake fluid

Heating and Air Conditioning

• Compressor clutch
• Coil and pulley
• Dryer/accumulator
• Condenser
• Compressor
• Evaporator
• Expansion valve
• Orifice
• Seals and gaskets
• Refrigerant and oil

Electrical

• Alternator
• Voltage regulator
• Starter motor
• Starter drive
• Starter solenoid or starter relay
• Wiper motors front and rear
• Factory installed power sunroof motor
• Power window motor/regulator
• Power seat motor
• Power mirror motor
• Power door lock actuator

Preferred Plan From Zurich

This plan builds on the Standard plan with the addition of the cooling system and interior and exterior coverage. It also increases the number of components from some systems. Additions include:

Steering

• Power steering pressure and return lines
• Power cylinder valves and bearings
• Adjustable steering column/tilt wheel mechanism
• Four-wheel steering system parts

Brakes

• Electronic control unit
• Anti-lock computer module
• wheel/speed sensors and exciters
• Proportioning valves
• High pressure hydraulic pump
• Electro-hydraulic proportioning control valves
• Relays
• Seals and gaskets
• Brake fluid

Heating and Air Conditioning

• Temperature control programmer
• Blower motor
• High-low cutoff switches
• Pressure cycling switches
• Heater core
• A/C in-line filter

Cooling System

• Radiator
• Engine cooling fan and motor
• Cooling fan clutch
• Cooling fan relay
• Coolant temperature sensor

Interior/Exterior

• Hood release cable
• Trunk release cable and actuator
• Hood
• Door and trunk hinges

Electrical

• Manually operated switches
• Convertible top motor
• Factory installed clock
• Wiper motor relay
• Wiper delay controller
• Headlight motor
• Distributor
• Electronic ignition system
• Distributorless ignition system
• Computerized timing control unit and sensors
• Electronic fuel injection components
• Rear window defogger switch and relay
• Rear window defogger grid
• Cruise control system
• Horns
• Factory-installed power antenna and power antenna relay
• Power point accessory outlet
• Wiring harnesses
• Fuel gauge and sending unit
• Analog gauges
• Electronic instrument cluster
• Mileage computer
• Factory-installed remote entry system (transmitters not included)
• Factory-installed anti-theft

Comprehensive Plan From Zurich

The top plan is a little different because it lists the things that are excluded rather than included in the plan. The following is a list of the components that are specifically excluded:

• Glass
• Lenses
• Sealed beams
• Light bulbs
• Wheels
• Wheel covers
• Tires
• Interior trim
• Moldings
• Bright metal parts
• Sheet metal
• Flexible body parts
• Weather strips
• Upholstery
• Convertible and/or vinyl top
• Paint
• Rust
• Physical damage
• Catalytic converter
• Exhaust system
• Brake rotors and drums
• Wiper blades
• Hoses
• Shock absorbers
• Batteries
• Carburetor
• Throttle body assemble (except injectors)
• Spark/glow plugs
• Drive belts
• Brake pads
• Brake linings and shoes
• Manual clutch disc
• Repairs of water and air leaks, rattles, squeaks, or wind noise
• Alignment of body parts, bumpers, and glass
• Any non-factory installed parts
• Normal maintenance and service

How Much Does a Zurich Warranty Cost?

Unfortunately, it’s not easy to get quotes on a Zurich warranty. They don’t offer any way to get a direct quote either over the phone or online. Instead, when you reach out to Zurich they’ll put you in touch with a dealership in your area that offers their coverage.

Calling a selection of our local participating dealers, all offered Zurich only as an option at the time of vehicle purchase. This may not be the case in your area, so it’s a good idea to call the dealers Zurich recommends for you to see if one will work with you on a car you already own.

Deductibles and warranty costs aren’t listed online for Zurich, but you can glean information by what those who have purchased the warranty share. Deductibles generally start around $100, but can go higher depending on the repair and the vehicle.

As for the overall warranty cost, you can expect to pay at least $1000 for a warranty for the most basic level of coverage. The number climbs quickly from there for more comprehensive warranties and can be several thousand dollars or higher. The type of car you buy also has an impact on how much the warranty will cost. We gathered cost data from a variety of online sources where customers and potential customers shared their quotes. Consider this a rough guide as your quote will depend on your dealership and your car.

How to File a Zurich Car Warranty Claim?

It’s easy to file a claim with Zurich. Take your car to the ASE certified repair shop of your choice and they will call Zurich directly to verify coverage. Once repairs are made, Zurich will pay the shop directly. You’ll only be responsible for your deductibles and any non-covered expenses, so be sure you know exactly what you’re on the hook for before the mechanic starts to work.

Is My Car Eligible for a Zurich Warranty?

Most cars will be eligible for a Zurich warranty if they’re purchased at a dealership that works with Zurich. There are always exceptions.

• Commercial Use: Additional warranty riders may be required for commercial use vehicles.
• Mileage Limitations: If a vehicle has exceptionally high mileage then it may not be eligible for a warranty.
• Make and Model Limitations: Select makes and/or models may be excluded.
• Exotic Vehicles: Limited edition or exotic vehicles may not qualify.

Most Common Reasons Why Zurich Claims Are Rejected?

• Non-covered parts: Although you may have coverage for a system, it might not cover every part in that system. Warranty repairs for non-covered parts will cause a rejection for the cost of the repair

• Scheduled maintenance neglected: If you don’t bother with scheduled maintenance and that causes a breakdown, even if it’s a covered part, then your claim could be rejected. Perform all scheduled maintenance and hold on to your receipts.

• Unauthorized repairs: Make sure your repair facility is one that’s authorized and that they get approval for repairs before doing the work. Otherwise, you could be responsible for the bill.

Customer Reviews of Zurich

Positive Reviews

“Filing a claim was pretty easy. I got a rental car the same day my car got taken care of.” - Douglas, ConsumerAffairs

“Every claim that I submitted was handled expeditiously and professionally. I did not have any problems whatsoever. I would highly recommend this company!” - Panthea, BBB

“...they handled all the paperwork, did the repair and Zurich paid the claim with no trouble. I didn't have to do a thing aside from handing the dealer a copy of the contract. Didn't know what to expect but was pleased with how easy the process was. Thank you!” - Jeremy, BBB

Negative Reviews

“I was told when I bought my new vehicle protection plan it covered everything. However when I picked up my vehicle they said it didn’t cover shop fees or something. So I had to pay my deductible and more for supplies.” - Beau, ConsumerAffairs

“Be very leery about purchasing their "comprehensive" auto coverage - make sure you read ALL the fine print about what is covered and what isn't. There are more parts that are not covered than are covered.” - Brian, BBB

Should You Get a Zurich Extended Warranty?

The decision to purchase extended warranty depends on you, your car, and your comfort level with unexpected and potentially expensive repairs. If you are panicked at the thought of having a mechanical breakdown and paying for expensive repairs, then an extended warranty removes that worry. Instead of blowing your budget, you can budget the cost of the warranty more easily.

An extended warranty is also a good idea if your car has a history of being unreliable. If the make or specific model is one that is known for needing repairs, then it’s good to have an extended warranty to manage the cost.

The downside is that you may be saving yourself from repairs that never materialize. New cars are covered by lengthy manufacturer’s warranties that cover key components past the time when many people own their vehicles. If you don’t plan on keeping your car past the original warranty period, an extended warranty may not be worth the money

Always be suspicious of calls out of the blue offering an extended car warranty of any kind. These are usually scams. It’s best to do your own research and choose a provider that has an established reputation.

Our Methodology For Best Warranty Providers

Car Talk has spent the last year doing a deep dive into the warranties industry for the benefit of our readership and long-time listeners. Our process for deciding on the best warranty companies for the year was exceptionally thorough, involving in-depth research and our unique secret shopper initiative. We compiled over 50 data points across all reviewed companies to refine and inform our selection process. Car Talk reviewed the following important criteria for each company:

• Consumer Satisfaction: Cross referencing multiple trusted resources to pull our fair and balanced customer reviews.

• Cost: Utilizing our secret shopper initiative, we got comparable quotes across all companies so we can validly compare pricing.

• Coverage and Offerings: Our research team delved into the coverage and offerings for each company, comparing what is available, including extras and discounts.

• Official Ratings: We consulted a wide range of verified review sites to extrapolate a ratings score for each.

Read more on the Best Extended Warranty Companies in the industry here.