Rivian Care just keeps growing. What started as a Texas-only pilot is now rolling out to more and more states, so with lots of new folks able to sign up, it feels like the perfect time to hit pause and actually explain what this thing is all about.
A lot of people call it an extended warranty, but that’s not quite the full story, and you only find out when you go to buy it.
First thing to know: it’s not just one plan; it’s actually two, and you can buy either one on its own or bundle them together. Each covers totally different stuff.
The first plan is the Vehicle Service Contract. If you’re planning to hang onto your Rivian for a while, this is the one you’ll want to look at. It basically takes over when your factory warranty ends, covering the really expensive stuff: mechanical and electrical failures, the high-voltage battery, drive units, suspension, HVAC, safety sensors, and the screens. In other words, all the things that get pricey once your regular warranty runs out. There’s no mileage limit, and the battery coverage goes all the way up to 200,000 miles.
Why does that matter? Because the cost of these repairs on their own is…a lot. Rivian posts some sample prices, and they’re no joke: a new high-voltage battery is about $28,000, a drive unit is $7,600, suspension dampers run almost $5,000, and even the infotainment screen is close to $1,850. That’s exactly the kind of pain the Vehicle Service Contract is built to take care of.
One thing that trips people up: the coverage for big breakdowns doesn’t kick in until your factory warranty is done. Otherwise, you’d just have two plans covering the same stuff. But, some everyday wear items are covered right away. So things like brake pads, wheel alignments, wiper blades, and headlamp bulbs get taken care of from day one. Nothing wild, but at least you’re getting something before the major coverage starts.
The second plan is called Preferred Vehicle Protection, and it’s a whole different vibe. This one’s all about the everyday annoyances: flats from potholes, curb rash on your rims, paintless dent repair for dings (up to four inches), and even key replacement if you lose yours or it gets stolen. Coverage starts as soon as you sign up. If you’ve ever scraped a big wheel and checked Rivian’s price to fix it, you already know why this is worth considering.
Vehicle Service Contract vs Preferred Vehicle Protection
The two Rivian Care plans and what each one actually covers
Vehicle Service Contract
Preferred Vehicle Protection
Here’s the part Rivian doesn’t exactly shout about: there’s a long list of exclusions, and some of them actually depend on your state.
Preferred Vehicle Protection advertises windshield coverage, but there’s a big asterisk: depending on where you live, you might not actually get it. In some states, windshield repair isn’t available at all, and in a few others, even replacement is off the table. So if you’re eyeing PVP mostly for glass protection, double-check your state’s rules. That stuff’s buried in the fine print, so it’s worth calling it out upfront.
The rest of the exclusions are about what you’d expect, but still worth a look. No pre-existing problems, nothing caused by abuse or neglect, nothing that’s supposed to go through insurance. There’s also some fine print about charging: if you damage your Rivian by using the wrong charger, charging it the wrong way, or ignoring Rivian’s battery care advice, you’re on your own. Makes sense, but good to know, especially if you use DC fast charging a lot.
The pricing is pretty much what you’d expect: both plans are cheaper if you buy early, while your original warranty is still active, and they get more expensive the longer you wait. As a ballpark, the Vehicle Service Contract starts at about $23 a month, and Preferred Vehicle Protection starts at about $17. Your actual price depends on your Rivian, the plan term, and how much factory coverage you have left. You just fill out the form, and Rivian (plus Assurant, the company running things behind the scenes) gets back to you with a quote.
Signing up isn’t complicated. If you’re buying new, you just add it during checkout. If you already have your truck or SUV, log into your Rivian account, go to the Rivian Care section, and fill out the form. You can also transfer both plans to the next owner (usually for a fee), which is a nice little bonus when you sell.
Is Rivian Care an extended warranty?
Not in the strict sense. It is an optional vehicle service contract, administered by Assurant, that keeps your Rivian protected once the factory warranty runs out. People call it an extended warranty as shorthand and that is close enough, but it comes as two separate products rather than one blanket plan.
What is the difference between the two plans?
The Vehicle Service Contract handles the mechanical and electrical failures, the battery, drive units, suspension, safety sensors, and the rest of the expensive stuff. Preferred Vehicle Protection is the road hazard and cosmetic plan, so tires, wheels, curb rash, small dents, and key replacement. You can take one or both.
When does coverage actually start?
It depends on the item. A handful of common wear items are covered from day one, but the bigger mechanical breakdown coverage does not kick in until your factory warranty ends, since the two would otherwise overlap.
Does it cover the battery?
Yes, under the Vehicle Service Contract. If the high voltage battery fails for a non wear reason or drops below 70 percent capacity, the plan helps cover repair or replacement, up to 200,000 miles.
Is it cheaper if I buy it early?
Yes. Both plans cost less while your original warranty is still active, and the price climbs the longer you wait. If you are planning to buy it eventually, doing it sooner usually saves money.
Can I buy just one plan?
You can. The two are sold separately, so you can take the Vehicle Service Contract on its own, Preferred Vehicle Protection on its own, or both together depending on what you actually want covered.
Does it transfer if I sell the vehicle?
Both plans can transfer to a future owner, usually for a fee. That is worth keeping in mind at resale, since a transferable service contract can make the vehicle a little easier to sell.
Is it available in my state, and which vehicles qualify?
Availability is still rolling out and varies by state, so the fastest way to check is your Rivian account. Eligible models include the R1T, R1S, R2, and Rivian Pre-owned vehicles, though eligibility can depend on how the vehicle was purchased, so it is worth confirming.
What is not covered?
The usual stuff. Pre-existing problems are out, so is anything caused by abuse or neglect, and so is damage that your insurance is meant to cover. There is also specific language around improper or incompatible charging. And the Preferred Vehicle Protection windshield benefit is limited by state, so it is worth checking whether yours qualifies.
How do I get a quote or sign up?
If you are buying new, you add Rivian Care during the purchase flow. If you already have the vehicle, log into your Rivian account, go to the Rivian Care section, and fill out the interest form. Rivian and Assurant follow up with a quote after that.
Great article like always! Just to see, if you decide to purchase your Rivian end of lease could you also purchase Rivian care? Checked and not seeing the options yet just to see pricing. And I am also in Florida. Thank you!
From what Rivian told me, they are still rolling it out so give it a few days.
Sounds good thank you sir!
I live in a covered state but have been told by Rivian Care rep that if you bought your Rivian used (even if it has warranty) you can not buy Rivian Care. I do hope that changes, but just FYI.
This is frustrating. I understand they may not know the existing conditions this way… But let me pay for a full inspection at a service center prior to purchasing. The fact they don’t allow it at all makes it seem like they don’t have faith in the product they’re selling.
What is the total cost? Or is it a monthly fee…forever?
I inquired using the form in my account last week (Wed.) after seeing the expanded states now include WV. No response from Rivian yet. I’m curious to see pricing because I purchased xcare a few months ago but will probably cancel it.
Something big to add to the list of exclusions is that Rivian Care only is eligible for vehicles directly purchased through them; new or used.
If you purchased from a 3rd party you are currently not eligible for this program.
I live in a covered state (Illinois) and filled out the Rivian Care form 6 weeks ago (bought my new R1S directly from Rivian in March of this year) and still haven’t heard back from anyone or received a quote. I wish we could contact them directly by phone or an official Rivian Care website platform to get the ball rolling!