Rivian Preferred Vehicle Protection vs Vehicle Service Contract Full Breakdown

Rivian is rolling out two new vehicle protection offerings through its Rivian Care program, both administered by Assurant: Preferred Vehicle Protection (PVP) and the Vehicle Service Contract (VSC). While they sound similar, they cover very different needs. Here’s a breakdown of what each one offers and how they compare.
Currently, these Rivian Care products are only available to customers in Texas, with plans to expand to more states later this year.
tl;dr
Preferred Vehicle Protection (PVP) focuses on cosmetic and everyday hazard damage like curb rash, windshield chips, and lost keys.
Vehicle Service Contract (VSC) is a more traditional extended warranty that covers mechanical breakdowns and high-cost components after the factory warranty ends.
Comparison Breakdown
Feature / Coverage | Preferred Vehicle Protection | Vehicle Service Contract |
---|---|---|
Focus Area | Cosmetic damage and road hazard incidents | Mechanical breakdowns, electronics, wear & tear |
Tire & Wheel Coverage | Yes, including repair, replacement, cosmetic damage | Only flat tire help via roadside assistance |
Paintless Dent Repair | Yes, up to 4 inches | — |
Windshield Repair/Replacement | Yes, state restrictions apply | — |
Key Replacement | Yes | — |
Wear & Tear Items | — | Yes, includes bulbs, fuses, wipers, hoses, brake pads |
High Voltage Battery Coverage | — | Yes, up to 200,000 miles if below 70% capacity |
Electronic & Safety Systems | — | Yes, sensors, cameras, ADAS, infotainment |
Mechanical Systems | — | Yes, includes drive unit, HVAC, suspension |
Emergency Roadside Assistance | Yes, up to $200 per event | Yes, same benefit |
Substitute Transportation | $40 per day, 1-day max | $40 per day, up to 10 days |
Emergency Travel Expense | $200/day up to 5 days (100+ miles from home) | Same benefit |
Transferable | Not stated | Yes, with transfer fee |
Coverage Period | Not clearly defined | Up to 10 years, unlimited miles (battery capped at 200,000) |
Deductible | Not stated | $0 deductible |
State Availability | Varies by feature (windshield, key, etc.) | Not available in CA or NY |
Which Should You Pick?
Go with PVP if you’re more concerned about cosmetic issues, minor dents, or curb rash and want peace of mind for common annoyances that aren’t covered by your standard warranty.
Go with VSC if you want extended protection on major mechanical systems, electronics, and high-cost repairs once your Rivian’s original warranty expires.
Consider both if you want full-spectrum protection, as the two plans complement each other without much overlap.
As of now, pricing for both Rivian Care plans has not been publicly disclosed. Costs will likely vary based on your vehicle configuration, selected coverage length, and location. Since the program is currently only available in Texas, expect Rivian to release updated pricing details as more states come online later this year.
If you’re interested, your best bet is to check availability and request a quote directly through your Rivian account or a Rivian Service Center once it’s offered in your area.
Both plans are administered by Assurant and can be managed through the Vehicle Care by Assurant app. Availability is limited to Texas for now, but Rivian expects to expand to more states later in 2025.
The substitute transportation allowance is tone deaf for Rivian’s trademark lengthy service durations, especially given the complex types of items covered under the VSC.
Looking forward to seeing how much these plans will cost!