XCare Extended Warranty on Rivian: My Full Claim Experience (And Outcome)

[Mark_AZR1T]

Thank you for this information. I too am facing a decision, look for an extended warranty or move on to something else. This year, I put almost 28k miles on my R1T Quad. Total mileage is over 49k. Retirement has been fun for us.
I wonder what the warranty is from Rivian on customer paid repairs done after the original warranty runs out.
On another note, I contacted the Rivian Extended Warranty people and have never heard back from them.
My wife and I really enjoy our R1T.

If you love your R1T, as I do, with 63,800 miles on mine, and you have access to a solid service center, there’s no reason to let it go. That’s exactly where XCare fits in. You can easily compare coverage options, costs, and deductibles online to see if an extended warranty makes sense for your situation.

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[Oldcarguy]

The warranty on Rivian installed parts in a customer pay situation is 2 years, I do not know if there was a mileage limitation. I was in a rush while dropping my R1T off for a front end clunk/pop at the service center.

 

[Beanejar]

Thanks for taking the time for write up - greatly appreciated. Been reading about XCare for some time and nearly hit the button a few times. Your experience helped. Just hit 55k… getting nervous about turning 60. Just nabbed the 5yr/100k warranty. Hope it’s never needed.

 

[jon91581]

Same here! We just purchased the XCare extended warranty for our R1S. We tend to keep our vehicles for a long time if we love them, and this is the first vehicle that my wife has actually said she loves. She's never said that about our 964, 100 series land cruiser or any of the pilots we've owned. Plus, it prevents me from going crazy on modifications.

Rivian just opened up their new Katy, TX service center close by and our first experience with that center was really positive. Hopefully, we don't have to visit them too often, but after their multi-point inspection, they replaced the front half shafts, air compressor, delaminated rain sensor and a couple of other things. Figure this way, comprehensive coverage now lines up with the battery/motor warranty. At that point, we'll likely move on to another vehicle.

 

[Parsival]

Great thread on Xcare. It's high on my list. I called them and spoke to one of their main guys named Cary. Extremely knowledgeable about Rivians and how third party warranties work with Rivian.

I'm looking at $0 or $100 deductible for the nominal price differences, what say you guys?

 

[freshpow]

Same here! We just purchased the XCare extended warranty for our R1S. We tend to keep our vehicles for a long time if we love them, and this is the first vehicle that my wife has actually said she loves. She's never said that about our 964, 100 series land cruiser or any of the pilots we've owned. Plus, it prevents me from going crazy on modifications.

Rivian just opened up their new Katy, TX service center close by and our first experience with that center was really positive. Hopefully, we don't have to visit them too often, but after their multi-point inspection, they replaced the front half shafts, air compressor, delaminated rain sensor and a couple of other things. Figure this way, comprehensive coverage now lines up with the battery/motor warranty. At that point, we'll likely move on to another vehicle.

Curious - did you pay for multi-point inspections at the recommended intervals (every 7.5k miles) or just do one as you were nearing 60k? I’m planning on doing the latter but wonder if they’ll give me a hard time for not following the recommended maintenance schedule if they catch a big problem.

 

[DeanB1452]

Great thread on Xcare. It's high on my list. I called them and spoke to one of their main guys named Cary. Extremely knowledgeable about Rivians and how third party warranties work with Rivian.

I'm looking at $0 or $100 deductible for the nominal price differences, what say you guys?

I chose the $0 deductible. Already have 3 claims since the extended warranty kicked in around Memorial Day weekend last year. Claims have almost been double of what I paid for the warranty so far.

 

[jshaff]

I am considering this warranty, but reading through the documentation it looks like "air leaks" are not covered. Has anyone had practical experience with air suspension replacements?

Also, how does the approval process work if you want to use mobile service. Trying to make a quick decision as it looks like 50,000 is a big cut off for price. Currently sitting at 49800

 

[Mark_AZR1T]

Curious - did you pay for multi-point inspections at the recommended intervals (every 7.5k miles) or just do one as you were nearing 60k? I’m planning on doing the latter but wonder if they’ll give me a hard time for not following the recommended maintenance schedule if they catch a big problem.

I’ve never followed the “recommended service” schedule since that wasn’t part of the deal for early buyers. I’ve also never had a service claim denied. Rivian has covered everything on my truck. My full panels-off inspection was under $300 and they proactively replaced a few items they didn’t have to.

My advice: do the panels-off inspection and get XCare. They’ve covered dampeners for others when the tech noted, it was an internal mechanical failure (Rivian tech's are also coachable), and they don’t care whether service is done at home or at a service center. My claim was handled via mobile service.

Just know this: if the issue isn’t clearly mechanical or electrical, XCare requires pre-approval with written diagnosis. A mobile tech won’t wait around for that at your house, and you could be billed for the visit. I only tested mobile service because I knew my door handle failure was mechanical and would be covered.

 

[cdcsf]

I'm at about 44.5k miles approaching my 50k limit. So. I just purchased the plan this week and haven't used it yet. After reviewing the sample contract, I ended up speaking with Cary Clark from Xcelerate who answered all my questions over the phone. Super low pressure, actually no pressure at all to purchase...it definitely did not feel like a sales pitch or like talking with a finance manager completing purchase paperwork at a traditional dealership. Cary even told me to save his mobile # in case I ever have any other questions or run into issues...call or text any time...

The sample contract lists what is NOT covered, so I asked if there is a list of what IS covered. Basically, all components are covered (for failure) except for the items explicitly stated as not covered.

Another question I asked is about the requirement to follow manufacturer's recommended service schedule which includes the 7500-mile inspection. You basically can ignore this (I refuse to pay Rivian to look at my truck since they're really not doing much, and I do my own tire rotations) so long as when you begin to experience some type of issue (e.g., hear an unusual noise) you bring it for service immediately instead of just ignoring it until something related to the issue ultimately fails later down the road.

If you want to talk with Cary, DM me and I'll give you his phone #.

 

[OMG123]

My First XCare Warranty Claim on My Rivian R1T — Real Owner Experience

A lot of Rivian owners (me included) are skeptical of any third-party extended warranty. Historically, they’ve earned that skepticism. So instead of speculation, here’s an actual, start-to-finish Rivian claim experience with XCare for anyone considering it.

Update: XCare paid just like they said they would.

Why I Bought XCare

1. Protecting the truck after the factory warranty ends.
Out-of-warranty Rivian repairs can add up quickly. A pair of dampeners is nearly $4,000, so a $5,000 policy that carries me to 135,000 miles felt like a reasonable investment. I paid early R1T pricing ($67K), and this is a truck I want to keep long-term.

2. XCare already has a strong EV history.
They’ve been covering Tesla owners for years and understand EV-specific components, service workflows, and high-voltage systems, something most third-party providers simply don’t.

3. Clear extended warranty pricing based on age, mileage, and term.
Your rate depends on the truck’s mileage, model year, term length, and deductible. You can get an instant quote here:
https://www.xcelerateauto.com/ I don't have any affiliation with them and at present there are no referral bonuses available, but they do have a discount code available. Discount for $100: RIVIANROF

What Failed (My “Test Case”)

My driver’s door handle stopped retracting properly. It was stuck open about 90% of the time, and no amount of lubrication or resets fixed it. Since this isn’t a high-dollar component, I treated it as a low-risk test of how smoothly XCare handles a real Rivian claim with my $100 deductible.

Rivian Mobile Service came out and replaced it. Total cost: $641.58, yes, for a door handle. Another reminder that out-of-warranty life with an EV can get expensive fast. After installing the new handle, they pushed a software update directly to the truck to sync the replacement. Always interesting to watch that happen live.

How the XCare Claim Worked

Because Rivian doesn’t yet accept direct payment from third-party warranty companies (Tesla does), the Rivian owner flow is:

1. Pay for the repair upfront (hope to get reimbursed) or get the firm quote with noted reason for failure and submit prior to authorizing repair.
2. Submit documentation
3. Get reimbursed

Here’s how my claim went:

1. I notified XCare via email.

They replied in about 30 minutes with a claim number and a clear, simple set of instructions.

This is specifically how XCare responded:

"After diagnostics, the service center will update the estimate. You must request they confirm the Cause of Failure for the failed part(s) and include it in the Repair Notes on the final invoice.

Why?: We need to know how the part failed. XCare does not cover, for example, damage from external forces (like hitting a curb or water intrusion) or cosmetic/physical damage, that’s what auto insurance is for. This detailed information confirms your repairs eligibility for coverage.

Easy Copy-and-Paste Request for your Service Advisor:

"Please confirm and include the Cause of Failure on the estimate/invoice's Repair Notes section, including reasons for each failed part: For example, this could include, but not limited to: Internal short, mechanical failure, wear and tear, physical damage, corrosion, rodent damage, etc. etc.”


2. I ensured the Rivian tech documented the Cause of Failure correctly.

This step is critical. XCare requires that the Repair Notes list the Cause of Failure (as per above). I printed a laminated cheat-sheet with the exact wording they want. The tech appreciated it and entered the failure as: “Internal mechanical failure.”

3. I submitted the final invoice and proof of payment.

I sent XCare the final paid invoice with the Cause of Failure noted. They approved it in about five minutes, then requested proof of payment to Rivian (a Chase screenshot worked). Once submitted, they confirmed reimbursement, minus my $100 deductible, would be mailed within 14–28 days. I’ll update once the check arrives.

My Verdict (So Far)

I can’t speak for every situation or predict how XCare will handle major Rivian repairs as the fleet ages, but my first claim was:

• Fast
• Clear
• Zero hassle
• No pushback
• Exactly what they promised
• Shockingly smooth for a third-party warranty

For now, Rivian owners finally have at least one real-world case instead of speculation. If anyone has questions about the process, documentation, the tech wording, or anything else, I’m happy to help.

Not sure this is entirely true - xcare coverage starts when signed, including if time remains on Rivian warranty - it doesn't start at the expiration of mfg. coverage. Technically double covered, and when I questioned it, I was told xcare coverage is more comprehensive, particularly on wear/tear items, although that would likley change (get clawed back) in May 2026 as they are in the middle of a re-write of eligible repairs. Premiums go up/down based on remaining mfg life, mileage at time of contract, and estimated annual mileage usage.

 

[Mousetrap]

although that would likley change (get clawed back) in May 2026 as they are in the middle of a re-write of eligible repairs.

Interesting, thanks for the updated info. Did you get the sense that it would change just going forward (as-in we should purchase before May) or that it would be for both new & existing contracts (if that's something they can even change once you've purchased)?

 

[Tim-in-CA]

Interesting, thanks for the updated info. Did you get the sense that it would change just going forward (as-in we should purchase before May) or that it would be for both new & existing contracts (if that's something they can even change once you've purchased)?

I'm definitely interested in what the planned changes will be. I'll be purchasing XCare about 30 days before warranty coverage ends for both my R1S and Lucid. Lucid will end in Dec 26 and Rivian in June 28

 

[Mark_AZR1T]

Not sure this is entirely true - xcare coverage starts when signed, including if time remains on Rivian warranty - it doesn't start at the expiration of mfg. coverage. Technically double covered, and when I questioned it, I was told xcare coverage is more comprehensive, particularly on wear/tear items, although that would likley change (get clawed back) in May 2026 as they are in the middle of a re-write of eligible repairs. Premiums go up/down based on remaining mfg life, mileage at time of contract, and estimated annual mileage usage.

Not sure if you’re an xCare policy holder who has filed a claim or just inquiring with xCare. Yes, coverage starts the day you sign and pay (that was always the case). I purchased mine before 60K because the price increased if I was right below 60K and I did not want to risk higher premiums if claims increased, forcing a premium adjustment.

Have you filed a claim and seen the reimbursement document they send after submission? It is very specific. Wear and tear items are typically not covered, only mechanical or electrical failures. The Rivian technician must clearly state mechanical or electrical failure in the report.

My Rivian service center has already seen two suspension related claims denied because they were classified as wear and tear. It is early on in xCare and Rivian, and I'm sure things will evolve. Instruct your tech on how to fill out his report, that is important.

 

[joec19]

My First XCare Warranty Claim on My Rivian R1T — Real Owner Experience

A lot of Rivian owners (me included) are skeptical of any third-party extended warranty. Historically, they’ve earned that skepticism. So instead of speculation, here’s an actual, start-to-finish Rivian claim experience with XCare for anyone considering it.

Update: XCare paid just like they said they would.

Why I Bought XCare

1. Protecting the truck after the factory warranty ends.
Out-of-warranty Rivian repairs can add up quickly. A pair of dampeners is nearly $4,000, so a $5,000 policy that carries me to 135,000 miles felt like a reasonable investment. I paid early R1T pricing ($67K), and this is a truck I want to keep long-term.

2. XCare already has a strong EV history.
They’ve been covering Tesla owners for years and understand EV-specific components, service workflows, and high-voltage systems, something most third-party providers simply don’t.

3. Clear extended warranty pricing based on age, mileage, and term.
Your rate depends on the truck’s mileage, model year, term length, and deductible. You can get an instant quote here:
https://www.xcelerateauto.com/ I don't have any affiliation with them and at present there are no referral bonuses available, but they do have a discount code available. Discount for $100: RIVIANROF

What Failed (My “Test Case”)

My driver’s door handle stopped retracting properly. It was stuck open about 90% of the time, and no amount of lubrication or resets fixed it. Since this isn’t a high-dollar component, I treated it as a low-risk test of how smoothly XCare handles a real Rivian claim with my $100 deductible.

Rivian Mobile Service came out and replaced it. Total cost: $641.58, yes, for a door handle. Another reminder that out-of-warranty life with an EV can get expensive fast. After installing the new handle, they pushed a software update directly to the truck to sync the replacement. Always interesting to watch that happen live.

How the XCare Claim Worked

Because Rivian doesn’t yet accept direct payment from third-party warranty companies (Tesla does), the Rivian owner flow is:

1. Pay for the repair upfront (hope to get reimbursed) or get the firm quote with noted reason for failure and submit prior to authorizing repair.
2. Submit documentation
3. Get reimbursed

Here’s how my claim went:

1. I notified XCare via email.

They replied in about 30 minutes with a claim number and a clear, simple set of instructions.

This is specifically how XCare responded:

"After diagnostics, the service center will update the estimate. You must request they confirm the Cause of Failure for the failed part(s) and include it in the Repair Notes on the final invoice.

Why?: We need to know how the part failed. XCare does not cover, for example, damage from external forces (like hitting a curb or water intrusion) or cosmetic/physical damage, that’s what auto insurance is for. This detailed information confirms your repairs eligibility for coverage.

Easy Copy-and-Paste Request for your Service Advisor:

"Please confirm and include the Cause of Failure on the estimate/invoice's Repair Notes section, including reasons for each failed part: For example, this could include, but not limited to: Internal short, mechanical failure, wear and tear, physical damage, corrosion, rodent damage, etc. etc.”


2. I ensured the Rivian tech documented the Cause of Failure correctly.

This step is critical. XCare requires that the Repair Notes list the Cause of Failure (as per above). I printed a laminated cheat-sheet with the exact wording they want. The tech appreciated it and entered the failure as: “Internal mechanical failure.”

3. I submitted the final invoice and proof of payment.

I sent XCare the final paid invoice with the Cause of Failure noted. They approved it in about five minutes, then requested proof of payment to Rivian (a Chase screenshot worked). Once submitted, they confirmed reimbursement, minus my $100 deductible, would be mailed within 14–28 days. I’ll update once the check arrives.

My Verdict (So Far)

I can’t speak for every situation or predict how XCare will handle major Rivian repairs as the fleet ages, but my first claim was:

• Fast
• Clear
• Zero hassle
• No pushback
• Exactly what they promised
• Shockingly smooth for a third-party warranty

For now, Rivian owners finally have at least one real-world case instead of speculation. If anyone has questions about the process, documentation, the tech wording, or anything else, I’m happy to help.

Seems that you got lucky with XCare covering the door handle. I went to purchase the warranty and took a look at the draft contract and the list of parts not covered has increased:

IX. WHAT IS NOT COVERED:

C. For any of the following parts or services: filters, fluids, lubricants, alignments, coolants, batteries not specifically listed for Coverage, sealed beams, interior LED lighting, hoses, clamps, belts, mobile connector, wall connector, any future external connectors, and any related charging adapters, tires, wheels, wheel covers, wheel lugs and lug nuts, valve stems, light bulbs, lenses, brake rotors, brake drums, brake shoes, brake pads, upholstery, paint, glass, trim, moldings, weather strip/body seals, door handles, lift gate handles, tailgate handles, door bushings/bearings, body panels, sheet metal, bumpers, frames and structural parts, sub-frames, brackets, convertible top assemblies, vinyl top, conversion van appliances, shop supplies, environmental waste charges or disposal fees, lost or missing parts, electronic diagnostic equipment fees, freight, any repairs to correct rust, corrosion, water intrusion, water ingestion, water damage, water leaks, air leaks, wind noise, squeaks, rattles, odors, carburetors, manual clutch system (friction clutch disc, pressure plate, throw out, and pilot bearing), and dual clutch assemblies for automatic transmissions. Any options/equipment not originally installed by the Vehicle manufacturer.

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