Getting the phone at Best Buy - Black Tie Protection - Captivate General

It looks like Best Buy sells the Captivate and they offer an insurance program where they replace phones that are malfunctioning.
Does anyone have any experience using the protection plan with this phone? Do you think Best Buy would cover a random shutdown issue or would they pass you off to Samsung? Do you think they would honor the AT&T two year renewal discount?
Thanks,
JOe K.

I think Best Buy's "Black Tie Protection" is definately worth the $9.99 a month. I found out to be the best out there when covering your phone against accidental damage like dropping your phone! unfortunately you have to wait because they ship out the phone to see if it could be fixed, so you will have to use another phone for the time being, but its definately worth it for the coverage on the battery and charger. Also if you do go with the "Black Tie Protection," Make sure to get a reward zone membership. its free and you get points back if you dont use the protection plan over the life of the 24 months.

BEST BUY Black Tie Protection
I purchased the protection for my sons blackberry and whenever he had and issue with the phone he would take to Best Buy and they would exchange it for a new one no quesitons asked. I also purchased it for my captivate but havent had to use it.

Black Tie offers the RapidExchange on iphones and blackberries only. All others are sent for repair service and BB gives a loaner phone until the repair is done, or the phone is deemed dead and they issue a store credit for the full purchase price of the phone.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGvH-I897 using XDA App

Will they honor the 2 year contract renewal price? I'm do for a renew.

I just got my hone and passed. Know I can get it with in in 30 days. Wonder if I should now and cacel my ATT one I had.

Related

I got the most AMAZING Captivate case!

Its called the Geek Squad Black Tie Protection Plan!
Its only $10 a month and provides unlimited replacements for your device if it is damaged due to dropping it, water, etc. Now thats one heck of a case and you can't even feel it when its on the phone!
But seriously, I usually put cases on my phones because I am worried about damage. But for $10 a month (the cost of 2 drinks at a coffee house) you can stop worrying about getting a case for your device and just use it as the companies intended: naked. This was an offer I just couldn't pass up.
Has anyone else gotten the protection plan from Best Buy?
On a side note, when I was picking my device up from Best Buy the sales person said "What, you want me to price match AT&T? OK!" I didn't even ask him but he just said that and did it for me anyway, saving me $30! Usually the people at Best Buy are annoying crabby stuck-up brats but this guy was very helpful and saved me some cash.
uberamd said:
Its called the Geek Squad Black Tie Protection Plan!
Its only $10 a month and provides unlimited replacements for your device if it is damaged due to dropping it, water, etc. Now thats one heck of a case and you can't even feel it when its on the phone!
But seriously, I usually put cases on my phones because I am worried about damage. But for $10 a month (the cost of 2 drinks at a coffee house) you can stop worrying about getting a case for your device and just use it as the companies intended: naked. This was an offer I just couldn't pass up.
Has anyone else gotten the protection plan from Best Buy?
On a side note, when I was picking my device up from AT&T the sales person said "What, you want me to price match AT&T? OK!" I didn't even ask him but he just said that and did it for me anyway, saving me $30! Usually the people at Best Buy are annoying crabby stuck-up brats but this guy was very helpful and saved me some cash.
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I have it, too, but there is a downside - at least there was with my iPhone 3GS when I had to use the protection plan. During the first 30 days of owning a phone they'll replace it in-store. After 30 days, at least for the iPhone, they gave me a crappy dumb-phone loaner, and it took almost a week to get a replacement in.
I still have it on my captivate, but hope I don't have to use it. Having a plain phone for a week after being used to something better is a hard transition.
will they replace it if it still works but just looks fugly?
systoxity said:
will they replace it if it still works but just looks fugly?
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Yeah, you could throw it on the ground and shatter it to pieces and get it replaced.
And about the dumb phone, I have a Nexus so I can always fallback to that.
do you have to buy the phone through them to qualify?
This couldn't possibly sound like more of a paid advertisement.
Its not advertisement. I have it. Though i did get my captivate on release date from them so as far as i know u have to buy phone from them. May be wronge because.it is a monthly pay service i dont see why where u get the phone mattering.
Only thing sucks is it is another bill. U can't have taken out ur cell bill.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
nammyczc said:
do you have to buy the phone through them to qualify?
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Yes you need to buy from them just like any warranty that is purchased through a store.
k2snowboards88 said:
This couldn't possibly sound like more of a paid advertisement.
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Er, its not. I hate Best Buy with a passion. I never shop there unless its something like a cell phone where you can't find it for less anywhere else. I'm simply saying that their cell phone protection plan is better than any one I have ever seen. Unlimited replacements for $9 a month is a heck of a deal.
I could argue that 99% of the posts here about people drooling over their devices sound like advertisements. Maybe I just like the service offered?
chvybeatsford said:
Its not advertisement. I have it. Though i did get my captivate on release date from them so as far as i know u have to buy phone from them. May be wronge because.it is a monthly pay service i dont see why where u get the phone mattering.
Only thing sucks is it is another bill. U can't have taken out ur cell bill.
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It does suck that you need to pay for it separately but oh well, its automatically deducted from my checking via by debit card.
Isn't the accidental insurance thought AT&T like $6 / mo?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
k2snowboards88 said:
This couldn't possibly sound like more of a paid advertisement.
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That's exactly what I thought when I read this.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
I think you need to pay like 100 or 150 dollars to replace with ATT.
This is not about cases! but stupid insurance.
your post amused me.
YellowGTO said:
I think you need to pay like 100 or 150 dollars to replace with ATT.
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it's $125 deductible. i got that insurance from ATT, and for 5 a month for 2 years and 125, it would be like paying the "discount" 200 for another brand new phone! which isn't too bad if i kill it within the first few months
I got mine from BB 2 days ago and I am thinking on getting the insurance indeed...this things are awesome but oh so delicate but I want to get ALL the details before commiting.
douglastheduke said:
it's $125 deductible. i got that insurance from ATT, and for 5 a month for 2 years and 125, it would be like paying the "discount" 200 for another brand new phone! which isn't too bad if i kill it within the first few months
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True, and the BestBuy deal is not much better. $10 per month for 2 years is is $240. The only reason these insurance plans are worth it at all, is because you can't go buy a new one at the subsidized price again - not until about month 18. And at month 18 you can get anything you want for $200.
It is gambling - they are betting you won't break the phone, and you are betting you will. They win most of the time, or they wouldn't be offering this insurance.
SquareTrade covers smartphones for $6 per month with a $50 deductible if your claim is damage related. No deductible for other claims.
Me, I use Amex card to buy my phone. I get double the warranty and 90 days accident coverage. Oh, and cash back too. Good enough for me.
uberamd said:
Its called the Geek Squad Black Tie Protection Plan!
Its only $10 a month and provides unlimited replacements for your device if it is damaged due to dropping it, water, etc. Now thats one heck of a case and you can't even feel it when its on the phone!
But seriously, I usually put cases on my phones because I am worried about damage. But for $10 a month (the cost of 2 drinks at a coffee house) you can stop worrying about getting a case for your device and just use it as the companies intended: naked. This was an offer I just couldn't pass up.
Has anyone else gotten the protection plan from Best Buy?
On a side note, when I was picking my device up from Best Buy the sales person said "What, you want me to price match AT&T? OK!" I didn't even ask him but he just said that and did it for me anyway, saving me $30! Usually the people at Best Buy are annoying crabby stuck-up brats but this guy was very helpful and saved me some cash.
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You coulda saved more cash if you had to pricematch walmart. I got mine for 100 and some change.
$240 instead of $20... Makes sense to me!
TexUs said:
$240 instead of $20... Makes sense to me!
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Lets see, a $20 case makes your phone larger, doesn't give it 100% protection against dropping it, or damaging it with water. Or for $10 a month (which I can cancel at any time) I can get protection from dropping my device, spilling water on it, or "accidentally" throwing it under a car to get it replaced due to bricking the device. Hm, seems like my $120 a year (which is nothing if you think about it being as it is paid at $10 a month) goes a lot further than your $20 case which *may* protect your device from damage while at the same time adding bulk and not really being a guarantee.
Yeah, I'll take my $10 a month insurance. Did you cancel your car insurance and instead just cover it with a thick foam too?
BTW, I'm still annoyed you never answered me in that previous thread about how much of an iFanboy I am
alphadog00 said:
True, and the BestBuy deal is not much better. $10 per month for 2 years is is $240. The only reason these insurance plans are worth it at all, is because you can't go buy a new one at the subsidized price again - not until about month 18. And at month 18 you can get anything you want for $200.
It is gambling - they are betting you won't break the phone, and you are betting you will. They win most of the time, or they wouldn't be offering this insurance.
SquareTrade covers smartphones for $6 per month with a $50 deductible if your claim is damage related. No deductible for other claims.
Me, I use Amex card to buy my phone. I get double the warranty and 90 days accident coverage. Oh, and cash back too. Good enough for me.
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With the Best Buy plan you pay $10 a month, no deductible, and cancel at any time. So I could destroy the device in 3 months and get it replaced and in the end it will cost me $30. I can also then cancel my contract with them. Seems like a $30 well spent when you consider that this device is $500 out of contract.

Did you buy the AT&T insurance with your phone?

It's my last day to enroll in insurance for my Captivate.
How many of you have it on your phones? If something breaks and you do wind up making a claim, did you get a new phone or refurb?
I need to make a choice quickly and I'm leaning towards NOT getting it simply because at $5/mo and a $125 deductable, I think there are (or at least will be) better deals online for replacement and if it happens, I think I'd rather apply that towards a NEW phone.
Opinions?
I didn't enrol.
I got it. $5 isn't that big a deal. And a new phone for $125 ain't bad either. I've found that the att deductible goes down the older the phone gets.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using Tapatalk
I bought it at Best Buy, got their insurance.
I also pay the $5/mo, but I mainly got it because I was about to take a trip out of the country. I'll probably drop it after another month or 2
Do they give you a new phone for the $125 deductible or a refurb?
I didnt nor have I every paid for insurance on my phones. My wife got it for her iphone, but that was her doing.
Not enrolled here but I never buy extended warranties either. My philosophy is that if it lasts through whatever warranty they give me then I got enough use out of it and it was probably my fault it broke. Although I would recommend http://www.squaretrade.com/ if you need an extended warranty.
I have the insurance, I plan on sometime dropping my phone and saying it broke and get a newer phone...
When something good comes out first
comdei said:
I have the insurance, I plan on sometime dropping my phone and saying it broke and get a newer phone...
When something good comes out first
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They replace it with a Captivate...
qwertyaas said:
They replace it with a Captivate...
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I talked to them and they said you can choose to put the balance towards another phone ^.^
It's a scam.
Unless you are the worlds most clumsy person.
Sent from my Captivate using XDA Premium.
I think I may just forget about the insurance.
I really hate the idea of insurance in general - One one hand, it's there if you need it, but on the other, you're paying LOTS of money for the chance something happens, and even if it does, you've still got a damn deductible. Makes me sick to think how much money I've wasted over the years on things like car insurance, never having had an accident - By the time I do need the insurance, I'm sure I will have pissed away enough money to have bought 3-4 new cars... Bad analogy considering the risk when driving, I know; but still.
Ugh...
As for the Cappy, it seems like AT&T wants customer retention so bad that they'll always get you into a contract renewal to get a new phone - somehow.
[end]Rant[/end]
Dante04SRT said:
I think I may just forget about the insurance.
I really hate the idea of insurance in general - One one hand, it's there if you need it, but on the other, you're paying LOTS of money for the chance something happens, and even if it does, you've still got a damn deductible. Makes me sick to think how much money I've wasted over the years on things like car insurance, never having had an accident - By the time I do need the insurance, I'm sure I will have pissed away enough money to have bought 3-4 new cars... Bad analogy considering the risk when driving, I know; but still.
Ugh...
As for the Cappy, it seems like AT&T wants customer retention so bad that they'll always get you into a contract renewal to get a new phone - somehow.
[end]Rant[/end]
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Car insurance is not just for your benefit. The part that is forced onto you in every circumstance is liability insurance and that protects other people and their property from you. When you have a loan out on a car, the forced collision and comprehensive coverage protects the bank from you totaling or damaging their collateral.
If you own your car outright, you can choose not to carry the coverage that would fix your car for you.
z28james said:
Car insurance is not just for your benefit. The part that is forced onto you in every circumstance is liability insurance and that protects other people and their property from you. When you have a loan out on a car, the forced collision and comprehensive coverage protects the bank from you totaling or damaging their collateral.
If you own your car outright, you can choose not to carry the coverage that would fix your car for you.
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I am well aware how car insurance works. It's just one of those things that really sucks that you have to pay.
Dante04SRT said:
I am well aware how car insurance works. It's just one of those things that really sucks that you have to pay.
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Unless you are getting scammed, you can pay full coverage for forty years here and not cover the replacement cost of a vehicle. Auto insurance is one that is well worth the cost, not to mention the medical costs that are the result of an accident. But back to the question at hand....extended warranties, or phone insurance in this case, are indeed high margin services which is why even walmart has begun bugging you every time you check out.
$125.00!!!!
Wait a sec. When did it go from $50.00 to $125.00?? Where was i for that?
As for weather you get a referbed or new. When i was replacing my backflip i told them i was tired of dealing with crap and i wanted a new phone sent not a referbed. they sent a new one no problems.
MagillaGorillaX said:
Wait a sec. When did it go from $50.00 to $125.00?? Where was i for that?
As for weather you get a referbed or new. When i was replacing my backflip i told them i was tired of dealing with crap and i wanted a new phone sent not a referbed. they sent a new one no problems.
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The captivate has always been a tier 2 phone so the.deductible is $125. Tier 2 used to be 200 then dropped to 150. As for the comment about the older the phone gets the cheaper the deductible is and I van say on some phones that is not the case. When I was running a blackberry bold 9000 it is still considered a tier2 phone and it is a 3 year old phone and I refused to pay 200, 150 or even 125 for that phone. I waited until my upgrade and got my captivate on launch day.
Hth
Charlie
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk
I opted for AT&T insurance instead of Squaretrade because AT&T covers theft. I have Squaretrade on all my kids' electronics (iPods, DSi's) to cover the accidental damage.
Well, I decided to wing it and not sign up for the coverage. I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed. I wound up getting my Cappy w/ 2 yr agreement for $59.99 (price match!) and can't see paying even the 3% per month of what the std $149 2yr agreement price was (plus then the $125 for a claim).
I do worry about theft, but I'm so strict about letting this thing out of my sight, I'm not too worried about it.

[Q] At&t warranty question

Hello, I was wondering if the at&t five dollars a month warranty covers screen scratches. Not that I've had any yet I'm just wondering.
baconissweet said:
Hello, I was wondering if the at&t five dollars a month warranty covers screen scratches. Not that I've had any yet I'm just wondering.
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you still gotta pay a $50 deductible and you're supposed to send them the phone back if its not lost or stolen. i imagine if it came up missing they would
baconissweet said:
Hello, I was wondering if the at&t five dollars a month warranty covers screen scratches. Not that I've had any yet I'm just wondering.
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I believe it does but you would have to pay a deductible.
Heres a link to their site with more info:
http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/basics/choosing-features-services/wireless-insurance.jsp
If its lost or stolen, then you need to file a police report.
it covers everything ... but you pay the deductible ... i believe it is 125$ for the inspire.
Thanks for the responses guys! That deductible sounds like a @#%&
baconissweet said:
Thanks for the responses guys! That deductible sounds like a @#%&
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its based on the actual cost of the phone i believe ... (company cost not customer cost)
I actually just did an insurance claim on my inspire. ***** pushed me in a pool and had my inspire in my pocket and fried it instantly. They will have you call an 800 number to process your claim, in which they will ask you questions on the condition of your phone. They will mail you a brand new, non refurbished phone in the mail,which takes a couple days to arrive in the mail. Once received, you will have to mail your original phone back using the same box your new phone came in. You have 10 days to send in your old phone before additional charges apply. A deductible of $125 will be charged to your account.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
SPOBI. They always try refurbished devices first, if none are available then you may get a new one.
And technically cosmetic damage is not covered...usability has to be impacted. That's not to say you can't make a case for some software issue haha....
Whatever you do remember that you can only have 3 claims in any 12 month period.
Sent from my Inspire using XDA Premium App
Get the best buy blacktie protection plan. Covers pretty much everything and NO DEDUCTIBLE. And it's always a new phone they give you. They don't have refurbished phones to give.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA App
ogxku5h said:
Get the best buy blacktie protection plan. Covers pretty much everything and NO DEDUCTIBLE. And it's always a new phone they give you. They don't have refurbished phones to give.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA App
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are you sure best buy gives brand new phones??
i was told they deal with the same company as att ?
Do you have to buy it from Best Buy?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Best Buy's Black Tie Covers all damage that affects the usability of the phone. So not just some light scratches unless you prove it keeps you from using your phone properly. It does not cover loss, theft, or total submersion in water (how that's supposed to proven, I dunno). The phone is sent out as a "rapid-exchange" where you'll have a refurbished phone in your hands in 3-5 business days.
Before the new rapid-exchange system, it used to be that if the phone was not cost effective to fix, they would tell the store to give you a brand new one. This is no longer true as of recently.
EDIT: The phone does have to be purchased at Best Buy.. unless it is an iPhone and you have a receipt showing it was purchased new within 30 days.
ftmoe said:
Best Buy's Black Tie Covers all damage that affects the usability of the phone. So not just some light scratches unless you prove it keeps you from using your phone properly. It does not cover loss, theft, or total submersion in water (how that's supposed to proven, I dunno). The phone is sent out as a "rapid-exchange" where you'll have a refurbished phone in your hands in 3-5 business days.
Before the new rapid-exchange system, it used to be that if the phone was not cost effective to fix, they would tell the store to give you a brand new one. This is no longer true as of recently.
EDIT: The phone does have to be purchased at Best Buy.. unless it is an iPhone and you have a receipt showing it was purchased new within 30 days.
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Actually best buy gives you brand new phones. If they have the phone in stock they gladly just swap it out if you can reproduce the problem right then and there. No refurbs and no deductible. I think it's about 9 or 10 dollars a month.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA App
It's store manager discretion if they swap it out with a brand new one at BBY. Actual SOP is send out to be fixed and the customer is offered a loaner phone. If it takes 30 days or the repair is not cost effective (total destruction of phone or severe water damage) then the phone is replaced with new device.
The rapid Exchange process mentioned above is rolling out in waves by carrier at BBY. Currently only VZW is all rapid exchange, ATT is still 'send for service'.
The misinformation floating around astounds me...
Sent from my Inspire using XDA Premium App

Asurion?

Anyone here suggest having it from T-Mobile?
It's $7.99 a month...
Is it worth it? I don't get my phone stolen or lost... I always take care of my phones..
Input before bashing!
it's completely user preference.
Ask yourself this when trying to decide: "is $ worth it to me in the event that something unfortunate happens to my phone? Do I want to spend $$$ to buy a new one if the problem is not covered by the original warranty?"
Some people have horror stories in dealing with asurion others no problem at all... And remember, the plan does not specify that you'll get a brand new, unused phone, just a comparable phone....so you could end up with a refurbished phone after you're deductible...and who knows if it was ever fixed in the first place!
For me personally, I go with the middle tier insurance (4.79/month+130ded) for the first year because chances are that if I start having problems after that, I'm just gonna go in and get new phone and renew my contract at that point.
I got it but that's b/c i work for t-mobile and I've heard so many unfortunate stories
I take care of my phone as well but it's technology...anything can happen
Have a look at SquareTrade. Way cheaper and covers damages. If they can't fix it, they'll pay you the price you paid for the device. They charage a $124 fee for 2 years of coverage, zero deductible.
Search around online, you probably can find a coupon code to help you get 20-30% off the regular price SquareTrade would charge you for coverage.
Asurion's deductible alone is about as much or more than Squaretrade, plus you'd have to pay Asurion $8/month on top of that.
SquareTrade's protection is also transferable if you sell/give the device to someone else. (Sure to help your resale value on Ebay . )
But ultimately, if you don't have a history of damaging devices, you could save more by simply not buying insurance you don't need. The device does have a 1 year manufacturer's warranty. And there are many cell phone repair shops these days that don't charge much.
So it's up to you. Good thing is that you have plenty of options to choose from.
Asurion is NOT good insurance! You pay a monthly fee of around $8 and then a $100 (or $150 not sure which) deductible to actually get the phone replaced and they CAN still send you a refurbished phone as a replacement. So you pay for the phone twice and still may get a used POS! Don't waste your money. The standard warranty is a year with just about the same coverage (you just can't be at fault for any damages to get fixed).
I haven't checked out squaretrade yet, but imo a comprehensive insurance is a must. No matter how well u take care of ur phone accidents can happen and so can theft. To my knowledge, warranty only covers manufacturing defects, not incidental damage/theft.
Check your house insurance, mine is covered up to £700 for loss or damage, no excess to pay....
jdelforge5684 said:
I haven't checked out squaretrade yet, but imo a comprehensive insurance is a must. No matter how well u take care of ur phone accidents can happen and so can theft. To my knowledge, warranty only covers manufacturing defects, not incidental damage/theft.
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I would not say a "must". But worth considering if you have a history of issues. I used to buy it all the time, and after almost 10 years of never using it I stopped buying it and still was going just fine without it. I did get it on my Sensation though, because I got a very good deal from SquareTrade when I brought the Sensation through Ebay. The deal I got was <10% of what I paid for the Sensation, which is a price less than replacing it with a used one 2 years from now and less than I'd have to pay a repair shop to fix most any issue. So I'll get the insurance when I can get get a very cheap deal on it. Otherwise, I'll self insure, as in not buy it.
I'd certainly never use Asurion though. They got enough of my money in the past. In a year $8/month is $96 + $100(or higher) deductible = ~$200. So to pay about $200 or so for a refub of the same device is pretty terrible of a deal IMHO.
My old HD2 is the first device I've had that broke do to issues from drops over time, it's SIM slot broke after 16 months of ownership, that would have costs me about $225+ through Asurion, just to get a refub HD2 to replace it. I can get a nearly brand new HD2 for that price off Ebay tonight. But I didn't even want another HD2 16 months later, I wanted something new, so I sold the used broken HD2 on Ebay. The HD2 and it's SIM card with the Transformers movie fetched me almost $150 which went torwards Sensation accessories and more than paid for the SquareTrade coverage. I could have used that money to buy an HD2 in better condition if I desired, or paid less to get the broken HD2 repaired. But in no way does the math ever work for me to use Asurion ever again. If car insurance or home owners insurance were 50% of the price of the device new or 100% of replacement with a used version of the same, people would cry it was fraud.
kjt57 said:
Check your house insurance, mine is covered up to £700 for loss or damage, no excess to pay....
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For the vast majority in the USA, they won't cover a cell phone. And usually if they do, the deductible is as high as the price of the phone if not higher.
GET IT. I have it over 5yrs since I had my tmobile wing & even if you take care of it something could happen example my hd2 messed up when the electricity went out in my house the phone was connected to the tv and after that phone kept getting random boots. Just get it best investment you could do for your phone.
DEDUCTIBLE IS $130 for the Sensation according to Asurion website and literature.
I gladly pay $8 a month knowing that each year I can have my phone replaced twice. Lost, stolen, damaged no questions asked. Each time I have paid my $130 deductible I have received a brand new in box device. I have used it about 4 times now. They even send u a Sim card and it usually arrives the next day after u male the claim. But I will look into this other company u guys r talking about
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using XDA Premium App
Your right $0 deductible for squaretrade but once Ur care plan is considered fulfilled you need to drop another x amount to cover you new device...
So to me that's the same as paying Asurions deductible.
Not to mention I paid a subsidized price for my sensation and if I was to buy another one I couldn't get it for that price again. So does that mean I'm screwed?
Coverage Amount For replacement payments:
You are covered up to the maximum value you paid for the item. Once we pay out that amount, your Care Plan is considered fulfilled. If you would like coverage on your new item, you need to purchase a new warranty for it.
For Repairs:
The Care Plan is good for multiple repairs, up to the maximum value of your item. Once the cost of repairs meets the full purchase price of the item, your Care Plan is considered fulfilled.
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using XDA Premium App

The "insurance" at Best Buy is changing 9/1/13

I figured I place this tidbit of information here since I have a galaxy s4, but this will apply to other smartphones as well. For those who invest in insurance for their phones, it is changing at Best Buy. Currently, the Geek Squad Protection is a $10 monthly charge for Android/Windows/Blackberry ($15 for iPhones), no deductible, unlimited claims for two years, and it does not cover lost or stolen. Starting on 9/1/13 (Im 99% sure that's the date, which is around the corner lol) it will be $10 for smartphones (Android/Windows/BlackBerry/iPhones), $150 deductible, 3 claims for 24 months, and it will not cover lost or stolen.
Kenpachi 91 said:
I figured I place this tidbit of information here since I have a galaxy s4, but this will apply to other smartphones as well. For those who invest in insurance for their phones, it is changing at Best Buy. Currently, the Geek Squad Protection is a $10 month charge for Android/Windows/Blackberry ($15 for iPhones), no deductible, unlimited claims for two years, and it does not cover lost or stolen. Starting on 9/1/13 (Im 99% sure that's the date, which is around the corner lol) it will be $10 for smartphones (Android/Windows/BlackBerry/iPhones), $150 deductible, 3 claims for 24 months, and it will not cover lost or stolen.
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Too many idiots bricking their phones and bringing them in for exchange / repair. Sure, occasionally there are legitimate claims, but with the release of MF3 and the people that are too lazy to read and learn, the number of claims is most likely going through the roof. If it continues, square trade will be the next to change their terms. It's bad when people with legitimate claims have to be hassled by AT&T, Samsung, Best buy, etc...just because people are committing fraud so frequently.
To be fair, when MF3 was first pushed and people knew nothing about it, it was reasonable to expect some problems. However, the learning curve has been over for some time now and the excuses are done. If someone bricks with MF3 now (and they are not a DEV trying to make something happen to help everyone) there is absolutely no excuse. Developers bricking their phones working on unlocked bootloader exploits / methods might make up 1% of total claims. Legitimate claims might make up another 10%. The rest are people that are bricking their devices and then expecting insurance to pay for their ignorance. So thank you lazy idiots for making insurance more expensive for the rest of us.
I knew the unlimited claims was going to hurt them down the line. I have the 2 year outright protection since I get a discount. So I will still have the unlimited claims (which I will probably never use). However it does suck for those who truly need it though.
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eh I may just cancel mine then, but still kinda worth it for $10/mo.......
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scott_0 said:
eh I may just cancel mine then, but still kinda worth it for $10/mo.......
sent from my Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 4
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I shouldve said this in the original post. For those who have Best Buy's insurance as of 8/31/13 and before, you are unaffected. You still have the $0 deductible and unlimited claims.
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Kenpachi 91 said:
I shouldve said this in the original post. For those who have Best Buy's insurance as of 8/31/13 and before, you are unaffected. You still have the $0 deductible and unlimited claims.
Sent from my Galaxy S4 (Bonestock v1.1.3) using xda-developers app
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haha that's great news! thanks for the info
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Bought 2 new Galaxy S 4 the day before this went into effect.
Only by luck did I hear about it in time. Was going to hold off for a few more weeks on the purchase. So glad I didn't!
skandranon314 said:
Bought 2 new Galaxy S 4 the day before this went into effect.
Only by luck did I hear about it in time. Was going to hold off for a few more weeks on the purchase. So glad I didn't!
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Yeah good thing you didn't. I knew it was changing for a while, but I didn't get the exact details until much later
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It also looks like the $9.99 plan doesn't cover drops even with the $150 deductable.
You have to pay the $200 up front to get this coverage.
ricktat said:
It also looks like the $9.99 plan doesn't cover drops even with the $150 deductable.
You have to pay the $200 up front to get this coverage.
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It covers accidentals. The $10 monthly charge and the $200 upfront cover the same thing. It's just that paying upfront saves you $40 in the long run...
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Kenpachi 91 said:
It covers accidentals. The $10 monthly charge and the $200 upfront cover the same thing. It's just that paying upfront saves you $40 in the long run...
Sent from my Galaxy S4 (Bonestock v1.1.3) using xda-developers app
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What's the difference in the standard and advanced plan? Best buy only lets you pick monthly or upfront.
http://www.geeksquad.com/protection-plans/geek-squad-protection/mobile-phones.aspx#_tab1
This is my favorite. It's got to be a little broke I guess.
What if I dropped my cell phone walking to work?
Ouch! If you have our Advanced Geek Squad Protection Plan with accidental damage from handling coverage, it'll be covered. However, we don't cover units that fall from extreme heights such as decks, balconies and windows.
ricktat said:
What's the difference in the standard and advanced plan? Best buy only lets you pick monthly or upfront.
http://www.geeksquad.com/protection-plans/geek-squad-protection/mobile-phones.aspx#_tab1
This is my favorite. It's got to be a little broke I guess.
What if I dropped my cell phone walking to work?
Ouch! If you have our Advanced Geek Squad Protection Plan with accidental damage from handling coverage, it'll be covered. However, we don't cover units that fall from extreme heights such as decks, balconies and windows.
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Interesting. I'll ask my manager about this. Since our emails didn't mention anything about standard and advanced plans. I'll have more info later tonight.
Edit:
So that page did catch my manager off guard. We looked at the email that he received and that doesn't really match up. The one on the website is referring to prepaid devices according to my manager, not contract.
Best buy didn't honor my insurance today. They are a total scam. I mean I haven't posted in this forum for a looooong time and I was compelled to write here. I spent 2 hours arguing with the manager, and all they would do for me is knock $50 off an upgraded phone. The guy I originally was working with finally told me that: if the phone is broken beyond repair... they will NOT honor the insurance. Only minor defects e.g. cracked screen, broken power button, broken camera (repairable stuff) is covered. Please save your $15 a month... I'll never spend another dime in a best buy store again.
bigough13 said:
Best buy didn't honor my insurance today. They are a total scam. I mean I haven't posted in this forum for a looooong time and I was compelled to write here. I spent 2 hours arguing with the manager, and all they would do for me is knock $50 off an upgraded phone. The guy I originally was working with finally told me that: if the phone is broken beyond repair... they will NOT honor the insurance. Only minor defects e.g. cracked screen, broken power button, broken camera (repairable stuff) is covered. Please save your $15 a month... I'll never spend another dime in a best buy store again.
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What?!? I have taken no less than 8 different phones in that were clearly broken behold repair over the past few years. In fact that was one of the major selling points in the old days. I would go to a different best buy and try again, and again till one takes it. That is BS~!
bigough13 said:
Best buy didn't honor my insurance today. They are a total scam. I mean I haven't posted in this forum for a looooong time and I was compelled to write here. I spent 2 hours arguing with the manager, and all they would do for me is knock $50 off an upgraded phone. The guy I originally was working with finally told me that: if the phone is broken beyond repair... they will NOT honor the insurance. Only minor defects e.g. cracked screen, broken power button, broken camera (repairable stuff) is covered. Please save your $15 a month... I'll never spend another dime in a best buy store again.
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Do you have it in writing that they will fix /replace/ repair (whatever you are trying to do) a phone that is "broken beyond repair"? And did you satisfy the terms of the contract? If so, contact their corporate office about the issue.
scott14719 said:
Do you have it in writing that they will fix /replace/ repair (whatever you are trying to do) a phone that is "broken beyond repair"? And did you satisfy the terms of the contract? If so, contact their corporate office about the issue.
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I have the geek squad pamphlet right next to me and it says "accidental damage from handling covers damage as a result of unexpected and unintentional drops and spills that arise from normal usage of the product as the manufacturer intended. Abuse, misuse and fraud not covered". The way I read <<that is it covers accidental drops regardless of severity of damage.
I guess I didn't mention how it happened to you guys. Girlfriends kid was sticking the phone out the window to get a better signal while I was driving, I told him to bring it in and he dropped it out of a moving vehicle. It was an accident, however I guess in the truest sense of the term it wasn't (at the time) "normal use of the product". However that doesn't even matter. The representative said "I'll put another story that will sound better" (whatever that means). The manager came over, took a photo of my phone and sent it to her boss. She came back later and said it won't be covered.
The way the manager made it sound was that the insurance company they are sending it to would not pay for it and would send it back to them as denied. I already made a thread on the best buy forums. I will be contacting corporate, I will even find the email of the CEO and send him an email too if it comes down to it. I've done it before with other companies and have no qualms about doing it again.
skandranon314 said:
What?!? I have taken no less than 8 different phones in that were clearly broken behold repair over the past few years. In fact that was one of the major selling points in the old days. I would go to a different best buy and try again, and again till one takes it. That is BS~!
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Yes I agree. I was a champion for Best Buy. I would always tell people "why'd you buy your phone from X? If you buy it from Best Buy, they phone is covered in almost all situations". I've used them before on my iphone 4 and it was also smashed, and I never had a problem. The next closest best buy is about 1 hour away. I'm also going to call the Geek Squad tomorrow and see what they say.
If all else fails, AT&T is offering a $250 upgrade addition for the 5S. So instead of spending $700+ on a new phone it is $199+250= $450.
---------- Post added at 09:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:07 PM ----------
I had no intention of giving that phone up. The phone's camera was shot (purple blotches on the photos), the power button was broken but, I was running 6.1 jailbroken! I have no interest in owning an un-jailbroken iphone. I was willing to deal with the failing hardware issues to retain my jailbreak and keep the insurance for a catastrophic event. Now the way it looks, not only will I be running an un-jailbroken iphone while waiting for envasi0n to release a jailbreak, but I will be coming out of pocket $450 minimum (not counting the $360ish I spent on "insurance" premiums). Double whammy on my end.
I'm sorry to vent but I am furious!! The customer service rep also told me that they insurance is changing to a $150 deductible with new cellphone sales.
Best Buy Geek Squad Protection: $9.99 / month or $199.98 / 2 years. Covers drops, water damage, and other malfunctions. Deductible: $150. Repairs existing handset if possible, if not, replaces with refurbished or new handset of same or like model. (Note: the deductibles were added and pricing changed as of Sept. 1st, 2013 - non-deductible coverage for new customers is no longer available).
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If you read my update.... forget it. Best Buy screwed me the F over!!
There is now a $7 GSP plan. This basically excludes handling of manufacturer claims, no charger, or battery replacement. The $150 deductible and 3 claims still apply

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