Hi guys,
This is a question geared towards folks living in the US. I'm wondering if there is a 3rd party accidental insurance company that is "affordable" or "bang for your buck".
I recall for the Nexus 4 some people recommended Square Trade and looking at the website it is $125 for a 2 year contract with a $100 deductible.
Has anyone tried them/had experience with them?
Any other??
(Girlfriend dropped her N4 last month, butter fingers)
Thanks in advance. (and after)
Check with your credit card company. Most CC's offer an extended warranty, and accidental warranties that cover repair/replacement for certain periods of time. Most people aren't aware that their CC offers these benefits and wind up wasting money on "extended warranties" that don't give them any additional benefits, or incredibly minor benefits.
I've used the warranty process on one of my CC's when my mother dropped an iPad 2 I purchased for her 2 days after I gave it to her. Even though I purchased the iPad 2 through a 3rd party seller "used" on Amazon, they covered $250 worth of repair/replacement. Luckily for me, Apple charged $249 to repair the screen (I wound up paying about $16 in taxes). The entire refund process was very quick and painless.
danaconda1 said:
Check with your credit card company. Most CC's offer an extended warranty, and accidental warranties that cover repair/replacement for certain periods of time. Most people aren't aware that their CC offers these benefits and wind up wasting money on "extended warranties" that don't give them any additional benefits, or incredibly minor benefits.
I've used the warranty process on one of my CC's when my mother dropped an iPad 2 I purchased for her 2 days after I gave it to her. Even though I purchased the iPad 2 through a 3rd party seller "used" on Amazon, they covered $250 worth of repair/replacement. Luckily for me, Apple charged $249 to repair the screen (I wound up paying about $16 in taxes). The entire refund process was very quick and painless.
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Yes that was my first place to go to when I looked, unfortunately American Express, Discover, and Visa only cover 3 months from date of purchase. I'm looking for the life extent of the phone so perhaps 1-2 years
intekmdma said:
Yes that was my first place to go to when I looked, unfortunately American Express, Discover, and Visa only cover 3 months from date of purchase. I'm looking for the life extent of the phone so perhaps 1-2 years
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There are different types of coverage. My Visa card has a plan which covers the phone with a $25 deductible as long as I allow the monthly cell phone payments to be made automatically every month using that credit card. I don't know whether my coverage is that good because of the bank or because of Visa but I do know that my bank offers different types of Visa cards with different types of coverage so it could be that yours does as well.
lalec said:
There are different types of coverage. My Visa card has a plan which covers the phone with a $25 deductible as long as I allow the monthly cell phone payments to be made automatically every month using that credit card. I don't know whether my coverage is that good because of the bank or because of Visa but I do know that my bank offers different types of Visa cards with different types of coverage so it could be that yours does as well.
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I see, thanks for the information. I looked at my Wells Fargo credit card which has the same coverage as you, but I found out it's not covered with a pre-paid plan
Related
Just curious, on how many people got insurance for thier phone.
I come from the school of; If "it" doesn't have moving parts no point in getting insurance. Feel free to chime in.
Accidentally voted "I've got insurance, thank goodness and it came in handy. where actually I'd like to vote "No insurance"
I have and its save my ass "loads" of times, The only hadset Ive not used the insurance for is my Touch Pro.
If it is really a $125 deductible as indicated in the other thread, then there's really no point. Phones depreciate so fast you could simply save the $$ yourself and purchase a phone IF you ever need to. I haven't needed to claim an insurance claim in 12 years. If I had paid for the insurance all that time I'd be out over $700 and still have to pay the deductible if I needed to make a claim.
never insure something you can afford to replace yourself
There is an alternative - read below:
I would purchase one for at most a year through the carrier. The deductables have really gotten high to justify anything over a year. Had the coverage years ago on a Nokia and you forget its on the bill! At the time there were deductables around 25 dollars - so people used the coverage to get a new phone every 8 months or whenever a better phone came out. Cost the insur cos a ton so they starting jacking the rates and restrictions.
Alternative:
I just bought a SquareTrade for two years for something like 35.00 with a coupon. Bought a brand new zero hour phone through Ebay (Best Buy Outlet) and qualified for a two year warranty. Has a zero deductable and basically will cover everything except for physical damage and theft. Basically they have a couple of warranties - one that covers damage but you have to purchase the phone I think from a nonEbay source. There is a deductable and it doesn't cover theft. With SquareTrade they will REFUND the purchase price if anything goes wrong that they can't fix. So if the keyboard craps out or there is a motherboard problem its covered. The only catch is you have to purchase the plan I think within 30 days of purchase.
Something goes wrong you send it in (they'll send a mailer and deduct postage) - if its worth a repair they'll fix it otherwise they credit your Paypal account within a couple of days after receiving it. From experience they do pay out - had a Razr that went bad after about a year (flex ribbon) and a TYTN I (motherboard, bad GSM errors). They paid out in full for both - no hassles. They will more than likely look for the water damage seal for activation - SO its not a good idea to crack open the phone and break the seal unless you have a source for replacment seals - they are available if you look.
I saw some other threads and figured I'd share a new discovery of mine. Not sure if anyone has heard of them:
http://www.worthavegroup.com/
Very affordable insurance and beats out SquareTrade, I think.
Just finished a claim on my EVO 4G with SquareTrade and they closed the warranty once they reimburse me. So essentially, once they pay you for a new phone, your warranty is considered fully used regardless of how many years of coverage you have left. Worth Ave has unlimited claims and includes theft and loss and all that cool stuff for a good price. $50 deductible for $599 coverage for my new Epic 4G Touch (iPhones have different coverage but other devices like Android phones are the same essentially). Roughly $60 bucks a year flat fee. I did my research on them before hand and I've only read good things.
Just thought I'd share!
-Rip
Do they reimburse you or just send you a "refurbished" phone? I like the fact that SquareTrade reimburses you so you can go out and buy any new phone on the market and yes, then you do have to buy a new warranty but it is a totally "new" phone.
frodoboy said:
Do they reimburse you or just send you a "refurbished" phone? I like the fact that SquareTrade reimburses you so you can go out and buy any new phone on the market and yes, then you do have to buy a new warranty but it is a totally "new" phone.
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SquareTrade reimbursed me to the EVO's current market value ($450). They do not give out refurbs and I believe Worth Ave is the same. They are not actual repair shops so they are not entitled to give you a replacement or refurb. Either they pay for repair at an authorized/licensed repair depot or they reimburse you with good old cash to buy another phone at current market value.
Insurance
Hello,
I don't know about in the US but my mobile is covered under the "accidental damage" portion of my home insurance policy, sure it might cost me my excess but I will only pay it if I damage the phone which may not happen.
regal_beaver said:
Hello,
I don't know about in the US but my mobile is covered under the "accidental damage" portion of my home insurance policy, sure it might cost me my excess but I will only pay it if I damage the phone which may not happen.
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Usually homeowner's policies have pretty high deductibles, usually $500 or more and that basically leaves you without coverage on all phones.
I think this is covered in some other threads. But check with your home owners insurance. I can get a rider for mine that costs $18/year. It is $18/year for up to $5000 of computers, cell phones, software, peripherals, etc. Not $18/device. Just $18/year!
It is all risk coverage. So it covers theft, loss, damage (like dropping it). $50 deductible.
So check with your insurance carrier is you have home owner's insurance (or apartment insurance).
a case is my insurance policy.
These always have deductible, take a couple of days and get a refurb old phone.
With the way tech changes, always feel its just better to trade up to a new phone if you lose/break.
I spoke to a rep yesterday that said the insurance with Verizon has two different plan options, $7 or $10, with the latter providing coverage for if the phone is lost. The rep was unsure of the deductible. Does anyone have details of the insurance options, or the best type of insurance to get at the lowest rate?
jinforthewin said:
I spoke to a rep yesterday that said the insurance with Verizon has two different plan options, $7 or $10, with the latter providing coverage for if the phone is lost. The rep was unsure of the deductible. Does anyone have details of the insurance options, or the best type of insurance to get at the lowest rate?
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Lowest rate would be if you just bought a 2 year protection plan and paid it all up front. (I guess it's a higher rate but you only pay once). They offer 2 yrs protection for $160 at best buy for the s6 so I'm guessing it's something similar to that at verizon though maybe cheaper as best buy charged 8 a month if you wanted a monthly version.
Sent from my SM-G920V using XDA Free mobile app
jinforthewin said:
I spoke to a rep yesterday that said the insurance with Verizon has two different plan options, $7 or $10, with the latter providing coverage for if the phone is lost. The rep was unsure of the deductible. Does anyone have details of the insurance options, or the best type of insurance to get at the lowest rate?
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I am a district manager for verizon pm me if yoi have any questions and want a correct answer
jinforthewin said:
I spoke to a rep yesterday that said the insurance with Verizon has two different plan options, $7 or $10, with the latter providing coverage for if the phone is lost. The rep was unsure of the deductible. Does anyone have details of the insurance options, or the best type of insurance to get at the lowest rate?
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Use Squaretrade, it's $99 for 2 years and only $75 deductible.
Sent from my SM-G920V using XDA Free mobile app
I believe there are 3 different insurances that Verizon offers.
WPP - Wireless Phone Protection ( ~$7.00 ) Covers lost, stolen, or accidental damage.
TEC - Total Equipment Coverage (~$9.00) Covers lost, stolen, or accidental damage and includes extended warranty after the 1 year manufacturers.
TMP - Total Mobile Protection (~$11.00) Covers lost, stolen, or accidental damage and includes extended warranty plus "A team of certified Tech Coaches who provide support for Verizon devices."
TMP is worthless. I would always choose TEC because of the extended warranty. Extended warranty is for as long as you have the device and you pay for it monthly.
I am almost positive they all have the same deductible. Used to work for Verizon once upon a time.
Hopefully this helps.
JB EaZee said:
I believe there are 3 different insurances that Verizon offers.
WPP - Wireless Phone Protection ( ~$7.00 ) Covers lost, stolen, or accidental damage.
TEC - Total Equipment Coverage (~$9.00) Covers lost, stolen, or accidental damage and includes extended warranty after the 1 year manufacturers.
TMP - Total Mobile Protection (~$11.00) Covers lost, stolen, or accidental damage and includes extended warranty plus "A team of certified Tech Coaches who provide support for Verizon devices."
TMP is worthless. I would always choose TEC because of the extended warranty. Extended warranty is for as long as you have the device and you pay for it monthly.
I am almost positive they all have the same deductible. Used to work for Verizon once upon a time.
Hopefully this helps.
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This is correct. They used to only charge $5.18 for WPP, which is what I always got as I typically got a new phone once per year and never used the extended warranty.
Thanks for all the good info. The rep that sold me my phone said the only option was the $11 one since it was an expensive phone. I logged into my account and sure enough it's the TMP. I buy my phones off contract about once a year so I'm thinking WPP is what would be best for me. Anyone else agree? And can I downgrade to it if I go into a store?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
I've had WPP for years. It's a pain to be an extra charge on my bill but I've used it twice so it's paid for itself. Square trade is good but doesn't cover for most devices.
Glitch4583 said:
I've had WPP for years. It's a pain to be an extra charge on my bill but I've used it twice so it's paid for itself. Square trade is good but doesn't cover for most devices.
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Unless it changed, after 2 claims they cancel your insurance.
Thanks for the info everyone. Any idea of the deductible with Verizon?
EDIT - deduct = $149.
WPP seems to make sense for me as it covers everything except warranty.
Looking at the insurance options it seems to be between ATT, Samsung, and SquareTrade. For those who have insurace what did you pick and why?
from what I can see:
ATT:
Pros: Low Monthly ($8.99), Covers loss and theft, I believe you, I believe you are certain to get your original color?
Cons: Initial high deductible until it slides, not covered under the $89 screen repair
For ATT is it as simple as walking into a store, filing a claim, and walking out with a new one?
Samsung:
Pros: $99 deductible always, Someone comes to your house either same or next day I believe
Cons: High monthly payments ($11.99), Does not cover loss and theft, No guarantee of phone color
SquareTrade:
Pros: Low Monthly payments (I read someone said it was $7), Also read it was a low deductible like $70
Cons: Does not cover loss and theft. Too good to be true? Slow claims? I really dont know anything about this company so if someone has had experience with them it'd be helpful to know!
Guitarboarder28 said:
Looking at the insurance options it seems to be between ATT, Samsung, and SquareTrade. For those who have insurace what did you pick and why?
from what I can see:
ATT:
Pros: Low Monthly ($8.99), Covers loss and theft, I believe you, I believe you are certain to get your original color?
Cons: Initial high deductible until it slides, not covered under the $89 screen repair
For ATT is it as simple as walking into a store, filing a claim, and walking out with a new one?
Samsung:
Pros: $99 deductible always, Someone comes to your house either same or next day I believe
Cons: High monthly payments ($11.99), Does not cover loss and theft, No guarantee of phone color
SquareTrade:
Pros: Low Monthly payments (I read someone said it was $7), Also read it was a low deductible like $70
Cons: Does not cover loss and theft. Too good to be true? Slow claims? I really dont know anything about this company so if someone has had experience with them it'd be helpful to know!
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Just my two cents and I never used the protection plan before, just had a few phones break during the warranty period. Looks like at&t closed their device service centers, so everything is done by phone and shipped to you. I've had appointments on evenings and sundays to replace dead phones that was nice. Here's a something I put together if I decide to. at&t has extended their enrollment for the protection plans until the end of June if you missed out.
I need to update my signature too, M9 was about die....
Silverexp said:
Just my two cents and I never used the protection plan before, just had a few phones break during the warranty period. Looks like at&t closed their device service centers, so everything is done by phone and shipped to you. I've had appointments on evenings and sundays to replace dead phones that was nice. Here's a something I put together if I decide to. at&t has extended their enrollment for the protection plans until the end of June if you missed out.
I need to update my signature too, M9 was about die....
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yea I ended up going with att. thats a good speadsheet though. thanks for the share!
I have used Square Trade for many years for all my family phones, laptops/PC's, even a Keurig machine. Have had to claim a couple of times and they are very reasonable & super fast. One family member's iPhone screen cracked, initiated a claim, took it to local Genius Bar (isn't that name just a hoot), and uploaded PDF copy of the receipt, had full reimbursement from Square Trade into my PayPal account in less than 24 hours. No problems using this service at all. If device can't be fixed, or if repair facility wants to replace rather than repair, Square Trade reimburses the full cost. Just have to look at which service level and desired deductible you want.
Sent from my SM-G955U using XDA Premium HD app
Subscribed. I'd love to hear more on this.
I have always purchased AppleCare+, Samsung Protection Plus or On-Guard by Assurant ect for my devices. I have enjoyed paying a one time fee and having coverage for 2 years and not being gouged with a reoccurring monthly fee. I've never had to make a claim but I feel great comfort in knowing I am covered.
I've never had carrier insurance such as AT&T's, mostly because I usually have several devices at any given time and swap my SIM often, and was told once ( most likely erroneously ) that once I swap my SIM into another phone the insurance is no longer valid for the original device.
Looking at what AT&T's insurance offers it seems outrageously expensive. I can't imagine anybody is actually paying for that. $229 deductible?!? Thats batshlt crazy!
I paid $129 for AppleCare+ for my iPhone 7 Plus. Deductible is only $29 for screen replacement and $99 for the entire device. Those are incredibly reasonable prices. My Note 5 was $129 with a $99 deductible.
When I purchased my Galaxy s8+ in store the AT&T sales associate was pushing the insurance really hard. I declined several times always planning on buying Samsung Protection Plus. I was pretty upset when I got home and saw that Samsung Protection Plus is not offered for the s8 and s8+. Instead we get Samsung Premium Care for $11.99 a month with no option to pay for the full 2 years. That means you are paying $306.03 I'm really not too happy about that.
I have several SuareTrade warranties. Have only had to make a claim once, on a 60" Plasma TV. They were super fast about accessing the situation remotely and ended up replacing it with a brand new, much nicer full array LED. I have to say I was pretty happy with how SquareTrade handled it. Maybe I'll give then a shot at my s8+. I'd rather do that than pay $306.03 to Samsung or a ridiculous $229 deductible with AT&T
What is everyone using for insurance since there is no UH-OH protection. I had vzw total on my HTC 10 and they said it would still be covered, but it's up to asurion what they would send as a replacement device. I was thinking about squaretrade. Any ideas?
If you've got wells fargo, their CC offers mobile phone insurance when you pay your bill with it.
https://www.wellsfargo.com/credit-cards/features/cell-phone-protection/
Cellular Telephone Protection is subject to a $25 deductible per claim and a maximum of 2 claims per 12 month period. The maximum benefit limit is $600 per occurrence and $1,200 per 12 month period. You will receive no more than the value of the original phone or a replacement phone with similar features and functionality, less a $25 deductible. This benefit does not cover cellular telephones that are lost. This protection is only available when cell phone bills are paid from your Wells Fargo Consumer Credit Card.
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Never had to make a claim yet, but I guess it gives me a peace of mind.
ckupsco said:
What is everyone using for insurance since there is no UH-OH protection. I had vzw total on my HTC 10 and they said it would still be covered, but it's up to asurion what they would send as a replacement device. I was thinking about squaretrade. Any ideas?
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That's funny, I've been contemplating creating this very post. Unfortunately gone are the UH-OH days and what sucks even more is that you can't even spend money on purchasing one like Moto extended protection plan.
I purchased the U11 through the US HTC.com (which offers NO protection). I could return phone and purchase new phone from US Amazon as well as add on the Square Trade extended accident protection. This costs money up front as well as a fee when you make a claim and in all totals ~$150 US but at least it's protected. My carrier won't help out and sends me letters that state I'm using a non-T-Mobile phone that's not covered.
Bottom line is that I REALLY don't like not having an accidental plan on my devices and am looking for a solution.
You can add squaretrade to an HTC purchased phone. I did it earlier today so I could use the phone20 code to save $20
Sent from my HTC U11 using Tapatalk
Another thread offered up https://upsie.com/