I wanted to start this thread as sort of an informative type of thread. I know there will be other people wondering the same thing. I haven't had t-mobile in years and only dealt with sprint Asurion insurance.
I have been offered t-mobile insurance and I'm not really sure if it would be worth getting it. There were three options given and I wanted to get some insight from some customers that have gone through the insurance in the past. I am leaning towards the middle one that I think was 4.79.
Is this a good insurance to have or should I get the higher priced one that extends the warranty to two years?
Are there any issues over the phone when trying to get a replacement due to software or hardware issues?
How are the refurbs that are sent as replacement?
Here are the two options
http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/addons...umHandsetProtection&tp=Svc_Sub_EqpmntProtnOvw
or
http://www.squaretrade.com/pages/and...g1#coveragePop
I went with Squaretrade instead of Tmobile because of the deductible
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
mziol said:
I went with Squaretrade instead of Tmobile because of the deductible
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
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Can you give some insight on what squaretrade is offering vs t-mobile?
mziol said:
I went with Squaretrade instead of Tmobile because of the deductible
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
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I went squaretrade too, with coupon code it was only $90 and covers 2 years and by then I will be on a completely diff phone anyway..
if they cover screen replacement or water damage, it's a decent protection, if you are ... accident prone like me
i used to take those insurance, when i was in school and couldn't afford a new device very often.
once i started getting better jobs, i stopped taking those, as i was switching from phone to phone before i can even crack the old phone
post moved to OP
AllGamer said:
if they cover screen replacement or water damage, it's a decent protection, if you are ... accident prone like me
i used to take those insurance, when i was in school and couldn't afford a new device very often.
once i started getting better jobs, i stopped taking those, as i was switching from phone to phone before i can even crack the old phone
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Yeah that's kinda where I'm at with it. I am very careful with my phones and usually go through phones pretty quick. I will feel much better about it once I get a case. I always feel like I'm going to drop this thing. I don't know if it's the weight or the slender build.
i just use the tmobil insurance u brick or wreck ur phone u take it into tmobil they replace it with a new one or refurbished one!
have you looked at the Best Buy insurance?
they are pretty fair and fool prof and it's affordable but the rates varies from phone to phone, so you might want to check in store
AllGamer said:
have you looked at the Best Buy insurance?
they are pretty fair and fool prof and it's affordable but the rates varies from phone to phone, so you might want to check in store
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I got my phone through wirefly so I don't know if Bestbuy would warranty a purchase that wasn't at their store.
I did notice that squaretrade doesn't cover loss or theft so that wouldn't be an option.
I am leaning toward the PHP insurance option through T-mobile. Anybody here ever had any issues with that particular type of insurance?
Jjday7 said:
I got my phone through wirefly so I don't know if Bestbuy would warranty a purchase that wasn't at their store.
I did notice that squaretrade doesn't cover loss or theft so that wouldn't be an option.
I am leaning toward the PHP insurance option through T-mobile. Anybody here ever had any issues with that particular type of insurance?
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Thats the thing i dont like the no loss of theft. but that deductible is killer. i wonder if there is a way to sweet talk them. and i do understand its a deterrent to prevent people from breaking there phone to get the updated hardware as they make revisions or lie and say they lost the phone so they can get a dev phone.
I had cell phone insiranve since it was 1.99 it just a fall. Back they send it ecpress overnght and u pay lile 130 dedu.(smart phone) it worth it
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
Baaed on the answers, I'm thinking that going the insurance route is the best option. This phone feels fragile so I'm going to cover my butt. I think the 4.79 insurance will do. Plus I can cancel at any time which makes It a better deal. I lobe this phone but I know from past experiences that I will probably keep it less than a year.
Jjday7 said:
Baaed on the answers, I'm thinking that going the insurance route is the best option. This phone feels fragile so I'm going to cover my butt. I think the 4.79 insurance will do. Plus I can cancel at any time which makes It a better deal. I lobe this phone but I know from past experiences that I will probably keep it less than a year.
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i got it as well. i would rather pay a little extra so im not always worried about the phone. better to have it and not need then to need and not have. replace the phone once and its payed for its self.
ive had/have premium asurion insurance thru tmobile. they cover 3 phones in a 12 month period. i know because ive lost 4 phones already and was left with no choice but to buy the sgs2 lol.
the deductible is what kills you. for any smart phone whether its damaged, lost or stolen, you have to pay 130.00 PERIOD and that includes free overnight shipping. if you order your new phone monday morning you will have it by tuesday afternoon. theres no sweet talking or getting yourself out of that deductible EVER. if your a clutz like me the insurance is worth it. 130 beats 500 any day.
asurion covers stolen, lost, theft, water damage, etc. i guess they dont really care what your excuse is for whatever happened to your phone because your getting ass raped with a deductible. either way i WOULD recommend them. its a small price to pay and believe if you ever do lose your phone you will be more than thankful that you had insurance on it
They are both worth it. DO NOT go with tie protection plan. They never keep up their end. It's pointless and it's money down the drain. With T-Mobile insurance and warranty... you get a phone... you damage it... there is a deductible. If it's the phone itself, the warranty covers it. Better to pay the deductible then retail of the phone. The phones aren't getting cheaper. You have to think MSRP.
I've been selling phones for dealers and corp for 5+ years. Insurance is a double edged sword. Yes it costs more monthly, yes it adds up and yes there is a deductible. So it's a gamble. Is it worth it? Yes. Is it worth it if nothing goes wrong with the phone? No. But that's the gamble.
Warranty... Personally I'll pass. I don't keep phones past the first year. The phone is covered by manufacturer warranty and I believe the carrier will handle the swap for you. You're paying for the second year in contract for the warranty part... So you pay it the first year when it's covered anyway.
Insurance covers everything... then there is a deductible. Anything happens to the phone, you make a claim and get one the next day. Handled by Asurion.
If you add up the monthly charge for insurance alone + the deductible... you're looking at about $250. If nothing happens and you keep your phone, then you paid insurance for nothing. But that's just insurance... that's how insurance works. If you break it, lose it or get it wet within the first couple months... pay the deductible and get a new one... was insurance worth it? Yes.
Next year... let's say something happens... you've been paying on insurance, pay the deductible. Could you maybe have bought the phone from someone else and saved a little coin? Yes.
It's basically good to have insurance if something happens in the first few months. I recommend putting it on at first and maybe ween yourself off it. But some of you are like me...
Am I too cheap to pay for insurance? Yes.
Will I get insurance? Probably for the first couple months.
Do I have the phone for 6+ months? No.
If I don't have insurance, am I willing to drop $500+ on the latest phone? Sure. I guess I have to.
Jjday7 said:
I got my phone through wirefly so I don't know if Bestbuy would warranty a purchase that wasn't at their store.
I did notice that squaretrade doesn't cover loss or theft so that wouldn't be an option.
I am leaning toward the PHP insurance option through T-mobile. Anybody here ever had any issues with that particular type of insurance?
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Hey, I got my daughter's Sidekick 4G through Wirefly and they offered some kind of insurance for like $70 up front or in monthly installments. And I do believe it covered accidents and theft. Check into it.
chrischoi said:
They are both worth it. DO NOT go with tie protection plan. They never keep up their end. It's pointless and it's money down the drain. With T-Mobile insurance and warranty... you get a phone... you damage it... there is a deductible. If it's the phone itself, the warranty covers it. Better to pay the deductible then retail of the phone. The phones aren't getting cheaper. You have to think MSRP.
I've been selling phones for dealers and corp for 5+ years. Insurance is a double edged sword. Yes it costs more monthly, yes it adds up and yes there is a deductible. So it's a gamble. Is it worth it? Yes. Is it worth it if nothing goes wrong with the phone? No. But that's the gamble.
Warranty... Personally I'll pass. I don't keep phones past the first year. The phone is covered by manufacturer warranty and I believe the carrier will handle the swap for you. You're paying for the second year in contract for the warranty part... So you pay it the first year when it's covered anyway.
Insurance covers everything... then there is a deductible. Anything happens to the phone, you make a claim and get one the next day. Handled by Asurion.
If you add up the monthly charge for insurance alone + the deductible... you're looking at about $250. If nothing happens and you keep your phone, then you paid insurance for nothing. But that's just insurance... that's how insurance works. If you break it, lose it or get it wet within the first couple months... pay the deductible and get a new one... was insurance worth it? Yes.
Next year... let's say something happens... you've been paying on insurance, pay the deductible. Could you maybe have bought the phone from someone else and saved a little coin? Yes.
It's basically good to have insurance if something happens in the first few months. I recommend putting it on at first and maybe ween yourself off it. But some of you are like me...
Am I too cheap to pay for insurance? Yes.
Will I get insurance? Probably for the first couple months.
Do I have the phone for 6+ months? No.
If I don't have insurance, am I willing to drop $500+ on the latest phone? Sure. I guess I have to.
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yea i see where you are coming from. just wish i was in a different industry where my phone would not be exposed to so many elements.
Get the bundle. Sure it may be $7/month, but the insurance and warranty cover phones that you buy in the future too. (Even second hand phones)
rr5678 said:
Get the bundle. Sure it may be $7/month, but the insurance and warranty cover phones that you buy in the future too. (Even second hand phones)
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where do i find this information
Related
Sprints TEP has had open enrollment extended through September. Search only came up with results in other phone threads so figured I'd post it here if anyone was interested or didn't know. I've known about it for over a week but never thought to post it so doing it now!
There are a little over 4 hours left so if anyone was interested just an FYI.
http://www.tepenroll.com/
I enrolled, only because they are giving me monthly credit for crappy signal, so I'm reinvesting the money into this for a couple months in case the phone still has issues.
Don't bother, too expensive.
Get a SquareTrade warranty instead.
Yeah SquareTrade or Worth Ave are definitely better but figured I'd post this for those that wanted Sprint.
I had SquareTrade on my EVO but didn't like that you can only have the 1 claim. And there service depots really sucks. Sent my EVO back and forth for over a month for the same issue alllll the way to LA. I'll end up going with insurance from the Worth Ave Group in a couple months.
edit: forgot to mention, I now have my ET4G thanks to SquareTrade and their reimbursements
Yeah, just don't have it stolen or lose it because that is NOT covered...
And have fun shipping it off instead of in-store or overnight replacement...
and the part about something happening within the first 60 days are not covered as they are considered a 'pre-existing condition'...just sayin'
Radical-J said:
Yeah, just don't have it stolen or lose it because that is NOT covered...
And have fun shipping it off instead of in-store or overnight replacement...
and the part about something happening within the first 60 days are not covered as they are considered a 'pre-existing condition'...just sayin'
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Agreed, shipping it off was the worst. Especially over a month. Man was I pissed. One time during the process was because they put the EVO back together improperly so the back cover wouldn't fit, completely unrelated to my charging issues.
Sprints TEP is a best of both worlds type of thing though (you get insurance type of coverage for loss and adh + warranty type for electrical malfunctions etc). SquareTrade doesnt do loss, worth ave doesnt cover electrical malfunctions etc.
But anyways, wasn't trying to make any case for whats better, just letting people who didn't know that TEP enrollment is open.
Have you guys ever heard of tough-cell? I found them once and contacted them. They said they send out replacements next day and it works out to be much cheaper than tep. granted you dont get in-store replacements, but their service seems comparable to assurion
http://www.toughcell.com/
graffixnyc said:
Have you guys ever heard of tough-cell? I found them once and contacted them. They said they send out replacements next day and it works out to be much cheaper than tep. granted you dont get in-store replacements, but their service seems comparable to assurion
http://www.toughcell.com/
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Never heard of them but not bad! Worth Ave Group is comparable to tough-cell. Did a quick comparison, tough cells deductible is $25 more ($50 vs $75) and it increases by $25 for second and third claim. Maybe I'll get a comparison chart going for some of these companies. Make it easier for people who aren't sure. So many little differences that are easy to overlook!
Has anyone have experience with using Sprint's TEP?
I need to cancel the one I got from BestBuy. No deductible sounds nice but I'm not really fond of them for service.
I have no life. Created a comparison chart of 4 coverage providers.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1284296
I filed for a claim 8/03/2012, and it has been on back order ever since. I have a cracked glass that's usable, and can barely be seen. Every thing functions as it should, and I was thinking just get a repair, but went the insurance route. After waiting until Tuesday I called Samsung to see what the repair cost for a cracked glass was, and I found out that they charge $178.50 to repair and to next day air there and back included in that cost.
I called Asurion to cancel and go the Sammy route because I was tired of waiting, and the chance that I could get a used refurbed GS III also help me to come to this decision. They won't cancel, and even though I was never sent the phone they tell me that I can not cancel once I put in a claim. Now this is rediculous in my eyes, what do you guys think. I am going to cancel my TEP and not worry after this is over because I get a years warranty from Samsung, and never had to use insurance ever since being with Sprint, and for 11.00 monthly plus 150.00 deductible I think Sammy repairing is cheaper if you have a case "which I didn't at the time that I dropped it 2nd day BTW" and need a crack repair.
I am not worrying about theft, and on my second line want a Nexus when it comes out at years end possibly, and my luck with holding onto and maintaining a phone is stellar so far minus this incident.
You can get cracked glass repaired for 28.00 more and no TEP cost if you go the route that I am going now because of this.
Back ordered still and patiently waiting!
Did you miss the part about NON-REFUNDABLE DEDUCTIBLE.
When you receive the replacement, just ship it back to them. You're still out the $150 though.
Sunsparc said:
Did you miss the part about NON-REFUNDABLE DEDUCTIBLE.
When you receive the replacement, just ship it back to them. You're still out the $150 though.
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Yeah dude, it says something along the lines of THIS CANNOT BE UNDONE right before you click the button.
shiftr182 said:
Yeah dude, it says something along the lines of THIS CANNOT BE UNDONE right before you click the button.
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Sunsparc said:
Did you miss the part about NON-REFUNDABLE DEDUCTIBLE.
When you receive the replacement, just ship it back to them. You're still out the $150 though.
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It also says they will ship the phone within 7-10 business days which they have not....it is still back ordered. Therefore the deal can be canceled. In fact I let them know this tid bit, not only that it's not in the insuring clause of the contract therefore that non refundable crap is ambiguous, and any ambiguity in a contract where money is exchanged is null and void and all benefits go to the consumer.
The CS supervisor spent an hour trying to find the non refundable in the insuring clause and did not. They said they will call me when they find it However; they will not because that insuring clause is only a few paragraphs. Just to let you the unknowing know that every contract has a binder, and in that binder there must be clear concise wording of what will happen for the consideration "money". This is called the insuring clause or agreement in this case. If that clause does not have such wording the contract cannot have non refundable added when customers click buy.
They tried to stick me with paying overage for roaming last year while I was in Florida roaming, but I didn't let them. I told them that on their web site, and all printed literature including the contract it states unlimited roaming. They alerted me that it says it in small print in the back of the contract about limited roaming. I then pointed out to them the laws that protect the consumer from deceptive unclear contracts like that. I told them I could use all the unlimited data that I wanted until they cleared up the wording in that contract, and then issue the new contract to everyone stating the new terms with no ambiguity. They backed off. Then the next month they changed the contract to state that roaming is limited to 300 minutes on another network other than Sprint.
You all should know the laws and read contracts so that "you" don't get screwed. All this to say they can't make a contract and then change it when you are paying or it is null in void in a court of law, and you get a refund. Also this subject really is about letting you all know that for 178.50 you can get a cracked screen repaired shipped and picked up next day by Samsung.
If I pay 11.00 a month to now have been waiting since August 3, 2012 to now I could have had my phone back from Samsung with out having to worry if it is someones used refurbished phone. This would only cost me 28.50 more than my deductible which sent a bell ringing in my head that said I don't need insurance if the repair is 178.50 with out a monthly fee of 11.00. Why pay 132.00 a year and 150 deductible when you can pay yourself and pay Sammy to repair it properly. Since I am no worried about dropping or losing my phone I have decided to drop TEP.
Dropping the TEP for less costly repairs from Samsung, and next day service seems like a better deal for me......I leave this information for you to decide. Some of you may decide 11.00 monthly for possible refurbished phone is ok. Some of you may think that I may lose my phone so I need insurance. Some of you may say TEP is no big deal and go the route that I am going for such a small fee.
I agree...but what if your phone gets lost or stolen? If half the things covered by your insurance are things that you aren't worried about then yes it makes perfect sense that you may not need the insurance...but keep in mind not everybody is interested in throwing away lost/stolen coverage..or water damage...or shock damage beyond just a simple broken screen...or all the other things insurance covers. I'm glad you got lucky and only had minor damage that was repairable by Samsung....this time.
Backorders can be frustrating...hell if anything it makes me feel better when they don't have a large refurb pool of my phone to draw on...it means people have been very happy with the device so far and there hasn't been a lot of buyer's remorse or minor issues resulting in a ton of refurb devices. But this seems like you've freaked out and wasted a lot of your time and energy because you don't want to wait on a backorder...not to mention the large amount of stress it sounds like you're putting yourself through. Is it really worth it when you essentially as you said have a still usable phone and just have to wait a little while?
ghsthntr said:
I agree...but what if your phone gets lost or stolen? If half the things covered by your insurance are things that you aren't worried about then yes it makes perfect sense that you may not need the insurance...but keep in mind not everybody is interested in throwing away lost/stolen coverage..or water damage...or shock damage beyond just a simple broken screen...or all the other things insurance covers. I'm glad you got lucky and only had minor damage that was repairable by Samsung....this time.
Backorders can be frustrating...hell if anything it makes me feel better when they don't have a large refurb pool of my phone to draw on...it means people have been very happy with the device so far and there hasn't been a lot of buyer's remorse or minor issues resulting in a ton of refurb devices. But this seems like you've freaked out and wasted a lot of your time and energy because you don't want to wait on a backorder...not to mention the large amount of stress it sounds like you're putting yourself through. Is it really worth it when you essentially as you said have a still usable phone and just have to wait a little while?
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All too true, but I make sure that my phone is protected from rain at all times. I have a case and a secure leather case to slide it in. I make sure I put it in a car cradle when driving. I won't worry about lost or stolen because I secure it at all times. Remember also that insurance is actuarial based on probability, and they bet you the average person won't lose or break it as much as you think that you may. So my only fear for insurance was cracking or dropping. I have a case, and I am not worried about that any more since the cost is less than having a TEP plan.
The only thing that irks me is the lies that I have been told while it was still back ordered. Yes it still works, but after trying TEP I find the service lacking, and more costly than Samsung repairing it. Not to mention the fact that at one point I get someones refurbished phone in the future. Now I may be lucky to get a new phone but in the future I may not. I now still may get a new phone who knows. I am not worried about breaking or lost/stolen or water damage....my only fear was a cracked screen since Sprint has decided not to repair them thus far.
Again you decide with the cost being so low from Sammy for repair or go Asurion!
the sprint TEP is a total rip off.. i can't believe it's $11/mo now with a $150 deductible.. i remember when i got my touch pro 2 (which was a $500 device at the time) i was only paying $4/mo + $50 deductible.
either there was a huge increase in fraud where people were constantly sending claims that forced sprint/asurion to increased the insurance, or sprint just got greedy and wanted to make a profit from the insurance program.
tft said:
the sprint TEP is a total rip off.. i can't believe it's $11/mo now with a $150 deductible.. i remember when i got my touch pro 2 (which was a $500 device at the time) i was only paying $4/mo + $50 deductible.
either there was a huge increase in fraud where people were constantly sending claims that forced sprint/asurion to increased the insurance, or sprint just got greedy and wanted to make a profit from the insurance program.
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Any device $549.99 or higher MSRP has the $11 monthly plus $150 deductible, has nothing to do with fraud.
I never really got why people think so badly of refurbs...all phones become refurbs the second they're out of the box. I feel like the vast majority of devices that get returned and turn into refurb units are perfectly harmless things like easily replaceable components on otherwise perfectly fine phones (like your broken screen), buyers remorse returns, morons that swear their phone is broken when they're just doing something wrong or lying about how they're using the phone, or lazy sprint reps that could easily fix whatever the problem is but don't and just replace it instead.
I suspect a very small percentage of refurb units are genuine lemons or have defective hardware that has escaped detection...you probably have the same odds of getting one of those new out of the box.
As we in this community are well aware....most of the time issues with phones lies in the software not the hardware. That doesn't change with a refurb.
tft said:
the sprint TEP is a total rip off.. i can't believe it's $11/mo now with a $150 deductible.. i remember when i got my touch pro 2 (which was a $500 device at the time) i was only paying $4/mo + $50 deductible.
either there was a huge increase in fraud where people were constantly sending claims that forced sprint/asurion to increased the insurance, or sprint just got greedy and wanted to make a profit from the insurance program.
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Well do you think they offer insurance to break even ? Thanks for the laugh
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
i've been waiting on a replacement for about 2 weeks now. cracker screen. thinking about sending it to samsung since i reported the phone stolen threw asurion. didnt tell sprint anything.
If you reported it stolen through them it reports to sprint as well.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
This happened to me but is because we do not read the fine print. MONEY IS NOT REFUNDABLE PERIOD. i lost my GS3 and reported it, after an hour i got a call from my wife that she found the phone and i called asurion to cancel my report and refund my deductable, they say it was not possible. Well i got a new GS3 from asurion $150 deductable. Sold my bad esn one on ebay for $420. much better deal if u ask me.
tft said:
the sprint TEP is a total rip off.. i can't believe it's $11/mo now with a $150 deductible.. i remember when i got my touch pro 2 (which was a $500 device at the time) i was only paying $4/mo + $50 deductible.
either there was a huge increase in fraud where people were constantly sending claims that forced sprint/asurion to increased the insurance, or sprint just got greedy and wanted to make a profit from the insurance program.
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Sprint as an agent for Asurion is making money regardless of any fool that thinks they are not. A Corporate store Tech told me for some reason they told them they were not going to repair screens any more all of a sudden. Why replace a screen for when you can get $150.00
ghsthntr said:
I never really got why people think so badly of refurbs...all phones become refurbs the second they're out of the box. I feel like the vast majority of devices that get returned and turn into refurb units are perfectly harmless things like easily replaceable components on otherwise perfectly fine phones (like your broken screen), buyers remorse returns, morons that swear their phone is broken when they're just doing something wrong or lying about how they're using the phone, or lazy sprint reps that could easily fix whatever the problem is but don't and just replace it instead.
I suspect a very small percentage of refurb units are genuine lemons or have defective hardware that has escaped detection...you probably have the same odds of getting one of those new out of the box.
As we in this community are well aware....most of the time issues with phones lies in the software not the hardware. That doesn't change with a refurb.
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It's because ever "refurb" that I got in the past was pure utter garbage.....never ever functioned properly.
xjayman said:
Well do you think they offer insurance to break even ? Thanks for the laugh
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
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Wake up, make money but to stop making 35.00 repairs to charge 150.00 is a rip off Mr. Millionaire.
QWIKSTRIKE said:
Sprint as an agent for Asurion is making money regardless of any fool that thinks they are not. A Corporate store Tech told me for some reason they told them they were not going to repair screens any more all of a sudden. Why replace a screen for when you can get $150.00
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lol sprint got greedy and wanted to make profit on insurance
of course you numb skull. they are bleeding money. they eat 400 bucks when you buy the phone, and you want them to subsidize your insurance too?
no need to be a douche bag. sprint insurance was $3/$4 for many years with $50 deductible on $500 devices. obviously it wasn't about profits back then, but it doesn't mean the rate has been hiked to $11/mo and $150 deductible because they want to make profit.. it's been widely known the reason for the increase is more related to the amount of insurance scam and fruad.. as in people filing fraudulent claims simply to get a new phone.
They're in business to make money...don't buy it if you think it's a rip off, I don't
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
tft said:
no need to be a douche bag. sprint insurance was $3/$4 for many years with $50 deductible on $500 devices. obviously it wasn't about profits back then, but it doesn't mean the rate has been hiked to $11/mo and $150 deductible because they want to make profit.. it's been widely known the reason for the increase is more related to the amount of insurance scam and fruad.. as in people filing fraudulent claims simply to get a new phone.
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If that was truly the case they would not have stopped capable techs from making glass replacement repairs. Wake up man...I found an official outer glass for 25.00 yet I send a perfectly good phone in for $150.00, when a;; it needs a 25.00 repair. Insurance has never replaced any thing completely unless it was a total loss because to do that is costly. You break a window in the car insurance companies are "NOT" going to give you a new car, but they will give you a new glass. However to not repair a 25.00 screen and collect 150.00 then do the 25.00 repair and resell that phone for 150.00 is a steal for them.......wake up!
I've read the Worth Ave thread but I am going to pass on the college plus despite what the phone operator told me since it is clearly stated on their website that you must be a student or employee of colleges or universities.
So for Accidental smartphone coverage:
Worth Ave : $59/year with $50 deductible with no limits on number of incidents. Not sure if there is only one replacement allowed per year.
Cons: maximum of $599, no normal wear and tear or mechanical breakdown, ONLY accidental drops, spills and theft. No claims if you simply lost your phone.
Gocare insurance: $59/year with $50 deductible with no limits on number of incidents. One replacement device during the coverage term. Said it will cover jailbroken phone so I would assume rooted phone also. Coverage seems to be very comprehensive but no theft or loss coverage.
Square trade: one year is $69 two year is $99(cheaper at Amazon, $125 at square trade site) $99 deductible. One replacement per coverage term. Each accidental claim is deducted from full replacement value of phone. A little ambiguity since when I read the contract, it said PURCHASED PRICE not full replacement cost.
Squaretrade:
Given the $99 deductible and the fact that if you paid for 2 years for squaretrade, and the fact that each time you have a claim, the cost of the claim is deducted from the maximum value, I do not think that the squaretrade deal is a good deal. If you choose the $6.99/month, you still have to pay for all 24 months if you made any claim. Also suppose you need a replacement 3 months after your coverage starts, you are out $99 plus $99 and you will not have any more coverage on the replacement device since you exhausted the maximum value.
Gocare:
For $59/year with $50 deductible, I think this is a better plan. Each incident whether it requires replacement or repair is $50 not $99. Also if your phone is not repairable during the first year, you are out only $59+$50 instead of $198 if you had square trade. Also you can repair as often as you like. Crack screen twice, $100. With Squaretrade, two crack screens and you are out $198 plus you probably can't submit another claim ever on that policy if the actual screen replacement cost is half the phone cost.
Either way, it is cheaper and wiser to buy one year instead of two year. Buying one year at a time will allow one replacement each year for the worst case.
I want to hear your thoughts but looks like I am going to pull the trigger on gocare insurance.
I can confirm I claimed on square trade and was given the full retail amount to purchase a new phone
Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk 2
I went with Squaretrade because of their good reviews on Amazon, etc.
I have Sprint's insurance currently, but for 11 dollars a month, with a 150 deductible, I wanted to try something else.
The problem with what you said, buying 1 year at a time, is that I dont believe with Squaretrade you can do that. My understanding is that you have to buy it within the first 30 days of purchasing your phone.
So does Gocare cover loss or theft? It sounds like the best deal, but lost or stolen is important to me.
bullz7210 said:
I went with Squaretrade because of their good reviews on Amazon, etc.
I have Sprint's insurance currently, but for 11 dollars a month, with a 150 deductible, I wanted to try something else.
The problem with what you said, buying 1 year at a time, is that I dont believe with Squaretrade you can do that. My understanding is that you have to buy it within the first 30 days of purchasing your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is true, forgot about the 30 days.
GoCare doesn't care if your smartphone is new so you can just buy another one after the first year ends. Neither GoCare nor square trade covers theft or loss but I believe Sprint does.
Worth Ave group covers theft but probably requires a police report. It does not cover lost.
I took a chance and bought the $2000 coverage from Worth Ave group for a year since it is a blanket coverage of all your devices up to $2000. Since you don't even need to submit serial numbers(you can do that when you make a claim, provided you have the original box OR the receipt), I am basically covering every piece of electronics I own for up to $2000(smartphones, camera, laptop, camcorder) against accidental damage, spills, and thefts. Since I have 4 smartphones purchased for family plan, everyone of them is covered against crack screens, drops, and water submersions. For $66/year, I took a chance and hopefully if I have to make a claim, it will be a hassle free $25 deductibles.
I'm glad this thread is here, I was about to make a similar post. I'm also wondering which way to go as I currently have the Sprint coverage and would like something better and more affordable. I never heard of Gocare until now. I've used Squaretrade for my TF700 and it went well, bought a new one with the money...no deductible for tabs.
I'm thinking that will all the things that could go wrong with a phablet, if it would be better to go with Sprint for the ease. Will definitely look more into Gocare as I plan on picking up my phone this weekend.
I also was checking with Professor Google and found this: http://www.ensquared.com/GoCare-vs-Ensquared-vs-SquareTrade Ensquared is looking really good too. I'm going to put some more research into it but from their page here they look to have the best coverage: http://www.ensquared.com/catalog/phone-insurance/1-year-phone-insurance-smartphone
What about best buy? I heard we can just take the receipt and box into the store to get it added.
Ensquare looks pretty good since it covers loss also. Price is not bad for 1 or 2 years and you get up to 2 or 3 claims. I guess squaretrade is best known for service but if you need replacement within 2 years(assuming $99 2 years coverage), you will be out $198 and won't be able to make any more claims. With ensquare, you can lose your phone up to 3 times and they will charge you $75 for first time, $100 second and third time. How is ensquare's claim reputations?
Thanks to being spurred on by this thread, I have decided on insurance (which I NEVER get, but this phone is too expensive to risk) and weighed all the options. I just signed on with Ensquared. I almost went with GoCare, but read several things that said it was more a repair facility than an underwritten insurance provider. I ruled out Square Trade, Sprint and others for a variety of reasons. $59/yr with up to 2 claims ($1000 limit per claim), $75 ded on first and $100 if there's a second. Probably I will have none, but already feel more relaxed. They also cover loss or theft. Link if interested: http://www.ensquared.com/catalog/phone-insurance/1-year-phone-insurance-smartphone
Why not Sprint TEP?
Does it cost more? Yes. $11 a month.
Defective phone or wear and tear? Take it to the store. Swapped or repaired.
Lost, stolen or damaged? $150 deductible. I think there was something stating it's 3 swaps now.
Without it and with a 3rd party insurance. You have your 1 year warranty, but there is a $36 swap fee involved. Or good luck contacting Samsung. I tried and no one spoke English or had any idea of what I meant when I called in and explained my vibration issue. The motor or something is loose that it reproduces a horrid cracking sound. I have to keep it turned down at all times.
Silent25r said:
What about best buy? I heard we can just take the receipt and box into the store to get it added.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I work for best buy mobile an you can only add our protection plan if you bought the phone with us, with the exception of the iphone which we'll insure no matter where it was bought as long as its within 30 day of purchase and no damage to phone.
ps2gamer02 said:
I work for best buy mobile an you can only add our protection plan if you bought the phone with us, with the exception of the iphone which we'll insure no matter where it was bought as long as its within 30 day of purchase and no damage to phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a phone I bought at sprint online and just went into the store and they added the insurance no problem
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium
aquaholik said:
That is true, forgot about the 30 days.
GoCare doesn't care if your smartphone is new so you can just buy another one after the first year ends. Neither GoCare nor square trade covers theft or loss but I believe Sprint does.
Worth Ave group covers theft but probably requires a police report. It does not cover lost.
I took a chance and bought the $2000 coverage from Worth Ave group for a year since it is a blanket coverage of all your devices up to $2000. Since you don't even need to submit serial numbers(you can do that when you make a claim, provided you have the original box OR the receipt), I am basically covering every piece of electronics I own for up to $2000(smartphones, camera, laptop, camcorder) against accidental damage, spills, and thefts. Since I have 4 smartphones purchased for family plan, everyone of them is covered against crack screens, drops, and water submersions. For $66/year, I took a chance and hopefully if I have to make a claim, it will be a hassle free $25 deductibles.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They DO cover lost...if you file a report. I.E. "I saw it here last but now it is gone", with the police. Not loss in your living room. It has to be reported.
I had extensive conversations with them. As long as you are not trying to scam them. I hope I don't have to use it either.
And to the guy that said why not Sprint. It's 11 a month and $200, not $150 to replace.
steviee7 said:
I have a phone I bought at sprint online and just went into the store and they added the insurance no problem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please expound. I might be interested in doing this, but thought I had to buy it at Best Buy to be eligible.
ffolkes said:
Please expound. I might be interested in doing this, but thought I had to buy it at Best Buy to be eligible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went to a best buy and they said only an iPhone would they sell insurance on it if you didn't get it from them. So no luck. He said return the phone and get it from them....
This site add some insight http://extended-warranty-services-review.toptenreviews.com/
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using XDA Premium HD app
---------- Post added at 10:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:04 PM ----------
aquaholik said:
That is true, forgot about the 30 days.
GoCare doesn't care if your smartphone is new so you can just buy another one after the first year ends. Neither GoCare nor square trade covers theft or loss but I believe Sprint does.
Worth Ave group covers theft but probably requires a police report. It does not cover lost.
I took a chance and bought the $2000 coverage from Worth Ave group for a year since it is a blanket coverage of all your devices up to $2000. Since you don't even need to submit serial numbers(you can do that when you make a claim, provided you have the original box OR the receipt), I am basically covering every piece of electronics I own for up to $2000(smartphones, camera, laptop, camcorder) against accidental damage, spills, and thefts. Since I have 4 smartphones purchased for family plan, everyone of them is covered against crack screens, drops, and water submersions. For $66/year, I took a chance and hopefully if I have to make a claim, it will be a hassle free $25 deductibles.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you see the blanket coverage on their site or did you call?
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using XDA Premium HD app
chrischoi said:
Why not Sprint TEP?
Does it cost more? Yes. $11 a month.
Defective phone or wear and tear? Take it to the store. Swapped or repaired.
Lost, stolen or damaged? $150 deductible. I think there was something stating it's 3 swaps now.
Without it and with a 3rd party insurance. You have your 1 year warranty, but there is a $36 swap fee involved. Or good luck contacting Samsung. I tried and no one spoke English or had any idea of what I meant when I called in and explained my vibration issue. The motor or something is loose that it reproduces a horrid cracking sound. I have to keep it turned down at all times.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
People are saying it's $200 for the Note 2 which IMO is getting outta hand.
Sprint insurance is getting so expensive it's out of the question for me. I can wait for a few days while my phone is getting repaired (did it twice with my Epic). The local sprint store (and I did not have TEP) was kind enough to give me a loaner for a week without any charge (best buy will do the same if you have their coverage).
I'm going to go with Best Buy. $169, no deductible. Sure it's more out of pocket, but I've heard of them, and after one claim I'm ahead of the game than with Squaretrade.
Chuck_IV said:
People are saying it's $200 for the Note 2 which IMO is getting outta hand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. I had to pay $200
MeetFace said:
Sprint insurance is getting so expensive it's out of the question for me. I can wait for a few days while my phone is getting repaired (did it twice with my Epic). The local sprint store (and I did not have TEP) was kind enough to give me a loaner for a week without any charge (best buy will do the same if you have their coverage).
I'm going to go with Best Buy. $169, no deductible. Sure it's more out of pocket, but I've heard of them, and after one claim I'm ahead of the game than with Squaretrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best Buy vs. Squaretrade Vs Worth Ave.
Go look at my Worthave thread before you decide. $67 for 2k of insurance on any electronics with a $25 deductible.
ZenInsight said:
Yes. I had to pay $200
Best Buy vs. Squaretrade Vs Worth Ave.
Go look at my Worthave thread before you decide. $67 for 2k of insurance on any electronics with a $25 deductible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't see that on their site...how did u get that?
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using XDA Premium HD app
Hello! Long time Android owner and XDA member but new to ATT.
Coming over from 12 years of Sprint. The past few years have been ROUGH. They blew up with new devices and then didn't have the network to back it. The data, simply didn't work.
Can't believe how much faster ATT is even on HSPA+.
OK so we bought four S3's at the Best Buy durning there Black Friday craptasic sale. The guy working at BB scammed the Black Tie Best Buy insurance policy on us. I say that because he did NOT inform us that is does not cover lost, stolen or water damaged phones.
WE NEED THIS. Two of these phones are going to teenagers and I can't find my keys 90% of the time so hell, I'm forgetful about leaving stuff places too.
My wife wants to keep the Best Buy insurance I think because she tends to break screens more then anything and not paying $200.00 dollars is appealing to her. I've never broken a screen other then one time I whipped my HTC EVO into a wall because it sucked but I've lost phones. Then my son took a damn shower with his Verizon phone one time because he was texting his gf, seriously.... My daughter lost hers in a lake... Yes IN A LAKE.
Point being we need something that covers everything but that BB insurance is appealing but we don't want to pay $10.00 to each company per line.
What would be the suggested options here? I wish there was a combination of the two.
kdoggy said:
Hello! Long time Android owner and XDA member but new to ATT.
Coming over from 12 years of Sprint. The past few years have been ROUGH. They blew up with new devices and then didn't have the network to back it. The data, simply didn't work.
Can't believe how much faster ATT is even on HSPA+.
OK so we bought four S3's at the Best Buy durning there Black Friday craptasic sale. The guy working at BB scammed the Black Tie Best Buy insurance policy on us. I say that because he did NOT inform us that is does not cover lost, stolen or water damaged phones.
WE NEED THIS. Two of these phones are going to teenagers and I can't find my keys 90% of the time so hell, I'm forgetful about leaving stuff places too.
My wife wants to keep the Best Buy insurance I think because she tends to break screens more then anything and not paying $200.00 dollars is appealing to her. I've never broken a screen other then one time I whipped my HTC EVO into a wall because it sucked but I've lost phones. Then my son took a damn shower with his Verizon phone one time because he was texting his gf, seriously.... My daughter lost hers in a lake... Yes IN A LAKE.
Point being we need something that covers everything but that BB insurance is appealing but we don't want to pay $10.00 to each company per line.
What would be the suggested options here? I wish there was a combination of the two.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Invest in Otterbox Defender cases for the teenagers. They come in a variety of colors. This will protect against most damages.
BB Strikes Again.
kdoggy said:
Hello! Long time Android owner and XDA member but new to ATT.
Coming over from 12 years of Sprint. The past few years have been ROUGH. They blew up with new devices and then didn't have the network to back it. The data, simply didn't work.
Can't believe how much faster ATT is even on HSPA+.
OK so we bought four S3's at the Best Buy durning there Black Friday craptasic sale. The guy working at BB scammed the Black Tie Best Buy insurance policy on us. I say that because he did NOT inform us that is does not cover lost, stolen or water damaged phones.
WE NEED THIS. Two of these phones are going to teenagers and I can't find my keys 90% of the time so hell, I'm forgetful about leaving stuff places too.
My wife wants to keep the Best Buy insurance I think because she tends to break screens more then anything and not paying $200.00 dollars is appealing to her. I've never broken a screen other then one time I whipped my HTC EVO into a wall because it sucked but I've lost phones. Then my son took a damn shower with his Verizon phone one time because he was texting his gf, seriously.... My daughter lost hers in a lake... Yes IN A LAKE.
Point being we need something that covers everything but that BB insurance is appealing but we don't want to pay $10.00 to each company per line.
What would be the suggested options here? I wish there was a combination of the two.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This scenario happened to me with my S2. I suggest getting an otterbox or visiting SpigenSGP (amazing company, best screen protectors and cases i've used.) and buying a case. As for insurance, try and take a look at SquareTrade coverage. They cover everything like drops and water damage and lost phones. They charge you a one time cost for the number of years the coverage is for, and if it breaks there is a deductible according to the damage. Honestly give them a try, they are a fantastic company. Personally I have the AT&T mobile insurance, but my stepfather uses SquareTrade and has had nothing but positive experience. Just make sure to get that BB crap off and get your money back!!!
-Brandon
The kids don't break their phones, they loose them.
Honestly, SquareTrade doesn't look as good as what Best Buy offers. There is NO deductible with the Best Buy insurance. SqareTrade is $99.00
Looks like SquareTrade does not cover LOSS or THEFT either which is what we do not like about the Best Buy insurance. Everything about the BB insurance is great with the acceptation of NO LOSS or THEFT or WATER damage.
BB told me their insurance does cover water damage
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747
I searched for insurance and found this thread. I am trying to compare Squaretrade vs Worth Ave Group. Worth offers replacement for lost/stolen. Sams Club offers Squaretrade with only $49 deductibles.
So compare those two would be my advise but Im looking on this site for the same comparisons.
I looked at all the insurance providers and ended up purchasing it from Ensquared. It's $99 for 2 years with a $75 deductible. They cover loss, theft, and water damage. By far the best value that I could find and they seem to get good reviews.
kdoggy said:
The kids don't break their phones, they loose them.
Honestly, SquareTrade doesn't look as good as what Best Buy offers. There is NO deductible with the Best Buy insurance. SqareTrade is $99.00
Looks like SquareTrade does not cover LOSS or THEFT either which is what we do not like about the Best Buy insurance. Everything about the BB insurance is great with the acceptation of NO LOSS or THEFT or WATER damage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BB does cover water damage. It doesn't cover full submersion, but do what everyone does and say you spilled water on it. With all the options for GPS location of a lost phone you can probably get away with Avast, Lookout, Cerberus... the list goes on and still not have to pay a deductible if it gets broken. When I worked at best buy we covered everything but lost, stolen, and negligence. If someone said I dropped it in a lake I'd pretend I didn't hear them and say, it looks like you "spilled" something on it. They'd finally get the hint after around 4 or 5 times haha.
kdoggy said:
The kids don't break their phones, they loose them.
Honestly, SquareTrade doesn't look as good as what Best Buy offers. There is NO deductible with the Best Buy insurance. SqareTrade is $99.00
Looks like SquareTrade does not cover LOSS or THEFT either which is what we do not like about the Best Buy insurance. Everything about the BB insurance is great with the acceptation of NO LOSS or THEFT or WATER damage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can install various applications that will allow you to not only track your phone, but even in the case someone wipes the phone, you can still track it (Avast mobile security) works like lo-jack for your phone.
Hi
dratsablive said:
You can install various applications that will allow you to not only track your phone, but even in the case someone wipes the phone, you can still track it (Avast mobile security) works like lo-jack for your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I went through similiar stuff with our phone insurance.
Studying on the net I came across a great idea!!!
Call your homeowners and/or car insurance.
I put my phone on a rider to auto for $50 a year, no deductible!!!
They needed purchase price for phone, hard copy, that's all.
Sounds too good to be true, the saleswoman who researched and
issued the policy told me she changed hers also. She didn't know
her own insurance company offered this rider!!
Ken
kenfb1 said:
Hi,
I went through similiar stuff with our phone insurance.
Studying on the net I came across a great idea!!!
Call your homeowners and/or car insurance.
I put my phone on a rider to auto for $50 a year, no deductible!!!
They needed purchase price for phone, hard copy, that's all.
Sounds too good to be true, the saleswoman who researched and
issued the policy told me she changed hers also. She didn't know
her own insurance company offered this rider!!
Ken
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be careful putting it on a car policy. I have heard of people adding it to homeowners and renters, but auto rates change all the time. If you breathe incorrectly your auto policy is likely to go up. I could only imagine filing a claim on a phone that was unrelated to the car. Homeowners and renters rates don't change this way, which is why people use them.
http://www.squaretrade.com/best-buy-smartphone-warranty
They have better rates than bestbuy and sprint, and a lower deductible..has anyone heard of this company before? I'm like 4 days into having my note 4 and kinda thinking about insurance. bestbuy decided to impliment a protection plan identical to sprints. :/
No. But you have got me interested. Im going to call them this week and get some more info. 11 bucks a month for sprints insurance, its half the cost. One thing about insurion (or what ever their name is), i know for a fact they pay claims. Ive used them once when I dropped my droid razr maxx hd in my coffee. Had a new phone in 2 days. Not sure how reliable this one is. But Im definitely interested in knowing more. One thing that is a red flag is it has Sprints deductible at 200 bucks. Mine is 100 bucks, or at least it used to be.
Let me know what you find out. Ill do the same after I call them.
Thanks for the info. Good to know there is some competition for mobile device insurance.
AS FOR ME.....GIVE ME LIBERTY OR GIVE ME DEATH
Unfortunately with the premium phones the deductible is $200 and $300 if you lose the phone. I will be looking into this tomorrow also.
I would read the reviews on Amazon, I was all for buying through square trade... Now I am rethinking it
I actually use to sell Square Trade and use them for all my electronics (except phones because I haven't broken one yet). If you read the comments you'll see that they're 5 star rated on Amazon and have an A+ rating with the BBB as well as numerous awards for customer service. They're totally worth it though I'm not familiar with their phone policies, I only TV, computer, and tablet warranties.
I do know that if you intend on keeping the phone for the full two years you can just buy the insurance instead of doing monthly installments. In the end it saves you around 50% give or take.
If you want more info call them or go in to a TigerDirect, they sell them there. You can get a device anywhere and buy the Square Trade at Tiger, just make sure to tell them you saw the online price and it was cheaper, it'll knock down the price.
Squaretrade is about the same as any warranty, customer service is ok, once you speak to a supervisor. Most lower reps don't know what they are talking about, when my note 3 screen cracked they replaced it with a new phone from amazon, but I was told that was a one time deal. Otherwise it is "gently used" or open box items. I paid 89 for two years with them, but I am also paying 13 a month with sprint and will probably stick with sprint unless Squaretrade does that again. Only recommend them if you don't want to shell out a monthly payment with sprint
Sent from my SM-N910P using XDA Premium HD app
Have we found out anything else regarding squaretrade? I haven't had a chance to call them at all but I'm thinking of just going with best buys insurance, even if the deductible is crazy high. ..
I have SquareTrade on both of my tablets but fortunately I never used the policy... I would insure my phone with them but they don't cover theft or loss like Sprint does.
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk
Come on guys, Google is your friend! Squaretrade is either $5 a month or $99 for two years. They don't cover loss or theft and their deductible is $75. Across the board they're more affordable than everyone else. You can also get it on any device at any time, you just have to prove it's working I guess.
http://www.squaretrade.com/smartphone-warranty
I am interested in switching to square trade but other than theft coverage Sprint's tep has one other benefit. There have been times where I go to a Sprint store for an issue, like my wifi radio not working anymore or something else. They have replaced it for free. Sometimes with a new device.
It looks like with square trade it's cheaper but you get a refurbished or used device.
DarkManX4lf said:
I am interested in switching to square trade but other than theft coverage Sprint's tep has one other benefit. There have been times where I go to a Sprint store for an issue, like my wifi radio not working anymore or something else. They have replaced it for free. Sometimes with a new device.
It looks like with square trade it's cheaper but you get a refurbished or used device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint TEP will replace with used/refurbished phone also. It even states that in the fine print. It even says they can replace with different device of equal value.
I've used squaretrade for years, they're a good route to take, but as with any contract, be sure to read the terms and understand what you're reading.
Patch7 said:
Sprint TEP will replace with used/refurbished phone also. It even states that in the fine print. It even says they can replace with different device of equal value.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep I know. That's why I said "some times with a new device".