Develop Bugs

So, would someone explain the full extent of Sprint's insurance to me?

I pay the $7 per month, and I want to eventually trade in my 002 EVO for a newer model before I upgrade to something better (talking months and months from now). I want to know basically what will get me a new EVO and how much it will cost me. I already have the light leakage around the bottom buttons, and I know most would see that as a huge flaw. Any input is appreciated.

Why don't you just go into a Sprint store now and trade the phone in for a newer hardware version. That's what I'm going to do since my camera lens cracked and the horrible light leakage. It IS a big deal to me because I watch a lot of movies at night on my phone.
If you claim insurance on your phone you should let them know of the issue with the light leakage (or any other issues) so you can send your phone back in to them. If you are intending on keeping the phone and selling it that would be considered fraud but it's your choice.

gqstatus0685 said:
Why don't you just go into a Sprint store now and trade the phone in for a newer hardware version. That's what I'm going to do since my camera lens cracked and the horrible light leakage. It IS a big deal to me because I watch a lot of movies at night on my phone.
If you claim insurance on your phone you should let them know of the issue with the light leakage (or any other issues) so you can send your phone back in to them. If you are intending on keeping the phone and selling it that would be considered fraud but it's your choice.
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So I just walk in and let them know that I want a fixed device? And I intend to keep the new one for a couple weeks before selling it. I just won't want to sell off one of the launch models with the problems associated with that.

what's the diff between the launch and current models besides the light leakage?

If it's anything like other cellular insurance claims you won't be able to keep the "defective" phone. But if you did file a claim you would be subject to the deductible, 50-100 dollars I believe?

cesjr02 said:
If it's anything like other cellular insurance claims you won't be able to keep the "defective" phone. But if you did file a claim you would be subject to the deductible, 50-100 dollars I believe?
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No, no. I don't want to keep my 002. I want to exchange it for a newer version that will sell for more when I upgrade. I just wanted to know what it took to get them to swap it out.
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Sent from my HTC Supersonic.

I've been dealing with Sprint for a long time and I have abused their insurance policy as well so let me give you the breakdown for it.
First off, what the Sprint Total Equipment Protection Plan (TEP) is not. It is NOT an upgrade plan. Meaning you can't go in and ask them to swap your phone out just because you want to. There are ways to get "free" upgrades, but I won't go into that. Which brings me to my next point.
Sprint will only swap out your phone if there is something wrong with it. In other words, if its Sprint/HTC's fault or it is not working properly for some reason and it is NOT YOUR FAULT. Defects, software failures(MAJOR), etc. When you tell them what is wrong with your phone, be as DETAILED as possible. They will always reset your phone to factory defaults and try to reproduce the issue. If they can't reproduce the issue, they will return it and say its working fine now. If they reproduce it, they will try to repair it. If they can't repair it, they will order you a replacement. THIS IS FREE
ALSO NOTE: This is Sprint's general policy. There are exceptions, and depending on the person you get, they might be able to do more for you. But this is what you should expect!
If there is damage due to a drop, water damage, or anything that is YOUR FAULT, they will tell you to go through Asurion. Sprint's insurance carrier or w.e the terminology is. This is when you have to dish out the $100 copayment. Only do this if you messed up big time by cracking your screen, dropped it in the toilet (EWW), etc.
Now some extra tips: You want to call Sprint's customer service first. Tell them about your problems, go through their "troubleshooting". If they fix the issue, great! If not, then after you are done, make sure they note your account that you called regarding the issue so when you go into the Sprint store they will have your information. BE POLITE! Trust me it goes a long way.
When you get in the Sprint store, go to their repair center. Tell them you called Sprint's customer care and was told to come in. Give them EVERY SINGLE problem associated with the phone. If it is a defect such as the light leakage, make sure they know that it is a known issue and to check their database. I recently lost 4G cause I lost my RSA keys (stupid WIMAX Radios). I unrooted and went into a Sprint store and just basically said, My 4G isn't working. They did their usual checks. Made sure it wasn't rooted, latest update, factory reset, update profile, etc. They couldn't fix it so they ordered me a replacement phone and i got it the next day.

Just to add:
It really depends on how helpful their repair department / manager is. Some will swap out your phone without an issue even if you walk in and say "I want a new phone because this one isn't as bright as my friends."
Others will make the whole process feel like you are pulling teeth! It depends on the person. I suggest if you get this type of person, ask for their supervisor or if they are the supervisor, go to another Sprint store. But also think about what you are asking for. If your phone "feels" different in your hand than your friend's Evo, they will almost NEVER replace your phone. Cause come on. That's just unreasonable. But if there's light leakage, major lag, your battery dies in 2 hours, 4G / 3G, etc doesn't work. Your phone reboots over and over AND ITS NOT YOUR FAULT, then they will try to fix it or get you a replacement.

sekigah84 said:
Just to add:
It really depends on how helpful their repair department / manager is. Some will swap out your phone without an issue even if you walk in and say "I want a new phone because this one isn't as bright as my friends."
Others will make the whole process feel like you are pulling teeth! It depends on the person. I suggest if you get this type of person, ask for their supervisor or if they are the supervisor, go to another Sprint store. But also think about what you are asking for. If your phone "feels" different in your hand than your friend's Evo, they will almost NEVER replace your phone. Cause come on. That's just unreasonable. But if there's light leakage, major lag, your battery dies in 2 hours, 4G / 3G, etc doesn't work. Your phone reboots over and over AND ITS NOT YOUR FAULT, then they will try to fix it or get you a replacement.
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I would add, That this guy is right with everything he is saying.. It depends on the person.. Which is weird because they should have proper guidelines... But obviously they can alter them because I have walked in before and got a new phone just because I didn't like it (got a new one) and then the opposite..

Didn't Sprint recently overhault their replacement policies, though? What was all of that about free replacements if you pay the $7 fee for bascially anything except water damage?

TheBiles said:
Didn't Sprint recently overhault their replacement policies, though? What was all of that about free replacements if you pay the $7 fee for bascially anything except water damage?
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It hasn't changed. They didn't explain it in full.
The $7 basically covers repairs in store and any non-fault issue your phone is having. If you broke it all on your own, you have to pay the $100 deductible. So you dropped your phone down a flight of stairs and the screen cracked. Now as for the camera lens cracking, you can say its cause the damn camera lens protrudes out and you put it down and it cracked. They know about this already and its just a design flaw. Hence why people are getting replacements because of that.
What did change a while back was it used to be $50 per claim. Now they jacked it up to $100. It used to be a great way to get cheap phone upgrades as long as Asurion ran out of replacement phones or your phone is so old they don't support it anymore. In that case they would give you the next best thing.

Sekigah, you couldn't be further form the truth. Here are the official guidelines, as of Oct 23rd:
The only reason to put in a claim with Asurion and pay the $100 is for the following:
Liquid damage
fire damage
loss/theft
complete board destruction
- For complete disclosure, complete board destruction is classified as the motherboard being in 3 or more pieces, however extreme trauma to the phone will force you to go through Asurion. If your motherboard is actually visible, but it;s in one piece, it should be replaced free of charge in store. This depends on the tech, the store, and the manager, but knowing the guidelines helps you out.
Now fixed in store, for free:
Broken hinges, housing damage, broken antennas, shattered screens/LCDs
And finally, if you do NOT have TEP: Don't bother coming in claiming manufacturers warranty, because we will send you right to the manufacturer. Any repairs done in store, or replacements that have to be ordered, and you do NOT have TEP, cost $35. No ifs, ands, or buts. This is payable either when you phone is fixed, or before the phone is ordered for you.
As far as the above example: If you dropped your phone down the stairs and you have TEP, the phone is still relatively in one piece, but the screen is shattered? Your phone gets repaired/replaced for free.

entropism said:
Sekigah, you couldn't be further form the truth. Here are the official guidelines, as of Oct 23rd:
The only reason to put in a claim with Asurion and pay the $100 is for the following:
Liquid damage
fire damage
loss/theft
complete board destruction
- For complete disclosure, complete board destruction is classified as the motherboard being in 3 or more pieces, however extreme trauma to the phone will force you to go through Asurion. If your motherboard is actually visible, but it;s in one piece, it should be replaced free of charge in store. This depends on the tech, the store, and the manager, but knowing the guidelines helps you out.
Now fixed in store, for free:
Broken hinges, housing damage, broken antennas, shattered screens/LCDs
And finally, if you do NOT have TEP: Don't bother coming in claiming manufacturers warranty, because we will send you right to the manufacturer. Any repairs done in store, or replacements that have to be ordered, and you do NOT have TEP, cost $35. No ifs, ands, or buts. This is payable either when you phone is fixed, or before the phone is ordered for you.
As far as the above example: If you dropped your phone down the stairs and you have TEP, the phone is still relatively in one piece, but the screen is shattered? Your phone gets repaired/replaced for free.
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TEP is the $7/month, right?
Edit: Just checked, and it is:
Total Equipment Protection - $3 insurance premium & $4 service/repair $7.00
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Correct. Though technically it's $4 and $4, with $7 being the package price.

entropism said:
Sekigah, you couldn't be further form the truth. Here are the official guidelines, as of Oct 23rd:
The only reason to put in a claim with Asurion and pay the $100 is for the following:
Liquid damage
fire damage
loss/theft
complete board destruction
- For complete disclosure, complete board destruction is classified as the motherboard being in 3 or more pieces, however extreme trauma to the phone will force you to go through Asurion. If your motherboard is actually visible, but it;s in one piece, it should be replaced free of charge in store. This depends on the tech, the store, and the manager, but knowing the guidelines helps you out.
Now fixed in store, for free:
Broken hinges, housing damage, broken antennas, shattered screens/LCDs
And finally, if you do NOT have TEP: Don't bother coming in claiming manufacturers warranty, because we will send you right to the manufacturer. Any repairs done in store, or replacements that have to be ordered, and you do NOT have TEP, cost $35. No ifs, ands, or buts. This is payable either when you phone is fixed, or before the phone is ordered for you.
As far as the above example: If you dropped your phone down the stairs and you have TEP, the phone is still relatively in one piece, but the screen is shattered? Your phone gets repaired/replaced for free.
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http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=819504
http://www.phonenews.com/sprint-tepsr-changes-next-week-13303/
I didn't get any updates in the mail from Sprint on this cause I have TEP so this is news to me. Thanks for the update. I stand corrected. This makes the $7/mo charge worth it.
So take the mindset I had and just pretend that everything but dropping it in the toilet and setting it on fire or losing it is free. The latter costs $100 LOL
More or less, if its damaged beyond repair = Asurion and almost everything else = free repair if under TEP and $35 if not. Thats sexy.

Yes, as long as your phone isn't in three pieces and you have TEP, it is free. Now they get to bring in the $$ cause more people will but the insurance. And most people don't ever use it. In fact, until I got the Hero last year I had never used my insurance. Now I have used it twice. Once with busting the speaker and once with my Evo because it would not stop rebooting. Didn't pay anything. I felt like I got special treatment because I had insurance.
Sent from my iPhone with the bigger Gee Bees.

From my own experiences...
With sprint's insurance a lost phone and $100 will get you a refurbished POS that will most likely be much worse than the phone you have now, complaining about it after you get it is futile as well. I lost one phone in ten years and I was furious at the phone they gave me. It came with a busted speaker and a glitchy screen.
I got rid of their insurance and am going through best buy atm. Supposedly, as long as you keep all the pieces, you will get a brand new one if you ever break your phone. I'm not sure if it covers lost phones though.

Actually, if you get a bad phone from asurion, it has a one year warranty, so have them replace it.
Best buy will not simply give you a new phone, they ship it to their center and repair it (over the course of 2 weeks) while you wait.
As for not knowing the new policies, it was mailed to everyone inside your bill a few months back.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Bad Sprint corp rep

Has anyone ever had any problems trying to get their phone fixed at a Sprint repair store? I had trouble with one employ, he wouldnt replace my evo for the white heat spots on my screen. I believe this is a manufacture defect so don't they have to replace it? And he was a **** to me assuming of my age and was asking if I rooted my evo. I ha e the newest ota update why would he ask, just because my phone can landscape and I had launcher pro, shows how much he knows about Android. Anyways I finally called customer care and they didn't hesitate to replace my phone. I go in today to have this same employ haras me with his questions of why I wanted it replaced??? I was upset and told him I didn't want a ****ed up screen... And the place got quiet, I get my replacement Thursday and also complaining about this store rep. He was the worst.
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I'd simply replace the screen if I had the particular one your phone needed. Less hassle, happier customer, more money in my pocket for a repair vs an exchange.

Some men just want to watch the world burn.

Yeah I was about to do it my self, but I figured just take it to Sprint, Haha let's see when he burns in hell
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I have this white heat spot on my phone, I never knew it was a defect. Can I get it replaced if I don't have the insurance?

same thing here, just my phone has been power cycling randomly. they at the store claimed its a lose usb port and FLAGGED my phone damaged beyond repair as if i broke it. now heres the kicker.....my phone has never had issues connecting to my laptop nor charging. yet its the reason its boot looping... they told me to claim it on insurance which means $100 out of pocket. HA! i called sprint and complained but they couldnt remove the flag so i can take it to another store....i had them credit my account 100 and had to file the claim..smh 3 days of complaining

fldash said:
I have this white heat spot on my phone, I never knew it was a defect. Can I get it replaced if I don't have the insurance?
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It's not a known issue, so you'd have to pay $35 to get it replaced.

Damn reps act like they are the ****. Makes me mad because I paid all this money for my evo and I get back referb with Damn heat spots, the lady that helped me through customer service was nice and she said well ill send you an eticket to get it replaced, I say its manufacture defect because its not our fault the phone here white spots, so they should have to Atleast repair or replace, I didn't take no for an answer from this guy. He even said he was going to flag me for this so I can't get another replacement for the same issue. I will probably be back if I find a defect in my new replacement. I bet if that rep broke his phone he wouldn't hesitate to replace it himself, so why the hell do they act so ignorant?
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Ya..I had mine replaced 6 months ago for same said reason. Last month my 3G borked and they replaced it with a refurb that booted up with the same issue..ordered another one..yep..exactly the same and the rep finally gave me a NIB 004 just two weeks ago. Two repairs in a year saved me $14 instead of paying the insurance every month.
Those spots actually grow over time, so if your under the 1 year I would recommend paying the 35+tax and make sure the replacement is not the same way. Best time to find it is on initial bootup, so watch them activate it. Better yet, ask them if you can, will also prevent an upgrade they may do.

Yeah I almost hit one for getting in my face
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That's that's what I was waiting for, I will keep this in mind if the next refurb is a fail. $35 to get me a new phone? I thought it was $50 I read mix number all over these forums, next time ill be paying that $35 instead of dealing with an ass hole of a rep lol, yeah my spots actually got worst while playing with my phone. Thanks
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Yeah I feel you, he kept harassing me with his questions, I'm 19 yeah I know he might be thinking I'm just trying to screw them over, but still he didn't have to act that way, we be customers probably longer then he was even employed there, I hope I don't get someone like that again, most likely he will be there with my replacement.
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dpilcher said:
Ya..I had mine replaced 6 months ago for same said reason. Last month my 3G borked and they replaced it with a refurb that booted up with the same issue..ordered another one..yep..exactly the same and the rep finally gave me a NIB 004 just two weeks ago. Two repairs in a year saved me $14 instead of paying the insurance every month.
Those spots actually grow over time, so if your under the 1 year I would recommend paying the 35+tax and make sure the replacement is not the same way. Best time to find it is on initial bootup, so watch them activate it. Better yet, ask them if you can, will also prevent an upgrade they may do.
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So the 0004 hardware does not suffer from the heat spot issue?

dsf3g said:
So the 0004 hardware does not suffer from the heat spot issue?
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I really can't say for sure, all my phones and the replacements that were ordered were all 003 versions. This is my first 004 (Edit: Second, my son's I picked up at Best Buy when it dropped to $50 is also an 004)and this one did not have the issue and is running just fine all around. I do however wish I had received the Nova screen instead of the Epson. I had heard it was not as bright, and that for sure is the case. Indoors it really looks great, but step outside....better look for some shade to see the screen. I can deal with that, just glad they finally took ownership of the manufacturer's issues and were never rude at any point.
Still, I'm in awe at how that many refurbs (for me anyway) in a row had the exact same issue and that it passed to go back into the replacement pool.

Those people are called Super Reps.
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I'm a tech at a store also and the $35 represents getting a replacement phone without insurance compared to free if you do have insurance. If you take it to a service and repair store they should be able to replace the LCD for you in store, depending on which LCD you have.

so i just received my referb replacement and it was fine, i did get hardware 003, i was expecting 004. Well i get home to login into google account, and BAM!! bootloop all the way back to sprint repair store, the rep who helped me saw it and was shocked, so they hard rest and it kept doing it. Finally i just called the insurance to just get a new phone, well they said for $100 I could either get another referb or maybe a new one, they claim not to have control over that. i said to hell with all this, i called customer care and they are sending me another evo to my home. Damn just randomly reboots so annoying, why cant sprint just give me a new phone to get rid of me already haha. oh and i get a new otter box because my kick stand broke, sad day sad day!!

Best Buy insurance is a SCAM!

The Best Buy employee who sold me the Sprint S3 managed to convince me to drop Asurian, and go with BB coverage. He said it covers EVERYTHING the Asurian plan did, aside from being lost or stolen. I ran through a dozen scenarios, including what would happen if I dropped it puddle literally five minutes after leaving the store. I told him I was worried that since it was such a new phone, Best Buy would not be able to swap it out very quickly.
I was reassured by the salesman, two colleagues, and even the manager on duty, that if there was no stock, I'd simply get a brand-new replacement phone, instantly. In any scenario that required sending off the phone, (maximum of 2-3 days,) I'd have a similar/identical phone as a loaner.
ha-ha.
None of that is remotely true. 8 days after buying my Sprint S3, a friend spilled some water on my phone. When I took it in, they said it would take 30+ days to have it sent off for 'repair.' Since the phone was so new, I was SOL. (The exact scenario I laid out for the salesman, manager, and colleages.) To make things worse, they said that they only cover SOME water damage. If their "non-biased" repairman decides it experienced too much water damage, they simply deny the claim and send your useless phone back. Gee, I bet that Best Buy repair technician is really fighting for me, huh? :/
Now it has been two weeks, and I am still borrowing an old, water-damaged phone from a friend that only manages to squeak out 2-3 hours of stand-by per charge. I have called numerous times, and visited several stores, and I get the same thing. "I'm sorry that the salesman told you those things, but this is in fact our policy--if you read the fine print." YES, I have had a half-dozen people tell me about the fine print, of which I never saw any legal documentation before signing up. I suppose that is partially my fault, but they did not give me that opportunity. I feel that I should have recorded them.
One of my co-workers used to work for Geek Squad and says I just have to wait for them to deny my claim, which can take 30+ days, then I can go in and RAISE HELL, and eventually I will probably get some sort of replacement.
TLDR People DO NOT SIGN UP FOR BEST BUY INSURANCE!!! If I was still using Asurian, I would have had a BRAND-NEW phone at my house the following morning. No questions asked, done deal. Yes, there is a $199 deductible, but with the BB insurance, there's basically a $758 deductible, plus a 30-day waiting period.
Very annoyed at BB right now. I feel 100% conned, and l definitely wish I stuck to the Asurian coverage, which is what my gut feeling told me to do. Learn from my mistake and avoid BB coverage.

Thanks for that info... it makes me feel good about my decision to say no several times to the sales person who tried hard to sell me on it.

I have to say Sprint has done me no wrong in the insurance world. On average I go through two of each of my phones. Sprint replaces them with pretty much no questions asked, although the repair center knows who I am. They know that I hack phones, or whatever you want to call it, and they are cool with it.

My buddy dropped his evo 3d in water today and we went into bestbuy. They dont carry the evo 3d anymore so it was a pain in the ass from the start. They look up the repair info and say oh it could take 10 to 30 days to get your phone back. Then they offered him a loaner which has a $50 deductible. I stepped in and basically said thats bull****. You claim your insurance is better then sprints? If this was sprint hed only b a day without a phone. I understand hed have to pay a deductible but he needs his phone. I then said if this was sprint hed probally be getting a god damn s2 as a replacement. He acted as if he didnt care so as im sitting there i see this couple both buying a one x and i hear the rep ask if they want the insurance and they both talk it over so i walked over and said excuse me i hate to be nosie but i just want give you a heads up that what hes not telling you is you pay more a month then your cell provider probally charges but then when you have an accident like my friend hear just had and drop your phone in water when you come in they dont exchange in store like they make you believe they offer you a loaner which your insurance dose not cover and is $50 and ship your phone off to a service center with about a 3 week timeframe til when youll get it back. I then went back over to the geek squad ******* and said out of curiosity how much money did this store just lose because of me lol he thrn told my buddy to come fill out his insurance form and told me to wait somewhere else lol
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

Different story for me,
I cracked my Evo 3D screen. I brought it and they took it no questions asked. They told me the new one would be ready in 3 days. It was, and the phone they gave me was basically new. (Used, but in a new housing).

This thread is making me nervous about keeping my bb insurance.

I was also thinking about dropping my sprint insurance, but a story like this makes me think twice! I have never had a problem with sprint and getting my phone fixed. I have had my screen crack and they would send me another phone with no deductible. Maybe it has changed, but I'm thinking just staying with sprint.
Sent from my White Gs3 using tapatalk 2

wow thanks for the heads up! i almost went with it too

Glad I read this
I have had some complaints with Sprint/Assurion over the last decade but once the dust cleared, they always came through. I was thinking of BB insurance but I am glad you cleared it up for me.
Maybe I will go in there and f* with them. Get them to pitch me their sales line, record it and write it down. Then I will present ti to them for a signature and if they say they never said that, I will play the recording.
I ALWAYS record my service calls to Sprint. Once I had a "senior" tech feed me some BS about the cause of my ongoing phone issues. (it was an issue that was the same on three identical phones yet they told me it was a "phone" issue) Finally I transcribed one of the conversations and sent it to corporate. I was sent a brand new White box EVO (with no request to return mine). I was then called by an "Elevated Issue" specialist from Kansas who resolved that my profile was corrupt on the Sprint server.
Problem solved and an extra unlocked EVO that I gave to my wife.

I'm a best buy mobile sales rep, whoever handled your case messed up. I've had two people come in with broken s3 and with both of them I pulled a brand new one off the shelf and gave it to them. I have the S3 my self so i made sure that would be the case.
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I would like to point out that we don't normal pull phones off the shelf right away, most of the time we send out out and a replacement comes in 2 to 4 days. It's only cause it's so new that we give out new in box phones
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All insurance is a scam....lol. tc
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I bought a phone through Best Buy along with a protection plan/ESP plan. Never had to redeem the Plan with them, but after hearing stories from multiple former employees from Geek Squad and normal salesmen and women, I will never buy anything from Best Buy again, knowing how badly I am getting ripped off. Ive had good experiences with BBuy before, but lets just say Im not a fan by any means ^_^ I did, however buy the protection through Sprint. Being such an expensive device, i jumped on it when the Sprint rep offered it

Liquid_Cool said:
All insurance is a scam....lol. tc
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Not exactly....but on average all insurance is a losing proposition for the buyer. It has to be for the insurance company to make money. The rule that smart money people go by is to never buy more insurance than you need. If you can afford to absorb the loss, don't insure it. Over time you will pay more for the insurance than you will have paid for the loss.

Could also be hit or miss with replacements and such. Best Buy is in the mist of financial troubles also high up people stepping down.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/best-buy-chairman-steps-down-134928590.html
Sent from My Epic Ice Cream Sandwich With Sprinkles!!!

I've had nothing but good experiences with best buy insurance. I'm thinking the rep messed up.

BKinney said:
I would like to point out that we don't normal pull phones off the shelf right away, most of the time we send out out and a replacement comes in 2 to 4 days. It's only cause it's so new that we give out new in box phones
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Are you saying that best buy doesnt have Sprint GS3 refurbs to give out yet? I cracked my screen two weeks ago but haven't taken it in yet because i didn't want a refurb since i've only had the phone a few weeks..

I just took my AT&T GS3 in to BB last week with a cracked screen. I was told it would be sent out for a 2-3 day "rapid exchange". I was also told that the fact that the device was rooted and running a non-official JB ROM would not be an issue with BB or GS.
I returned the next day with my GS1 to have the service switched over and to send the GS3 back. When the GS guy was processing the return he said it was odd. I asked him what. He said that instead of the exchange, my phone was being sent to Samsung for repair and it would take 10+ days...
Are you saying that they could just give me a new one off the shelf instead of making me wait? Also, do you think the rooted and non Samsung software will cause an issue with the Samsung repair center?
Sent from my SGH-I897 using xda premium

I would think that rooting your device is going to be a problem with Samsung. I've never heard of geek squad refusing to cover a rooted phone but that is up to the manager.
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ScrapMaker said:
The Best Buy employee who sold me the Sprint S3 managed to convince me to drop Asurian, and go with BB coverage. He said it covers EVERYTHING the Asurian plan did, aside from being lost or stolen. I ran through a dozen scenarios, including what would happen if I dropped it puddle literally five minutes after leaving the store. I told him I was worried that since it was such a new phone, Best Buy would not be able to swap it out very quickly.
I was reassured by the salesman, two colleagues, and even the manager on duty, that if there was no stock, I'd simply get a brand-new replacement phone, instantly. In any scenario that required sending off the phone, (maximum of 2-3 days,) I'd have a similar/identical phone as a loaner.
ha-ha.
None of that is remotely true. 8 days after buying my Sprint S3, a friend spilled some water on my phone. When I took it in, they said it would take 30+ days to have it sent off for 'repair.' Since the phone was so new, I was SOL. (The exact scenario I laid out for the salesman, manager, and colleages.) To make things worse, they said that they only cover SOME water damage. If their "non-biased" repairman decides it experienced too much water damage, they simply deny the claim and send your useless phone back. Gee, I bet that Best Buy repair technician is really fighting for me, huh? :/
Now it has been two weeks, and I am still borrowing an old, water-damaged phone from a friend that only manages to squeak out 2-3 hours of stand-by per charge. I have called numerous times, and visited several stores, and I get the same thing. "I'm sorry that the salesman told you those things, but this is in fact our policy--if you read the fine print." YES, I have had a half-dozen people tell me about the fine print, of which I never saw any legal documentation before signing up. I suppose that is partially my fault, but they did not give me that opportunity. I feel that I should have recorded them.
One of my co-workers used to work for Geek Squad and says I just have to wait for them to deny my claim, which can take 30+ days, then I can go in and RAISE HELL, and eventually I will probably get some sort of replacement.
TLDR People DO NOT SIGN UP FOR BEST BUY INSURANCE!!! If I was still using Asurian, I would have had a BRAND-NEW phone at my house the following morning. No questions asked, done deal. Yes, there is a $199 deductible, but with the BB insurance, there's basically a $758 deductible, plus a 30-day waiting period.
Very annoyed at BB right now. I feel 100% conned, and l definitely wish I stuck to the Asurian coverage, which is what my gut feeling told me to do. Learn from my mistake and avoid BB coverage.
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Click to collapse
Call 1800 best buy .. or look for the best buy price match thread, there an email for the presidential escalation department. They will be able to help you. They helped me with a similar situation. It contact an attorney, they love class action law suits. The reps told me it's at most a five day turn around. Even if there is fine print since its an oral sale they can be held legally responsible
Sent from my SPH-L710...if some one helps you press the thanks button

[Q] Broken Glass, ATT insurance, matters of opinion(update in op)

Ok lets get this out of the way first. Yes my glass broke second day of owning, yes I was being careful and wasn't neglect on my part. Phone should have been able to survive a fall from less then 12" only landing on its back with out breaking glass.
Ok now that we got that taken care of here are my options.
1. Buy $30.00 glass attempt repair on my own. Question with this are if I mess up or something gets damaged could I still claim insurance(ie. will they know I have opened phone)
2. Att states they will replace for $199.99 but will likely be refurbished unit(which sucks). If I go this route will I need to flash back to stock and reset flash count or will they even check that. Rooted with custom recovery and att clean rom. Any one had experience with att insurance claim?
Local shops say its impossible to replace just the glass. Repair would be $425.00 so that is out.
Edit: I tried to call the walmart I purchased it from and got no answer. So I called another walmart and told her what happened. She said we are told we can't exchange phones that are damaged and you only get one exchange. So I thought I was screwed. She then said read your contract if it doesn't say anything about the condition of the phone or the number of times Walmart will have to replace phone. She kept emphasizing to read contract. Then said if I have any problems Call her back and she will call corporate. Sure enough contract states you can exchange phones in the 14 days nothing about condition or number of times. So following walmarts contract I got the note replaced. As of today if anything thing happens I have insurance. I also bought a temporary case till otterbox gets here.

Re: [Q] Broken Glass, ATT insurance, matters of opinion
I've dealt with att twice and it was agreeable. The second time I sent my note 1 in for the same issue (charging port failure) they sent me a brand new device. The truth is you don't always get a refurb, it's just kind of luck and how much product is on hand (so I was told by att cs).
If you try to fix the screen yourself and fail DON'T send it in for warranty... That's fraud and effects the prices for everyone else.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 2

Re: [Q] Broken Glass, ATT insurance, matters of opinion
Try searching next time. Here a few ppl have claimed to replaced only the glass but from experience on my s2 skyrocket its a pain in the a** and I ended up cracking the digitizer. If so tho ppl in this thread say to search for videos on youtube. Check it out.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2090892
Sent from my Galaxy Note 2 running SkyNote3.2

jyazzie110 said:
Try searching next time. Here a few ppl have claimed to replaced only the glass but from experience on my s2 skyrocket its a pain in the a** and I ended up cracking the digitizer. If so tho ppl in this thread say to search for videos on youtube. Check it out.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2090892
Sent from my Galaxy Note 2 running SkyNote3.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did search, I'm not a newbie I wasn't asking about how to replace the glass or if it is possible i was asking for opinions of my next course of action. I have seen the threads and watched the videos.

The customer is always right...
Sorry about your shattered screen. that's rough. hope I can offer some insight on your warranty situation:
You have two angles of attack:
1. Go in with your tail tucked between your legs, and pray for the best possible outcome. If the outcome is less than optimal, follow step 2:
2. Argue pleasantly, until you're satisified.
That said, at&t is usually pretty good with succumbing to "motivated" customers. I've always tried, and with great sucess, gotten all of my replacements by contacting them through e-mail or phone (and a few times at the service centers). My own personal experience has lead me to believe, if you go in, they're more likely to scrutinize you, your credability and your story and stick you with the least desirable option. My brother-in-law is a very "motivated" customer, and has almost always been "satisifed" by at&t (that's what she said) (shattered screens, water submersion, etc).
And as far as relocking\returning to stock, again, IME, I've only had them check my device for root/BL tampering twice, and they simply checked to see if their was a stock recovery. And I think it was only because the kid was knowledgable enough to know how to check. Otherwise, I've always gotten the impression the sales person doesn't know how to check for evidence of a tampered device.
If Steps 1 and 2 fail, try droping the, ETF-bomb. "How much is my Early Termination Fee?" In my experience, they always come back with good news from their supervisor. YMMV. And just as an FYI, when I have dropped the ETF-bomb, I had legitmately wanted to end my service; I wasn't threatening.
Good luck and hope some of this was useful to you! like I said, YMMV.
PS. If you go into one service center and they give you your options, that doesn't stop you from leaving with your device and getting a "second opinion" from another, possibly more agreeable service center. And then if you care to, as a last resort, you can always try contacting them through e-mail\phone.

nespid said:
Sorry about your shattered screen. that's rough. hope I can offer some insight on your warranty situation:
You have two angles of attack:
1. Go in with your tail tucked between your legs, and pray for the best possible outcome. If the outcome is less than optimal, follow step 2:
2. Argue pleasantly, until you're satisified.
That said, at&t is usually pretty good with succumbing to "motivated" customers. I've always tried, and with great sucess, gotten all of my replacements by contacting them through e-mail or phone (and a few times at the service centers). My own personal experience has lead me to believe, if you go in, they're more likely to scrutinize you, your credability and your story and stick you with the least desirable option. My brother-in-law is a very "motivated" customer, and has almost always been "satisifed" by at&t (that's what she said) (shattered screens, water submersion, etc).
And as far as relocking\returning to stock, again, IME, I've only had them check my device for root/BL tampering twice, and they simply checked to see if their was a stock recovery. And I think it was only because the kid was knowledgable enough to know how to check. Otherwise, I've always gotten the impression the sales person doesn't know how to check for evidence of a tampered device.
If Steps 1 and 2 fail, try droping the, ETF-bomb. "How much is my Early Termination Fee?" In my experience, they always come back with good news from their supervisor. YMMV. And just as an FYI, when I have dropped the ETF-bomb, I had legitmately wanted to end my service; I wasn't threatening.
Good luck and hope some of this was useful to you! like I said, YMMV.
PS. If you go into one service center and they give you your options, that doesn't stop you from leaving with your device and getting a "second opinion" from another, possibly more agreeable service center. And then if you care to, as a last resort, you can always try contacting them through e-mail\phone.
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Good advice all the way around, all though not too sure about ETF because I'm still on my new contract 14 days. Not sure how they would take that. I also thought about see what Walmart would do since that is where the phone was purchased do to pricing. With the screen not sure how they would handle that can't find anything on the web about the return policy for store bought phones.

chrisryn said:
Good advice all the way around, all though not too sure about ETF because I'm still on my new contract 14 days. Not sure how they would take that. I also thought about see what Walmart would do since that is where the phone was purchased do to pricing. With the screen not sure how they would handle that can't find anything on the web about the return policy for store bought phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well then, you just opened up your options - try a bunch of different Wal-marts. One of them is bound to have a lackluster employee who doesn't care, and just wants to go back to doing nothing - find that guy\gal and bring home your new N2.
If there is no physical damage to the body of the phone, you have better support to your story that the screen was flawed. I would really fight that point, that the screen was flawed.
Honestly, they don't have a leg to stand on, if there is no physical evidence to the body of the phone that it was "accidental damage", and they're not going to call you a liar (at least not to your face). With all of this, keep in mind to "argue" as politely as possible, but be persistent. Wear them down and get to yes! Illegitimi non carborundum.
---------- Post added at 01:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:54 PM ----------
And yeah, as far as the ETF-bomb, it may not help if you're only 14 days into your contract. I've been with at&t since 2002 and I have 3 lines, so, that may factor in on their decision with the ETF-bomb.

I was with att for ten years when they decided to move out my upgrade date out of now where claiming it was because of a data overage. I was out of contract ready for renewal the didn't give a S*** about me canceling. I went to Verizon and it was a nightmare had 4 gig limit and they where charging me overage at 3.5 gig. Fought with them for about 3 months before I was able to use breach in contract with a supervisor to get out with out a ETF. Now I'm back at ATT and had this happen.

Plan B
chrisryn said:
I was with att for ten years when they decided to move out my upgrade date out of now where claiming it was because of a data overage. I was out of contract ready for renewal the didn't give a S*** about me canceling. I went to Verizon and it was a nightmare had 4 gig limit and they where charging me overage at 3.5 gig. Fought with them for about 3 months before I was able to use breach in contract with a supervisor to get out with out a ETF. Now I'm back at ATT and had this happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thaaaaat sucks.
Move out your upgrade date because of data overage? weird. that makes no sense to me.
Here's a possible option: it's $200 and you have to return your current device or, is it $200 for a new device and you keep your shattered device? If it's the latter, then possibly sell the current N2 as-is on eBay\craigslist and use that money to purchase replacement? I am inclined to believe it is probably $200 + returning current N2.

nespid said:
thaaaaat sucks.
Move out your upgrade date because of data overage? weird. that makes no sense to me.
Here's a possible option: it's $200 and you have to return your current device or, is it $200 for a new device and you keep your shattered device? If it's the latter, then possibly sell the current N2 as-is on eBay\craigslist and use that money to purchase replacement? I am inclined to believe it is probably $200 + returning current N2.
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The said thing about the overage was it was due to their lack luster dsl department getting our dsl turned on at the new house. Seemed that the old tenant had some cheap phone service and never turned it off. They wanted $800.00 to run new lines. So we where using phones as all internet for a month. I'm pretty sure that I will have to return device, once the other comes in. I'm going to try walmart first, then if that doesn't work see if I can talk the deductible down on the att insurance and hope its not a refurbished. I have had to many android and iphones(wife) that have been through three young boys with out damage and this one damages so easy. Either way new device will not be fully used till it is safe in a case then still treated like a baby.

Bonne chance!
chrisryn said:
The said thing about the overage was it was due to their lack luster dsl department getting our dsl turned on at the new house. Seemed that the old tenant had some cheap phone service and never turned it off. They wanted $800.00 to run new lines. So we where using phones as all internet for a month. I'm pretty sure that I will have to return device, once the other comes in. I'm going to try walmart first, then if that doesn't work see if I can talk the deductible down on the att insurance and hope its not a refurbished. I have had to many android and iphones(wife) that have been through three young boys with out damage and this one damages so easy. Either way new device will not be fully used till it is safe in a case then still treated like a baby.
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Click to collapse
sounds good to me.
good luck and let me know what you worked out.

Re: [Q] Broken Glass, ATT insurance, matters of opinion
I didn't see this mentioned but I recommend getting the insurance protection from Best Buy. You can still get it even if you don't get the phone from Best Buy. You can pay one flat fee to cover the year or pay $7 a month.
They will replace your phone at no extra cost for physical or water damage.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda premium

kiltedthrower said:
I didn't see this mentioned but I recommend getting the insurance protection from Best Buy. You can still get it even if you don't get the phone from Best Buy. You can pay one flat fee to cover the year or pay $7 a month.
They will replace your phone at no extra cost for physical or water damage.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
Very much aware of that. Had it on my Galaxy nexus gave it to my mom she dropped it hard cracked the screen now she is waiting for her refurb to come in. They told me it was replaced at the store when I brought it in, with new unit. I have had to loan her my inspire while she waits 5-10 days for the other to come in. Not really satisfied with that plan either.

Re: [Q] Broken Glass, ATT insurance, matters of opinion
That's weird. I've had to have 3 devices replaced through best buy over the last couple of years. I've never had to wait more than 3 days. I Also like that you get a loaner phone till the replacement comes in.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda premium

I asked for a loaner they said they don't do that.
Edit: Hoping my inspire doesn't suffer same fate.

Re: [Q] Broken Glass, ATT insurance, matters of opinion
I'm actually a manager at a best buy mobile.. We are supposed to supply loaners if we have them with a $50 deposit that you get back when your phone comes back in.. Some stores don't charge that even though they should.. For android devices the insurance is $9.99 a month or $169.99 for 2 years.. Everything is covered except lost or stolen.. Which we do have a free app called locked and found that will let you lock your phone out if it is lost or stolen. It will take pictures with the front facing camera and email them to you with a location.. The best part is there are unlimited claims and no deposit

cold21blooded said:
I'm actually a manager at a best buy mobile.. We are supposed to supply loaners if we have them with a $50 deposit that you get back when your phone comes back in.. Some stores don't charge that even though they should.. For android devices the insurance is $9.99 a month or $169.99 for 2 years.. Everything is covered except lost or stolen.. Which we do have a free app called locked and found that will let you lock your phone out if it is lost or stolen. It will take pictures with the front facing camera and email them to you with a location.. The best part is there are unlimited claims and no deposit
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Click to collapse
They wouldn't even let me talk to a mobile associate had to talk to GEEK SQUAD, sometimes I wonder the requirements for Geek squad hiring, Guy didn't know anything. Nothing against Best Buy just had bad experience mobile wise here. Best buy is my favorite store, Been platinum reward member for 8 years now.

Re: [Q] Broken Glass, ATT insurance, matters of opinion
chrisryn said:
They wouldn't even let me talk to a mobile associate had to talk to GEEK SQUAD, sometimes I wonder the requirements for Geek squad hiring, Guy didn't know anything. Nothing against Best Buy just had bad experience mobile wise here. Best buy is my favorite store, Been platinum reward member for 8 years now.
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I get that a lot with complaints from the big box stores.. Next time try a best buy mobile store.. It's a more one on one experience and we usually know a little more

cold21blooded said:
I get that a lot with complaints from the big box stores.. Next time try a best buy mobile store.. It's a more one on one experience and we usually know a little more
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would but we don't have those here.

You should not be concerned AT ALL that you may get a refurbished phone. I've done it couple of times and the phone is always perfect brand new condition. It's not like it will have scuffs on it or non-working parts....not to worry.
Also don't need to reset your phone to stock...you're getting it replaced due to broken screen not complaints that it is not functioning.

[Q] Destroyed Screen

I wont go into details, but honestly first time i've ever completely destroyed a phone.
Short story, fell out of my pocket getting into vehicle.
I've always had insurance and still do, so I took it in to a Sprint store to get it looked at.
Initially the lady that I first went to, saw my phone looked up my account, and said ok its still in warranty, so I'll get you a replacement.
Then some dude came over and told her that she cant do that, and to get it serviced through their equipment protection plan.
Is there anyway this can get fixed without paying the replacement fee/copay?

Sawdizzle said:
I wont go into details, but honestly first time i've ever completely destroyed a phone.
Short story, fell out of my pocket getting into vehicle.
I've always had insurance and still do, so I took it in to a Sprint store to get it looked at.
Initially the lady that I first went to, saw my phone looked up my account, and said ok its still in warranty, so I'll get you a replacement.
Then some dude came over and told her that she cant do that, and to get it serviced through their equipment protection plan.
Is there anyway this can get fixed without paying the replacement fee/copay?
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Click to collapse
I wish there was, been in this exact same situation and thought the same thing. Unfortunately Sprint doesn't do that anymore and you do have to go through their equipment protection plan.
Sorry

Nickitt said:
I wish there was, been in this exact same situation and thought the same thing. Unfortunately Sprint doesn't do that anymore and you do have to go through their equipment protection plan.
Sorry
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Bummer, it sucks. It was just a freak thing that both mine and my girlfriends SIII screens broke in the same week. Trying to avoid the $300 for both to be fixed. I'm chatting with Samsung now to see if there is anything they could do for me.

Sawdizzle said:
Bummer, it sucks. It was just a freak thing that both mine and my girlfriends SIII screens broke in the same week. Trying to avoid the $300 for both to be fixed. I'm chatting with Samsung now to see if there is anything they could do for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was going to say, that will probably be honestly your only hope. You may get lucky and try a different Sprint store. Anything is worth a try at this point it sounds like.

Nickitt said:
I was going to say, that will probably be honestly your only hope. You may get lucky and try a different Sprint store. Anything is worth a try at this point it sounds like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah. Will do.
I'll report back on my findings... *if there are any that is lol*

Good luck dude! Hope for the best, expect the worst.

Sawdizzle said:
I wont go into details, but honestly first time i've ever completely destroyed a phone.
Short story, fell out of my pocket getting into vehicle.
I've always had insurance and still do, so I took it in to a Sprint store to get it looked at.
Initially the lady that I first went to, saw my phone looked up my account, and said ok its still in warranty, so I'll get you a replacement.
Then some dude came over and told her that she cant do that, and to get it serviced through their equipment protection plan.
Is there anyway this can get fixed without paying the replacement fee/copay?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What exactly got damaged on the phone? If the screen was cracked then due to the policy change about 2 years ago you'll have to go through insurance not sprint. They now consider that physical damage that's not repairable in store. Your out of luck.
I don't remember but is the insurance deductible really 299? In November I chose best buy insurance instead of sprint due to always having issues at sprint. The third party centers were better in my area than the actual retail store but sprint decided to shut down the third party center here. Oh well.
Sent from the Great Galaxy Note 2 using Tapatalk 4

yankees45us said:
What exactly got damaged on the phone? If the screen was cracked then due to the policy change about 2 years ago you'll have to go through insurance not sprint. They now consider that physical damage that's not repairable in store. Your out of luck.
I don't remember but is the insurance deductible really 299? In November I chose best buy insurance instead of sprint due to always having issues at sprint. The third party centers were better in my area than the actual retail store but sprint decided to shut down the third party center here. Oh well.
Sent from the Great Galaxy Note 2 using Tapatalk 4
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Click to collapse
The whole thing is busted, the screen is completely trashed, outside casing is beaten up and effed, missing the screen glass in the corners of the screen, and the back will not snap on in places. I have insurance, Just with bad timing I would need to replace both mine and my girlfriends as she had broken her a few days later. Hence the $299 I was saying $150 per phone for the deductable.

Sawdizzle said:
The whole thing is busted, the screen is completely trashed, outside casing is beaten up and effed, missing the screen glass in the corners of the screen, and the back will not snap on in places. I have insurance, Just with bad timing I would need to replace both mine and my girlfriends as she had broken her a few days later. Hence the $299 I was saying $150 per phone for the deductable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best thing is to pay for insurance replacement. It's better to get a new one then try to repair. Unless sprint will order a replacement at no charge which will be almost impossible. Good luck
Sent from the Great Galaxy Note 2 using Tapatalk 4

Sawdizzle said:
I wont go into details, but honestly first time i've ever completely destroyed a phone.
Short story, fell out of my pocket getting into vehicle.
I've always had insurance and still do, so I took it in to a Sprint store to get it looked at.
Initially the lady that I first went to, saw my phone looked up my account, and said ok its still in warranty, so I'll get you a replacement.
Then some dude came over and told her that she cant do that, and to get it serviced through their equipment protection plan.
Is there anyway this can get fixed without paying the replacement fee/copay?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is why I will NEVER buy my devices from Sprint. I always buy at Radio Shack because you can destroy your phone, walk in the store and walk out with a brand new one and not a refurbished piece of **** that Sprint makes you pay $50 more bucks for.

Sawdizzle said:
.... I was saying $150 per phone for the deductable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to hear about your situation. I don't know of any tips to help.
On a side note, this is why I don't get the insurance. I think it's a total rip off for the most part. People pay around $7 to $10 a month, which works to around $168 to $240 over two years. Not the issue. But then you have play additional $100 to $150 dollars deductible. This works out ok earily in the life cycle of the phone, but towards the end, it's the same cost for a new phone out of contract. And you don't get a choice on the deductible like with car insurance. I think a more reasonable deductible is $50 with the same insurance rate.
Granted, I don't know the numbers of how many broken phone claims the insurance company or Sprint get. It's possible, people, in general, are reckless with them and are having to replace them like underwear. My guess, probably not, and it's just easy money for the most part.