Welp, I finally got a straight answer from Verizon Wireless (VZW) regarding whether or not they sell AppleCare+. I had been told by a rep that they do, but I couldn't find it anywhere on their website. I finally was told by more than one rep that 100% certainly they do not. I was curious though about value, as many people have complained that AppleCare+ is too expensive and is a rip-off, so here's a comparison of AppleCare+ to VZW's extended service options. (which are all managed by the 3rd party insurer Asurion.)
AppleCare+
"Every iPhone comes with one year of hardware repair coverage and 90 days of telephone technical support.
AppleCare+ for iPhone extends repair coverage and technical support to two years from the original purchase date of your iPhone and adds coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage due to handling, each subject to a $49 service fee plus applicable tax. With AppleCare+ for iPhone, Apple experts can help troubleshoot issues over the phone or at an Apple Retail Store. Theyll answer questions about iOS, Apple iPhone apps such as Mail, iMessage, and Calendar, and help you solve interconnectivity issues between your iPhone and Mac or PC. And if your iPhone needs service under the plan, Apple technical support representatives can even set up a repair during the same call."
How to get AppleCare+
- Add it to your shopping cart during the checkout process when you purchase your new iPhone. (via AppleStore.com or Apple Retail) - $99
- Buy it within 30 days of your iPhone purchase at Apple Retail or other retailer (requires a Genius Bar appointment, inspection of the iPhone & proof of purchase).
AppleCare+ TOTAL COST (for 24 months of coverage + 1 replacement = $150
VZW Extended Warranty Options
Option 1: Wireless Phone Protection
"Asurion Wireless Phone Protection Asurion, a third-party licensed insurance agency, offers insurance coverage for your wireless device and certain standard accessories. If you have Wireless Phone Protection and your device is lost, stolen or accidentally damaged (including liquid and physical damage), you may file your claim with the Asurion within 60 days of the incident and the device will be replaced upon claim approval."
Other Devices (I.e. iPhones)
$8.18 per month per covered device.
$169 non-refundable deductible (8GB, 16GB iPhone® 4 and 16GB iPhone® 4S) per approved claim
$199 non-refundable deductible (32GB iPhone® 4 and 32GB, 64GB iPhone® 4S) per approved claim
Equipment maximum limit: $1500 per completed claim.
VZW Phone Protection TOTAL COST (for 24 months plus 1 replacement = $365-$395
Option 2: Total Equipment Coverage
"Offers combines the benefits of Asurions Wireless Phone Protection with the Verizon Wireless Extended Warranty program and is now enhanced with Asurions Mobile Recovery on compatible devices. If your device or covered accessories are lost, stolen, damaged or experience a mechanical or electrical defect after the manufacturers warranty expires, you are protected."
"Mobile Recovery is an application included with Total Equipment Coverage, at no additional cost (data charges may apply for the download and use of Mobile Recovery). Mobile Recovery allows you to:
- Locate a lost device (location shown geographically on a map)
- Sound a phone alarm to find a lost device
- Remotely lock a device to secure your data
- Remotely wipe a devices contacts to protect your privacy"
Other Devices (I.e. iPhones)
$9.99 per month per covered device
$169 non-refundable deductible (8GB, 16GB iPhone® 4 and 16GB iPhone® 4S) per approved claim
$199 non-refundable deductible (32GB iPhone® 4 and 32GB, 64GB iPhone® 4S) per approved claim
2 replacements in a 12-month period with an equipment maximum of $1500 per claim (in New York, 2 claims per policy year)
VZW Phone Protection TOTAL COST (for 24 months plus 1 replacement = $409-$439
BestBuy Geek Squad iPhone Protection
"Breakdowns, malfunctions, normal wear and tearwe have you covered. We even cover accidents like drops and spills with our advanced plan. Above and beyond a typical warranty, we take care of all the gritty details with no service fees and full parts and labor. Also includes 24/7 support, one-time battery replacement, one-time accessory replacement, normal wear and tear, pixel repair, and power surge repair."
BestBuy Geek Squad iPhone Protection TOTAL COST (for 24 months + multiple replacements) = $230
*****
So that's it. Pretty easy to see where the (lack of) value is.
Enjoy!
Will