Actual successful AppleCare claim for scratched watch?

[wilberforce]

The terms and conditions for AppleCare coverage for watches appears to exclude cosmetic damage, like scratches:


However, many on this forum seem to believe AppleCare will cover scratches, as being one of their main reasons for purchasing AppleCare. Has anyone actually successfully made an AppleCare claim for cosmetic scratches?

I can understand that a really severe scratch on the screen may "affect the functionality" because the screen may not be properly readable, but what about cosmetic scratches to the screen or case?

I am particularly interested in people's actual experiences in actually attempting to make an AppleCare claim for cosmetic scratches - did you get it fixed, or were you denied?

I think this would be very useful to know in deciding whether to get AppleCare on a watch. Thanks!

 

[Rocko99991]

Hit with hammer.

 

[wilberforce]

Hit with hammer.

Yes, an accidental hammer hit would be covered.
Not having got any replies indicating cosmetic scratches were covered, I have to presume they are not.

 

[AZhappyjack]

Yes, an accidental hammer hit would be covered.
Not having got any replies indicating cosmetic scratches were covered, I have to presume they are not.

I had an issue with a phone... it wasn't a watch, but I believe the same restrictions would apply. I dropped my phone and was positive that the screen was broken... I took it to Apple and the genius examined it and said that it was "just a scratch". It was a deep and pretty straight scratch, but Apple refused to replace the screen...

 

[BugeyeSTI]

Yes, an accidental hammer hit would be covered.
Not having got any replies indicating cosmetic scratches were covered, I have to presume they are not.

If the scratch is bad enough to effect the function of the touch input of the screen I'm sure they would cover it. If it's just superficial scratches that don't effect the function of the watch then they'll deny replacement

 

[Morrissey]

Just destroy the whole screen it's $79 dlls to get a brand new With Apple Care+, and I think you've got up two times each year to claim.

 

[mj_]

Strictly speaking, wouldn't you be committing insurance fraud if you were to destroy the watch on purpose in order to file a claim?

 

[AZhappyjack]

Strictly speaking, wouldn't you be committing insurance fraud if you were to destroy the watch on purpose in order to file a claim?

Absolutely, but no one here seems to be too bothered by that little technicality...

 

[wilberforce]

Strictly speaking, wouldn't you be committing insurance fraud if you were to destroy the watch on purpose in order to file a claim?

AppleCare does not cover:
"repair damage caused by reckless, abusive, willful or intentional conduct, or any use of the Covered Equipment in a manner not normal or intended by Apple"
So some level of deception would be needed, this needs to be understood if purchasing AppleCare expecting cosmetic damage to be covered. Up to each person to decide how to proceed.

Personally, I generally don't get AppleCare anyway - I would rather save the cost and take my chances, and in the long run that has worked out better for me.

 

[wilberforce]

Absolutely, but no one here seems to be too bothered by that little technicality...

Actually it does bother me. I don't think I would do it, so therefore I don't think I would get AppleCare on a watch.
Not implying others should or shouldn't think the same way.

 

[Lihp8270]

in the long run that has worked out better for me.

It would work out better for most people in the long to not buy insurance too.

If most people got more value than they pay in, insurance companies wouldn’t survive. insurance companies can only exist by paying out less per person than they get in per person.

I tend to only get insurance that I’m legally obliged to have.

 

[wilberforce]

It would work out better for most people in the long to not buy insurance too.

If most people got more value than they pay in, insurance companies wouldn’t survive. insurance companies can only exist by paying out less per person than they get in per person.

I tend to only get insurance that I’m legally obliged to have.

The other time to get insurance is when the loss is potentially so huge that it is personally financially catastrophic. Like if your house burns down, or you get sued for a million dollars because you injured someone in an accident, or you die and and your family is thus destitute.
Otherwise it is better to put aside funds to cover occasional minor losses.

 

[jz0309]

I smacked my S0 about a month after AC expired, screen totally cracked, still responding to touch in some areas - but unusable…
My s4 speaker was fainting away so about a month ago I got a replacement thru AC+, no cost. My S4 was 2yrs 8 mos old and I am on monthly AC+.
I got a refurb S4, which means new case, new glass, new battery. Battery Healy is at 100%, old one was 83%.

AW is one device where I definitely will be paying for AC+, but ymmv