Applecare or squaretrade

[spinedoc77]

I always get applecare with my phones, but this year I noticed squaretrade got bought up by Allstate and also seems to have some great pricing. I am very tempted to go with them for a few reasons.

Apple care for the iPhone x is $199/2 years, this includes 2 incidents if replacement needed at a $99 deductible each. It's convenient to just go into your Apple store to have any issues worked out.

Squaretrade for the iPhone x is $129/2 years or $159/3 years, includes same coverage as applecare including accidental damage. From what I understand you are allowed 4 replacement incidents priced at $99 deductible. Convenience remains the same because you can go to a local repair facility and have it fixed, from speaking to their reps this includes taking the phone straight to Apple. They actually have in home repair as well, but I'm not sure if that applies to smartphones or if that's for larger things like appliances. Edit: Just read on their website you can get in home repair for screen replacement with only a $25 deductible.

So is there any reason not to get squaretrade? Seems like a much better deal all around and much cheaper. Am I missing any caveats here?

 

[LoveToMacRumors]

Please make a poll, i vote for apple care +

 

[spinedoc77]

Please make a poll, i vote for apple care +

Hmm I don't see the option to add a poll, I think I would have to create a new thread.

Just out of curiosity, why do you prefer apple care that's more expensive and has less claims?

 

[Gjwilly]

If you use Squaretrade always, always, ALWAYS, use the Apple store for any repairs.
The vendors that Squaretrade uses don't always use genuine Apple parts.
I got a replacement phone from them that was so full of non-Apple parts that when it needed service after the Squaretrade coverage had ended, Apple refused to service it.

 

[maflynn]

Hmm I don't see the option to add a poll, I think I would have to create a new thread.

I added a poll to the thread - a basic one that should help

 

[Lobwedgephil]

If you use Squaretrade always, always, ALWAYS, use the Apple store for any repairs.
The vendors that Squaretrade uses don't always use genuine Apple parts.
I got a replacement phone from them that was so full of non-Apple parts that when it needed service after the Squaretrade coverage had ended, Apple refused to service it.

Dang, that would really piss me off.

 

[willmtaylor]

I’ve started using my Citi Double Cash Back card. It extends the warranty and has accident protection.

 

[ssspinball]

Just out of curiosity, why do you prefer apple care that's more expensive and has less claims?

IMO dealing with the OEM is always preferred. I wouldn't take my Toyota to Joe's AutoWorld for a major repair for the same reason. iPhones are extremely complex products.

 

[bruinsrme]

Being near apple stores both are decent.
However:
Squaretrade:
How much am I covered?
You are covered for up to the amount you paid for your item. If you purchase a Protection Plan that was intended for a lower-value item, your coverage is limited to the price threshold of the Protection Plan you purchased.

 

[PBz]

AC+ ALL DAY on an iPhone IMO.

 

[AlliFlowers]

I have been using SquareTrade for many years for everything from phones to laptops to cameras. Never had a problem with them. When my husband had an issue with a laptop, they pretty much rebuilt it. If you're near an Apple store, you should probably go with AppleCare to start with, but SquareTrade is the best for those of us who don't have one nearby. OTOH, if I have a problem, I simply get a preauthorization from SquareTrade and go to Apple. If work is needed, SquareTrade pays me back. If a replacement is needed, Apple just takes care of it.

 

[willmtaylor]

IMO dealing with the OEM is always preferred. I wouldn't take my Toyota to Joe's AutoWorld for a major repair for the same reason. iPhones are extremely complex products.

SquareTrade allows you to take the phone to Apple for repair.

 

[Gjwilly]

Being near apple stores both are decent.
However:
Squaretrade:
How much am I covered?
You are covered for up to the amount you paid for your item. If you purchase a Protection Plan that was intended for a lower-value item, your coverage is limited to the price threshold of the Protection Plan you purchased.

This is important because although they say they cover 4 incidents — the coverage is really up as soon as they hit the purchase price of the phone.
If you’re using Apple for the repair and they charge you the out of warranty replacement cost you could reach the max payout before you get to use 4 incidents.