AppleCare+, SquareTrade or Verizon Insurance?

[Robdmb]

All:

About to purchase an iPhone X. It looks like AppleCare+ is now $200 with $99 deductible ($29 for glass). Squaretrade looks to be $129 w/$99 deductible and if I'm reading their site correctly they let you service the phone at apple and reimburse you. Verizon insurance is $11 a month w/ a $199 deductible but covers theft.

Looking for any opinions. Thanks.

 

[djcingular]

Following....this is good info. I'm on VZ and didn't know their insurance covers theft.

 

[mattopotamus]

The theft portion is huge, but I personally am a big fan of Applecare+ if you are going to get insurance. They are as straight forward as you can get. You literally walk into the store and walk out with a new phone. They also have express replacement if the store does not have stock or you cannot make it into a store.

 

[djcingular]

I'm on the IUP, so AC+ was always by primary means of coverage. Now with an $1100 phone and no case, I will research other options. I wonder if AMEX or any other CC covers theft

 

[Ntombi]

AT&T offers a few options, and they also include theft protection.

 

[mattopotamus]

I'm on the IUP, so AC+ was always by primary means of coverage. Now with an $1100 phone and no case, I will research other options. I wonder if AMEX or any other CC covers theft

Credit cards will only extend out the manufacture warranty. No theft, accidental damage, etc. It just covers defects typically a year longer than Apple gives you.

 

[djcingular]

After researching, AMEX is the best option for theft, although its limited to the first 90 days. AMEX Purchase Protection will cover stolen, accidentally damaged or lost purchases up to 90 days.

 

[eagleglen]

AT&T offers a few options, and they also include theft protection.

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To me, the loss and theft coverage clinches the carrier insurance. Plus, since I upgrade every year, the second year of AppleCare+ would be wasted, although, I believe the unused portion can be refunded but I'm not certain. Also, since I have been purchasing the AT&T insurance for several iPhones now, without a claim, when and if I do need it, the deductible will only be 50%. It does seem that the deductible will be increasing going from my 128GB 7Plus to the 256GB X, but at least the amount for a broken screen will be the same.

 

[TravisPNW]

I've never bought Applecare because I've always had VW insurance on all my devices.

The theft coverage is huge.

 

[Jim165]

I had Asurion thru Verizon for $9/mo on my old 6+ 64gb that recently got destroyed. From my experience after having a couple of claims through them over the years, there is a high probability that you’ll get a junk refurb phone, however their return process is no hassle. My current claim has me going thru 2 malfunctioning 6Pluses before they remedied the situation by sending me a brand new 128gb 7+. I still had to get another phone (8+) while these were exchanged since I had to have a phone for work, but excellent response by those guys. The theft coverage and the service where they send a tech to your job/home to replace the screen for $29 is super nice. I have Apple Care now on the 8+, but will keep Asurion for the wife’s now new 7+.

 

[Applejuiced]

Credit cards will only extend out the manufacture warranty. No theft, accidental damage, etc. It just covers defects typically a year longer than Apple gives you.

Many different credit cards have different coverage and protections though.
My Wells Fargo covers accidental damage and theft up to $600 for 2 instances per year.
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After researching, AMEX is the best option for theft, although its limited to the first 90 days. AMEX Purchase Protection will cover stolen, accidentally damaged or lost purchases up to 90 days.

That Amex is not the best option IMO.
https://www.wellsfargo.com/credit-cards/features/cell-phone-protection/

 

[djcingular]

Yea that is good...AMEX needs to step up.

 

[naturalstar]

Are you in situations where theft is of a higher probability? Is it a major concern? If so, then go for the Verizon coverage. I chose to skip Verizon’s coverage and just stick with AppleCare since I’m more worried about damage and technical issues. I don’t trade my phones in every year either.

I’ve lost my phone once years ago and was able to get a replacement quickly due to insurance (different carrier), but I’ve never had any of my cell phones stolen even when I was in the most likely scenarios (public transportation or visiting relatives living in sketchy neighborhoods). During that time, I didn’t pull my phone out blindly and didn’t sit by the train doors. If I listened to music, it wasn’t loud and they never saw the phone as it was always hidden from plain view.

Anyway, I don’t worry about it too much these days. Where I go and how I travel on a daily basis is low risk. If we ever experience a break-in of our home and it was taken, our homeowners insurance has us covered. When I travel internationally, I usually have some form of travel insurance that includes personal item coverage.

EDIT: I also agree with looking at your credit card coverage, if that is how you are buying.

 

[djcingular]

Are you in situations where theft is of a higher probability? Is it a major concern? If so, then go for the Verizon coverage. I chose to skip Verizon’s coverage and just stick with AppleCare since I’m more worried about damage and technical issues. I don’t trade my phones in every year either.

I’ve lost my phone once years ago and was able to get a replacement quickly due to insurance (different carrier), but I’ve never had any of my cell phones stolen even when I was in the most likely scenarios (public transportation or visiting relatives living in sketchy neighborhoods). During that time, I didn’t pull my phone out blindly and didn’t sit by the train doors. If I listened to music, it wasn’t loud and they never saw the phone as it was always hidden from plain view.

Anyway, I don’t worry about it too much these days. Where I go and how I travel on a daily basis is low risk. If we ever experience a break-in of our home and it was taken, our homeowners insurance has us covered. When I travel internationally, I usually have some form of travel insurance that includes personal item coverage.

I wasn't concerned about theft with my other iPhones, then again, they didn't cost $1200. At times, I am guilty of putting my phone down or even leaving it visible in the car, but goin forward I know this cannot be the case.

 

[Dirtydutch]

Even though Apple doesn't cover theft I can't consciously use carrier insurance. If something happens to my phone I want a phone only from Apple with Apple parts and service. Applecare +

 

[mattopotamus]

I wasn't concerned about theft with my other iPhones, then again, they didn't cost $1200. At times, I am guilty of putting my phone down or even leaving it visible in the car, but goin forward I know this cannot be the case.

Not even theft, but the cost of the phone alone is the reason I am considering AC+ for the first time in a while. Have they even released the out of warranty replacement cost/Screen replacement cost of the X?

The 8plus is $399, if the X is the same, I would just self insure. The X at $199 for AC+ and a $99 deductible would still cost $300, so I would take my chances. If the X out of warranty cost is say $600 then it is AC+ is a must.

 

[yanki01]

Even though Apple doesn't cover theft I can't consciously use carrier insurance. If something happens to my phone I want a phone only from Apple with Apple parts and service. Applecare +

do carriers give you something different?

 

[djcingular]

do carriers give you something different?

IMO the only difference from carriers & AC+ is the carriers often lost/theft protection.

 

[Applejuiced]

Not even theft, but the cost of the phone alone is the reason I am considering AC+ for the first time in a while. Have they even released the out of warranty replacement cost/Screen replacement cost of the X?

The 8plus is $399, if the X is the same, I would just self insure. The X at $199 for AC+ and a $99 deductible would still cost $300, so I would take my chances. If the X has a out of warranty cost of say $600 then it is AC+ all of the way.

The problem with the X and iPhone 8 is if you crack the back glass piece it will cost you an arm and a leg. Without Applecare Plus You'll have to pay the full replacement price $350-400.
But if you crack the front screen its only $149-169.
So now with the glass back used it can end up costing you alot of money if you drop it the wrong way and it shatters.
Not sure why they dont have the iPhone X listed there and if it will be the same price for repairs as the 8 Plus or cost more.

iPhone model Screen repair only Other damage
iPhone 8 Plus $ 169 $ 399
iPhone 8 $ 149 $ 349
iPhone 7 Plus $ 169 $ 349
iPhone 7 $ 149 $ 319
iPhone 6s Plus
$ 169 $ 329
iPhone 6s $ 149 $ 299
iPhone 6 Plus $ 149 $ 329
iPhone 6 $ 129 $ 299
iPhone SE $ 129 $ 269

Model With AppleCare+ Out-of-warranty
iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s Plus $29 $169
iPhone 8, iPhone 7, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6 Plus $29 $149
iPhone 6, iPhone SE $29 $129

 

[Dirtydutch]

do carriers give you something different?

Device wise unless you get lucky and get issued a new one with a retail box, which is very very rare and only happens when they are out of stock or it is for a discontinued device, you may receive something that is not all genuine Apple parts. Much more peace of mind getting my replacement or repair from Apple itself.

 

[mattopotamus]

The problem with the X and iPhone 8 is if you crack the back glass piece it will cost you an arm and a leg. Without Applecare Plus You'll have to pay the full replacement price $350-400.
But if you crack the front screen its only $149-169.
So now with the glass back used it can end up costing you alot of money if you drop it the wrong way and it shatters.
Not sure why they dont have the iPhone X listed there and if it will be the same price for repairs as the 8 Plus or cost more.

iPhone model Screen repair only Other damage
iPhone 8 Plus $ 169 $ 399
iPhone 8 $ 149 $ 349
iPhone 7 Plus $ 169 $ 349
iPhone 7 $ 149 $ 319
iPhone 6s Plus
$ 169 $ 329
iPhone 6s $ 149 $ 299
iPhone 6 Plus $ 149 $ 329
iPhone 6 $ 129 $ 299
iPhone SE $ 129 $ 269

Model With AppleCare+ Out-of-warranty
iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s Plus $29 $169
iPhone 8, iPhone 7, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6 Plus $29 $149
iPhone 6, iPhone SE $29 $129

Is that confirmed anywhere that the back glass would be a full replacement and not screen repair price? If you are correct, that basically guarantees I will be buying AC+. That could be one silly drop and pretty much just as easy to do as a screen crack.

 

[Applejuiced]

Yes, that's confirmed.
If you break the back glass on an iPhone 8, 8 Plus or the X then you need to get the full phone replaced.
I miss the days of the iPhone 4 and 4S when it was cheap and very easy to switch the back glass.

Is that confirmed anywhere that the back glass would be a full replacement and not screen repair price? If you are correct, that basically guarantees I will be buying AC+. That could be one silly drop and pretty much just as easy to do as a screen crack.

 

[naturalstar]

I wasn't concerned about theft with my other iPhones, then again, they didn't cost $1200. At times, I am guilty of putting my phone down or even leaving it visible in the car, but goin forward I know this cannot be the case.

I hear you on the concern over a $1200 phone. It’s definitely new territory, and, yeah, gotta be more mindful. I had an empty laptop bag stole out of my car once. $300 to replace the glass plus the bag and items in it. Never left anything of temptation in it intentionally again. I’ve slipped and forgotten my phone twice since thinking it was in my purse. As soon as I realized it, I ran right back to the car. I admit, it does happen.

 

[eagleglen]

Device wise unless you get lucky and get issued a new one with a retail box, which is very very rare and only happens when they are out of stock or it is for a discontinued device, you may receive something that is not all genuine Apple parts. Much more peace of mind getting my replacement or repair from Apple itself.

Perhaps when you place a claim on an older model, but I would think any 8, 8+, or X, the replacement will be new. Several years ago when I filed a claim with Asurion, I got a replacement in a retail box. That was about 10 months after it was released. Someone posted above they were dissatisfied with their replacement phone but it was a 6 Plus. Regardless, I do realize it is at their discretion. Even with AppleCare, many people are upset that they have receive refurbished devices.

 

[ssspinball]

Plus, since I upgrade every year, the second year of AppleCare+ would be wasted.

Since you pay for the phone and IUP both over time, it would not be wasted. In one year you'd have paid half the cost of the phone and half the cost of the AC+ over that period. $500 + $100.

The problem with the X and iPhone 8 is if you crack the back glass piece it will cost you an arm and a leg. Without Applecare Plus You'll have to pay the full replacement price $350-400. But if you crack the front screen its only $149-169.
So now with the glass back used it can end up costing you alot of money if you drop it the wrong way and it shatters.
Not sure why they dont have the iPhone X listed there and if it will be the same price for repairs as the 8 Plus or cost more.

You can't just ignore the upfront cost of AC+. Those without it already saved $200 so the actual comparison of the first damage is:
Screen damage: $229 with AC+ ($200 + $29) vs $169.
Other damage: $299 with AC+ ($200 +$ 99) vs $399.

Even if you replace the screen once, you'd actually save money without buying AC+! Obviously it gets a lot more expensive without AC+ if you break your device more than once. In both cases I have to estimate out of warranty costs for X because it hasn't been published yet.