best alternative to applecare?

[ZipZap]

Well, just screen replacements are only $29 now.

The first screen repair is not its the cost of AppleCare+ Plus $29. Those screen repairs count against accidental damage repairs and you only have 2. I looked at the AC+ terms and conditions and it seems to indicate that accidental damage is excluded from OOW repairs.

If true the value of Squaretrade drops as you cannot cap OOW repairs when the damage is accidental. So in the second year if you damage the phone the cost to replace it will likely wipe out the maximum value of a Squaretrade policy.

Dont forget Squaretrade warranties end once you have exceeded in repairs the value you paid for the phone (less tax).
[doublepost=1473549710][/doublepost]

Applecare+ all the way. I am on my 2nd replacement 6+ due to accidental broken screen. Yes, I have to pay $79 each time, but I get a phone looks and work exactly like new one with brand new battery. So when I want to sell it, it will be more attractive to new buyer with newer battery than 2 years old battery on a more worn out case and display.
By the way, my 1st brand new 6+ touchID is not very sensitive. I live with it though it was what it was. But both my 1st and 2nd replacement 6+ touchID sensitivity got progressively better, and 2nd replacement touchID even work fairly good with slightly damp finger, which would be no-no for my 1st brand new 6+.

If you had 2 screen repairs then you no longer have Accidental Coverage with that AppleCare policy. Whats left is defect repairs for that policy.
[doublepost=1473549788][/doublepost]

I just received an email from SquareTrade that they would be sending out coupons for $30 iPhone plans on 09/16.

$30 off. Not $30 Plans.

 

[Gjwilly]

If you get Squaretrade ALWAYS use Apple to perform the repair -- then use Squaretrade to get reimbursed.
Squaretrade does offer repair services but they don't use genuine Apple parts.
I used Squaretrade to replace a broken iPhone and then later tried to get Apple to service it and they refused because of the 3rd party parts.

 

[Gxray]

Just a heads up, you can buy a 2 Year Squaretrade Warranty for the iPhone through Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/SquareTrade-2-Year-Accident-Protection-Warranty/dp/B0041OYTJE/

It's quite a bit cheaper and no dealing with coupon codes or anything.

 

[Shark5150]

Wait what? Would you expanding on this a bit, I have a Wells Fargo Student Credit Card.

It's a perk of the card as long as you pay your phone bill with the card each month. Call your branch and they'll explain. It's great!

 

[ZipZap]

Just a heads up, you can buy a 2 Year Squaretrade Warranty for the iPhone through Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/SquareTrade-2-Year-Accident-Protection-Warranty/dp/B0041OYTJE/

It's quite a bit cheaper and no dealing with coupon codes or anything.

Would not buy it until you are sure it covers the 7's

 

[Gxray]

Would not but it until you are sure it covers the 7's

I've already talked to their customer service and confirmed it does. It also says "All iPhone Models" in the title of the Amazon listing.

 

[ZipZap]

Thanks, I will wait to see what the pricing is with the $30 off coupon

 

[darknyt]

They never asked me for what MODEL I had. I just told them my screen cracked, I showed them my statements of me paying my bill and they covered it.

Maybe if it your phone ever gets stolen/lost it can be risky. But for replacement or anything else broken, you are 100% covered.

I agree it doesn't matter what model of phone you have. And AC+ won't cover lost or stolen either.

My point was they won't pay more than $600 per occurrence.

I used an iPhone example since this is a Mac forum. Most new iPhones cost more than $600. If you have a cheaper phone, this could an option.

However a recourse like this that leaves me exposed for $369 is probably not comparable to AC+, even if it is included with a credit line.

 

[pdxmatts]

I use ATT's insurance. It covers, loss, theft, accidental damage, water damage, pretty much everything. Has a declining deductable. I used it on my daughters i6 a few months ago. Filed the claim online, they didn't have any white 6's so they offered a SG 6S. Clicked agreed to the upgrade, got the phone the next day and it was a brand new sealed 6S. Sent back hers with the prepaid shipping label, they billed my $99 deductible to my ATT bill. No money upfront. It was a perfect transaction and we got a newer phone.

 

[ZipZap]

I agree it doesn't matter what model of phone you have. And AC+ won't cover lost or stolen either.

My point was they won't pay more than $600 per occurrence.

I used an iPhone example since this is a Mac forum. Most new iPhones cost more than $600. If you have a cheaper phone, this could an option.

However a recourse like this that leaves me exposed for $369 is probably not comparable to AC+, even if it is included with a credit line.

If you are talking squaretrade, the coverage limit for the policy is what you paid for the phone. Use it up and you have no more warranty.

In the first year the most you will pay for repair is the apple oow cost. Outside of applecare the oow does not appear to apply to oow per apples t&c.

 

[mr1581]

I use ATT's insurance. It covers, loss, theft, accidental damage, water damage, pretty much everything. Has a declining deductable. I used it on my daughters i6 a few months ago. Filed the claim online, they didn't have any white 6's so they offered a SG 6S. Clicked agreed to the upgrade, got the phone the next day and it was a brand new sealed 6S. Sent back hers with the prepaid shipping label, they billed my $99 deductible to my ATT bill. No money upfront. It was a perfect transaction and we got a newer phone.

I'm really thinking about using this option this time around. It's what $8/mo? It's more expensive than AC+ but maybe easier to deal with now. I've always used AC and AC+ and just had a pro rated portion of the plan refunded to me. So yes while the upfront cost is more, after a year, you can recoup half the cost back.

 

[pdxmatts]

I'm really thinking about using this option this time around. It's what $8/mo? It's more expensive than AC+ but maybe easier to deal with now. I've always used AC and AC+ and just had a pro rated portion of the plan refunded to me. So yes while the upfront cost is more, after a year, you can recoup half the cost back.

Yes, I pay $7.99 per line per month. I chose it because I have two teenagers who could leave it somewhere, get it stolen at school or accidentally drop it in a puddle. I needed that covered and AC+ didn't cover that. Just so you are aware, they just raised their deductibles by $26 on Sept 1, 2016

 

[fischersd]

Any options for Canadians?

Found this on Squaretrade's website (https://www.squaretrade.com/care-plan-available-non-us-residents)
"The SquareTrade Care Plan is available to residents of Canada who purchase on eBay U.S., Purchasers should have access to a UPS store to ensure a quality experience at time of claim. Unfortunately we do not sell in the Canadian territories."

Me, I'd call them and ask about if you bought it in a US Apple Store (and keep the reference # of the call)

You're in Vancouver (per your info under your Avatar?) I know a few people out there that use mail forwarding services as they buy from the US so much. If you do, you should be able to use it easily.

Edit: Also found this: https://www.facebook.com/SquareTrade/posts/10151634898842745
Now, it's from 2013, but it does show there's more options than just eBay US for getting your items.

 

[darknyt]

If you are talking squaretrade, the coverage limit for the policy is what you paid for the phone. Use it up and you have no more warranty.

In the first year the most you will pay for repair is the apple oow cost. Outside of applecare the oow does not appear to apply to oow per apples t&c.

Sorry,no it was a response to wellsfargo credit card benefit.

 

[BeeGood]

I pout aside $15-20 a month. Works for me.

Self insurance is the way to go for me. Screen replacement (the most common issue) doesn't cost much more out of pocket than the annual cost for these plans anyway.

 

[lordofthereef]

Self insurance is the way to go for me. Screen replacement (the most common issue) doesn't cost much more out of pocket than the annual cost for these plans anyway.

You are not wrong about self insurance! I have read that screen repair is just $29 now though, which is much better than it was. I personally think it should be free to add value to the service, but what do I know lol. People seem to gobble this up anyway.

I still maintain that if they did a one time loss/theft for something like $200-300 deductible I would bite, depsite never having lost my phone (nor has anyone else in my family). They could even block that device from use, potentially, considering everything is signed by their servers anyway.

Oh well, maybe one day.

 

[IGWT15]

what do you mean you pay $25.00 with Wells Fargo for a replacement? Explain that one please

 

[Gjwilly]

You are not wrong about self insurance! I have read that screen repair is just $29 now though, which is much better than it was.

$29 is the deductible if you have AppleCare+.
No AppleCare and you're looking at over $100.

 

[Dmal99]

Squaretrade, for us, was a total bust.

My wife got SquareTrade over apple care and her screen broke. This was about 15 months after the iPhone 6 release when the S had been out for a few months. Square trade at first said they didn't have any 6 and were giving her a 6s. Then nothing happened and we called back and they mysteriously had no record of the claim. So we filed the claim again, and they said that they had no i6 in stock, so they'd have to get one and it could be a week or two. We said that's totally unacceptable and asked for a manager. They then said ok we can get you a different color i6 faster, and we will call you back on Monday to set it up (this was friday). My wife said, OK, but you know Monday is holiday? They said yes, we will still call.

Of course Monday came and went and the call center wasn't even open, so when they didn't call we couldn't even call and complain. So Tuesday morning we call and my wife goes crazy, and they say put in a claim. We say, tea ready put in a claim twice, and that this is getting comical. They say put in a claim again and they are sorry. So we put in a claim, and then nothing happened.

Finally my wife calls back Wednesday and at this point is in tears because we can't get her phone replaced. Then I finally got involved and threatened the manager with legal action and told them I was an attorney. Finally they set up a replacement for a different color i6, to be delivered two days later..... NOTHING about out of stock, NOTHING about any i6s upgrade, etc.

SquareTrade are fools and liars at worst, and incompetent at best. I recommend you go with Applecare+, its a bit more expensive but you walk into an Apple store and walk out with a phone.

I can't say your experience will be the same, but they had multiple opportunities to prove to me and my wife that they weren't total idiots, and failed more than three times. Thats a pattern of behavior in my book, not an aberrance or a fluke.

Oh, and, the deductible was 125 PLUS taxes and shipping and some fees.

 

[x-evil-x]

I agree it doesn't matter what model of phone you have. And AC+ won't cover lost or stolen either.

My point was they won't pay more than $600 per occurrence.

I used an iPhone example since this is a Mac forum. Most new iPhones cost more than $600. If you have a cheaper phone, this could an option.

However a recourse like this that leaves me exposed for $369 is probably not comparable to AC+, even if it is included with a credit line.

The way i see it is its useful if you break your phone. Shatter your screen ect...
Since a complete replacement from apple if you bring in a non working iPhone is a replacement for 350 i believe. Screen replacements are 100? Id rather go for a full replacement so id probably completely break the phone since your only paying 25$ at that point. I didn't know about this but ill be paying my cell phone bill from my wells fargo credit card from now on.
Has anybody that has used this actually used this to cover a full priced phone? 650-950$?

 

[Abs_p]

For OP, AppleCare+ is the best especially with $29 screen replacement. Get it.

SquareTrade used to be great but they have raised the price to 150 and even with the $30 coupon, I would prefer AC+.

yeah, so like on my iPhone 6, apple wanted to just replace the screen but i insisted they replace the whole phone because it was clicking in and out. would squaretrade cover the entire phone?

Also, are squaretrade replacements retail packaged iPhones, or refurbs or what?
[doublepost=1473441534][/doublepost]i'm completely new to anything outside of applecare so im not really sure how the others work

Square trade lets you get your phone repaired at the apple store and will reimburse you.

Squaretrade, for us, was a total bust.

My wife got SquareTrade over apple care and her screen broke. This was about 15 months after the iPhone 6 release when the S had been out for a few months. Square trade at first said they didn't have any 6 and were giving her a 6s. Then nothing happened and we called back and they mysteriously had no record of the claim. So we filed the claim again, and they said that they had no i6 in stock, so they'd have to get one and it could be a week or two. We said that's totally unacceptable and asked for a manager. They then said ok we can get you a different color i6 faster, and we will call you back on Monday to set it up (this was friday). My wife said, OK, but you know Monday is holiday? They said yes, we will still call.

Of course Monday came and went and the call center wasn't even open, so when they didn't call we couldn't even call and complain. So Tuesday morning we call and my wife goes crazy, and they say put in a claim. We say, tea ready put in a claim twice, and that this is getting comical. They say put in a claim again and they are sorry. So we put in a claim, and then nothing happened.

Finally my wife calls back Wednesday and at this point is in tears because we can't get her phone replaced. Then I finally got involved and threatened the manager with legal action and told them I was an attorney. Finally they set up a replacement for a different color i6, to be delivered two days later..... NOTHING about out of stock, NOTHING about any i6s upgrade, etc.

SquareTrade are fools and liars at worst, and incompetent at best. I recommend you go with Applecare+, its a bit more expensive but you walk into an Apple store and walk out with a phone.

I can't say your experience will be the same, but they had multiple opportunities to prove to me and my wife that they weren't total idiots, and failed more than three times. Thats a pattern of behavior in my book, not an aberrance or a fluke.

Oh, and, the deductible was 125 PLUS taxes and shipping and some fees.

NEVER had a bad experience with Squaretrade.

Why would you ask for replacement from squaretrade? Just go to the Apple store,get it replaced and file a claim with Squaretrade for reimbursement. That's one of the USP of Squaretrade,they let you get your phone repaired at Apple Store and sends you the money and they advertise this as one of their key offerings.

My sister got pushed into the pool during a party, I went to the apple store, got a replacement, filed a claim with square trade and within a few days they mailed the check.

The way i see it is its useful if you break your phone. Shatter your screen ect...
Since a complete replacement from apple if you bring in a non working iPhone is a replacement for 350 i believe. Screen replacements are 100? Id rather go for a full replacement so id probably completely break the phone since your only paying 25$ at that point. I didn't know about this but ill be paying my cell phone bill from my wells fargo credit card from now on.
Has anybody that has used this actually used this to cover a full priced phone? 650-950$?

Screen Replacement on AppleCare+ is $29 now.

 

[LoveMyMacPro]

I go with my carrier's insurance. $13 a month and it covers everything, even loss and water damage.

 

[HickDead]

Wells Fargo Credit Card. $25 you pay for any replacement. Its not monthly charge either.

This. Best kept secret in smartphone insurance available today. No hassle too.

 

[Abs_p]

I go with my carrier's insurance. $13 a month and it covers everything, even loss and water damage.

Isn't that too high?

You can get Squaretrade for 120 for 24months with the $30 off coupons and AC+ for a bit more.

 

[bushbaby]

While not for the OP, I asked ATT today about what their insurance covers. They have (a new?) group plan now in addition to the one line plan. The group plan covers several lines and it will cover laptops if you list them. $200 full replacement if it happens before 6 months, then every 6 months that deductible drops $50 (maybe only to one year - $100, that's all she mentioned). To cover theft, that's pretty good. If this is truly replacement value, then I might do it to cover two phones, two iPads and two laptops.
[doublepost=1473667259][/doublepost]

I use ATT's insurance. It covers, loss, theft, accidental damage, water damage, pretty much everything. Has a declining deductable. I used it on my daughters i6 a few months ago. Filed the claim online, they didn't have any white 6's so they offered a SG 6S. Clicked agreed to the upgrade, got the phone the next day and it was a brand new sealed 6S. Sent back hers with the prepaid shipping label, they billed my $99 deductible to my ATT bill. No money upfront. It was a perfect transaction and we got a newer phone.

Does that declining deductible go any lower than $100? I'm intrigued by the new group plan by ATT for $30.