Don't have applecare? This will convince you.

[skier777]

I dropped my MBP onto the pavement (fell out of my LowePro FastPack 350 as it wasn't zipped up) and dented up the rear clamshell for the screen and the corner of the upper/lower case.

I went on eBay (as ifixit.com was sold out of the part I needed) and bought the rear case for like $50 shipped. I took the MBP in for some existing problems and they asked about the corner, and I told them that my 1 series Canon came into contact with it (the camera weighs almost 4lbs with a battery).

Irony of this is that Apple replaced the whole screen/clamshell, so I got another new one, then got a whole new computer.

I would look at ifixit.com or on eBay for the part. Do you have any pictures?

Sounds like mine, can you explain how you fixed it and had apple service it?

 

[HBOC]

Sounds like mine, can you explain how you fixed it and had apple service it?

Well I was lucky that the damage was just cosmetic and that it occurred in a crazy spot. It was at the base of the rear LCD cover twords the bottom.
I ordered a used (in great shape) replacement part on eBay and it worked great. There was a small dent on one of the corners, but it wasn't enough to cause any problems. It was near where the HDD was, and I replaced that part.

it could have been in a lot worse spot. Seeing my MBP on the street (in a pot hole to be exact) was such a nightmarish sight. I am lucky it wasnt raining (usually does in Portland in the spring). I will see if I still have pictures of the case. I sold it on eBay for like $5. Someone wanted the Apple emblem, lol.

 

[Benjamins]

just use an Amex card and you'll get a 2 year warranty

I am not sure, but don't u get 4 years if you use Amex and AppleCare together?

 

[AUZambo]

I bankroll my own Applecare. IT's cheaper.

This.

Companies offer extended warranties because it makes money for THEM. If, on average, customers got their money back out of these things then the companies wouldn't be offering them.

I'm glad it worked out for you, but for every story like yours, there are MANY more stories like mine where the customer shelled out a couple hundred for the extra warranty and never used it.

I have decided to NEVER buy those warranties again for any product. In that time frame I've saved myself a little over $500. Should something go wrong I'll just pay for the repair out of pocket...and I still come out on top.