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Square Trade

I just bought the 3 year protection from SquareTrade. Extremely easy to do, I went with the Misc. category and then up to $699 in protection. With the JULY04 coupon (good until July 5th) I got 30% off and my total WITH accidental breakage added was only $81.

I had to talk to customer support because I put in the incorrect purchase date, extremely nice support, took only a second!

I'm pleased all in all.
 
Hopefully you ALSO got it in writing that they would pay the full $699 despite what you were told on the phone because their webiste clearly states that "the customer is responsible for anything over $499 replacement cost for an iPhone 3GS 32gig." They gave me the same "option" or "workaround" when I called but I'm waiting till I see it in black and white (or HTML).

WHen I emailed them about my concerns of the $499 not covering replacement they replied but did not put "the option" in their email reply to me but told me to call them for the secret. I replied asking for it "in writing." Right now I'm waiting for a reply. Even then I'm skeptical but at least it's something.

Hopefully you won't need to collect but if you do hopefully you won't have a problem. I wouldn't trust ANYTHING they (or any sales rep from any company) says on the phone that is different then what they advertise on their website unless I also had it in writing.

The option that you used (which is what they suggested) makes the price of the warranty even CHEAPER for $699 coverage then their actual "iPhone" $499 warranty and gives you 1 extra year. It's just not logical and ripe for a "we never told you that" or "you didn't sign up properly" followed by a rejection of a claim by their claims department.

Not saying they won't cover you but ...... buyer beware.





coledog said:
I just bought the 3 year protection from SquareTrade. Extremely easy to do, I went with the Misc. category and then up to $699 in protection. With the JULY04 coupon (good until July 5th) I got 30% off and my total WITH accidental breakage added was only $81.

I had to talk to customer support because I put in the incorrect purchase date, extremely nice support, took only a second!

I'm pleased all in all.
Click to expand...
 
The JULY04 is only good for 20% now. It was 30% only up until 5PM today (Tuesday). At least that's what their website says and I confirmed it by "testing" it on a warranty.

coledog said:
I just bought the 3 year protection from SquareTrade. Extremely easy to do, I went with the Misc. category and then up to $699 in protection. With the JULY04 coupon (good until July 5th) I got 30% off and my total WITH accidental breakage added was only $81.

I had to talk to customer support because I put in the incorrect purchase date, extremely nice support, took only a second!

I'm pleased all in all.
Click to expand...
 
I just looked at SafeWare and got this...
Covering: Apple iPhone 3GS - 32GB ($500)
Total Coverage Amount: $500.00
Coverage Area: Domestic
Policy Term: 1 Year
Deductible: $100.00
1 Year Premium: $103.00
1 Year Municipal Tax: $0.00
1 Year State Tax: $0.00
Policy Fees: $10.00

Total Policy Cost: $113.00

And it covers more that just spills and drops.
Attached is what the coverage does include and I think it looks like a great deal.
Looks better than the Square Trade. :/
 

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Are you serious? $113 per YEAR with a $100 deductible? :eek:

If you lost your 32gig phone after having it 6 months this would be your "out of pocket" costs to replace it:

32Gig phone (remember, you are out of contract and have to pay FULL price):
$699+Tax = average $750
Payment from "insurance": $500 - $100 = $400 check you will get
Initial cost of insurance = $113

Net total from insurance= $287 (payment - deductible - cost of insurance)

New phone" $750 (average including 5.5% sales tax)

$750 new phone
-$287 net from insurance (payout - deductible - insurance cost)
$463 you will have to pay out of pocket to replace a 6 month old phone because you are out of contract.

After 12 months the out of pocket will be $576 because you will have paid another $113 for the 2nd year of the policy.

Yes, they do give you theft coverage that Squaretrade does not, but for that cost the should also clean your phone for you every day.






kage207 said:
I just looked at SafeWare and got this...
Covering: Apple iPhone 3GS - 32GB ($500)
Total Coverage Amount: $500.00
Coverage Area: Domestic
Policy Term: 1 Year
Deductible: $100.00
1 Year Premium: $103.00
1 Year Municipal Tax: $0.00
1 Year State Tax: $0.00
Policy Fees: $10.00

Total Policy Cost: $113.00

And it covers more that just spills and drops.
Attached is what the coverage does include and I think it looks like a great deal.
Looks better than the Square Trade. :/
Click to expand...
 
Wanted to post my experience replacing 4 iphones over the last 2 years. I've never paid the "full unsubsidized contract price" (i.e. $699 for 32GB 3G S) because I always opt to extend my contract when buying the new phone. They will give you the "$200 off" price, so $499 for 32GB 3G S, if you sign a new 2 year contract with them right then and there. Now depending on when you have replace the phone during the life of the contract, this may not be that bad of a thing. I once had to replace the phone within 2 months of buying it, so getting $200 off for an extra 2 months over the original contract was not that bad of a deal. But if you were in the contract for 14 months, saving the $200 would probably not be worth it because it would push out your "upgrade eligibility" another 18 months. Given the $2k+ I've spent on phones in the last 2 years, bust buy's $15/mo no-questions-asked seems like a fairly attractive option.
 
Ah well, whatever. I don't need insurance. I had my 2G for 2 years, no problem. I've had dreams where I broke my iPhone screen and it sucked and when I woke up I was sad. Then I was like oh well, and grabbed my phone and it takes me a second to realize that everything is ok. Hahaha.
 
kage207 said:
Ah well, whatever. I don't need insurance. I had my 2G for 2 years, no problem. I've had dreams where I broke my iPhone screen and it sucked and when I woke up I was sad. Then I was like oh well, and grabbed my phone and it takes me a second to realize that everything is ok. Hahaha.
Click to expand...

Dude, that's bad...dreaming about breaking your phone...Apple has gotten into our heads!
 
4 in 2 years! I'd never warranty you. Your what's known in the insurance world as a poor risk. :)

I don't think you replaced a 3GS yet that way considering it's only been out a few weeks? Well, maybe with your track record you did! There was never an "official" no-contract price for the 3G, just lots of rumors. The 3GS has a published "no contract" price that is actually on the AT&T website. My ATT Corp dealer says they now will charge full retail for a replacement 3GS until you are eligible for an upgrade which is 14-18 months depending on how much you spend with AT&T.

double0jimb0 said:
Wanted to post my experience replacing 4 iphones over the last 2 years. I've never paid the "full unsubsidized contract price" (i.e. $699 for 32GB 3G S) because I always opt to extend my contract when buying the new phone. They will give you the "$200 off" price, so $499 for 32GB 3G S, if you sign a new 2 year contract with them right then and there. Now depending on when you have replace the phone during the life of the contract, this may not be that bad of a thing. I once had to replace the phone within 2 months of buying it, so getting $200 off for an extra 2 months over the original contract was not that bad of a deal. But if you were in the contract for 14 months, saving the $200 would probably not be worth it because it would push out your "upgrade eligibility" another 18 months. Given the $2k+ I've spent on phones in the last 2 years, bust buy's $15/mo no-questions-asked seems like a fairly attractive option.
Click to expand...
 
Just signed up for a Squaretrade warranty for my IPhone 3GS and got 30% off for a total of $100.08 for 2 years. PM for a referral...
 
You will be $350+ out of pocket (including the insurance cost) if the phone gets broken. They pay MAX of $450 ($500-$50 deductible) and it will cost you $700 PLUS TAX to replace it assuming it's a 32gig and you have had it less then 18 months. They used to cover the full replacement cost but now they do not. Now they tell you there is a "secret" way to do that but refuse to put it in writing what that way is. You have to call them but they refuse to guarantee, or put into an email that you won't get rejected if you use their "secret method."

PLamarine said:
To me it is worth it...I have a tendency to drop things, and my kids like to grab things they shouldn't.
Click to expand...
 
MisterEdF said:
You will be $350+ out of pocket (including the insurance cost) if the phone gets broken. They pay MAX of $450 ($500-$50 deductible) and it will cost you $700 PLUS TAX to replace it assuming it's a 32gig and you have had it less then 18 months. They used to cover the full replacement cost but now they do not. Now they tell you there is a "secret" way to do that but refuse to put it in writing what that way is. You have to call them but they refuse to guarantee, or put into an email that you won't get rejected if you use their "secret method."
Click to expand...

Without insurance I will be $800+ out of pocket according to you, so I will just pay the $100 and "take a chance". Lets see....$350 or $800, $350 or $800. I guess I will go with the $350.
 
LOL. You live in NYC by any chance? I have some great insurance programs I'd love to sell you, just call and make an appointment. ;)

So what you are saying is: You're willing to PAY $110 in order to POSSIBLY receive a check for $450 (net $350 after warranty fees) to replace something that will probably cost you $750 to replace.

You realize that if your child drops the phone and breaks the glass Apple will replace it for $199 without having any 3rd party warranty but if he drops it and breaks the glass and you send the phone to S.T. instead under your warranty you will GET a check $450 and have to lay out another $300 (+ what you have already paid for the warranty) to replace it then you would have to REBUY the warranty for the replacement phone for another $100+. Such a deal!

With that logic your an insurance salesman's dream. ;) Put away $10 a week and self insure. You'll be ahead of the game.



PLamarine said:
Without insurance I will be $800+ out of pocket according to you, so I will just pay the $100 and "take a chance". Lets see....$350 or $800, $350 or $800. I guess I will go with the $350.
Click to expand...
 
Well MisterEd is correct about Apple replacement. I called and spoke to Apple about what ifs ? Was told anything not covered under the Apple care plan will be offered the option to buy a repaired equivalant ie 32g as in my case for $199. They are phones that have been damaged or malfunctioned that Apple repairs , then replaces the outer case, screen and glass with new parts and finally tested and retested again before being offered for resale. They look brand new and have been tested extensively by Apple. Works for me !
 
Exactly, which makes Squaretrade totally superflous unless they go back to the TRUE "full replacement value" model.

Why lay out close to $400 for a 32GB replacement under Squaretrade when you only need to spend $199 from Apple? Apples replacements are their white box "refurbs" and if you look through the various threads many people find the refurbs less problematic then the new ones. To me, spending $44 (off eBay) for the 2nd year of Applecare makes more sense if you plan on keeping your phone more then 1 year then paying Squaretrade $100+ (unless they go back to full-value replacement).


BatPhone said:
Well MisterEd is correct about Apple replacement. I called and spoke to Apple about what ifs ? Was told anything not covered under the Apple care plan will be offered the option to buy a repaired equivalant ie 32g as in my case for $199. They are phones that have been damaged or malfunctioned that Apple repairs , then replaces the outer case, screen and glass with new parts and finally tested and retested again before being offered for resale. They look brand new and have been tested extensively by Apple. Works for me !
Click to expand...
 
MisterEdF said:
Exactly, which makes Squaretrade totally superflous unless they go back to the TRUE "full replacement value" model.

Why lay out close to $400 for a 32GB replacement under Squaretrade when you only need to spend $199 from Apple? Apples replacements are their white box "refurbs" and if you look through the various threads many people find the refurbs less problematic then the new ones. To me, spending $44 (off eBay) for the 2nd year of Applecare makes more sense if you plan on keeping your phone more then 1 year then paying Squaretrade $100+ (unless they go back to full-value replacement).
Click to expand...


Keep in mind that the squaretrade warranty is refundable. I believe you can get a full refund within the first 60 days, so if you are on the fence you can get one and then cancel if you change your mind.

Also, you can cancel anytime but i believe that after 60 days you get a prorated amount which give you a lot of flexibility.

Also squaretrade just send me a silicone case for my phone. Nice touch.
 
Refunds or pro-rate ..... so what. That doesn't change the fact they will only reimburse you $450 to replace your 32GB iPhone 3GS that will cost you $700+tax (if you have had it less then 18 months) to replace. That's the issue. I wonder how many new customers are even aware of that. When I warranteed (later cancelled) I assumed it was identical to the 3G and was covered for full replacement value until I read the conveniently hidden popup box stating at the bottom in fine print:

Note that SquareTrade covers your phone based on the “early upgrade” pricing. If your carrier requires you to pay the full No Contract/No commitment price, you will be responsible for the difference if you decide to purchase a new iPhone.
http://www.squaretrade.com/htm/pop/popup_iphonewarrantyprice.html

If you have to get another 3GS because it was sent back to S.T. you WILL pay AT&T/Apple $699+tax unless you are 18 months (14 for some customers with large $$$ accounts) into your contract.


nippyjun said:
Keep in mind that the squaretrade warranty is refundable. I believe you can get a full refund within the first 60 days, so if you are on the fence you can get one and then cancel if you change your mind.

Also, you can cancel anytime but i believe that after 60 days you get a prorated amount which give you a lot of flexibility.

Also squaretrade just send me a silicone case for my phone. Nice touch.
Click to expand...
 
Another plus dealing with Apple is no down time ! Just go to the store and get a replacement , ....NO SHIPPING ....NO WAITING !
 
BTW, after 3 requests for clarification I finally got an email from Squaretrade stating that their "trick to get full coverage for an iPhone" that they were telling customers was an, errr, "training error" and is not in fact the case.

I would suggest anyone who has taken alleged "full coverage" be aware that you are not fully covered.

Here is a excerpt from that email:

Thank you for writing back to us and providing us with feedback about our coverage.

I've reviewed your iPhone warranty page and I have read over our coverage details, including the hyper link "See Pricing Details", and I'm afraid that I can not locate the suggestion that we will cover full retail value for the iPhone .<My note: right. but the "customer service reps were telling callers about it if you emailed or called>

You may review our details about the coverage here: http://www.squaretrade.com/pages/iphone-landing19

What I did do is I have reviewed your correspondence with our representative <xxx> and it appears that the information he provided you with was incorrect.

On <xxx>'s behalf, I would like to apologize for any confusion. It appears that he stated that we have an option that covers the full retail value for the iPhone but I'm afraid that this is a training issue and we will address this problem.

You are correct with your the limitations of coverage as stated by SquareTrade.

We have based the replacement value in accordance to the "early upgrade" cost sample provided through Apple.

I also have an iPhone, our coverage, and I am aware of the $199 out-of-warranty fee with Apple.

It does apply to liquid damage phones and light physical damage <my note: and phones with boken screens>. - It does not apply to major damage, which is determined by a Genius at Apple, where the full retail cost may apply.

The estimate of cost to buy the warranty, is determined by the analyzing the cost of liability of course that this is an area outside of my department.

We are service and so we will have to charge a fee for administration and there is nothing I can do to change this process.

However, I understand that with the SquareTrade Care Plan, we help reduce the cost for out of pocket for a replacement iPhone and we do service repairs for physical damages.

It is where we determine that an iPhone is beyond repair that we decide to reimburse for the cost of replacement as we advertise. There is a $50 deductible for claims with Accidental Damage from Handling that is reported.

Once again, I apologize for the bad communication during your correspondence with <XXX> and I would like you help to to reply back if I can offer any support.
Click to expand...
 
Training issue ? They are full of sh^t. Every time i called i asked them to verify with a SUPERVISOR if this was correct. Every time the SUPERVISORS confirmed it was correct. So Squaretrade is doing nothing but trying to cover there tracks. They've been called out and folded like a cheap suit. SCREW them

Thanks MisterEd
 
Well, read this thread a few times and I just cancelled the Squaretrade warranty, was refunded to my Paypal account in about 5 minutes. The cancellation was very easy. So according to MrEd if I break my phone Apple will repair/replace for only $199? Water damage, screen damage, etc? Even a 32gb 3GS? Sure hope so.
 
OK I got my 2 years of square trade coverage for 75$ Now if my phone breaks square trade gives me money and i go and get the replacement iphone from apple so I come out ahead is that how this works?
 
chakraj said:
OK I got my 2 years of square trade coverage for 75$ Now if my phone breaks square trade gives me money and i go and get the replacement iphone from apple so I come out ahead is that how this works?
Click to expand...

No it does not work that way because you have to send the phone into Square Trade. So you have to buy another phone full price.
 
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