Squaretrade warranty repairs - less than satisfactory

[HazyCloud]

That's why I went with WorthAveGroup.com. Only 50 bucks for 1 year and you can have your iPad repaired at the Apple Store and get refunded the amount minus a 50 dollar deductible.

AppleCare+ is nice, but it's 100 upfront and then 50 per repair with a limit of 2. While I think hitting the 2 limit wouldn't be easy, I'd hate to have something repaired a 3rd time and be SOL.

EDIT*

Another little known thing about Squaretrade: if you request it, you CAN take a broken iDevice to an Apple store, get it repaired/replaced by them, and then Send in your repair documentation and receipts to SquareTrade to get reimbursed for the costs. You'll have to shell out repair costs up front, but at least you get Apple fixing or replacing your iPad, instead of whoever bid the cheapest amount to fix it for SquareTrade (and results like the OP's).

that said, I used to go with Squaretrade for warranties, but now that AppleCare+ is around, I'm going with that instead. It jsut makes more sense.

Glad to see you can do the same with SquareTrade.

 

[Stealthipad]

I couldn't disagree with you more. The cost of the ST warranty is not much cheaper than AC+. For whatever reason they went with ST. I don't think this is a matter of getting what you pay for.

Jessica,

I am will to bet that ST has the right to makes it own choice as to if it fixes the device or replaces it. Did not mean that the cost was that different between the two, but Apple replaces the unit while ST reserves the right to repair it if they want!

Which would you like to see done if it was yours? Sounds like you bought the ST warranty.

 

[D.T.]

Yikes. Yeah, I had no idea any of the warranty outfits had repairs outside of replacing broken/damaged components. Bashing the frame with a rubber mallet and running a Dremel over the dings isn’t my idea of acceptable.

Hope you get some kind of satisfaction.

 

[GoCubsGo]

Jessica,

I am will to bet that ST has the right to makes it own choice as to if it fixes the device or replaces it. Did not mean that the cost was that different between the two, but Apple replaces the unit while ST reserves the right to repair it if they want!

Which would you like to see done if it was yours? Sounds like you bought the ST warranty.

You didn't say that they opted to repair over replace, you made a snide comment about getting what you pay for which doesn't exactly correlate. I did not go with ST for my warranty but if I had I would know that ST can opt to repair any way they see fit before replacing and that would make me not only re-think purchasing such warranty but would likely deter me. I actually read contracts, very well mind you.

 

[aeiron]

I chose to send it in for repairs because the nearest Apple store is pretty far away in a very busy mall and even with a Genius appointment I've had to wait over 20-30 minutes passed my appointment time the last couple times I went there.

 

[eq2675]

I'm so sorry that happened, but thank you so much for sharing. It's AppleCare + for me.

 

[RetiredInFl]

What does your Square Trade Warranty say?

I bet they are within their rules that it be repaired or replaced at THEIR DISCRETION!

Before you get mad LOOK at what your contract with Square Trade covers!

----------



What if Square Trade did what was specified in the warranty contract. It may not matter if YOU are happy. GOT to read the contract!

You are correct, always RTFM!

Here is the contract:
http://www.squaretrade.com/merchant/learn/summaryPopup.html


It does state you can take it to Apple to have it repaired:

Same-Day Option: If you prefer the convenience of your local Genius Bar, you can take it there and we will reimburse your repair costs.

Easy Claims Filing:
SquareTrade's claim process is painless - start online or over the phone. Depending on the issue, we will either fix your iPad or arrange for a replacement. [Hmmmm, seems they no longer write you a check ? That contradicts the agreement.] To fix your iPad, we give you free express shipping to-and-from our depot. You will receive email updates at every step in the process so you will never be left in the dark. If we can't provide a solution in 5 working days from the date of receipt, your warranty is free, guaranteed.


WHAT ISN'T COVERED:

There are 4 notable exclusions to your coverage. (Refer to the Service Agreement for a full list.)

1. Accidental Damage: Unless you purchase ADH coverage, we don’t cover items that are damaged accidentally. This includes water immersion, drops, and spills.
2. Cosmetic Damage: We don’t cover cosmetic damage that doesn't interfere with normal use of your item, like damage to cases.
3. Accessories and Buyer-Replaceable Parts: We don’t cover accessories or parts that are meant to be replaced by the buyer, like earpieces and ink cartridges.
4. Software: We don’t cover software issues, including for computers, phones, and tablets.

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I chose to send it in for repairs because the nearest Apple store is pretty far away in a very busy mall and even with a Genius appointment I've had to wait over 20-30 minutes passed my appointment time the last couple times I went there.

You could have shipped it to Apple for replacement as well like you did for ST.

 

[avaloncourt]

But you're getting half the coverage time period with Worth as compared to Applecare+ or SquareTrade. Worth for the same time period (2 years) is actually more than Applecare+ ($99) or SquareTrade ($89 / $79 w coupon).

You aren't really saving any money. You're just getting half the coverage.

That's why I went with WorthAveGroup.com. Only 50 bucks for 1 year and you can have your iPad repaired at the Apple Store and get refunded the amount minus a 50 dollar deductible.

AppleCare+ is nice, but it's 100 upfront and then 50 per repair with a limit of 2. While I think hitting the 2 limit wouldn't be easy, I'd hate to have something repaired a 3rd time and be SOL.

EDIT*



Glad to see you can do the same with SquareTrade.

 

[aeiron]

The issue here isn't the wording of the contract or what is or isn't covered. The problem is the QUALITY of ACCEPTABLE repair work by their repair vendor. Who the hell wants an ipad with dremele'd edges? Can't be good for the resell value.


UPDATE:
Thankfully this issue has been resolved. SquareTrade will reimburse me to purchase a new iPad. I wouldn't write them off for future warranty purchases, but I'm still worried what to expect if I ever need my Macbook Pro serviced or repaired as I have a 3 year accidental warranty with them for that too.

 

[RetiredInFl]

But you're getting half the coverage time period with Worth as compared to Applecare+ or SquareTrade. Worth for the same time period (2 years) is actually more than Applecare+ ($99) or SquareTrade ($89 / $79 w coupon).

You aren't really saving any money. You're just getting half the coverage.

Plus worth doesn't cover "general failures" like battery or any other "general" problem. You have to use the Apple warranty for that. But it does cover theft that none of the others do.

 

[avaloncourt]

Plus worth doesn't cover "general failures" like battery or any other "general" problem. You have to use the Apple warranty for that. But it does cover theft that none of the others do.

Those are very good points. Thanks.

 

[Stealthipad]

You didn't say that they opted to repair over replace, you made a snide comment about getting what you pay for which doesn't exactly correlate. I did not go with ST for my warranty but if I had I would know that ST can opt to repair any way they see fit before replacing and that would make me not only re-think purchasing such warranty but would likely deter me. I actually read contracts, very well mind you.

very well mind you? LOL!

 

[HazyCloud]

But you're getting half the coverage time period with Worth as compared to Applecare+ or SquareTrade. Worth for the same time period (2 years) is actually more than Applecare+ ($99) or SquareTrade ($89 / $79 w coupon).

You aren't really saving any money. You're just getting half the coverage.

That's very true. Good point. I just sent my iPad for repairs to Apple and may get AppleCare+ anyways since I plan on keeping this iPad and handing it down to my wife next year.

EDIT* I guess the only plus to Worth is it protects from theft.

 

[scaredpoet]

I chose to send it in for repairs because the nearest Apple store is pretty far away in a very busy mall and even with a Genius appointment I've had to wait over 20-30 minutes passed my appointment time the last couple times I went there.

Now you know that, unfortunately, all of that aggravation to go to the Apple Store might've been worth it in the end.

 

[aeiron]

Now you know that, unfortunately, all of that aggravation to go to the Apple Store might've been worth it in the end.

 

[yourtoys7]

I will only use apple warranty

 

[PriyaST]

-

Photos

I dropped my iPad and sent it in for repairs. This is how they returned it to me. They sanded down all four corners and bent the crap out of the aluminum lip on the iPads face in replacing the screen. All the other dings on the back from having dropped It ate still there also. Disappointed to say the least. I had heard good things about SquareTrade which is why I bought my warranty from them.

 

[pure3d2]

Photos

I dropped my iPad and sent it in for repairs. This is how they returned it to me. They sanded down all four corners and bent the crap out of the aluminum lip on the iPads face in replacing the screen. All the other dings on the back from having dropped It ate still there also. Disappointed to say the least. I had heard good things about SquareTrade which is why I bought my warranty from them.

Oh that'll buff right out.

Seriously though, that is unacceptable. I would call them up and complain and if they don't take care of it, call your credit card company to get a refund of your extended warranty purchase.

 

[dave420]

Oh that'll buff right out.

Seriously though, that is unacceptable. I would call them up and complain and if they don't take care of it, call your credit card company to get a refund of your extended warranty purchase.

It looks like they did even better. Squaretrade gave him money for a new iPad:

UPDATE:
Thankfully this issue has been resolved. SquareTrade will reimburse me to purchase a new iPad. I wouldn't write them off for future warranty purchases, but I'm still worried what to expect if I ever need my Macbook Pro serviced or repaired as I have a 3 year accidental warranty with them for that too.

 

[urkel]

AppleCare+ is a good deal but I went with squaretrade last gen and will likely do it again this gen for one big reason. I don't plan on owning my iPad for two years.

You can cancel your squaretrade at any times and get a prorated reimbursement. With my iPad 2 I paid $69 for squaretrade and when I sold my iPad 2 in Feb I got $39 back. So I plan to do the same thing.

Eiher way, I highly recommend AppleCare+ or SquareTrade simply because I think it's silly to be so careful with something that's essentially a tool. I used to wrap my gadgets in invisible shields and buy cases for them but now I just buy a warranty and treat it like I would treat a drill. I use it and if it gets a scratch then who cares.

 

[MrXiro]

I hate sending things out for repair. Every single time I do my laptop has come back scratched. Best buy said they would fix it and ultimately ignored me and apple replaced the panel after some complaining by me.

 

[Bob Coxner]

AppleCare+ is a good deal but I went with squaretrade last gen and will likely do it again this gen for one big reason. I don't plan on owning my iPad for two years.

You can cancel your squaretrade at any times and get a prorated reimbursement. With my iPad 2 I paid $69 for squaretrade and when I sold my iPad 2 in Feb I got $39 back. So I plan to do the same thing.

Eiher way, I highly recommend AppleCare+ or SquareTrade simply because I think it's silly to be so careful with something that's essentially a tool. I used to wrap my gadgets in invisible shields and buy cases for them but now I just buy a warranty and treat it like I would treat a drill. I use it and if it gets a scratch then who cares.

You can get a prorated refund on remaining Applecare+. You can cancel anytime.

 

[poloponies]

That's why I went with WorthAveGroup.com. Only 50 bucks for 1 year and you can have your iPad repaired at the Apple Store and get refunded the amount minus a 50 dollar deductible.

AppleCare+ is nice, but it's 100 upfront and then 50 per repair with a limit of 2. While I think hitting the 2 limit wouldn't be easy, I'd hate to have something repaired a 3rd time and be SOL.

EDIT*



Glad to see you can do the same with SquareTrade.

It's not "2 repairs" for Applecare+, it's 2 repair/replacements for accidental damage. There's no limit to repairs for defects in manufacture. As for the other insurers, I doubt they're "unlimited" for accidental damage. Most people don't incur such damage ever. For someone to have "accidents" more than twice in 2 years, they're at the outer fringes of the bell curve.

 

[HazyCloud]

It's not "2 repairs" for Applecare+, it's 2 repair/replacements for accidental damage. There's no limit to repairs for defects in manufacture. As for the other insurers, I doubt they're "unlimited" for accidental damage. Most people don't incur such damage ever. For someone to have "accidents" more than twice in 2 years, they're at the outer fringes of the bell curve.

I know. I was recently at my Apple Store and the Genius cleared it up for me. Still, 2 accidents in 2 years isn't all that much. Especially if you have kids.

 

[poloponies]

I know. I was recently at my Apple Store and the Genius cleared it up for me. Still, 2 accidents in 2 years isn't all that much. Especially if you have kids.

Like I said, I don't have specific details of the other policies' limitations, but I highly doubt there's no limit to "accidental" coverage. SquareTrade limits your coverage to the maximum value of the device, so even though they don't limit the number of occurrences expressly, they will only repair/replace to a maximum value of $499 for a $499 device.

I'm pretty sure Worth has similar limits.

And more than 2 incidences of accidental breakage in 2 years is a lot. If you have kids who are prone to mishandling $500 devices then it's hard to call it an "accident" if you keep letting them use it unsupervised after 2 "accidents".