Would a scratch or dent count as an "accidental damage" under AW AppleCare+?

[Luba]

Apple's T&C says, "Apple will not provide Hardware Services or Accidental Damage from Handling Services in the following circumstances:

(a) to protect against normal wear and tear, or to repair cosmetic damage not affecting the functionality of the Covered Equipment;

so is a scratch or a dent to the case considered cosmetic to Apple?


"ERS (Express Replacement Service)is available for certain Covered Equipment." Are Apple Watches considered Covered Equipment and eligible for Express Replacement Service?

 

[deeddawg]

You have the answer in the text you cited.

Unless the damage affects the watch's functionality, it's not likely to be covered.

 

[Apple_Robert]

In my opinion, it would be classified as cosmetic. On the other hand, many people have contacted Apple about such things, been honest with Apple, and Apple has made an allowance. Whether or not that happens to you, is a roll of the dice. If this involves a brand new watch, Apple may show some grace.

 

[johnyyz]

Apple's T&C says, "Apple will not provide Hardware Services or Accidental Damage from Handling Services in the following circumstances:

(a) to protect against normal wear and tear, or to repair cosmetic damage not affecting the functionality of the Covered Equipment;

so is a scratch or a dent to the case considered cosmetic to Apple?


"ERS (Express Replacement Service)is available for certain Covered Equipment." Are Apple Watches considered Covered Equipment and eligible for Express Replacement Service?

Of course it’s cosmetic. Scratches or dents don’t impact the functionality of the device. Seems pretty clear to me.

 

[BigMcGuire]

I have had Apple tell me that a scratch affecting the watch face was an AppleCare+ incident. I think the case is definitely a little different.

Check out - https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/got-a-scratch-on-my-s6-screen-already.2257873/ -- kind of related.

 

[44267547]

If you have AppleCare attached, Apple Will force you to use it versus trying to create a ‘workaround‘ where they just replace your watch for free given a scratch or dent. If you’re within your 14 day return period, there is exceptions, but it depends how long you have owned the device and how much extensive is the damage.

 

[Luba]

You have the answer in the text you cited.

Unless the damage affects the watch's functionality, it's not likely to be covered.

I should have added more information in my post . . . there's the "letter of the law" and what's Apple's actual practice. A scratch (not fine hairline scratches) at the edge of the display could be argued as affecting the water resistance?? Anyway, reading the T&C, AC+ isn't worth it for me.

 

[Luba]

If you have AppleCare attached, Apple Will force you to use it versus trying to create a ‘workaround‘ where they just replace your watch for free given a scratch or dent. If you’re within your 14 day return period, there is exceptions, but it depends how long you have owned the device and how much extensive is the damage.

Right . . . depends on the Apple Genius working on your situation.

 

[lexikon318]

I got a new series 5 through the Express Replacement Service... but the screen on mine had been smashed.

 

[Luba]

I have had Apple tell me that a scratch affecting the watch face was an AppleCare+ incident. I think the case is definitely a little different.

Check out - https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/got-a-scratch-on-my-s6-screen-already.2257873/ -- kind of related.

that thread is very related. Thanks!

 

[Bobout]

I had a major scratch on my AW4 watch face that sometimes my watch didn't respond I couldn't duplicate the issue in front of the rep but I was nice with zero attitude and they replaced it with no problem.. Depends who you get I guess..

 

[deeddawg]

I should have added more information in my post . . . there's the "letter of the law" and what's Apple's actual practice. A scratch at the edge of the display could be argued as affecting the water resistance?? Anyway, reading the T&C, AC+ isn't worth it for me.

The trouble with differentials between the written T&C and reports of what's happened in practice is you cannot count on the latter to remain in practice.

As for AC+, one needs to factor the cost of the watch / replacement, cost of out-of-warranty services (published on Apple Support), as well as expected duration of ownership. AC+ costs the same $4/mo for a $400 GPS only aluminum 40mm as it does for a $750 stainless steel 44mm.

If one expects to keep the watch for two years, the AC+ may be worthwhile to have the extended warranty coverage for the second year. Or if keeping for just one year, the $4 monthly coverage may be worth having if prone to potentially smashing the screen in some sort of accident.

Really a matter of personal preference and individual situation.