Apple Care vs. Verizon Insurance iPhone?

[hapandpam]

DD just got an iPhone today. The sales rep told us about Apple Care and the Verizon insurance, but seemed unsure on the exact details of each. I know many on the Dis Boards have iPhones, and I would like opinions which is you think is better and why. All opinions and ideas are welcome. I would like to get some sort of coverage on it within the next day or two.

Thanks so much!

 

[windycitymom]

I use Squaretrade for all phones and iPads. They cover accidents and cracked screens, the others do not. I will PM you a link to save an additional $10.

 

[MickeyManiac]

When DH and I got iPhones we decided to cover his with Verizon insurance and mine with Squaretrade. Verizon covers loss and Squaretrade does not. There is a huge diffence in price (10.99/mo. vs $99 total) but DH is more apt to lose his than I am. (knock on wood) so I decided it was worth the money.

 

[momoflizandains]

Can you also send me the link? thanks.

 

[momoflizandains]

Can you also send me the link? thanks.

 

[vickalamode]

I would never get Apple Care again...I got a new MacBook about 4 years ago and within 3 months it wasn't working properly. I had purchased the $250.00 AppleCare for it, and when I took it to the store they basically belittled me and said all of these things to me insinuating that I must have done something completely wrong and it was my fault and my warranty wouldn't cover it...I eventually got them to cover it but I had to jump through a LOT of hoops, and it took over a month to get them to finally agree to fix it (and only then it was because I had an article posted on consumerist.com about my bad experience...)

So needless to say, I was not very happy with my $250 Apple Care. I still love Apple products, but I learned the hard way once and won't buy Apple Care ever again. MUCH better off going through a third party.

I bought an iPod about a year after that happened and I purchased insurance through SquareTrade, which a previous poster mentioned. The iPod eventually ended up getting completely soaked in water and obviously wouldn't turn on anymore...I filed the claim through square trade and literally all I had to do was send it to them in an envelope and within a couple of days they had sent the money to me for a replacement, no hassle and no questions asked I also have purchased insurance through SquareTrade for other electronics like my DSLR etc.

When I got my iPhone, I declined the AppleCare and opted for the insurance through Verizon. I was originally planning on doing SquareTrade, but the Verizon insurance covers it if I lose my phone so that is why I went that route.


So, in summary...I would not recommend Apple Care. I would definitely suggest Square Trade, which automatically covers you if you break the glass on the phone or drop it in water, for example. Apple Care doesn't automatically cover something like that happening, although if you give them a really hard time about it they might....
If you are worried about losing your phone, I would go through the phone company's insurance. That is what I did. It also covers me breaking my phone. The cost is higher but for me it is worth it.

 

[gracie1]

I took the verizon insurance that is $1.99 a month and covers the phone of defects only. If I drop it and something happens....I will either fall back on my droid until I get another upgrade on my line, or have my mom or someone use their upgrade on me.

 

[8esther8]

Just to be clear, Squaretrade does not cover a lost or stolen phone. It is meant as a warranty. I learned this the hard way, as this is not clearly mentioned on their site. I now have coverage through my carrier (AT&T).

 

[vicki_c]

I have AppleCare for most of our Apple products - unlike the PP I've been deliriously happy with the support I've gotten under my AppleCare warranty, from Apple and another company. I take things to a 3rd party now near me that does repairs under the warranty - much better than going direct to Apple, but I was never unhappy with Apple support anyway.

But anyway, I have SquareTrade warranties for my daughter's iPod and my iPad. For an extra fee, you can get coverage for accidental damage as well - we bought that for DD. It does not cover loss or theft though. That accidental damage coverage is not automatic as a PP said - it is an extra rider that costs more than the basic coverage.

 

[thomas998]

One problem with Apple care is that when you have an issue and give them the phone, ipad, computer whatever, they will take it and you will in most cases get a refurbished unit returned to you... if you are lucky it will be in as good cosmetic shape as the one you sent in but that isn't a guarantee. You also have no idea about the age of the battery or other parts in the item you send in.... this wasn't a problem when you were dealing with computers that had batteries that could be swapped out, but when you are dealing with electronics that are sealed with no user batter replacement option.. well the age of the battery is critical.

I know in my past experience with an Ipod that was replaced that it didn't seem to last as long as it did before it was exchanged... I'm pretty sure I just got some unit that had a much older crappier battery.

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

The insurance offered thru Verizon covers lost, stolen, cracked, water damage, etc. You call them and a phone is overnighted to you. There is a monthly premium and a deductible.

Apple Care covers any calls you make to Apple for support. It is not really "insurance".

Any new phone purchased from Verizon has a one year warranty to cover any manufactor's defects.

 

[vicki_c]

The insurance offered thru Verizon covers lost, stolen, cracked, water damage, etc. You call them and a phone is overnighted to you. There is a monthly premium and a deductible.

Apple Care covers any calls you make to Apple for support. It is not really "insurance".

Any new phone purchased from Verizon has a one year warranty to cover any manufactor's defects.

Yes good point CoolDisneyCat - I maintain Applecare for SUPPORT issues on our laptops, and our iMac. I maintain Square Trade warranties for things that are more likely to get broken only - iPod and iPad. I don't have Applecare on those items since it seemed less needed for me.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Personally, I think both are a waste of money.

One problem with Apple care is that when you have an issue and give them the phone, ipad, computer whatever, they will take it and you will in most cases get a refurbished unit returned to you..

It's not just Apple. Most companies do this when you send your electronic item in for repair. They simply send you a refurbished unit, not your original item.

 

[SookieStackhouse]

Check with your homeowners insurance too.

 

[hapandpam]

Thank you so much everyone. I know when I need honest opinions and great advice, I can count on the people on the DisBoards. I believe we are going to go with Squaretrade- something I had never heard about before.

 

[sherry7]

If you decide on SquareTrade, make sure you google for a discount code. They frequently do 20% sales.