[Q] Device Insurance - Epic 4G General

There will be 3 Epics in my household come 8/31. I am wondering if we could get away with purchasing insurance for just one of the Epics, and have it cover all 3.
Do they record the serial number of the phone and tie it to each insurance policy? What about any other info that could tie a specific phone to the policy rather than just the phone model?
If not, I don't see how we couldn't have 1 policy cover all 3 phones. Thanks

quasi13 said:
There will be 3 Epics in my household come 8/31. I am wondering if we could get away with purchasing insurance for just one of the Epics, and have it cover all 3.
Do they record the serial number of the phone and tie it to each insurance policy? What about any other info that could tie a specific phone to the policy rather than just the phone model?
If not, I don't see how we couldn't have 1 policy cover all 3 phones. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Each phone is tied to a line. If Sprint was a GSM network then maybe you could go sim card swaps and maybe get away with it. However since each phone on CDMA networks is stuck to a phone number and thus a line, I am pretty sure they can tell which phone is being replaced.
e.g. if i have 3 phones with numbers 000-000-0000, 111-111-1111 and 222-222-2222, and phone 111-111-1111 breaks but only 000-000-0000 is insured, and I bring in 111-111-1111 to replace it as 000-000-0000 which is insured, any new phone they send me would be activated as 000-000-0000 in other words they'd see that they are activating a phone for a number already in use. I hope this idea makes some sense.

This will not work at all. If you DO decide to swap the phones around, you can't put in a claim or repair until the device has been active on that line for 30 days.

ben7337 said:
Each phone is tied to a line. If Sprint was a GSM network then maybe you could go sim card swaps and maybe get away with it. However since each phone on CDMA networks is stuck to a phone number and thus a line, I am pretty sure they can tell which phone is being replaced.
e.g. if i have 3 phones with numbers 000-000-0000, 111-111-1111 and 222-222-2222, and phone 111-111-1111 breaks but only 000-000-0000 is insured, and I bring in 111-111-1111 to replace it as 000-000-0000 which is insured, any new phone they send me would be activated as 000-000-0000 in other words they'd see that they are activating a phone for a number already in use. I hope this idea makes some sense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes - that makes sense. Thanks for the quick reply and good info!
So at $7 per month and a $100 deductible, it would take 57 months to total the $500 off-contract price of the Epic.
If we got the insurance for all 3 phones, it'd be 1/3 the amount of time; 19 months to total $500 between us. The insurance still seems appealing (at least until used Epics start showing up on Ebay for ~$200).
If we wait until day 29 to add the Equipment Replacement Program, is accidental damage, theft, etc. covered for the first 4 weeks after the phone is purchased? (Does that 30-day satisfaction policy cover this?)
Thanks!

I was told by a sprint rep that the deductible for the Epic would be $150 - and you only get one replacement. Then they drop your insurance.

Actually... there is actually a loophole to have all your phones covered with only 1 insurance on your lines but I won't write it on here (sorry guys) and nothing is covered with the first 30 day policy except a return/exchange. Damage, theft, etc must be done thru insurance not thru the 30 day policy.

DirtyShroomz said:
Actually... there is actually a loophole to have all your phones covered with only 1 insurance on your lines but I won't write it on here (sorry guys) and nothing is covered with the first 30 day policy except a return/exchange. Damage, theft, etc must be done thru insurance not thru the 30 day policy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to bother u bro, when u get a chance can u pm me about this?
Sent from my SPH-M910 using XDA App

quasi13 said:
There will be 3 Epics in my household come 8/31. I am wondering if we could get away with purchasing insurance for just one of the Epics, and have it cover all 3.
Do they record the serial number of the phone and tie it to each insurance policy? What about any other info that could tie a specific phone to the policy rather than just the phone model?
If not, I don't see how we couldn't have 1 policy cover all 3 phones. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get the best buy insurance instead of the sprint insurance and you can do this. The best buy salesman actually suggested it to me when my wife and I bought the same phone. We are on a family plan and he just added one insurance policy. He said if either breaks just bring it in and we get a new one. Pretty sweet deal in my opinion.

Kcarpenter said:
I was told by a sprint rep that the deductible for the Epic would be $150 - and you only get one replacement. Then they drop your insurance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You were told the wrong info. That rep was a moron.

richse said:
Get the best buy insurance instead of the sprint insurance and you can do this. The best buy salesman actually suggested it to me when my wife and I bought the same phone. We are on a family plan and he just added one insurance policy. He said if either breaks just bring it in and we get a new one. Pretty sweet deal in my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume I'd have to buy the phone from them, too? I have a hard time giving BB my business, so, if that's the case, I'll have to pass.

Lots of odd information in here. Sprint's insurance is tied to a particular phone number, it has nothing to do with the phone, they cover whatever phone is on that number. There is a way to scam their system, but I won't be posting it. Best Buy lied to you. They lie to sell PSP. Their insurance is garbage, it used to be worth messing with back in the days of the Treo 600, but they changed it. I ended up causing such a scene over the change I got a Treo 650 for free. Sprints TEP is good because it covers manufacturer's defects too. I know you have a 1 year warranty, but that always take WEEKS to get settled. If your phone messes up with Sprint and is isn't physical, lost, or water the almost always replace it in store. If the phone can still make and receive calls they usually order a new one for you. I have gotten upgraded MANY times due to a phone being faulty. $7 is a lot of money over the course of a 1 or 2 year contract, especially considering there is still a $100 deductible if it is physical,lost or water. Given my history with phones and the fact that it covers manufacturer's defects and random issues for free, I always keep the insurance. If I was using a free or cheap phone I would pass though.

Just one additional thought OP, what you're describing is insurance fraud, sorry to say. it may not be huge insurance fraud but its fraud nonetheless.
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App

ls3mach said:
Lots of odd information in here. Sprint's insurance is tied to a particular phone number, it has nothing to do with the phone, they cover whatever phone is on that number. There is a way to scam their system, but I won't be posting it. Best Buy lied to you. They lie to sell PSP. Their insurance is garbage, it used to be worth messing with back in the days of the Treo 600, but they changed it. I ended up causing such a scene over the change I got a Treo 650 for free. Sprints TEP is good because it covers manufacturer's defects too. I know you have a 1 year warranty, but that always take WEEKS to get settled. If your phone messes up with Sprint and is isn't physical, lost, or water the almost always replace it in store. If the phone can still make and receive calls they usually order a new one for you. I have gotten upgraded MANY times due to a phone being faulty. $7 is a lot of money over the course of a 1 or 2 year contract, especially considering there is still a $100 deductible if it is physical,lost or water. Given my history with phones and the fact that it covers manufacturer's defects and random issues for free, I always keep the insurance. If I was using a free or cheap phone I would pass though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best buy insurance gets me a new phone even if I drop it off a building or in a pool. Sounds good to me! Tell me why its bad?
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App

richse said:
The best buy insurance gets me a new phone even if I drop it off a building or in a pool. Sounds good to me! Tell me why its bad?
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you ever used the Best Buy insurance? It didn't work anything like what I was told or how you described when it actually came time to collect. My Sprint insurance netted me upgrades MULTIPLE times over as we have 15 or so lines. PPC6700>Mogul, Mogul>TP1, TP1>TP2, MotoQ>Intrepid. I have also gotten my phone replaced for something small every time I go to sell them so I can sell either a brand new one or a like new refurbished unit. I have actually made money on every upgrade I have done since my Treo650. I will never use BestBuy or their PSP again. I have bought them on about 10 items, in my life, only 1 time has it worked out for me. Even then it was not what I was promised and they basically just sent my item back to the manufacturer and foot the repair bill. That was after I had to speak with about 10 people finally ending up with a store GM. You can do what you want, but for my money I will stick with what has been working in my benefit since 2004. I will however buy my phones through Bestbuy or Radioshack to avoid the MIR.

I cannot even believe this discussion is real. The PSP for the Epic is $170, I believe that is before taxes are added. That works out to be the same price, save the deductible, and Sprint does in-store swap outs and repairs. They also overnight your phone for free if you do have to file an actual claim. I am on a Premier account so I wouldn't even get the full value of my $170 PSP, even if it wasn't garbage.

May I ask where you guys got the information that the deductible for the Epic is 150+?

A Square Trade warranty might work for you. I don't know if they would take a serial number down for a cell phone or not, but they do require a receipt so having three phones my set off a flag for them. There quote is $144.00 and a $50 deductible applies to some claims. They do have 30% off coupon regularly which would bring it to $100 and you have 30 days from product purchase to buy their warranty.

foolforfood said:
Just one additional thought OP, what you're describing is insurance fraud, sorry to say. it may not be huge insurance fraud but its fraud nonetheless.
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was aware that it might be fraud before I posted, but it really depends fine print. I would expect this type of thing would be so obvious that they'd cover it in the fine print.
I gotta run though - I need to move my car to the driveway, fill up my pillow case with golf balls, and wait for the storms to roll in!

foolforfood said:
Just one additional thought OP, what you're describing is insurance fraud, sorry to say. it may not be huge insurance fraud but its fraud nonetheless.
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow. lol - He probably make you drive in the right lane and god forbid you speed.
quasi13 said:
I was aware that it might be fraud before I posted, but it really depends fine print. I would expect this type of thing would be so obvious that they'd cover it in the fine print.
I gotta run though - I need to move my car to the driveway, fill up my pillow case with golf balls, and wait for the storms to roll in!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's funny right there!

35% off Square Trade Coupon here http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2194239 Not sure if you can buy in advance but liek I said, these coupons come up every couple weeks.

Related

Phone Insurance

So tell me, does anyone have insurance on their "rooted" Nexus one? I'm thinking of getting one for mine, but not sure if T-mobile provides it, or is it a good idea to get it from them, if ever. Coz they don't carry the device.
Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!
I have insurance on my Non-Rooted Nexus. You can get it from t-mobile. But i dont believe you can have insurance one you root the nexus one. I believe it voids the warranty. I may be wrong. Heres some info:
Is PHP (Premium Handset Protection) available for this Nexus One?
Yes, PHP is available for the Nexus One.
How much does PHP Insurance cost?
PHP Insurance is $4.79 per month with a $130 deductible.
How long do I have to add PHP to my account?
To qualify for PHP insurance you must add the insurance to your T-Mobile account within the first 14 days of purchase.
Great News! Asurion’s Premium Handset Protection offered through T-Mobile is available on the Nexus One. For $4.79 per month, customers are protected from loss, theft and damage – even screen damage or water damage. There is a $130 deductible per approved claim, much lower than the full retail of $529. Asurion will replace your Nexus One with . . . a Nexus One. As with most buzz-generating, hot new phones, inventory availability can be an occasional problem. Its not that Asurion doesn’t want to replace your Nexus One with a Nexus One, we do! Should there be a brief inventory problem, Asurion will offer a few different options to affected customers.
I have insurance on my ROOTED phone. You can have it. While it is true that rooting voids your warranty this has nothing to do with insurance. So look at it this way. I have a rooted phone and I loose it. I file a claim as loss is covered under the insurance. How on earth are they going to know it was rooted? Make sense.
The other above info is what I was told.
One thing to note. I had insurance on my G1 that was something like $6 / mo when I transfered that to my N1 it went down to the $5 /mo. This is because T-mobile would extend the warranty on the G1 since it was one of their phones. They don't do that on the N1 since it isn't theirs. That is why it is a little cheaper.
As for how it is replaced since T-mobile doesn't have the Nexus. I was told that the insurance company was getting some for replacements. Until then if you had a claim and they didn't have any you would go directly to Google and order a new one. You would be responsible for the full upfront cost of an unsubsidized phone. They then would cut you a check for the phone minus the $130 deductible. Make Sense.
Oh also a point on the 14 days to activate insurance. This is also true however. Lets say you let the 14 days laps. As long as you haven't rooted your phone (that would have voided the warranty) if it is ever replaced by the manufacturer you then have another 14 days to activate the insurance from the point in time you get the replacement. That is how I got insurance on my G1. I forgot to call back in the 14 days and then couldn't get coverage. Then my home button died, T-mobile replaced it under warranty, I then had them activate the insurance. Also if are under insurance and if you have a replacement under warranty I would be sure to call T-mobile. Since that was likely taken care of directly through Google or HTC they may not know. Of course if you had an insurance claim for say water damage that they tried to deny because the SN didn't match what you originally bought you could say "Oh, did I mention that the water damage happened when it fell off the boat in 300' or water?" I must have written that SN down wrong and what you have on record must be right.
Hope that helps....
as a point of interest, state farm charges me $30 a year for insurance on my nexus one, with ZERO deductible..
that's $2.50 a month folks...
and they don't care if it's rooted, or you used it to hold up your car when you changed your oil.
Thank you for the information I'm goin with state farm.Hahaha.
Hmmm... Called Tmobile, they said my Nexus is currently insured... I made them double and triple check it, but they were positive bout this, I guess my insurance from my G1 is automatically transferred to the N1.
I still thank you for the response guys!
i'd cancel it and get a real policy that costs half and doesn't have a deductible... but that's just me..
Red MacGregor said:
as a point of interest, state farm charges me $30 a year for insurance on my nexus one, with ZERO deductible..
that's $2.50 a month folks...
and they don't care if it's rooted, or you used it to hold up your car when you changed your oil.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's good to know and seems like a better way to go!
Oh you were for real? lol I thought you were just kidding, I dont have StateFarm as insurance though. They might not cover it.
Red MacGregor said:
i'd cancel it and get a real policy that costs half and doesn't have a deductible... but that's just me..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rjhay22 said:
Oh you were for real? lol I thought you were just kidding, I dont have StateFarm as insurance though. They might not cover it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
call whomever you're using, Farmers, whomever, they likely have a similar policy..
T-Mobile is charging a ridiculous premium for that policy
$4.79 a month is not something I miss.
uansari1 said:
$4.79 a month is not something I miss.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sure, the difference is only $30 a year... over two years an extra $60 on the price of the phone, unless you include the deductible, and it's an extra $190.. 1/3 of the cost of the original phone..
The original poster should call T-mobile again. As I mentioned in my post that the original insurance that I had on my G1 was more expensive. They may have changed it from the insurance that is something like $7/mo to the one that is about $5 ($4.75 or whatever). I got my phone early on so it is possible they are getting better at automating these things. Everyone was still trying to figure out this new Nexus thing when I got my phone.
I have to call my insurance company anyhow so I am going to ask about phone coverage. I have USAA though not State Farm. Even if they don't offer it I wouldn't switch to State Farm. We are saving $1800 a year and have more coverage and a lower deductible on our house compared to State Farm. My parents are now switching over to USAA. He said they will save $900 a year on their 4 cars/truck.

Asurion Returning Dmg Phone~

Quick question I will try to make the story short i accidently drop'd my evo actually it slipped out of my pocket getting out of my car and hitted the concrete face down, yup completly shattered screen.
I went to sprint to see if i could do something with the 30 days warranty but no luck, instead they helped me file a claim with Asurion, i already recieved the new refurb phone from Asurion (excelent shape) and no screen separation issue like the brand new i had from sprint.
I also recieved a battery with that phone not the original red that comes with the evo, a black one that says htc innovation on the back, i will keep the red one, buut my question is Can i keep both batteries and send my old phone without battery, or will i get charged for this
anyone has experience with asurion and doing this??
When I had blackberry'e I had more batteries and chargers than I would ever need.
Don't quote me but Asurion has never given me any flak over hanging on to batteries, chargers, headphones, pretty much anything but the actual phone.
My family has always kept the batteries. They can't do anything with used batteries, so don't worry about it, the one that is in it is probably a 1500mAh for a touch pro 2, OEM.
You can keep the battery, all they care about is the phone. Batteries are considered expendables. Even a warranty swap through Sprint, all they want is the phone returned.
Consider this as well if you don't believe me: Had you lost the phone, or it was stolen, you would file the claim, still pay the same deductible, and they would still send you the replacement phone and battery.

			
				
Yup everyone is right, you can keep the battery. Hopefully that makes your $100 deductible you just paid sting a bit less.
In my last saurian claim the pamphlet said specifically to not return the battery. I think the fact that batteries can catch fire and explode if shorted puts them in a hazardous category and must be declared to the post office and charged accordingly.
That statement is just my thought on the matter. Don't quote me on it's integrity.
donatom3 said:
Yup everyone is right, you can keep the battery. Hopefully that makes your $100 deductible you just paid sting a bit less.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why is everyone saying $100, I thought the $7 insurance was $50...
edit: fk nevermind, damn high end phones.
That's bs, we have to pay half of what the phone cost us just to get a refurbished one?
Same here I usually keep all accesories n have never .received any question ir a raised eye brow in my direction. Oh and the phone does not cost 200 as far as price goes that's based on retail price. So your only paying a fraction of what the phone costs.
When I filed a claim for my blackberry, I wasn't sure about keeping the battery or not, so I called them and asked. They wanted me to keep the battery. They said that if I sent the battery back with the phone and it would happen to leak/explode/do bad stuff, it would be on them, so they ask people to not send the battery.
The card that came with the new phone should say something on it like "send only the device. Do not send any accessories, i.e. batteries, chargers, cords".
Plancy said:
Why is everyone saying $100, I thought the $7 insurance was $50...
edit: fk nevermind, damn high end phones.
That's bs, we have to pay half of what the phone cost us just to get a refurbished one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are paying 1/5th of what the phone costs not half. You paid $200 subsidized for the phone. Break your phone tomorrow go to sprint to buy a replacement and you'll be paying $500.
Plancy said:
Why is everyone saying $100, I thought the $7 insurance was $50...
edit: fk nevermind, damn high end phones.
That's bs, we have to pay half of what the phone cost us just to get a refurbished one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought replacing it through sprint got you a refurbished one but replacing it through insurance got a brand new one
mrono said:
I thought replacing it through sprint got you a refurbished one but replacing it through insurance got a brand new one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know, but I'm paying $7/mo for the insurance and don't want to pay $100 to get a replacement for a defect(waiting for it to be a huge issue), I only paid $224 for the phone, guess I'll be proactive about the 30day policy.
Plancy said:
Don't know, but I'm paying $7/mo for the insurance and don't want to pay $100 to get a replacement for a defect(waiting for it to be a huge issue), I only paid $224 for the phone, guess I'll be proactive about the 30day policy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just don't buy any other smart phone, you be in the exact same boat.
Low cell phone prices are only available because they are subsidized by your carrier, which in turn locks you into a contract to get their subsidization back. Minus insurance you will pay full non-subsidized price for any phone with any carrier.
I thought it said on the return envelope not to include the cables, charger, battery, or any of that crap. With that said I have always kept the battery. One word of advise:
Take to the phone to the post office and get a certificate of mailing. This proves you mailed the device just encase the insurance try to claim they never got it. Then it will be between them and the post office. You cannot send it back with tracking because they send it to a PO Box and the phone can't be tracked. NICE I know. My mom sent one back no certificate and they claimed they never got it. My mom is not a thief so it must of got lost. Just like in the song.. I most of got lost.. most of got lost.... anyway you know the song.
danknee said:
Just don't buy any other smart phone, you be in the exact same boat.
Low cell phone prices are only available because they are subsidized by your carrier, which in turn locks you into a contract to get their subsidization back. Minus insurance you will pay full non-subsidized price for any phone with any carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Family of 5, we've been with Sprint for 11 years, they're not locking me into anything, we're paying low for the plan we have. I started a new line to get this phone, I just hope I can get one without the cosmetic defects.
mrono said:
I thought replacing it through sprint got you a refurbished one but replacing it through insurance got a brand new one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope you can get new or refurbished by either insurance or warranty replacment. I've gotten both so I know.
Plancy said:
Don't know, but I'm paying $7/mo for the insurance and don't want to pay $100 to get a replacement for a defect(waiting for it to be a huge issue), I only paid $224 for the phone, guess I'll be proactive about the 30day policy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like I was saying, there is no deductible for manufacturer defects.
You only pay a deductible IF
1. There is physical damage to the phone (cracked screen, you shot it with a gun whatever)
2. Water Damage (Don't take it swimming with you)
3. Loss or Theft
So if the phone stopped working 3 months from now because you have TEP you can walk into a sprint repair center (again it has to be a repair center) go to the counter tell them your problem. They will test it where to see if they can fix it or not, if the problem actually exists, and to make sure it's not because of physical or water damage. Once you meet those requirements they order a replacement phone and if you went early enough in the day you generally will have it the next business day. You will either get a refurbished or brand new phone depending on what's in stock. I have no problems with refurbs they've always looked brand new, of course I agree in the first 30 days you should never get a refurb. All that without a deductible paid.
donatom3 said:
Nope you can get new or refurbished by either insurance or warranty replacment. I've gotten both so I know.
Like I was saying, there is no deductible for manufacturer defects.
You only pay a deductible IF
1. There is physical damage to the phone (cracked screen, you shot it with a gun whatever)
2. Water Damage (Don't take it swimming with you)
3. Loss or Theft
So if the phone stopped working 3 months from now because you have TEP you can walk into a sprint repair center (again it has to be a repair center) go to the counter tell them your problem. They will test it where to see if they can fix it or not, if the problem actually exists, and to make sure it's not because of physical or water damage. Once you meet those requirements they order a replacement phone and if you went early enough in the day you generally will have it the next business day. You will either get a refurbished or brand new phone depending on what's in stock. I have no problems with refurbs they've always looked brand new, of course I agree in the first 30 days you should never get a refurb. All that without a deductible paid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, a refurb phone is fine just as long as it doesn't cost me $100, 0 cosmetic defects would be nice too. I have never handle the phone badly but I noticed scratches on the kickstand, and I have never slid the phone on any surface. Hope this does not void the replacement policy, that would be ridiculous.
I'm new to getting a new phone, I've had only hand me downs(2 of them) up until the Evo.
thanx for all the reply's after reading some tiny letters on the envelope I confirmed that i need to stay with the battery.
anyways yes I didn't like the idea of the insurance paying $7 monthly + 100 deductible, so when i got the phone i did not add the insurance i always threat smart phones like babies to the point that I don't even put my phone, even with the sprint gel skin on hard surfaces without a shirt or whatever i can find.
but yes even if you carry your phone on a bubble accidents can happen and it happened to me sadly, almost cried. I called added the insurance and waited few days and claimed. I didn't care to much holding a cmda phone with a shattered screen so reported the truth phone broke.
I was hoping for a brand new evo, but I am satisfied with the refurb one Its in perfect condition and like i said not even the one i got from radio shack was in this condition because it had screen separation issue.
I am pretty sure this refurnished phones get through a very strict inspection before going out in the market again, and from what i can think of its more rigid than the one on brand new phones lol.
I am pretty sure and believe me i tried almost everything to get a new one with the 30 day guarantee, but not sure maybe is different in the states, but 30 days warranty will only cover manufacturer defects (fabrication) like the screen sep or something like that and maybe it can happen but it will be very hard for a screen get completely shattered for itself, unless maybe battery exploded or something. and still.
thanx zone23 that's a good idea i was wondering about that but didn't knew about mail certificates. I will be doing that tomorrow.

Insurance vs. Warranty replacements

Hello all
I have three days left to decide if I want to add insurance to my Evo. I am debating whether or not it is actually worth it.
I am not concerned with damaging the phone myself. I have had 8+ smart phones, and I haven't lost / broken / soaked any of them. The only reason I would be considering the insurance is for hardware defects. Based on experiences with my friends' Evo's, the two main things I am concerned about are
a) a future loose / malfunctioning charger port
b) blown earpiece speaker
For these two things, I am guessing that the 1-year warranty will cover them, correct? If so, how does that process work? Do I have to deal with HTC directly, or can I get all my exchanges, repairs, etc. handled at a Sprint store?
Thanks in advance.
I would just do it personally, just for piece of mind... Its not like its a crazy amount of money. You know how Sprint can get sometimes, what if your phone gets messed up and then they start giving you the run around? I would do it but to each his own, best of luck in whatever you choose to do.
oreoOozZz said:
I would just do it personally, just for piece of mind... Its not like its a crazy amount of money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...and thats how they reel u in. I did the insurance thing with my Touch Pro until I realized how big of a waste it was (thought it was only $50 deduct). I've never had an opportunity to use insurance and look at all those months of $7 I would have wasted. You'll be able to get NIB Evos off eBay for around $300 before too long.
Sent from my Evo...
awenthol said:
...and thats how they reel u in. I did the insurance thing with my Touch Pro until I realized how big of a waste it was (thought it was only $50 deduct). I've never had an opportunity to use insurance and look at all those months of $7 I would have wasted. You'll be able to get NIB Evos off eBay for around $300 before too long.
Sent from my Evo...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
300-100=200 / 7 = 29 months of insurance. I would go for the insurance for two years or until I'm eligible for another phone.
Why was I able to replace my g1 three times with no insurance?
Well because htc includes one year warranty. So when ever I had a defect or the phone does not turn on tmibile just makes sure no water damage and I get my replacement.
Does the evo not have the same warranty from htc?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
my wife and I don't carry insurance on our evo's. its a gamble that I'm willing to take.I'm covered within the first year warantee and after that, the phone is old to me anyways...her charger port came loose and we took it to a service center and they replaced it with a new phone. They said the charger port was a known issue and sprint honored the replacement. worse case scenario,i would've went directly through htc
So as long as you don't dip your phone in the toilet or run it over with your car, no need for insurance.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Ohhhh. And if they give me a hard time about any exchange I'll just call and make a corporate complaint.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Thanks for your input everyone.
I think I'm going to be dropping the insurance. I think that because my bill us over $69.99/month, I am eligible for an upgrade every 12 months, which will coincide nicely with the 1 year manufacturer warranty...
I'm somewhat new to Sprint, but I've noticed that with my other phones on my plan when there is a problem they always jump to insurance over warranty.
I've had 2* Samsung Moments have their USB ports go bad. First time they used warranty, second time they wanted me to use Insurance, but got the phone support to use warranty.
Another samsung moment the screen was shutting off on its own and they said there was something wrong with the ribbon on the inside of the phone and said it was physical damage and to use insurance to replace. How can it be physical damage on the inside?????
Every time they said to use insurance was in store, over the phone they use warranty.
Does anybody here have Best Buy insurance on their phone? I have it and was wondering if it as great as i here. They tell me if the phone breaks for any reason they replace it no question.
david279 said:
Does anybody here have Best Buy insurance on their phone? I have it and was wondering if it as great as i here. They tell me if the phone breaks for any reason they replace it no question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best Buy would lie to its momma to sell her black tie insurance. I bought it for a game system several years ago and found out the hard way that they do ask questions. I got it replaced but it took a few hours for my blood pressure to come back down..
nebenezer said:
Best Buy would lie to its momma to sell her black tie insurance. I bought it for a game system several years ago and found out the hard way that they do ask questions. I got it replaced but it took a few hours for my blood pressure to come back down..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Um figured something like that.
david279 said:
Um figured something like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol, ymmv
this was almost 9 years ago. I was a much bigger jerk back then so I'm sure my demeanor was a factor in the exchange..
Most people will complain about Bestbuys phone insurance, but I prefer it. I had the Hero, got it wet, it died, and they sent it out to be repaired. After a month (yes, took forever, but I did have a loaner from bestbuy during the time) they said it couldn't be fixed. Got store credit for the cost (retail, so $599.99 + tax), to get another Hero. I just got the Evo instead. They had no problem with it, since I was buying without upgrade or anything.
If it had been sprint they would have tossed me to asurion, and I would have paid $100...and still had the Hero.
as it stands, right now any warranty issues can be handled by Sprints S&R centers with or without Sprints ESRP or TEP plans. heard through the grapevine though that come October, customers that dont have ESPR or TEP will have to go through the Manufacturer for warranty, which the Manuf. wants you to ship the phone to them, they will determine if its covered or not, then send the phone back either fixed, replaced or the way you send it to them.
I keep the insurance on it. When I got my Tour last year, there was a glitch in the system for a couple of days. I got the $7TEP for $3 on both my and my wife's phone. =)
nxtech3 said:
as it stands, right now any warranty issues can be handled by Sprints S&R centers with or without Sprints ESRP or TEP plans. heard through the grapevine though that come October, customers that dont have ESPR or TEP will have to go through the Manufacturer for warranty, which the Manuf. wants you to ship the phone to them, they will determine if its covered or not, then send the phone back either fixed, replaced or the way you send it to them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Warranty goes through manu, not Sprint or any agent, don't know where you heard that from.
I don't know what makes anybody think they are entitled to a "new" phone and not refurb after months of wear/tear and something happening to the phone. Nothing on this planet lasts forever and phones are not meant to last more than a year (haven't you figured that out already by the ONE YEAR MANUFACTURERS warranty?)
Just like any other insurance on the planet, anytime you make a claim you must pay a deductible, car insurance, health insurance, phone insurance, ANY insurance. If you don't pay a deductible I guarantee you, you are paying more monthly than the insurance that does have a deductible. Now, it all comes down to how much of a gamble you want to pay. $7 a month + $100/$50 deductible through Sprint which in worst case scenario (11 months) you ended up paying $177/$127 but covers lost/stolen, physical damage, water damage, etc. Or $10 a month which after 11 months is $111 but doesn't cover lost/stolen and water damage in which case, you're now screwed. Me personally? I don't use insurance, I take good care of my ****
DirtyShroomz said:
Warranty goes through manu, not Sprint or any agent, don't know where you heard that from.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint has covered any and all warrenty claims I have thrown to them at no extra cost. The shipping label says Sprint, not HTC.
We charge the manufacturer whenever we do service or replacement through warranty at our store so both of you win lol
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Buy insurance for your epic..no more instore warranty repairs/replacements

Not sure how many people are aware, but as of tomorrow sprint is changing its service and repair program thus stopping in-store warranty work, your phone will only get repaired/replaced at a service center if you have TEP, otherwise you will have to go directly through Samsung which has a 17 business day turn-around time. If you do have TEP physical damage will be covered (cracked screens ext.), batteries will be covered..everything short of water damage and damaged beyond repair (aka the main board is broken) with no deductable
PDF Flyer: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=KUODMNAN
The file you are trying to access is temporarily unavailable.
The file you are trying to access is temporarily unavailable.
Been gettting that message all morning trying to download it.

			
				
d94 said:
Not sure how many people are aware, but as of tomorrow sprint is changing its service and repair program thus stopping in-store warranty work, your phone will only get repaired/replaced at a service center if you have TEP, otherwise you will have to go directly through Samsung which has a 17 business day turn-around time. If you do have TEP physical damage will be covered (cracked screens ext.), batteries will be covered..everything short of water damage and damaged beyond repair (aka the main board is broken) with no deductable
PDF Flyer: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=KUODMNAN
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have it wrong. The main change is $35 charge. the average person will still used this less than once every two years. The insurance still doesn't make much more sense than it made int he past.
Sprint will treat non tep repairs for warrant issues exactly the same except for a $35 charge.
Sprint will replace phones for the same no deductible reasons as it did before with the exception of a $35 charge.
Paying the insurance still means all the odds have been figured and you are paying extra for insurance company profit, insurance company overhead, people who take inordinate risks with their phones, and people who game the system.
Insurance is always like playing against the house, insurance for losses that are not catastrophic rarely make sense
The huge benefit to the change now is that physical damage is now covered in store with no deductable. (Cracked screens, ex) which saves you 100 big ones.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
cognitivel0gic said:
The huge benefit to the change now is that physical damage is now covered in store with no deductable. (Cracked screens, ex) which saves you 100 big ones.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
x2, now all the people that brick their phones can chuck their phone on the ground and get it replaced for free.
/fail
This is all well and good but I would like to see a few people go into the repair center with some cracked screens to see if they get fixed. The phrase that scares me is "not repairable damage". The leaves things very loose, I would hate to take the insurance off my phone, accidentally drop is and then have the person at the repair center tell me that this is not repairable. I don't take paying 7 a month extra as a bet against the house, its more like piece of mind that I would never have to pay $450+ dollars out of pocket for my phone if something were to happen.
scriz said:
x2, now all the people that brick their phones can chuck their phone on the ground and get it replaced for free.
/fail
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"a $50/$100 Claim via Asurion (Insurance Provider) for Damaged beyond repair devices such as ones with a damaged circuit board, liquid damage/corrosion, or a smashed device in 3 or more pieces. And anyone with a lost or stolen device will also get the same above $50/$100 Claim via Asurion."
"For those who are not under TEP and have such issues as a damaged circuit board, liquid damage/corrosion, a smashed device in 3+ parts, or a stolen/lost device they will either have to Upgrade or purchase a new device at MSRP."
So do you guys think the TEP is still worth it?
I had it for a year on my TP2 and never used it.
fastmikey1969 said:
So do you guys think the TEP is still worth it?
I had it for a year on my TP2 and never used it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The cost to service is less for a non Tep customer than the deductible. Unless you are prone to lose or water damage your phone the choice seems clear.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
For me it's been worth it. Over the last year, my wife has had her Moment stolen twice, and my son ran into the ocean with his Blackberry. Without TEP, I would have had to buy 3 phones at full price.
I'll never get rid of TEP. I've saved so much money from replacing phones. I seem to be cursed with bad screens, hinges, screens going white, etc... Alot of it happens out of warrenty.
I love TEP!
Sent from my bathroom, with toilet paper.
fastmikey1969 said:
So do you guys think the TEP is still worth it?
I had it for a year on my TP2 and never used it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To me, it's just like a concealed handgun license. Better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it.
AmnChode said:
Better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is an extraordinarily irrational attitude toward spending. Why not then buy a second phone to: "have it and not need it"?
The fact is the insurance companies have already figured out whether you will "need it." They have the data and statistics. They figured out the odds, built them against you, added profit, overhead, fraud etc
And again this entire post relative to non TEP holders is for phones bought after Oct 25, sprint can't retroactively change existing purchases and charge for what they specifically advertised for as free when n those purchases were made. Sprint specifically said warranty work would be zero cost without TEP to people buying before last week.
aero1 said:
That is an extraordinarily irrational attitude toward spending. Why not then buy a second phone to: "have it and not need it"?
The fact is the insurance companies have already figured out whether you will "need it." They have the data and statistics. They figured out the odds, built them against you, added profit, overhead, fraud etc
And again this entire post relative to non TEP holders is for phones bought after Oct 25, sprint can't retroactively change existing purchases and charge for what they specifically advertised for as free when n those purchases were made. Sprint specifically said warranty work would be zero cost without TEP to people buying before last week.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No its not irrational. Would you rather walk in the store and walk out knowing your free replacement will be here the next day, or would you rather walk in the store, spend $35 and have it delivered?
Your attitude towards it would be like not having car insurance. I've had full coverage insurance on both of my vehicles since I've owned them, yet have not had any accidents or had to file any insurance claims..should I just not have insurance just because I haven't "needed" it?
scriz said:
No its not irrational. Would you rather walk in the store and walk out knowing your free replacement will be here the next day, or would you rather walk in the store, spend $35 and have it delivered?
Your attitude towards it would be like not having car insurance. I've had full coverage insurance on both of my vehicles since I've owned them, yet have not had any accidents or had to file any insurance claims..should I just not have insurance just because I haven't "needed" it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll save the couple hundred dollars I'd spend total with TEP, pay the $35 and wait a few days.
I'm a single dad with two kids...the money's more important than the phone.
scriz said:
Your attitude towards it would be like not having car insurance. I've had full coverage insurance on both of my vehicles since I've owned them, yet have not had any accidents or had to file any insurance claims..should I just not have insurance just because I haven't "needed" it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it isn't. Car liability insurance protects you from loses in the millions, loses that do NOT decrease over the lifetime of your ownership.
Your phone goes from $600 to ~$200 in a year. The $600 phone I bought 18 months ago sells for $50 ebay.
scriz said:
Would you rather walk in the store and walk out knowing your free replacement will be here the next day, or would you rather walk in the store, spend $35 and have it delivered?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are confused about Sprints coverage in order to rationalize an irrational purchase. Last time I walked into a sprint store with a non functional phone -- and I have NO TEP or insurance with them, I walked out with a new in box 20 minutes later and paid no fee whatsoever.
You can't argue against the math. That it is not worth it and costs the average user more than benefit is an objective fact. If it weren't, it would cost more.
Please don't call the math irrational, when it is purely rational and the basis for profit of insurance companies, who employ better mathematicians and statisticians than NASA.
Al;so you are incorrect about the $35, that fee only applies to customers who purchased after Oct 25. (and even so it is worth it.)
aero1 said:
Al;so you are incorrect about the $35, that fee only applies to customers who purchased after Oct 25. (and even so it is worth it.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to put it out there, I am a technician at a Sprint corporate store and we definitely charge the $35 even for those phones purchased before the date.
ramsestut said:
Just to put it out there, I am a technician at a Sprint corporate store and we definitely charge the $35 even for those phones purchased before the date.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. I was about to post the same thing.
People, it doesn't matter when you purchased your phone. If you do not have TEP you will be assessed a $35 charge. And now, at least at my store, if a person comes in wanting to have their phone looked at under the manufacturers(sp) warranty, we provide them with the phone number to the specific manufacturer, andvise them of the 1-3 week wait period and inform them once again about the benefit of TEP. The only bright side is that after the initial $35 charge you now have 30 days in the event you do want to add the TEP to prevent any future hassels.

Kudos to Sprint for Once

Just got my Epic last Monday and I ALREADY (super clumsy move) dropped it and the screen cracked on Sunday. Went to the Sprint store today and they replaced my screen for free (I do have insurance though and pay the monthly $7). This is the 2nd time I've broken a screen with them in the past 6 months or so (broke my Moment screen too, which they also fixed for free). Just wanted to let everyone know that if you break your screen, and they have available replacements & you have insurance, they'll do it for free.
I believe if you don't have insurance they will replace it for 35$. Maybe someone here can confirm first hand but that's what a local sprint store charged a co worker when he shattered his evo then broke the lcd trying to replace the glass himself.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Does anyone know if you can just buy the insurance whenever? I've had my phone for a little bit and I want to buy it, but my parents keep saying that they'll [Sprint] never let me do it =/.
iamchocho said:
I believe if you don't have insurance they will replace it for 35$. Maybe someone here can confirm first hand but that's what a local sprint store charged a co worker when he shattered his evo then broke the lcd trying to replace the glass himself.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes; if you don't have insurance, they wil replace it for $35, and if it breaks again within 30 days of the first replacement, it is free.
After bricking my Epic twice...I can definitely confirm this lol.
Hasseo said:
Does anyone know if you can just buy the insurance whenever? I've had my phone for a little bit and I want to buy it, but my parents keep saying that they'll [Sprint] never let me do it =/.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you have to put it on your phone before your 30 days are up. After that I don't think you can.
Sent from my Evo Killer!!!
Hasseo said:
Does anyone know if you can just buy the insurance whenever? I've had my phone for a little bit and I want to buy it, but my parents keep saying that they'll [Sprint] never let me do it =/.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have a best buy near you..just go with their insurance. It's 10 a month instead of 7; but you don't pay a premium when you have to make a claim. And they cover EVERYTHING except lost/stolen.
Just dial *2 for customer service and ask if you can add the insurance. I wouldn't see why they wouldn't want to collect an extra $7/month, though I'm sure they have a waiting period for a claim to be considered legit if you add it after the initial 30 days from phone purchase.
They will add insurance at anytime, the only rule is that it wont activate until you make a call from the insured phone to make sure you don't break/lose it then add insurance
I second the best buy recommendation. Although it can take a little time for the replacement, if your phone is deemed beyond repairable they give you in store credit for a new phone. My "hero" mysteriously developed a 45 degree bend in the middle, and they gave me credit that I put to an Epic. Best move ever.
XtaC318 said:
If you have a best buy near you..just go with their insurance. It's 10 a month instead of 7; but you don't pay a premium when you have to make a claim. And they cover EVERYTHING except lost/stolen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except that their turnaround time is horrendous. Expect to wait up to 30days...
Hasseo said:
Does anyone know if you can just buy the insurance whenever? I've had my phone for a little bit and I want to buy it, but my parents keep saying that they'll [Sprint] never let me do it =/.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to add it within 30 days of activating the phone. If it's been past 30 days, you can activate another phone, then reactivate your Epic, and add the insurance to your Epic.
TWO515TY said:
You have to add it within 30 days of activating the phone. If it's been past 30 days, you can activate another phone, then reactivate your Epic, and add the insurance to your Epic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
being a sprint tech support rep i can tell you that your method is correct, however if the device you activated was activated before it will show the original activation date, alot of tech reps got fired for fraud trying to help customers out, they would activate an old device, add insurance, then switch to the new device. sprint caught us trying to help people and started marking it fraud.... so we had to stop, which sucks when the cust is cool and we cant do anything to help him/her.
and if you do not have TEP(insurance) ERP(just replacment inusrrance, or ESRP(just servicing the device in store no replacement insurance) there is a $35 charge, use to be $120 but changed about 2 months ago near christmas... also if you dont want to pay the $7 a month switch to one of the other plans and pay3-4 depending which you choose, forgot which is which... and at any time you can switch to TEP with no problem and even help a sprint rep(that helped you) out with a "sale"
XtaC318 said:
If you have a best buy near you..just go with their insurance. It's 10 a month instead of 7; but you don't pay a premium when you have to make a claim. And they cover EVERYTHING except lost/stolen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except then you don't have your phone for a minimum of 2 weeks lol.
063_XOBX said:
They will add insurance at anytime, the only rule is that it wont activate until you make a call from the insured phone to make sure you don't break/lose it then add insurance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They might have changed this but in the past they would let you put insurance on it but then you couldn't immediately make a claim. I think you have to wait either 14 or 30 days. This was so you didn't break it and then expect to add it and immediately get your broke phone fixed.
Hasseo said:
Does anyone know if you can just buy the insurance whenever? I've had my phone for a little bit and I want to buy it, but my parents keep saying that they'll [Sprint] never let me do it =/.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But mom i want it!!! I want it now! ::Start tantrum here:::::
Pvt WhoOkid said:
But mom i want it!!! I want it now! ::Start tantrum here:::::
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see the term "insurance" tossed around a lot when really what the poster means is the service and repair plan.
TEP is made up of both Insurance through Assurion, and the service and repair plan. Assurion replaces phones if you damage it beyond the level a repair center will handle, such as liquid damage, or board level damage. They also cover lost devices as well.
The Equipment Service and Repair plan is a service plan that gets you free service on the device in the store, including and up to replacing the phone with another if they can't fix it, and it's not liquid or board level damaged (go with the above if so)
Both plans cost four dollars each, or, if you have both you pay 7. If you just had the Insurance.. I.E. Assurion, a store is not going to work on your phone for free, and if you just have the service plan, you're not going to get a replacement for a lost phone or one you dumped into the toilet from Assurion.
Currently just the four dollar a month service and equipment replacement plan will get you new screens or whatever else you need as long as it's not liquid, board level damage, broken in half, whatever. If a store orders you another phone, that's not insurance, they did so because they couldn't fix it.
Hmmm... well. Thank you for all of your replies! You all are a big help.
At the Best Buy suggestion... no. I cannot stand Geek Squad. The corporate system there is terrible.
I'll probably just end up calling Sprint this weekend and asking if I can add it. It's been more than 30 days, but it's worth a shot.
Sent from the Epic that bites.

Categories

Resources