[Q] Insurance on Phones? Really?? - Sprint HTC EVO 4G LTE

this was mentioned in another thread... just didnt want to hijack the thread so i post it in a new one...
It will void your HTC "factory" warranty but if u have sprint tep then you can use the unroot and relock methods posted in the threads and you should be able to return them to sprint for repairs and such
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So, i never gave any insurances for phones a big thought... if you think, that I had plenty phones, and none of them got so damaged, lost, thrown in the water... that I was worried about insurance...
I mean you pay depending where about 10$ per month (2 years 240$) so if you just in case can get your phone replaced and pay another 100$ deductable... so in the end i pay 340$ to be sure I could have a replacment phone... now in other words...if i say the phone is worth 600$ that would mean that every 2nd person would need to replace there phone so it makes sense for a consumer to buy this... really every 2nd person? still it seems to be popular in these forums...
I mean yeah i had a display break from one of my phone some time back went to the store ordered a new display 100$ done... here i would have still overpaid 200$ so I don't quite get it... but I do have an open mind to be convinced
My example is absolutely simplified... and they offer repair services as well... I understand, but still...
Am i just talking good care of my stuff? so that i dont worry about this so much ? just wondering...

I think of it like this do I have in pocket over 500 to replace my phone nope. So ten bucks a month is easier when I do need replacmet and pay 100. Second is piece of mind, I did a few replacements and fixes which is good. In the end sprint and insurance wins. The thing that bugs me was a few years back the amount of fraud going on and that's why it gets more expensive when it comes to insurance.
Sent from my EVO using XDA

This is a good example why I don't have sprints TEP. It's a big rip off. I personally like using best buy black tie protection. I paid $170 for 2 years it doesn't have a deductible it is cheaper than sprints TEP.
Sent from my EVO using XDA

I personally think it's a waste of money. If I drop my phone on the sidewalk or in the toilet, I'll suck it up and get a cheap phone off Craigslist until I can save up for a replacement. I'd rather that than spend that much money a month on insurance. Besides, don't you all put a few bucks into an emergency fund every month anyway?

People say just be careful with your phone and you won't need insurance and if you can't do that then get ibsurance. Sure that's a good point, but there's no way I can watch out for it every day nor do I want to pile up money for insurance so small investments for quality cases and screen shields do that job for me for much less than paying insurance a month, so now I only have to worry about it for exceptionally dangerous days (camping, swimming, etc) which is easy if you remind yourself how important your phone is and how crazy it'll be without it. Living like this, I've never broken a phone.
But that's just me. I like someone else's idea, instead of investing your money in insurance where you never get it back, put it aside as a "phone" funds for yourself at the same rate this way you can keep your own money if you don't use it. You'll be paying more for the replacement, but if you generally don't break phones you'll be saving more money than you spend if you don't break it the next time (easier said than done, but I did say "if you generally don't break phones")
Basically, insurance is for people who either:
1) want to throw away money
or
2) break phones often (2+ times within one 2-year agreement)

Personally I don't think insurance is a bad idea but I do think sprints TEP structure is a total ripoff. Looking at a few EVO LTE on Ebay they're already going for under retail and I've seen a few open box sell for $450. I could only imagine what our phones would sell for in a couple of months. These phones will be so affordable soon rendering TEP a total ripoff if one had to pay a $200 deductible.
Sent from my EVO using XDA

forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=26638575&postcount=92
Please consider searching before starting new threads. This topic has had at least 3 threads dedicated to it, and the above link details under what circumstances a person should consider insuring their phone.
Sent from my EVO LTE using Tapatalk 2

If you don't want insurance then don't take it . Simplified answer.

Peace of mind coupled with not having to pay $500-$600 at once for a replacement.
Sent from my EVO using xda premium

PaulHBK said:
Peace of mind coupled with not having to pay $500-$600 at once for a replacement.
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
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As mentioned, you'd be getting ripped off to pay that much for a replacement now that Ebay is stocked up and people are looking ahead to the SGS3.
But, hey, at least we're not being forced by anybody to carry phone insurance. Yet.

SilverZero said:
As mentioned, you'd be getting ripped off to pay that much for a replacement now that Ebay is stocked up and people are looking ahead to the SGS3.
But, hey, at least we're not being forced by anybody to carry phone insurance. Yet.
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What are you talking about?! EVO LTEs are not going for low on eBay. They are auctioning for no less than $500 and "buy it now" options mostly around $600 and ABOVE. Don't spew "information" that doesn't truly benifit your point...
Sent from my EVO using xda premium

PaulHBK said:
What are you talking about?! EVO LTEs are not going for low on eBay. They are auctioning for no less than $500 and "buy it now" options mostly around $600 and ABOVE. Don't spew "information" that doesn't truly benifit your point...
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
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The one with "buy it now" are just sitting there without any one buying them. And I've seen a few auctioning off for $450-$475. I will post links when I get to my laptop
Sent from my EVO using XDA

Mathman85 said:
forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=26638575&postcount=92
Please consider searching before starting new threads. This topic has had at least 3 threads dedicated to it, and the above link details under what circumstances a person should consider insuring their phone.
Sent from my EVO LTE using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
Well I actually did do a search and had a couple entries.... But nothing big really..... Might have not look long enough
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2

PaulHBK said:
What are you talking about?! EVO LTEs are not going for low on eBay. They are auctioning for no less than $500 and "buy it now" options mostly around $600 and ABOVE. Don't spew "information" that doesn't truly benifit your point...
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
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No less then $500?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/18090309202...AX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_500wt_1182
http://www.ebay.com/itm/18090304509...AX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_500wt_1182
http://www.ebay.com/itm/18090166495...AX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_500wt_1182

I think the bottom line here is if you want phone insurance, get phone insurance. If you don't, then you don't. It's that simple. However, I kinda find it interesting that a lot of people say hey I don't need phone insurance but are the same people that get insurance on electronics. I know it's much cheaper and there's no deductible but if you are gonna be a stickler then be one 100% of the time. Insurance is there for those that wanna be proactive and have a peace of mind at the end of the day. Think of how much money we throw away paying car, home and renters insurance without ever putting in a claim? I know all these things are mandatory but honestly we waste thousands upon thousands upon thousands for those things. However, it's the peace of mind knowing that if you smash your car up, your home gets burglarized or catches fire, you'll be covered and so will your valuables( if you pay that extra $200 a year or more for that). If these things didn't carry mandatory weight, would we have car or home insurance? It's the same question to ask yourself when looking to purchase phone insurance( minus the mandatory part). I carry the TEP insurance because it protects me against EVERYTHING! I know there is a deductible but it works for me. I've heard horror stories about BBs Black Tie Protection. Yeah there is no deductible but what you have to go through to get your phone fixed is not worth the $94 you'll save vs the Sprint plan and in the end you end up getting a refurbished phone anyways. That's like saying I'll go to Joe Schmoe to get my car fixed because he is cheaper than the dealership but end up getting your car back with more problems than you started out with. I just say go with what you like. In the same breath, you can't ridicule or belittle someone for being proactive imho.

My old Palm Centro, Palm Pre, and Evo Shift...
Centro had worn out button panel, and then someone stepped on it a bit and the button panel broke on the corner.... free repair in 1 day
Palm Pre died and stopped turning on... Free new or "like new" replacement 2 business days
Second Palm Pre died and stopped turning on... Free new or "like new" replacement 2 business days
Evo Shift died and stopped turning on... Free new or "like new" replacement 2 business days
Second Evo Shift died and stopped turning on... Free new or "like new" replacement 2 business days
So this is why I keep my Sprint TEP
Never paid a dime aside from the monthly fee

shook187 said:
No less then $500?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/18090309202...AX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_500wt_1182
http://www.ebay.com/itm/18090304509...AX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_500wt_1182
http://www.ebay.com/itm/18090166495...AX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_500wt_1182
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Ok. Still close to $500 on those though. And I'd still rather not have to pay $470 at once though...
Sent from my LTEvo using XDA Premium

PaulHBK said:
Ok. Still close to $500 on those though. And I'd still rather not have to pay $470 at once though...
Sent from my LTEvo using XDA Premium
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$470 now $370 next month $270 the following month. Eventually the phone will level off around $225-$300. At that point making sprint deductible of $200 a total ripoff. I guess TEP is a good investment within the first 4 months of a phones released.
Sent from my EVO using XDA

Well lets put it this way I've had phones since they first came out. Remember that BIG Motorola ! Also one of the first car phones. I've never had insurance or had a need for it. Same with screen protectors. Each to his own.

Sprint tep has gotten me out of soo many o**** moments that I will continue to pay for it and is probably one of the main reasons I have stuck it out with sprint. No other carrier has "repair" centers like sprint does
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

Related

Best Insurance for EVO 4G LTE?

I pre-ordered my EVO through BB. I'm contemplating where to get my insurance now though. Can I go through Sprint still? Should I get the BB insurance? SquareTrade? Other?
What are some pros/cons from experience? I figured this would help a lot of people out. Thanks in advance!
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA
i would check with BB, but you can get it through sprint. just call them and ask for it, should be good to go
PsiPhiDan said:
I pre-ordered my EVO through BB. I'm contemplating where to get my insurance now though. Can I go through Sprint still? Should I get the BB insurance? SquareTrade? Other?
What are some pros/cons from experience? I figured this would help a lot of people out. Thanks in advance!
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My 2cent experience.
BB is a great insurance from a cost perspective. No deductible if your phone needs replacement. The only down side with BB insurance is if there is an issue, they need to send it in.
My BB Story:
I sent in my OG Evo because it had a bad charging port (common problem). It took them a month and a half to get it back to me. Meanwhile they gave me a beat up LG Optimus as a lender phone. It was decent, but it felt like a life time without MY phone. They fixed the charging port on my Evo and sent it back, but when I got it back, I noticed that they blew out the one capacitative button (above the charging port). I couldn't send it out and wait AGAIN. So I used LED hack to keep those lights off, because it looked like it was missing a front tooth.
Also, if you lose or your phone is stolen, your SOL. I dropped my Evo into the dark endless bottom of a lake (SOL).
You can go onto the Sprint Insurance after you buy your phone elsewhere, like BB. Nice things about Sprint is that they replace lost or stolen phones. If you need a replacement they get you one immediately. Downsides: Replacement phone might be refurbished and you have to pay a high deductible.
It's really whatever floats your boat. Sorry for the long post.
just to add to sprint's TEP you should be able to add TEP through sprint within 30 days
Also I believe now Sprint is uping their TEP cost to 11$ per month. For phones that cost 500$+ w/o contract. It is Asurion that provides the insurance, and from what I read the LTE will have a 150$ deductible.
So essentially you will end up paying $264 for 2 years + 150 deductible = $414.
And I currently have insurance on my OG Evo. I am seriously considering just dropping the insurance. If I break my LTE, just keep my old Evo as back up or buy something on craigslist. And after a year you can get the 75$ credit towards an upgrade.
I am leaning towards just saving my money on the insurance.
purock said:
My 2cent experience.
BB is a great insurance from a cost perspective. No deductible if your phone needs replacement. The only down side with BB insurance is if there is an issue, they need to send it in.
My BB Story:
I sent in my OG Evo because it had a bad charging port (common problem). It took them a month and a half to get it back to me. Meanwhile they gave me a beat up LG Optimus as a lender phone. It was decent, but it felt like a life time without MY phone. They fixed the charging port on my Evo and sent it back, but when I got it back, I noticed that they blew out the one capacitative button (above the charging port). I couldn't send it out and wait AGAIN. So I used LED hack to keep those lights off, because it looked like it was missing a front tooth.
Also, if you lose or your phone is stolen, your SOL. I dropped my Evo into the dark endless bottom of a lake (SOL).
You can go onto the Sprint Insurance after you buy your phone elsewhere, like BB. Nice things about Sprint is that they replace lost or stolen phones. If you need a replacement they get you one immediately. Downsides: Replacement phone might be refurbished and you have to pay a high deductible.
It's really whatever floats your boat. Sorry for the long post.
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Ya i hear these all the time because thats what the old insurance plan used to be.
Let me tell you about the changes they did for the Black Tie Protection plan from best buy.
2 Options:
1) Rapid Exchange program where it takes 2-5 business days for you to get another phone. Yes it will be a refurb phone and most of the phones I send out they usually come in 2 days.
2) repair program where you can send out your phone to be repaired and u will get the same unit. Takes anywhere from 2-4 weeks to get your phone back. Now this good thing about this option is that if your phone is not cost effective to repair then they will they give u full retail value to either get the same phone or u might be able to get yourself a new phone. Ive had times where ppl had the epic 4g and they were tired of it, sent it out and 3 weeks later they got themselves an epic 4g touch for $50 since the price difference from retail cost was 649.99 to 699.99. Now this may not always happen but it can.
LTEvo said:
Also I believe now Sprint is uping their TEP cost to 11$ per month. For phones that cost 500$+ w/o contract. It is Asurion that provides the insurance, and from what I read the LTE will have a 150$ deductible.
So essentially you will end up paying $264 for 2 years + 150 deductible = $414.
And I currently have insurance on my OG Evo. I am seriously considering just dropping the insurance. If I break my LTE, just keep my old Evo as back up or buy something on craigslist. And after a year you can get the 75$ credit towards an upgrade.
I am leaning towards just saving my money on the insurance.
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Click to collapse
This is pretty much my thoughts on insurance as well.
It's not really worth it. I'm keepmy my OG Evo as well for backup in case anything happens with my EVO LTE.
The Sprint warranty is essentially you making a $464($200 deductible + $11*24months) bet that you'll break your $550 phone over the next 2 years for a reason outside of the 12 month manufacture warranty coverage. Add in the variable of the price of the phone dropping after year 1, and it's a losing bet.
With squaretrade(who I currently use for my old EVO), it's a $225 bet of breaking your $550 phone over 2 years.
Bestbuy insurance just sucks from what I've read.
If your phone ever breaks, don't think of it as you're having to shell out $550.
Think of it as you've already saved $464 of the cost. You're only paying $85 extra for you losing your bet.
In other words, to make it more clear, it cost you $90 more to break your phone w/o insurance than with.
Are you really going to drop down $264($11/month) to maybe save $85 one day?
Theres this insurance company:
http://www.squaretrade.com/pages/android-landing1
I dont have any experience through them so i dunno, seems the reviews are good though but its a bit pricey @ $70 a year or $125 for 2 .
"Coverage up to $750. Coverage only available
for phones bought in the past 30 days."
Where did that 11$ came in? Are they changing it soon I paid 8$ at month and deductible is 100$ btw I do keep my insure for almost a year and then drop it ain't worth it for 24 months
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy Nexus CDMA using Tapatalk 2
LTEvo said:
Also I believe now Sprint is uping their TEP cost to 11$ per month. For phones that cost 500$+ w/o contract. It is Asurion that provides the insurance, and from what I read the LTE will have a 150$ deductible.
So essentially you will end up paying $264 for 2 years + 150 deductible = $414.
And I currently have insurance on my OG Evo. I am seriously considering just dropping the insurance. If I break my LTE, just keep my old Evo as back up or buy something on craigslist. And after a year you can get the 75$ credit towards an upgrade.
I am leaning towards just saving my money on the insurance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they don't have $75 upgrade anymore
NasTraDooMis said:
Theres this insurance company:
http://www.squaretrade.com/pages/android-landing1
I dont have any experience through them so i dunno, seems the reviews are good though but its a bit pricey @ $70 a year or $125 for 2 .
"Coverage up to $750. Coverage only available
for phones bought in the past 30 days."
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Click to collapse
How is that pricey? Way cheaper than Sprint and BB.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA
ticklemepinks said:
they don't have $75 upgrade anymore
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Hmm...I swear they were still giving 75$ credit for adding another year to your contract. Guess not, looks like this was canceled.
I'm keeping sprint's insurance... pay the deductable and get a new phone over nighted no questions asked for any reason!
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk 2
Ep3n3wp said:
I'm keeping sprint's insurance... pay the deductable and get a new phone over nighted no questions asked for any reason!
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
People have been doing some intense math on this forum regarding the TEP, and it seems that you'll pay about $450 for the insurance if you use it once. That's hardly worth it when the phone won't even be worth that in a year. I would recommend against it honestly, but if the peace of mind is worth it than do what you've gotta do.
PsiPhiDan said:
People have been doing some intense math on this forum regarding the TEP, and it seems that you'll pay about $450 for the insurance if you use it once. That's hardly worth it when the phone won't even be worth that in a year. I would recommend against it honestly, but if the peace of mind is worth it than do what you've gotta do.
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Click to collapse
It really boils down to how much of a clutz you are. if you are always dropping and/or breaking your phone and loosing it I think insurance is a smart buy. If you are very careful and treat it like your baby then insurance is about as bad a buy as when playing blackjack.
Okay how about ensquared.com? For $99, I get 2 years coverage and get:
-3 claims up to $1000 each (only a max of $600 TOTAL through squaretrade)
-$75 deductible (better than the $100 one through squaretrade)
-covers lost, stolen, dropped, water, etc.
Seems like the way to go! Any thoughts on this? Experience with them?
TEP is a house bet for most people. Those who haven't read this yet, read this write up by Mathman here.
I just dumped my TEP, 37.5% price increase with 100% deductible increase to go with it. On top of that, no guarantee your replacement is going to be new, it's most likely going to be a refurb which doesn't have the full value of a new phone.
I have always had TEP, and it has saved me multiple times. With my Samsung Moment, I bricked it several times. The first thing they asked me "do you have TEP?". Then they would replace it (for free) no questions asked. I have had them repair my wife's old Hero a couple times, and have had them repair other phones in the past. I have yet to pay a single deductible.
For me personally, TEP has worked out, and saved me a lot of money. So keep in mind that TEP does have some benefits too, and not every repair requires a deductible. I personally cannot afford forking out $599 for a new phone if I did not have insurance, so I have to have some sort of it. Squaretrade with a 30% off coupon makes the warranty about $90 for two years with accidental damage (doesn't cover lost or stolen), that is the other choice I would look at, but I think I may stick with TEP because of my past experience. The price hike does piss me off though.
caspertodd said:
I have always had TEP, and it has saved me multiple times. With my Samsung Moment, I bricked it several times. The first thing they asked me "do you have TEP?". Then they would replace it (for free) no questions asked. I have had them repair my wife's old Hero a couple times, and have had them repair other phones in the past. I have yet to pay a single deductible.
For me personally, TEP has worked out, and saved me a lot of money. So keep in mind that TEP does have some benefits too, and not every repair requires a deductible. I personally cannot afford forking out $599 for a new phone if I did not have insurance, so I have to have some sort of it. Squaretrade with a 30% off coupon makes the warranty about $90 for two years with accidental damage (doesn't cover lost or stolen), that is the other choice I would look at, but I think I may stick with TEP because of my past experience. The price hike does piss me off though.
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Click to collapse
See my above post. Ensquared seems to be a better bet than SquareTrade.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA

[Q] Is anyone else planning on dumping Total Equipment Protection for the new evo?

I just dumped mine on my evo3D. I have had TEP for a long time (since TP1) & have used it once. A long time ago I dropped my original evo off my desk and it broke. If you consider all the monthly premiums I have paid & the deductible I'm down on the deal.
TEP is increasing from $8 to $11 (a 37.5% increase) starting June 17th for all new LTE devices MSRP $549.99+ which would include the evo LTE. On top of that, deductible is rising to $150 or $200 a whopping 100% increase over the previous deductible.
Those increases are absolutely outrageous. Wasn't the evo 3D $499 off contract when it came out? So this is $50 more and they are doubling the deductible along with a 37%+ increase? You are way better off buying a phone off eBay or craigslist. I guess when the phone is brand new but within a few months prices usually come down.
Anyway I dumped mine just seeing how many of you are planning on keeping it. I may have considered keeping it if the deductible stayed the same but doubling? No thanks Are you guys keeping it?
btw here is the article LINKY
I'm pretty careful with my phone, obviously an accident can happen at anytime but I have an office job so it's on my desk all day. I didn't really think it was the best value before the price increase but now it just seems like a complete joke.
Thank you Mathman for an outstanding write up on the math behind TEP - Everyone should read this post here.
UPDATED Mathman Post with graphs - Everyone should read this post here.
I reluctantly kept mine just in case I bricked my phone.
sent from my iPhone killer
Definitely dumping my TEP, I've never had a reason to use it as I've always been safe with my phones. Keeping my old EVO as a backup.
i never had tep on my evo tho i thought i did until i broke it.. then man i missed having it.. so i will be keeping mine.. insurance is always a gamble but id rather pay for peace of mind then pay for a new phone or go back to my junk one
grrmisfit said:
i never had tep on my evo tho i thought i did until i broke it.. then man i missed having it.. so i will be keeping mine.. insurance is always a gamble but id rather pay for peace of mind then pay for a new phone or go back to my junk one
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Click to collapse
I will be keeping mine for the same reason. I have never had to use it in my time with sprint or even come to think of it maybe even in all my time with Alltel & Verizon too. But it is that if I ever need it. It is there.
Will
Didn't realize they were doubling the deductible that's just ridiculous -_- are there any good alternatives to this insurance? Would cancel but they kinda got us if there's no reasonable alternative...
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
Bestbuy and SquareTrade are two other alternatives but, neither of them cover loss or theft.
Dumped it months ago
Sent from my sticky fingered ice cream sandwich Evo 3D
So the Sprint warranty is essentially you making a $464 bet that you'll break your $550 phone over the next 2 years for a reason outside of the 12 month manufacture warranty coverage. Add in the variable of the price of the phone dropping after year 1, and it's a losing bet.
With squaretrade(who I currently use for my old EVO), it's a $225 bet of breaking your $550 phone over 2 years.
Bestbuy insurance just sucks from what I've read.
So... Think I'm skipping it.
The way I am with stuff, I need all the safety nets I can get. I just recently had my Evo 4g sink to the bottom of a lake.
With that being said, I'll probably cancel the insurance after a year and if something happens just be forced to do an early upgrade.
Sent from my Kindle Fire using XDA
purock said:
The way I am with stuff, I need all the safety nets I can get. I just recently had my Evo 4g sink to the bottom of a lake.
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Click to collapse
So you're going to lay down a $332 bet on a $550 phone breaking over the next 12 months?
Take your $332 to vegas and bet on Red. You'll make more money.
If you kill your phone, the payout is $220($550-$332). If you went to vegas with your bet, the payout would be 100%($332).
To protect against loss or theft you may want to add it to your insurance. I keep a personal articles policy for my photography equipment, laptop, and a few other items. I've place phones on the policy in the past.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA
Expanding on my point....
If your phone ever breaks, don't think of it as you're having to shell out $550.
Think of it as you've already saved $464 of the cost. You're only paying $85 extra for you losing your bet.
In other words, to make it more clear, it cost you $85 more to break your phone w/o insurance than with. That's it.
The question with insurance is, are you really going to drop down $264($11/month) to maybe save $85 one day?
one thing you guys aren't thinking about...what if you have to replace the phone more than once in those two years?
i've had to replace my wife's phone 6 times in the past two years with out paying a deductible any of the times....do the math on replacing multiple times
me personally all the kernel developing and flashing i haven't had to use TEP for my line but having it on both lines and replacing her phone 6 times made it well worth it on both lines
Rodderik said:
one thing you guys aren't thinking about...what if you have to replace the phone more than once in those two years?
i've had to replace my wife's phone 6 times in the past two years with out paying a deductible any of the times....do the math on replacing multiple times
me personally all the kernel developing and flashing i haven't had to use TEP for my line but having it on both lines and replacing her phone 6 times made it well worth it on both lines
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had 7 EVO's in 2 years so I have definitely used me tep. I recently found out that you can downgrade your protection to not include accidents or theft. So essentially normal wear and tear and sprint store support. I may go with this option since none of the times I replaced mine had to go through assurant.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2
btbamzao said:
I've had 7 EVO's in 2 years so I have definitely used me tep. I recently found out that you can downgrade your protection to not include accidents or theft. So essentially normal wear and tear and sprint store support. I may go with this option since none of the times I replaced mine had to go through assurant.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that is true and a valid option...most people don't know tep is actually 2 different charges
Haven't had one of these policies in the last 5 years on any phone owned. If you're prone to dropping/damaging your device, then by all means get it. For me it would just be wasted money.
I'll take the risk. If something should happen, I'll buy a used one from ebay or similar.
btbamzao said:
I've had 7 EVO's in 2 years so I have definitely used me tep. I recently found out that you can downgrade your protection to not include accidents or theft. So essentially normal wear and tear and sprint store support. I may go with this option since none of the times I replaced mine had to go through assurant.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is good to know and what I'll be doing. I've only used assurion once and that was over 4 years ago- the rest of my replacements have been through the store.
.jond said:
So the Sprint warranty is essentially you making a $464 bet that you'll break your $550 phone over the next 2 years for a reason outside of the 12 month manufacture warranty coverage. Add in the variable of the price of the phone dropping after year 1, and it's a losing bet.
With squaretrade(who I currently use for my old EVO), it's a $225 bet of breaking your $550 phone over 2 years.
Bestbuy insurance just sucks from what I've read.
So... Think I'm skipping it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is my previous post I posted in another thread. Many people have had bad experience with best buy protection plan but it has changed since the OG evo days.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=26016045
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Dumped it a long time ago. Keeping the OG Evo as a backup to the EVO LTE.

Lifetime Phone Warranty

Why not just pay $9.99 to get Best Buy Black Tie Protection?
No deductible.
Unlimited claims.
Free loaner phone if yours has to be special ordered.
Covers all physical damage except full water submersion.
Cancel any time free.
Those are the exact words I was told when buying my phone.
I got Black Tie.
Persuade me to cancel it so I can save money.
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
newfireorange said:
Why not just pay $9.99 to get Best Buy Black Tie Protection?
No deductible.
Unlimited claims.
Free loaner phone if yours has to be special ordered.
Covers all physical damage except full water submersion.
Cancel any time free.
Those are the exact words I was told when buying my phone.
I got Black Tie.
Persuade me to cancel it so I can save money.
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Number one reason is the wait to get your phone back can be a week or two weeks sometimes a month the program is good but I can't go that long without my phone
Ask sprint about their options I think if you are just worried about cracked screens and stuff you can get protection through them for.that at like 4 bucks a month. If I am wrong someone interject. Reason I say 4 is I don't think the tep has raised yet and if u lock it in now it won't raise till you resign...
I do not have Black Tie but I heard that its pretty awful. At times they do not honor replacements.
Google it for more info.
I have Black Tie, but I gotta tell you: the whole "free loaner phone if yours has to be special ordered"? Count on rocking a crappy old Android or a BlackBerry for a little bit if your phone can't be initially just fixed....
Here's the rub: yours IS gonna have to be special ordered, if you need a replacement, no matter if your Best Buy has 500 new EVOs in stock: they won't let you have one of theirs. For me, for the times I had to use it, I waited about 2 weeks the first time (because it was "backordered", even though my Best Buy had plenty), and about 3 days the second.
Of course, you also are also DEFINITELY getting a refurb, count on that 100%.
*I still use it, like I said, but the guy at Best Buy won't tell you all these little "details", which, I think, is a bit shady.
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
I waited a month for a broken charger port on my OG Evo. Seemed like an eternity. Got it back and found that while they fixed the port, they blew out the light on the menu button (looked like it was missing a tooth) . Wasn't going to wait again with a beat up small lender phone.
Gave me a scratched and dented LG Optimus. Big ole scratch on the screen.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA
Lol at the people that don't like brick and mortar stores its that that is hurting the economy why buy it somewhere and pay a little extra and take a little extra time n pay tax when u can order it online for cheaper ans not pay tax. However I heard awhile back they where or are trying to put laws in place for sales tax on online items.
newfireorange said:
Why not just pay $9.99 to get Best Buy Black Tie Protection?
No deductible.
Unlimited claims.
Free loaner phone if yours has to be special ordered.
Covers all physical damage except full water submersion.
Cancel any time free.
Those are the exact words I was told when buying my phone.
I got Black Tie.
Persuade me to cancel it so I can save money.
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually just dropped sprints insurance and am going to straight up buy the black tie insurance for $170 for the 2 year protection. How sprint is Jacking up the price on everything you would be paying $264 for 2 years not including the $150-$200 deductible. Hell if I can save $100-$250 with BB with a refurbished phone and wait 2 weeks its worth it.
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
ZAGG has insurance as well. I think its 100$ for 2yrs and covers everything with a 100$ deductible. Might wanna look into that.
James
best buy also doesnt cover lost or stolen tho if you use mobile defense or sprint locator those arent a huge issue..
ckoadiyn Lol at the people that don't like brick and mortar stores its that that is hurting the economy why buy it somewhere and pay a little extra and take a little extra time n pay tax when u can order it online for cheaper ans not pay tax. However I heard awhile back they where or are trying to put laws in place for sales tax on online items.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes cause buying online is different then buying in brick and mortar... the store actually makes more of a profit from online sales then store. and i paid taxes when i ordered from sprint tyvm.. the only thing being loss on online sales is taxes to the state but as someone who works in retail i can also tell you all the people using food stamps arent helping much either.. lord forbid they dont get their tax free soda chips and fat cakes
grrmisfit said:
best buy also doesnt cover lost or stolen tho if you use mobile defense or sprint locator those arent a huge issue..
yes cause buying online is different then buying in brick and mortar... the store actually makes more of a profit from online sales then store. and i paid taxes when i ordered from sprint tyvm.. the only thing being loss on online sales is taxes to the state but as someone who works in retail i can also tell you all the people using food stamps arent helping much either.. lord forbid they dont get their tax free soda chips and fat cakes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol that is probably true but I always get the impression most shop amazon etc n I know it is just state taxes but still. I don't have a problem with food stamps for those that use it correctly however many people don't use it correctly
ckoadiyn said:
Lol that is probably true but I always get the impression most shop amazon etc n I know it is just state taxes but still. I don't have a problem with food stamps for those that use it correctly however many people don't use it correctly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i use online cause its a convenience . i work over nights so i can shop while everything is closed and its usually cheaper cause they save on labor and other things a brick and mortar has to pay.. walk into a kmart.. have their website loaded and check prices, you will see that a lot of their stuff is more expensive in stores then online and they will not price match
grrmisfit said:
i use online cause its a convenience . i work over nights so i can shop while everything is closed and its usually cheaper cause they save on labor and other things a brick and mortar has to pay.. walk into a kmart.. have their website loaded and check prices, you will see that a lot of their stuff is more expensive in stores then online and they will not price match
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah and is rather pay extra to know that American people have a job even if it is a store and 5 extra dollars that's all im trying to say we have to many people to be cutting jobs and companies can pick up and leave over seas. Btw I agree 3rd sucks I work 12-8 am and it is hard a lot of.the time
But all and all price wise. BB is the cheapest if you don't mind waiting a couple days for a replacement refurbished phone and the fact they don't cover loss or theft. Anyone object?
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
xbmoyx said:
But all and all price wise. BB is the cheapest if you don't mind waiting a couple days for a replacement refurbished phone and the fact they don't cover loss or theft. Anyone object?
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope however I am interested in zagg..
I use http://www.squaretrade.com - $119 for two years protection after tax and 10% discount (coupon code TENFTEN).
You still pay a $99 deductible, and no coverage for theft or loss....but it has great reviews which is comforting. And at about $5/month...much better deal.
Sent from my Evo4GLTE
I had the black tie protection and I'll tell you why it isn't so hot.
First, doesn't cover lost or stolen phones.
Second, loaner phones require a $150 deposit.
Third, when I used the insurance to fix a broken charging port, I sent the phone in on Jan 2nd. The phone came back unrepaired 3 times. I finally got a replacement phone the second week of February. Believe me, I would have gladly gave a hundred dollars for a replacement from sprint.
Learned my lesson on best buy protection.
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
ckoadiyn said:
Ask sprint about their options I think if you are just worried about cracked screens and stuff you can get protection through them for.that at like 4 bucks a month. If I am wrong someone interject. Reason I say 4 is I don't think the tep has raised yet and if u lock it in now it won't raise till you resign...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 4$ is still the same for service and repairs. However the replacement part of the TEP has gone up i believe.
And no the TEP will be raised for everyone but only in September if you sign up for TEP before july 17th.
stumblebum said:
I use http://www.squaretrade.com - $119 for two years protection after tax and 10% discount (coupon code TENFTEN).
You still pay a $99 deductible, and no coverage for theft or loss....but it has great reviews which is comforting. And at about $5/month...much better deal.
Sent from my Evo4GLTE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you get a brand new phone? Do they cover loss/theft?
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
newfireorange said:
Why not just pay $9.99 to get Best Buy Black Tie Protection?
No deductible.
Unlimited claims.
Free loaner phone if yours has to be special ordered.
Covers all physical damage except full water submersion.
Cancel any time free.
Those are the exact words I was told when buying my phone.
I got Black Tie.
Persuade me to cancel it so I can save money.
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ckoadiyn said:
Number one reason is the wait to get your phone back can be a week or two weeks sometimes a month the program is good but I can't go that long without my phone
Ask sprint about their options I think if you are just worried about cracked screens and stuff you can get protection through them for.that at like 4 bucks a month. If I am wrong someone interject. Reason I say 4 is I don't think the tep has raised yet and if u lock it in now it won't raise till you resign...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I work for Best Buy and am very familiar with the GSBTP plans (Geek Squad Black Tie Protection). What I am about to say is my own opinion and not that of Best Buy's.
That being said, I am going to give you an unbiased opinion on this because I see both sides to what you guys are saying. I bought my phone outright from BBY 2 days ago. Did I buy GSBTP? No, here is why: I like the lost or stolen option from Asurion/Sprint and I never had to use it until 2 weeks ago when someone stole my EVO 3D from my store. I tried remote locating it and all that crap and it didn't help. Paid the deductible through Asurion (should have been $100 but they told me $50) and got a replacement the next day.
As far as what GSBTP offers, yeah, it's not bad. But there are some things that need clarified in what has been said in this thread. The replacements now are all "Rapid Exchange", as in, you come into BBY and we fill out all the paperwork to get you a new phone. What happens is that the system then generates and order for a refurbished phone to be shipped that day while we send yours back to them at the same time. This means that you will get a new phone within 3 business days, not too bad.
However, the loaner phones are pretty crappy, as mentioned. But stores are suppose to charge you $50 for the loaner phone that gets returned back to you after you return it. They don't all do that, but they are supposed to, so keep that in mind that YMMV.
Everything else in the OP is right. BBY won't deny a claim unless you fully submerged it, nor would they even know that unless you told them. There is a girl at my store that literally drops and shatters her iPhone screen atleast 2 times a month and it's been happening for over a year now, never had an issue. Also, with GSPTB, you are entitled to a 1-time battery replacement on your phone as well which is awesome, but unfortunately doesn't apply to phones without removable batteries.
Hopefully this clarified things for you guys and gave you an idea of both sides to the GSBTP story
@-viperboy-
Thank you for the clarification.
~ I'm a fungi

phone insurance?

I just bought my phone last week. Do you people recommend the insurance? I bought it from best buy should I choose their insurance or through sprint. I didnt think I would need it until I read the lazy panda s-off thread.
I bought insurance thru gocare.com. Still haven't used it but it is still WAY cheaper than Sprint and best buy. I bought it really for piece of mind. I'm very gentle with my love and she has a Otterbox defender on.
SENT FROM MY EVO 4G LTE!!! (w/no LTE)
I think (JMO) that insurance thru sprint is ridiculous. I've heard its up to $11 a month with a $100 deductable. Over 2 years of your contract, that will put you at $500+. And if you do break it, you could pay over $600 total invested. You can get our phones for $300-350 on ebay. Its worth it to me to roll the dice, be careful with my phone. I could see it being worth it if you are really clumsy, but then you should probably have an old Nokia. Not something with a glass screen.
STIDRIVER said:
I think (JMO) that insurance thru sprint is ridiculous. I've heard its up to $11 a month with a $100 deductable. Over 2 years of your contract, that will put you at $500+. And if you do break it, you could pay over $600 total invested. You can get our phones for $300-350 on ebay. Its worth it to me to roll the dice, be careful with my phone. I could see it being worth it if you are really clumsy, but then you should probably have an old Nokia. Not something with a glass screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With that logic, do you not carry car insurance either????
STIDRIVER said:
I think (JMO) that insurance thru sprint is ridiculous. I've heard its up to $11 a month with a $100 deductable. Over 2 years of your contract, that will put you at $500+. And if you do break it, you could pay over $600 total invested. You can get our phones for $300-350 on ebay. Its worth it to me to roll the dice, be careful with my phone. I could see it being worth it if you are really clumsy, but then you should probably have an old Nokia. Not something with a glass screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
24 * 11 = 264. Where did you get 500+?
Sent from my EVO
The deductible on this phone is $150 not $100.
SENT FROM MY EVO 4G LTE!!! (w/no LTE)
Im not trying to stir up anything just asking for all opinions. Thanks for the input. I didnt have insurance on my last phone but I am scared about bricking. I will give you something to laugh about I screwed up trying to root with zedomax method. I had a blank screen with no icons and was freaking then I factory reset (stupid htc sync).
I currently have the Best Buy insurance, and I'm getting ready to drop it because since I picked up my EvoLTE, they have double billed me. The last time I called them to handle it, they totaled screwed up my whole BB geek squad acct. They dumped all the other devices off the insurance.
I never had a problem before with them, but I think it's time to look elsewhere.
Sent from my EVO LTE using xda app
I have insurance on my phone and my wife's. It's really a convenience thing for us. New phone the next day and the deductible added to our bill. We don't have extra cash to buy one, and we don't feel like using craigslist. Those pros outweigh the cons of the monthly fee and deductible.
"We're coming from a pure power source"
If your phone is rooted, you want insurance.
Its protection from yourself
That's a good point too. My lte is rooted, her design 4g isn't, but our 18 mo old daughter gave the design 4g a coffee bath this morning. Oops.
"We're coming from a pure power source"
Yep always take the insurance, not from BB the gf had it through them and they apparently do not cover theft
beerbq said:
I just bought my phone last week. Do you people recommend the insurance? I bought it from best buy should I choose their insurance or through sprint. I didnt think I would need it until I read the lazy panda s-off thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i would go with best buys, there is not a down payment and they dont even know how to check if it is rooted or not
You generally do NOT want best buys insurance with this phone.
The reason being: for ANY issue, they take your phone and you get a refurbished one. Thats great and all.......unless you care about being S-OFF
Get it from Sprint because if anything fails guess what, you get stuff fixed for free. The only thing techs can't fix is physical damage and liquid damage.
Sent from my EVO
bog3nator said:
i would go with best buys, there is not a down payment and they dont even know how to check if it is rooted or not
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Enjoy your loaner flip phone from the 90's if they have to send out for a replacement
om4 said:
Enjoy your loaner flip phone from the 90's if they have to send out for a replacement
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, and they'll charge you $50 deposit for it too.
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
I refuse to pay insurance, it's ridiculous (the price)
I always keep my old phone just in case something happens.
The Evo was the first phone I ever bought full price and still I wouldn't pay insurance.
Just be gentle with ur phone and keep it in a nice case.
Well some of us don't believe in having a phone die on us after the 30 day return window is up, or get lost, stolen, or damaged. These phones cost quite a bit regardless of whether or not we have a spare, and its comforting to know we can just get a replacement phone if something does happen
om4 said:
Well some of us don't believe in having a phone die on us after the 30 day return window is up, or get lost, stolen, or damaged. These phones cost quite a bit regardless of whether or not we have a spare
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. And with everything that could go wrong with rooting/flashing/ect I personally don't think its a smart move to not have it.
There have been multiple people with devices that just randomly bricked doing things it shouldn't brick while doing.

[Q] Best buy insurance?

Is anyone using this on their HTC One, or planning on it? I have a week left to decide, currently have no insurance but am seriously considering getting some.. just in case. You never know. That and I don't plan on using an otterbox this go around. Too bulky.
megamaster2 said:
Is anyone using this on their HTC One, or planning on it? I have a week left to decide, currently have no insurance but am seriously considering getting some.. just in case. You never know. That and I don't plan on using an otterbox this go around. Too bulky.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the best buy insurance on my phone. I actually already had to have my phone replaced once due to a very unforunate unlucky drop. Works quite well. No deductible either.
Apoyyo said:
I have the best buy insurance on my phone. I actually already had to have my phone replaced once due to a very unforunate unlucky drop. Works quite well. No deductible either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Overall a good experience then? I've heard there have been issues with it due to people canceling their cards and stuff and then not being able to use it when they needed it. I'll keep an eye out for that. Thank you.
megamaster2 said:
Overall a good experience then? I've heard there have been issues with it due to people canceling their cards and stuff and then not being able to use it when they needed it. I'll keep an eye out for that. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, I'm actually an employee there. The only reason cards get cancelled is if a payment is declined or the card expires. It doesn't just magically happen like some people like to think. You can also opt to buy 2 years of protection outright for 170 which saves you 70 dollars. Then you don't have to worry about any cancellation issues.
College student. Won't have that kinda upfront. But I won't cancel my card for another two years so it's all good. I'll probably get it. Thanks for your input.
megamaster2 said:
College student. Won't have that kinda upfront. But I won't cancel my card for another two years so it's all good. I'll probably get it. Thanks for your input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Being a college student you should try to be extra careful and not drop your phone so you don't have to cough up unnecessary $$ for insurance. It's a waste of $$ if you asked me. But it's your $$ the bottom line. I'm not a college student and I don't ever pay for phone insurance because I will do everything I can to not drop the phone. The $$ can be wisely invested elsewhere.
if its the black tie insurance i would highly recommend it. i bought a 4 year insurance policy on my samsung dlp tv and i was told no matter what hapend to the tv it would be covered at no charge. i was told they would replace the bulb in the tv twice in the 4 years and they actually changed it 4 times because the service tech felt the bulb was dying prematurely. in the 4 years they came to my house over 10 times for repairs and when they had to order parts they left a loaner tv. in the end the service tech told me he thought the tv was a lemon and gave me a code.i took the code to the store and they gave me a best buy gift card with the full amount i paid for the tv and told me i could use it to get a new tv. hands down best insurance ive ever bought.
silkshocker said:
Being a college student you should try to be extra careful and not drop your phone so you don't have to cough up unnecessary $$ for insurance. It's a waste of $$ if you asked me. But it's your $$ the bottom line. I'm not a college student and I don't ever pay for phone insurance because I will do everything I can to not drop the phone. The $$ can be wisely invested elsewhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No offense but I think that's bad advice. Things happen and its best to be prepared then to wish you had later. I guess you suggested not having car insurance and just becareful. Check square trade they have weekly coupons for a reduction up to 50% off. Better safe than sorry. 10 a month is one less Starbucks coffee. Plus if your a student your carrier will give you a month percentage off your bill if you contact them. Mine is 20% a month which covers my insurance plus some.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
I think I can live without a couple coffees each month if it would save me over five hundred once.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2
silkshocker said:
Being a college student you should try to be extra careful and not drop your phone so you don't have to cough up unnecessary $$ for insurance. It's a waste of $$ if you asked me. But it's your $$ the bottom line. I'm not a college student and I don't ever pay for phone insurance because I will do everything I can to not drop the phone. The $$ can be wisely invested elsewhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're comparing car insurance to a phone insurance? A difference of thousands of $$ for repair/replacement cost? One is a must have and is required by law vs. the other which is optional. But to each his own. It's your $$ do whatever as you will with it.
Geek Squad Protection is hands down the best insurance I've ever seen on electronics.
No deductible, drop your phone off, pay for a loaner if you absolutely need it, pick up the refurb in a few days.
I work for Geek Squad, and I see all types of damages come in. Definitely worth the $10 a month.
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium
I'll go get some this weekend. Thanks guys! Hope I use it once...just once. Then it's all worth it.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

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