Develop Bugs

Sprint TEP - Open Enrollment

Sprints TEP has had open enrollment extended through September. Search only came up with results in other phone threads so figured I'd post it here if anyone was interested or didn't know. I've known about it for over a week but never thought to post it so doing it now!
There are a little over 4 hours left so if anyone was interested just an FYI.
http://www.tepenroll.com/
I enrolled, only because they are giving me monthly credit for crappy signal, so I'm reinvesting the money into this for a couple months in case the phone still has issues.

Don't bother, too expensive.
Get a SquareTrade warranty instead.

Yeah SquareTrade or Worth Ave are definitely better but figured I'd post this for those that wanted Sprint.
I had SquareTrade on my EVO but didn't like that you can only have the 1 claim. And there service depots really sucks. Sent my EVO back and forth for over a month for the same issue alllll the way to LA. I'll end up going with insurance from the Worth Ave Group in a couple months.
edit: forgot to mention, I now have my ET4G thanks to SquareTrade and their reimbursements

Yeah, just don't have it stolen or lose it because that is NOT covered...
And have fun shipping it off instead of in-store or overnight replacement...
and the part about something happening within the first 60 days are not covered as they are considered a 'pre-existing condition'...just sayin'

Radical-J said:
Yeah, just don't have it stolen or lose it because that is NOT covered...
And have fun shipping it off instead of in-store or overnight replacement...
and the part about something happening within the first 60 days are not covered as they are considered a 'pre-existing condition'...just sayin'
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Agreed, shipping it off was the worst. Especially over a month. Man was I pissed. One time during the process was because they put the EVO back together improperly so the back cover wouldn't fit, completely unrelated to my charging issues.
Sprints TEP is a best of both worlds type of thing though (you get insurance type of coverage for loss and adh + warranty type for electrical malfunctions etc). SquareTrade doesnt do loss, worth ave doesnt cover electrical malfunctions etc.
But anyways, wasn't trying to make any case for whats better, just letting people who didn't know that TEP enrollment is open.

Have you guys ever heard of tough-cell? I found them once and contacted them. They said they send out replacements next day and it works out to be much cheaper than tep. granted you dont get in-store replacements, but their service seems comparable to assurion
http://www.toughcell.com/

graffixnyc said:
Have you guys ever heard of tough-cell? I found them once and contacted them. They said they send out replacements next day and it works out to be much cheaper than tep. granted you dont get in-store replacements, but their service seems comparable to assurion
http://www.toughcell.com/
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Click to collapse
Never heard of them but not bad! Worth Ave Group is comparable to tough-cell. Did a quick comparison, tough cells deductible is $25 more ($50 vs $75) and it increases by $25 for second and third claim. Maybe I'll get a comparison chart going for some of these companies. Make it easier for people who aren't sure. So many little differences that are easy to overlook!

Has anyone have experience with using Sprint's TEP?
I need to cancel the one I got from BestBuy. No deductible sounds nice but I'm not really fond of them for service.

I have no life. Created a comparison chart of 4 coverage providers.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1284296

Let's do the math on accidental insurance

I've read the Worth Ave thread but I am going to pass on the college plus despite what the phone operator told me since it is clearly stated on their website that you must be a student or employee of colleges or universities.
So for Accidental smartphone coverage:
Worth Ave : $59/year with $50 deductible with no limits on number of incidents. Not sure if there is only one replacement allowed per year.
Cons: maximum of $599, no normal wear and tear or mechanical breakdown, ONLY accidental drops, spills and theft. No claims if you simply lost your phone.
Gocare insurance: $59/year with $50 deductible with no limits on number of incidents. One replacement device during the coverage term. Said it will cover jailbroken phone so I would assume rooted phone also. Coverage seems to be very comprehensive but no theft or loss coverage.
Square trade: one year is $69 two year is $99(cheaper at Amazon, $125 at square trade site) $99 deductible. One replacement per coverage term. Each accidental claim is deducted from full replacement value of phone. A little ambiguity since when I read the contract, it said PURCHASED PRICE not full replacement cost.
Squaretrade:
Given the $99 deductible and the fact that if you paid for 2 years for squaretrade, and the fact that each time you have a claim, the cost of the claim is deducted from the maximum value, I do not think that the squaretrade deal is a good deal. If you choose the $6.99/month, you still have to pay for all 24 months if you made any claim. Also suppose you need a replacement 3 months after your coverage starts, you are out $99 plus $99 and you will not have any more coverage on the replacement device since you exhausted the maximum value.
Gocare:
For $59/year with $50 deductible, I think this is a better plan. Each incident whether it requires replacement or repair is $50 not $99. Also if your phone is not repairable during the first year, you are out only $59+$50 instead of $198 if you had square trade. Also you can repair as often as you like. Crack screen twice, $100. With Squaretrade, two crack screens and you are out $198 plus you probably can't submit another claim ever on that policy if the actual screen replacement cost is half the phone cost.
Either way, it is cheaper and wiser to buy one year instead of two year. Buying one year at a time will allow one replacement each year for the worst case.
I want to hear your thoughts but looks like I am going to pull the trigger on gocare insurance.

I can confirm I claimed on square trade and was given the full retail amount to purchase a new phone
Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk 2

I went with Squaretrade because of their good reviews on Amazon, etc.
I have Sprint's insurance currently, but for 11 dollars a month, with a 150 deductible, I wanted to try something else.
The problem with what you said, buying 1 year at a time, is that I dont believe with Squaretrade you can do that. My understanding is that you have to buy it within the first 30 days of purchasing your phone.

So does Gocare cover loss or theft? It sounds like the best deal, but lost or stolen is important to me.

bullz7210 said:
I went with Squaretrade because of their good reviews on Amazon, etc.
I have Sprint's insurance currently, but for 11 dollars a month, with a 150 deductible, I wanted to try something else.
The problem with what you said, buying 1 year at a time, is that I dont believe with Squaretrade you can do that. My understanding is that you have to buy it within the first 30 days of purchasing your phone.
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Click to collapse
That is true, forgot about the 30 days.
GoCare doesn't care if your smartphone is new so you can just buy another one after the first year ends. Neither GoCare nor square trade covers theft or loss but I believe Sprint does.
Worth Ave group covers theft but probably requires a police report. It does not cover lost.
I took a chance and bought the $2000 coverage from Worth Ave group for a year since it is a blanket coverage of all your devices up to $2000. Since you don't even need to submit serial numbers(you can do that when you make a claim, provided you have the original box OR the receipt), I am basically covering every piece of electronics I own for up to $2000(smartphones, camera, laptop, camcorder) against accidental damage, spills, and thefts. Since I have 4 smartphones purchased for family plan, everyone of them is covered against crack screens, drops, and water submersions. For $66/year, I took a chance and hopefully if I have to make a claim, it will be a hassle free $25 deductibles.

I'm glad this thread is here, I was about to make a similar post. I'm also wondering which way to go as I currently have the Sprint coverage and would like something better and more affordable. I never heard of Gocare until now. I've used Squaretrade for my TF700 and it went well, bought a new one with the money...no deductible for tabs.
I'm thinking that will all the things that could go wrong with a phablet, if it would be better to go with Sprint for the ease. Will definitely look more into Gocare as I plan on picking up my phone this weekend.
I also was checking with Professor Google and found this: http://www.ensquared.com/GoCare-vs-Ensquared-vs-SquareTrade Ensquared is looking really good too. I'm going to put some more research into it but from their page here they look to have the best coverage: http://www.ensquared.com/catalog/phone-insurance/1-year-phone-insurance-smartphone

What about best buy? I heard we can just take the receipt and box into the store to get it added.

Ensquare looks pretty good since it covers loss also. Price is not bad for 1 or 2 years and you get up to 2 or 3 claims. I guess squaretrade is best known for service but if you need replacement within 2 years(assuming $99 2 years coverage), you will be out $198 and won't be able to make any more claims. With ensquare, you can lose your phone up to 3 times and they will charge you $75 for first time, $100 second and third time. How is ensquare's claim reputations?

Thanks to being spurred on by this thread, I have decided on insurance (which I NEVER get, but this phone is too expensive to risk) and weighed all the options. I just signed on with Ensquared. I almost went with GoCare, but read several things that said it was more a repair facility than an underwritten insurance provider. I ruled out Square Trade, Sprint and others for a variety of reasons. $59/yr with up to 2 claims ($1000 limit per claim), $75 ded on first and $100 if there's a second. Probably I will have none, but already feel more relaxed. They also cover loss or theft. Link if interested: http://www.ensquared.com/catalog/phone-insurance/1-year-phone-insurance-smartphone

Why not Sprint TEP?
Does it cost more? Yes. $11 a month.
Defective phone or wear and tear? Take it to the store. Swapped or repaired.
Lost, stolen or damaged? $150 deductible. I think there was something stating it's 3 swaps now.
Without it and with a 3rd party insurance. You have your 1 year warranty, but there is a $36 swap fee involved. Or good luck contacting Samsung. I tried and no one spoke English or had any idea of what I meant when I called in and explained my vibration issue. The motor or something is loose that it reproduces a horrid cracking sound. I have to keep it turned down at all times.

Silent25r said:
What about best buy? I heard we can just take the receipt and box into the store to get it added.
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Click to collapse
I work for best buy mobile an you can only add our protection plan if you bought the phone with us, with the exception of the iphone which we'll insure no matter where it was bought as long as its within 30 day of purchase and no damage to phone.

ps2gamer02 said:
I work for best buy mobile an you can only add our protection plan if you bought the phone with us, with the exception of the iphone which we'll insure no matter where it was bought as long as its within 30 day of purchase and no damage to phone.
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Click to collapse
I have a phone I bought at sprint online and just went into the store and they added the insurance no problem
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium

aquaholik said:
That is true, forgot about the 30 days.
GoCare doesn't care if your smartphone is new so you can just buy another one after the first year ends. Neither GoCare nor square trade covers theft or loss but I believe Sprint does.
Worth Ave group covers theft but probably requires a police report. It does not cover lost.
I took a chance and bought the $2000 coverage from Worth Ave group for a year since it is a blanket coverage of all your devices up to $2000. Since you don't even need to submit serial numbers(you can do that when you make a claim, provided you have the original box OR the receipt), I am basically covering every piece of electronics I own for up to $2000(smartphones, camera, laptop, camcorder) against accidental damage, spills, and thefts. Since I have 4 smartphones purchased for family plan, everyone of them is covered against crack screens, drops, and water submersions. For $66/year, I took a chance and hopefully if I have to make a claim, it will be a hassle free $25 deductibles.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They DO cover lost...if you file a report. I.E. "I saw it here last but now it is gone", with the police. Not loss in your living room. It has to be reported.
I had extensive conversations with them. As long as you are not trying to scam them. I hope I don't have to use it either.
And to the guy that said why not Sprint. It's 11 a month and $200, not $150 to replace.

steviee7 said:
I have a phone I bought at sprint online and just went into the store and they added the insurance no problem
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Please expound. I might be interested in doing this, but thought I had to buy it at Best Buy to be eligible.

ffolkes said:
Please expound. I might be interested in doing this, but thought I had to buy it at Best Buy to be eligible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went to a best buy and they said only an iPhone would they sell insurance on it if you didn't get it from them. So no luck. He said return the phone and get it from them....

This site add some insight http://extended-warranty-services-review.toptenreviews.com/
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using XDA Premium HD app
---------- Post added at 10:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:04 PM ----------
aquaholik said:
That is true, forgot about the 30 days.
GoCare doesn't care if your smartphone is new so you can just buy another one after the first year ends. Neither GoCare nor square trade covers theft or loss but I believe Sprint does.
Worth Ave group covers theft but probably requires a police report. It does not cover lost.
I took a chance and bought the $2000 coverage from Worth Ave group for a year since it is a blanket coverage of all your devices up to $2000. Since you don't even need to submit serial numbers(you can do that when you make a claim, provided you have the original box OR the receipt), I am basically covering every piece of electronics I own for up to $2000(smartphones, camera, laptop, camcorder) against accidental damage, spills, and thefts. Since I have 4 smartphones purchased for family plan, everyone of them is covered against crack screens, drops, and water submersions. For $66/year, I took a chance and hopefully if I have to make a claim, it will be a hassle free $25 deductibles.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you see the blanket coverage on their site or did you call?
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using XDA Premium HD app

chrischoi said:
Why not Sprint TEP?
Does it cost more? Yes. $11 a month.
Defective phone or wear and tear? Take it to the store. Swapped or repaired.
Lost, stolen or damaged? $150 deductible. I think there was something stating it's 3 swaps now.
Without it and with a 3rd party insurance. You have your 1 year warranty, but there is a $36 swap fee involved. Or good luck contacting Samsung. I tried and no one spoke English or had any idea of what I meant when I called in and explained my vibration issue. The motor or something is loose that it reproduces a horrid cracking sound. I have to keep it turned down at all times.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
People are saying it's $200 for the Note 2 which IMO is getting outta hand.

Sprint insurance is getting so expensive it's out of the question for me. I can wait for a few days while my phone is getting repaired (did it twice with my Epic). The local sprint store (and I did not have TEP) was kind enough to give me a loaner for a week without any charge (best buy will do the same if you have their coverage).
I'm going to go with Best Buy. $169, no deductible. Sure it's more out of pocket, but I've heard of them, and after one claim I'm ahead of the game than with Squaretrade.

Chuck_IV said:
People are saying it's $200 for the Note 2 which IMO is getting outta hand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. I had to pay $200
MeetFace said:
Sprint insurance is getting so expensive it's out of the question for me. I can wait for a few days while my phone is getting repaired (did it twice with my Epic). The local sprint store (and I did not have TEP) was kind enough to give me a loaner for a week without any charge (best buy will do the same if you have their coverage).
I'm going to go with Best Buy. $169, no deductible. Sure it's more out of pocket, but I've heard of them, and after one claim I'm ahead of the game than with Squaretrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best Buy vs. Squaretrade Vs Worth Ave.
Go look at my Worthave thread before you decide. $67 for 2k of insurance on any electronics with a $25 deductible.

ZenInsight said:
Yes. I had to pay $200
Best Buy vs. Squaretrade Vs Worth Ave.
Go look at my Worthave thread before you decide. $67 for 2k of insurance on any electronics with a $25 deductible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't see that on their site...how did u get that?
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using XDA Premium HD app

Question about insurance options. Need help finding what is right for our family.

Hello! Long time Android owner and XDA member but new to ATT.
Coming over from 12 years of Sprint. The past few years have been ROUGH. They blew up with new devices and then didn't have the network to back it. The data, simply didn't work.
Can't believe how much faster ATT is even on HSPA+.
OK so we bought four S3's at the Best Buy durning there Black Friday craptasic sale. The guy working at BB scammed the Black Tie Best Buy insurance policy on us. I say that because he did NOT inform us that is does not cover lost, stolen or water damaged phones.
WE NEED THIS. Two of these phones are going to teenagers and I can't find my keys 90% of the time so hell, I'm forgetful about leaving stuff places too.
My wife wants to keep the Best Buy insurance I think because she tends to break screens more then anything and not paying $200.00 dollars is appealing to her. I've never broken a screen other then one time I whipped my HTC EVO into a wall because it sucked but I've lost phones. Then my son took a damn shower with his Verizon phone one time because he was texting his gf, seriously.... My daughter lost hers in a lake... Yes IN A LAKE.
Point being we need something that covers everything but that BB insurance is appealing but we don't want to pay $10.00 to each company per line.
What would be the suggested options here? I wish there was a combination of the two.

kdoggy said:
Hello! Long time Android owner and XDA member but new to ATT.
Coming over from 12 years of Sprint. The past few years have been ROUGH. They blew up with new devices and then didn't have the network to back it. The data, simply didn't work.
Can't believe how much faster ATT is even on HSPA+.
OK so we bought four S3's at the Best Buy durning there Black Friday craptasic sale. The guy working at BB scammed the Black Tie Best Buy insurance policy on us. I say that because he did NOT inform us that is does not cover lost, stolen or water damaged phones.
WE NEED THIS. Two of these phones are going to teenagers and I can't find my keys 90% of the time so hell, I'm forgetful about leaving stuff places too.
My wife wants to keep the Best Buy insurance I think because she tends to break screens more then anything and not paying $200.00 dollars is appealing to her. I've never broken a screen other then one time I whipped my HTC EVO into a wall because it sucked but I've lost phones. Then my son took a damn shower with his Verizon phone one time because he was texting his gf, seriously.... My daughter lost hers in a lake... Yes IN A LAKE.
Point being we need something that covers everything but that BB insurance is appealing but we don't want to pay $10.00 to each company per line.
What would be the suggested options here? I wish there was a combination of the two.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Invest in Otterbox Defender cases for the teenagers. They come in a variety of colors. This will protect against most damages.

BB Strikes Again.
kdoggy said:
Hello! Long time Android owner and XDA member but new to ATT.
Coming over from 12 years of Sprint. The past few years have been ROUGH. They blew up with new devices and then didn't have the network to back it. The data, simply didn't work.
Can't believe how much faster ATT is even on HSPA+.
OK so we bought four S3's at the Best Buy durning there Black Friday craptasic sale. The guy working at BB scammed the Black Tie Best Buy insurance policy on us. I say that because he did NOT inform us that is does not cover lost, stolen or water damaged phones.
WE NEED THIS. Two of these phones are going to teenagers and I can't find my keys 90% of the time so hell, I'm forgetful about leaving stuff places too.
My wife wants to keep the Best Buy insurance I think because she tends to break screens more then anything and not paying $200.00 dollars is appealing to her. I've never broken a screen other then one time I whipped my HTC EVO into a wall because it sucked but I've lost phones. Then my son took a damn shower with his Verizon phone one time because he was texting his gf, seriously.... My daughter lost hers in a lake... Yes IN A LAKE.
Point being we need something that covers everything but that BB insurance is appealing but we don't want to pay $10.00 to each company per line.
What would be the suggested options here? I wish there was a combination of the two.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This scenario happened to me with my S2. I suggest getting an otterbox or visiting SpigenSGP (amazing company, best screen protectors and cases i've used.) and buying a case. As for insurance, try and take a look at SquareTrade coverage. They cover everything like drops and water damage and lost phones. They charge you a one time cost for the number of years the coverage is for, and if it breaks there is a deductible according to the damage. Honestly give them a try, they are a fantastic company. Personally I have the AT&T mobile insurance, but my stepfather uses SquareTrade and has had nothing but positive experience. Just make sure to get that BB crap off and get your money back!!!
-Brandon

The kids don't break their phones, they loose them.
Honestly, SquareTrade doesn't look as good as what Best Buy offers. There is NO deductible with the Best Buy insurance. SqareTrade is $99.00
Looks like SquareTrade does not cover LOSS or THEFT either which is what we do not like about the Best Buy insurance. Everything about the BB insurance is great with the acceptation of NO LOSS or THEFT or WATER damage.

BB told me their insurance does cover water damage
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747

I searched for insurance and found this thread. I am trying to compare Squaretrade vs Worth Ave Group. Worth offers replacement for lost/stolen. Sams Club offers Squaretrade with only $49 deductibles.
So compare those two would be my advise but Im looking on this site for the same comparisons.

I looked at all the insurance providers and ended up purchasing it from Ensquared. It's $99 for 2 years with a $75 deductible. They cover loss, theft, and water damage. By far the best value that I could find and they seem to get good reviews.

kdoggy said:
The kids don't break their phones, they loose them.
Honestly, SquareTrade doesn't look as good as what Best Buy offers. There is NO deductible with the Best Buy insurance. SqareTrade is $99.00
Looks like SquareTrade does not cover LOSS or THEFT either which is what we do not like about the Best Buy insurance. Everything about the BB insurance is great with the acceptation of NO LOSS or THEFT or WATER damage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BB does cover water damage. It doesn't cover full submersion, but do what everyone does and say you spilled water on it. With all the options for GPS location of a lost phone you can probably get away with Avast, Lookout, Cerberus... the list goes on and still not have to pay a deductible if it gets broken. When I worked at best buy we covered everything but lost, stolen, and negligence. If someone said I dropped it in a lake I'd pretend I didn't hear them and say, it looks like you "spilled" something on it. They'd finally get the hint after around 4 or 5 times haha.

kdoggy said:
The kids don't break their phones, they loose them.
Honestly, SquareTrade doesn't look as good as what Best Buy offers. There is NO deductible with the Best Buy insurance. SqareTrade is $99.00
Looks like SquareTrade does not cover LOSS or THEFT either which is what we do not like about the Best Buy insurance. Everything about the BB insurance is great with the acceptation of NO LOSS or THEFT or WATER damage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can install various applications that will allow you to not only track your phone, but even in the case someone wipes the phone, you can still track it (Avast mobile security) works like lo-jack for your phone.

Hi
dratsablive said:
You can install various applications that will allow you to not only track your phone, but even in the case someone wipes the phone, you can still track it (Avast mobile security) works like lo-jack for your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I went through similiar stuff with our phone insurance.
Studying on the net I came across a great idea!!!
Call your homeowners and/or car insurance.
I put my phone on a rider to auto for $50 a year, no deductible!!!
They needed purchase price for phone, hard copy, that's all.
Sounds too good to be true, the saleswoman who researched and
issued the policy told me she changed hers also. She didn't know
her own insurance company offered this rider!!
Ken

kenfb1 said:
Hi,
I went through similiar stuff with our phone insurance.
Studying on the net I came across a great idea!!!
Call your homeowners and/or car insurance.
I put my phone on a rider to auto for $50 a year, no deductible!!!
They needed purchase price for phone, hard copy, that's all.
Sounds too good to be true, the saleswoman who researched and
issued the policy told me she changed hers also. She didn't know
her own insurance company offered this rider!!
Ken
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be careful putting it on a car policy. I have heard of people adding it to homeowners and renters, but auto rates change all the time. If you breathe incorrectly your auto policy is likely to go up. I could only imagine filing a claim on a phone that was unrelated to the car. Homeowners and renters rates don't change this way, which is why people use them.

Has anyone heard of squaretrade insurance?

http://www.squaretrade.com/best-buy-smartphone-warranty
They have better rates than bestbuy and sprint, and a lower deductible..has anyone heard of this company before? I'm like 4 days into having my note 4 and kinda thinking about insurance. bestbuy decided to impliment a protection plan identical to sprints. :/

No. But you have got me interested. Im going to call them this week and get some more info. 11 bucks a month for sprints insurance, its half the cost. One thing about insurion (or what ever their name is), i know for a fact they pay claims. Ive used them once when I dropped my droid razr maxx hd in my coffee. Had a new phone in 2 days. Not sure how reliable this one is. But Im definitely interested in knowing more. One thing that is a red flag is it has Sprints deductible at 200 bucks. Mine is 100 bucks, or at least it used to be.
Let me know what you find out. Ill do the same after I call them.
Thanks for the info. Good to know there is some competition for mobile device insurance.
AS FOR ME.....GIVE ME LIBERTY OR GIVE ME DEATH

Unfortunately with the premium phones the deductible is $200 and $300 if you lose the phone. I will be looking into this tomorrow also.

I would read the reviews on Amazon, I was all for buying through square trade... Now I am rethinking it

I actually use to sell Square Trade and use them for all my electronics (except phones because I haven't broken one yet). If you read the comments you'll see that they're 5 star rated on Amazon and have an A+ rating with the BBB as well as numerous awards for customer service. They're totally worth it though I'm not familiar with their phone policies, I only TV, computer, and tablet warranties.
I do know that if you intend on keeping the phone for the full two years you can just buy the insurance instead of doing monthly installments. In the end it saves you around 50% give or take.
If you want more info call them or go in to a TigerDirect, they sell them there. You can get a device anywhere and buy the Square Trade at Tiger, just make sure to tell them you saw the online price and it was cheaper, it'll knock down the price.

Squaretrade is about the same as any warranty, customer service is ok, once you speak to a supervisor. Most lower reps don't know what they are talking about, when my note 3 screen cracked they replaced it with a new phone from amazon, but I was told that was a one time deal. Otherwise it is "gently used" or open box items. I paid 89 for two years with them, but I am also paying 13 a month with sprint and will probably stick with sprint unless Squaretrade does that again. Only recommend them if you don't want to shell out a monthly payment with sprint
Sent from my SM-N910P using XDA Premium HD app

Have we found out anything else regarding squaretrade? I haven't had a chance to call them at all but I'm thinking of just going with best buys insurance, even if the deductible is crazy high. ..

I have SquareTrade on both of my tablets but fortunately I never used the policy... I would insure my phone with them but they don't cover theft or loss like Sprint does.
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

Come on guys, Google is your friend! Squaretrade is either $5 a month or $99 for two years. They don't cover loss or theft and their deductible is $75. Across the board they're more affordable than everyone else. You can also get it on any device at any time, you just have to prove it's working I guess.
http://www.squaretrade.com/smartphone-warranty

I am interested in switching to square trade but other than theft coverage Sprint's tep has one other benefit. There have been times where I go to a Sprint store for an issue, like my wifi radio not working anymore or something else. They have replaced it for free. Sometimes with a new device.
It looks like with square trade it's cheaper but you get a refurbished or used device.

DarkManX4lf said:
I am interested in switching to square trade but other than theft coverage Sprint's tep has one other benefit. There have been times where I go to a Sprint store for an issue, like my wifi radio not working anymore or something else. They have replaced it for free. Sometimes with a new device.
It looks like with square trade it's cheaper but you get a refurbished or used device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint TEP will replace with used/refurbished phone also. It even states that in the fine print. It even says they can replace with different device of equal value.

I've used squaretrade for years, they're a good route to take, but as with any contract, be sure to read the terms and understand what you're reading.

Patch7 said:
Sprint TEP will replace with used/refurbished phone also. It even states that in the fine print. It even says they can replace with different device of equal value.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep I know. That's why I said "some times with a new device".

Best Buy Hacking

Last year I sold my Samsung S1 watch back to Best Buy using their Insurance program, then I used that money to buy a Nintendo Switch. I didn't know I was able to do this, and it was the customer service rep who told me about this option. The device has to be able to turn on and somewhat function in order to take advantage of this feature of "insurance", was the only thing they told me was needed. Benefit? You can constantly keep updated with the latest tech with spending little extra money. You get back (at time of purchase, so if there is a price drop, it doesn't count towards/affect your return) the price of the insurance, device and any tax in the form of in-store credit. Making insurance kind of worth it, for that alone. I don't know how many people know of this trick but it's kind of a handy feature and if you're like me and need the best and newest tech as it comes out, then kind of makes that initial buy-in worth it. Also, don't forget to abuse their Amazon price matching feature, it's how I got the Tab S3 for $100 off and the keyboard for nearly 50% off.
Few things to note about amazon price matching: 1) Has to be shipped and sold by Amazon, 2) if you're buying the insurance for the product, the insurance pricing-tier will match what the original store price was. In the case of the Tab S3 they had it for $550, which pushes it up to the $150/2yr insurance price, where if it were at the $450 I was buying it for due to price-matching, it would have been about $100.
Some fun tips and tricks I thought I'd like to share with you guys. Especially those who want this tablet but are waiting for the 256GB version since Best Buy in Chicago seemed to have alluded to it being released at an unknown but later date. You can do just that. I don't know if that's how insurance works across the board, but I definitely know that's how Best Buy has it set up.

I am familiar with most best buy features ad tricks, but idea what you are talking about here? can you provide a link to this "insurance" with details?

sounds scammy and scummy to me and a way to raise insurance prices because of abuse. i don't think xda is the place for these types of posts either.

yourmumsbootloader said:
sounds scammy and scummy to me and a way to raise insurance prices because of abuse. i don't think xda is the place for these types of posts either.
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Says the newbie that joined today lol.
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yourmumsbootloader said:
sounds scammy and scummy to me and a way to raise insurance prices because of abuse. i don't think xda is the place for these types of posts either.
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If it's a legitimate service offered by Best Buy, WHY would it not be ok to discuss? As for taking advantage of BestBuy... oh please give me a break, every sale, every markup/down, their price match, their ADH insurance, hell their 99 dollar HDMI cables, are all there to scam their customers out of whatever dollars they can get. If you can turn one of these scams to your advantage and make them honor their blatant false and misleading advertising, MORE POWER TO YOU!!!
I get pretty much every thing from Best Buy making them honor their price match, and still am told regularly, "oh that's too cheap I won't honor that" even if it's from one of their "Key Online Competitors"
But still know nothing about any price guarantee insurance, unless the OP is talking about ADH insurance that gets "broken" when a new model comes out? People have been doing that for years, which is why best Buy almost never actually honors their ADH insurance.

yourmumsbootloader said:
sounds scammy and scummy to me and a way to raise insurance prices because of abuse. i don't think xda is the place for these types of posts either.
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It's not, it's a trade in feature. Also, I don't know how you'd abuse it. Since you have to re-buy the insurance. So if you buy this insurance plan let's make numbers up: 600 for a tablet, 100 for insurance, = 700, yet when you trade-in with their program you only get the 600 and tax back in store credit. So you're out the insurance money. Though, the Tab S5 comes out, you can buy it outright, most likely even though the Tab S4 is now going for 450. You can get the 660 (since tax by me is 10%) back to pay for the S5, and then pay the 100 for the insurance. That's how the program works, not a hugely gameable program, just a feature that people don't realise when they buy a two year plan at best buy. Hence me bringing it up.
https://www.bestbuy.com/usw/termsconditions/anonymous
There is the link it's their "Buy back feature" the device has to be running and in decent condition. You can't bring a broken tablet in and expect them to go along with it, or a tablet with a cracked screen either.

dcoke said:
It's not, it's a trade in feature. Also, I don't know how you'd abuse it. Since you have to re-buy the insurance. So if you buy this insurance plan let's make numbers up: 600 for a tablet, 100 for insurance, = 700, yet when you trade-in with their program you only get the 600 and tax back in store credit. So you're out the insurance money. Though, the Tab S5 comes out, you can buy it outright, most likely even though the Tab S4 is now going for 450. You can get the 660 (since tax by me is 10%) back to pay for the S5, and then pay the 100 for the insurance. That's how the program works, not a hugely gameable program, just a feature that people don't realise when they buy a two year plan at best buy. Hence me bringing it up.
https://www.bestbuy.com/usw/termsconditions/anonymous
There is the link it's their "Buy back feature" the device has to be running and in decent condition. You can't bring a broken tablet in and expect them to go along with it, or a tablet with a cracked screen either.
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obviously I'm looking at the wrong plan. Looking at the Buy Back plan, if you return in the first 6 months you get "up to" 50% of purchase price back. That's worthless especially if you're paying them for the plan on top. Any tablet or computer that less than 6 months old you can sell for well over 50% of purchase price.

gottahavit said:
obviously I'm looking at the wrong plan. Looking at the Buy Back plan, if you return in the first 6 months you get "up to" 50% of purchase price back. That's worthless especially if you're paying them for the plan on top. Any tablet or computer that less than 6 months old you can sell for well over 50% of purchase price.
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Yes, I've been told the same thing, and YES, it is up to each person how they feel about using or abusing the "warranty". First, it is pertaining to the Accidental Best Buy warranty that covers anything. It has been suggested quietly by a Best Buy employee that you could "accidentally" drop, sit on, crack screen, etc. shortly before the warranty period expires, and because of the Accidental warranty that covers everything you could trade in the device for credit of the value you paid for it. To me, it is definitely abusing the system if you intentionally break your device just to use the warranty.
Second, you are correct that it is not a trade-in for like value. The device has to be damaged just like any warranty claim. So, if you intentionally break the device, you are not taking advantage of the policy, you are abusing it.
Also, using the Amazon price-match isn't really a hack, since they give absolutely zero hassle on the price match. The only thing it has to say is "Fulfilled by Amazon". It doesn't have to be sold by them, as long as the seller stocks the item in an Amazon Warehouse and Amazon fulfills it.

NoFaQ said:
Yes, I've been told the same thing, and YES, it is up to each person how they feel about using or abusing the "warranty". First, it is pertaining to the Accidental Best Buy warranty that covers anything. It has been suggested quietly by a Best Buy employee that you could "accidentally" drop, sit on, crack screen, etc. shortly before the warranty period expires, and because of the Accidental warranty that covers everything you could trade in the device for credit of the value you paid for it. To me, it is definitely abusing the system if you intentionally break your device just to use the warranty.
Second, you are correct that it is not a trade-in for like value. The device has to be damaged just like any warranty claim. So, if you intentionally break the device, you are not taking advantage of the policy, you are abusing it.
Also, using the Amazon price-match isn't really a hack, since they give absolutely zero hassle on the price match. The only thing it has to say is "Fulfilled by Amazon". It doesn't have to be sold by them, as long as the seller stocks the item in an Amazon Warehouse and Amazon fulfills it.
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Ok yes if we are talking the accidental damage plans and not the trade in program then yes this has been something people have been using/abusing(often failing) for years. You can pay 30% for a warranty which if you are hard on your toys might be worth, but as a "trade up" program on a tablet I would not recommend. Best buy still sells New Tab S2s 4+ years after release so the odds that they will give you your money back vs just giving you another tab s2 or more likely a refurb are pretty slim. The same is true for the S3 too and I'm sure will be true for the s4. Now the same math is not true for TVs and certain other tech and it is possible to make out with this plan. That said Best Buy often will not give money back in that instance and offer you a TV "like" yours that is much cheaper.
What I strongly recommend people do "take advantage" of is Best Buys Price match. It is fairly easy to get them to price match lots of stuff from lots of online stores. I generally save 20-50% on almost everything I buy, just by doing a little searching and making them honor their policy. That said I did pay near retail for this tab as I "really" wanted it and no one was discounting, but paid only 30 dollars for my book cover.

gottahavit said:
Ok yes if we are talking the accidental damage plans and not the trade in program then yes this has been something people have been using/abusing(often failing) for years. You can pay 30% for a warranty which if you are hard on your toys might be worth, but as a "trade up" program on a tablet I would not recommend. Best buy still sells New Tab S2s 4+ years after release so the odds that they will give you your money back vs just giving you another tab s2 or more likely a refurb are pretty slim. The same is true for the S3 too and I'm sure will be true for the s4. Now the same math is not true for TVs and certain other tech and it is possible to make out with this plan. That said Best Buy often will not give money back in that instance and offer you a TV "like" yours that is much cheaper.
What I strongly recommend people do "take advantage" of is Best Buys Price match. It is fairly easy to get them to price match lots of stuff from lots of online stores. I generally save 20-50% on almost everything I buy, just by doing a little searching and making them honor their policy. That said I did pay near retail for this tab as I "really" wanted it and no one was discounting, but paid only 30 dollars for my book cover.
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I agree that the price matching is pretty hassle free. The managers actually have a lot of empowerment to make decisions outside the normal price matching, too. I got Best Buy to price match a Surface Pro 4 with the Microsoft student price deal. I was just honest and asked if they would price match it, since I would rather buy their accidental protection plan, and I was going to buy the computer one way or another. Either Best Buy or Microsoft store. The manager accepted the price match, no problem.

NoFaQ said:
Yes, I've been told the same thing, and YES, it is up to each person how they feel about using or abusing the "warranty". First, it is pertaining to the Accidental Best Buy warranty that covers anything. It has been suggested quietly by a Best Buy employee that you could "accidentally" drop, sit on, crack screen, etc. shortly before the warranty period expires, and because of the Accidental warranty that covers everything you could trade in the device for credit of the value you paid for it. To me, it is definitely abusing the system if you intentionally break your device just to use the warranty.
Second, you are correct that it is not a trade-in for like value. The device has to be damaged just like any warranty claim. So, if you intentionally break the device, you are not taking advantage of the policy, you are abusing it.
Also, using the Amazon price-match isn't really a hack, since they give absolutely zero hassle on the price match. The only thing it has to say is "Fulfilled by Amazon". It doesn't have to be sold by them, as long as the seller stocks the item in an Amazon Warehouse and Amazon fulfills it.
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The device doesn't have to be broken to take advantage of the Geek Squad Protection plan is what they call it by me, and I think the trade in is only offered on the 2+ year plans. So the 1 year plan doesn't offer it and then you'd have to buy the trade-in feature, since I never bought the trade in feature on its own. I just always opted for the 2 years. I did it first with my Gear S2 watch, it was 100% working, looked brand new just due to its age, battery couldn't hold a charge. They don't heavily advertise it since by the time the next generation of device comes out, they're out money since the last gen usually drops 100 dollars less, and they'd probably get maybe half of that price back from parts or Samsung alone. I think it's that reason they don't heavily advertise it and it's kind of a "secret menu" item.

Limeybastard said:
Says the newbie that joined today lol.
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This, coming from the guy who's only been here 5 years.

raduque said:
This, coming from the guy who's only been here 5 years.
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11 years... Pleb.

Yeah, so all on all that Best Buy feature may work in certain scenarios for certain products.
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This is great info. Going to try this. Thanks!