7 Applecare alternatives

Have you been wondering how to protect your new smart device? You have probably come across Applecare. Though this is a good plan, it can be quite costly.

Before signing up for Applecare, you should find out if there are any other alternatives. Some of them can help you save on cost or even get better coverage. The Applecare alternatives you can consider include Squaretrade, Upsie, Verizon, AT$T, T-Mobile, purchasing the device using a premium credit card, or self-insure. Find out everything regarding each of these options from our list below.

1. AT&T

Have you just bought an Apple device but are not ready to pay for Applecare? You don’t have to. You can consider buying insurance through this wireless carrier. AT&T works with an insurance company known as Asurion that can help you protect your device. You can either pay for the plan monthly at a rate of $9 or pay a one-time fee of $216. This can cover smart devices for at least two years.

The mobile insurance plan can protect your device against theft, accidental damage, and mechanical breakdown. If something happens to your phone but you have signed up for carrier insurance, you have to pay a deductible that ranges between $29 and $200 to get it fixed.

2. Verizon

Verizon is also another popular carrier that can help you protect your device. It splits the coverage into different tiers that you can pick from. The cost of this insurance option ranges from $3-15 per month, depending on the tier you choose. When you get this type of insurance, you should expect coverage against mechanical breakdowns, accidental damage, loss, and theft. With Verizon, you can file at least two claims in 12 months. Though Verizon is not the cheapest carrier insurance provider, it offers next-day replacements. You can also get technical support if you choose this Applecare alternative.

3. T-Mobile

Some smart device customers also choose T-Mobile device protection plan over Applecare. The monthly cost for this plan is $14. If you want to make a one-time payment for this carrier insurance, you will have to pay $336 upfront. This carrier plan can give your device coverage against accidents, theft, and loss, as well as mechanical breakdown. You can make at least two claims in 12 months. If, for instance, you need your device’s screen replaced, you have to pay a deductible of $29. The cost of other deductibles ranges between $150 and $250.

4. Buying the device using a premium credit card

If, for instance, you want to buy an iPhone, you should consider using a premium credit card such as an American Express card. Using such a card eliminates the need to pay for Applecare. This is because credit card issuers extend warranties on such purchases. American Express can extend the purchase warranty further and cover the device against accidental damage. Though the credit card issuer cannot repair a damaged device, it can help you save on costs. If you use such a card, you should be prepared for more paperwork when filing a claim. You can only file one claim during the warranty period. You can also get a warranty extension when buying such a device using Mastercard or Visa.

5. Squaretrade

Most smart device customers looking for flexibility choose this warranty option. Squaretrade is a well-known insurance provider that allows you to file up to 4 claims during the warranty period. If you sign up for Squaretrade and your smart device needs repairs, you can either mail or bring it to the repair shop for faster services.

The cost of this warranty option is $12.99 per month. If you want to pay for it upfront, it will cost you $312. Before repairs, you also have to pay a deductible which can range between $25 and $149 depending on the damage. Though this plan can cover your device against accidental damage, it does not cover theft and loss.

6. Upsie

You can also protect your smart device through Upsie. This is a good extended warranty option that can cover the device for two years. Though this plan does not cover smartphones for theft and loss, Upsie gives you up to 120 days to decide whether to sign up for it or not. It is more lenient than other options such as Applecare, which only gives you up to 60 days after purchase to sign up.

Since Upsie costs $105.99, it is cheaper than other options. In case your device has any problem and you need its repairs, you have to pay a flat deductible of $75. This is cheap if your device has a serious issue but expensive if you only require the cracked screen fixed.

7. Self-insure

Some people end up spending so much money on Applecare and don’t ever feel the need to file a claim. If you are not clumsy and have a quiet lifestyle, you can consider self-insuring. This is easy since you only need to put a small amount aside each month that you can use to repair the device out of warranty if anything happens to it. If you are disciplined with your funds, you can choose this option.

How Applecare alternatives compare

Conclusion

Every time you want to buy a new smart device such as an iPhone, you should think of ways to protect it. Though Applecare is the most popular protection plan that people use, it does not come cheap. Check out the alternatives we have discussed above before making your decision.