AppleCare+ vs. Asurion – The crucial factors to consider before picking a warranty plan

Most modern smartphones, such as an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy, cost more than $1,000. Imagine investing in such a device; then, it cracks after a few months. You could go through a bad experience if you did not have any form of warranty for the device.

Such expensive devices always come with different warranty options that buyers can choose from. You should not overlook this since accidents are inevitable.  Some of the options you can look into are AppleCare+ and Asurion. Find out how they compare before settling for one.

What are the differences between AppleCare+ and Asurion?

AppleCare+ vs. Asurion- How do they compare?

• Coverage

One of the things you have to pay attention to before choosing a plan is checking what is covered. AppleCare+ and Asurion differ in terms of what each plan covers. For example, Asurion provides coverage for accidental damage, malfunction and loss, and theft. Though AppleCare covers devices for malfunction and accidental damage, it does not cover theft and loss. If you want this covered, you have to pay for a more advanced warranty option known as AppleCare+ theft and loss. This comes at a higher cost. Asurion, therefore, offers more comprehensive coverage than Applecare+.

• Source

Applecare+ comes from Apple, the leading provider of most smart devices. If you want to sign up for Asurion, you have to do this through your phone carrier. This plan is available through carriers such as Sprint, AT&T, and Verizon. Some iPhone retailers such as Walmart also offer Asurion. Though Asurion is widely available, Applecare+ comes from a more reputable source.

• Cost

You can make monthly costs for either Asurion or Applecare+. The cost of Asurion varies based on where you get it from. For instance, Verizon charges $14 per month for this warranty, while sprint charges $9 for it. Applecare, on the other hand, comes at a monthly cost of $9.99. If you make a one-time payment for this extended warranty, you can save cash since it goes for $199. Applecare+ is cheaper than Asurion.

AppleCare+ vs. asurion- A comparison overview

AppleCare+ overview

The manufacturer of Apple products offers different warranty options. Though there is a free option that some buyers go for, you should consider paying for the plan to cover your device better. AppleCare+ is the extended warranty plan that can cover an Apple product for two years.

It covers your device for manufacturing defects and also accidental damage. With AppleCare+, you can make at least two claims during the warranty period. Apart from this, AppleCare+ also comes with free battery replacement.

To get this plan, you can either make a one-time payment of $199 or choose monthly payments. Per month, AppleCare+ is $9.99. When you pay this amount to get coverage for two years, you will end up paying $240 over 24 months. Most customers, therefore, choose to make the one-time payment for this plan since it is the more economical option.

If, for instance, you sign up for this extended warranty and your phone screen cracks, you will have to pay a deductible of $29 to get it replaced. This is cheaper than paying an out-of-warranty fee, which can cost you up to $279. Choosing AppleCare+ can therefore save you from incurring unnecessary costs. The company charges a higher deductible for other kinds of damages. Apple also offers customers who sign up for this plan phone support for at least two years.

Pros

• It offers coverage for different devices for at least two years.
• The option comes with 2-year phone support.
• This plan also includes accidental damage.
• The deductibles are reasonably priced.

Cons

• It does not cover theft and loss.

Asurion overview

If you are more worried about your device getting stolen rather than getting damaged, you should consider Asurion. This warranty option can cover your device against damage such as screen breaking and water damage. It also offers coverage for malfunction and loss, and theft. 

You can get this warranty option via your phone carrier. Phone carriers such as Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T offer Asurion at different rates. If you are a sprint client who wants to sign up for Asurion, you will pay $9 per month for it. AT&T and Verizon both charge higher costs for Asurion.It is also available through some iPhone retailers such as Walmart and Boost Mobile.

If you have signed up for Asurion and would like your iPhone screen replaced, you will pay $29 as the deductible. This cost can, however, vary based on the specific phone carrier you are working with. Like Applecare+, this option also comes with free battery replacement.

Pros

• You can file claims online, which is quite convenient.
• Covers theft and loss
• Free battery replacement

Cons

• It ties you to a long term plan with a phone company.
• You cannot be sure if the components used in repairs are of good quality.

Verdict: So, which is better? AppleCare+ or Asurion

After comparing both of these warranty options, we discovered that both of them have excellent services. Though Asurion stands out when it comes to coverage, it can be costlier than Applecare+. Since Applecare+ comes from a reputable source, repairs from this company are done using quality components. We also found Applecare+ to be better since you can either file claims online or go for onsite repairs. Though this extended warranty does not cover theft and loss, it can cover you regardless of location. It offers more flexibility than Asurion. We, therefore, choose Applecare+ as the clear winner.

FAQs

When can I get Applecare+?

You can either sign up for this extended warranty the day you buy an Apple device or within 60 days.

Will I still get coverage if I signed up for Asurion but switch carriers?

No. If you switch carriers, your device not be covered under this plan.