Insure your phone Before you Loose It

T
ypically, with any electronic gadget you buy, you will get a one-year warranty from the manufacturer. In case there is a glitch in your device, a software malfunction or any other problem during this period, the warranty will ensure that the same is taken care of without you having to shell out a single penny. However, if you have noticed, it’s usually after a year that problems actually start creeping in, and that’s when you may need that warranty the most. Also, the warranty provided by the manufacturer doesn’t cover any damage to screen, accidental damage or even liquid damage. And there are no prizes for guessing that these damages top the list of woes of smartphone or tablet owners. So wouldn’t it be nice if you had a warranty plan that would cover these areas too?   

Fortunately, recognising this need of the smartphone owners, several third party vendors have entered the field and are offering what is called as extended warranty. 

How it works? 

You can avail these extended warranty plans provided you have a valid bill of purchase. The cost of the plan will depend on the price of your handset. For instance, if your handset is worth  $200, then you will have to shell out approximately $20 to get an extended warranty. The lower the cost of the handset, the lower the amount you have to pay. This is a one-time payment you make towards the extended warranty and in most cases, the one-year warranty begins after the expiration of the warranty provided by the manufacturer. However, even if that’s the case, you will have to buy an extended warranty plan soon after you purchase your device. Usually, you will have to buy a plan within a month or two of buying your device and you will need the valid bill and invoice of the purchase. Unfortunately, if you have purchased your phone from the grey market, without bill and warranty, then you cannot opt for extended warranty.  

Just like you would go through the terms and conditions before buying an insurance policy, you have to read the details of what is being covered under the warranty. Generally, it will cover the same things that the standard warranty from the manufacturer covers. This means that the accessories won’t be a part of the coverage and neither will any physical or liquid damage to screen or the device. You can buy these extended warranties online. Currently there are three players who offer the same – GadgetCops, WarrantyBazaar, Onsite Care. Even The Mobile Store offers extended warranty plans, but these are limited to phones bought from their online site or their retail outlet.