If you’re a current Apple customer or are considering purchasing an Apple device, it’s important that you understand AppleCare+, the popular extended warranty plan offered by Apple that provides additional coverage for accidental damage and hardware failures for their products.
However, as with all warranty plans, AppleCare+ comes with terms and conditions that might get in the way of you filing a claim. It can also get expensive depending on the type of repairs you need. However, when you subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited, you can get comprehensive product protection on all your Apple products under the same plan.That means unlimited claims and unlimited coverage, all for just $9.99 a month.
Getting into the fine print of AppleCare+
To help you get the best coverage on the market, we’re diving into the fine print of AppleCare+ and considering alternative options.
Coverage period
When you buy an Apple device, you’re entitled to a one-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. AppleCare+ coverage starts on the date of purchase and extends to two years of coverage for hardware repairs and accidental damage, subject to a service fee.
Service fee
Before you start paying for AppleCare+, keep in mind that you’ll still be on the hook for their service fees when you need repairs or replacements due to accidental damage. For hardware issues, there typically is no service fee.
For iPhones, accidental damage service fees start at $29 for screen or back glass repair, and $99 for other damage. Theft and loss will cost you a deductible of $149.
Coverage exclusions
Unless you pay an additional premium, the regular AppleCare+ plan does not cover theft or loss of the device, and it does not cover damage caused by intentional or fraudulent acts. Additionally, AppleCare+ does not cover cosmetic damage that doesn’t affect the device's functionality, like scratches.
How AppleCare+ stacks up
Lets take a look at how AppleCare stacks up against other competitive extended warranty plans on the market.
AppleCare vs AppleCare+
- Coverage. AppleCare covers hardware defects, while AppleCare+ covers both hardware defects and accidental damage.
- Cost. AppleCare is included with the purchase of a new Apple product, while AppleCare+ is an optional add-on service that requires an additional fee.
- Service fee. With AppleCare+, if you use one of your two allowed incidents of accidental damage coverage, you will be charged a service fee for each incident. The service fee varies depending on the type of damage and the device you have.
- Duration. AppleCare lasts for one year, while AppleCare+ extends the coverage period to two or three years, depending on the product.
AppleCare vs Asurion
The cost of Asurion plans varies based on your carrier, with Sprint plans starting as low as $9 per month, while Verizon and AT&T start at $14 for comparable coverage to AppleCare. Deductibles also differ depending on your carrier and coverage, but they are generally comparable to AppleCare+ prices:
- Screen damage: $29
- Battery replacement: Free
- Total replacement: $200
One unique feature of Asurion is its complimentary battery replacement, which is not offered by other providers and provides great value for older phones. However, the main drawback is that this insurance locks you in with your phone carrier.
AppleCare vs Verizon insurance
As with Asurion, the Verizon insurance plan has similar coverage to AppleCare+:
- Screen damage: $29
- Other repairs: Cost varies
- Lost or stolen: $19-$199 depending on the device
Verizon also allows the added convenience of same-day repairs, which is rarely available from Apple.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, you should always take the time to understand the fine print of any warranty policy you agree to. Although AppleCare+ covers accidental damage and hardware failures, the cost goes up if you want coverage for theft and loss.
For another alternative, subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited. You'll get the most complete product protection on the market for all your Apple devices, at just $9.99 a month. It's the best deal out there!
