As a digital technology expert with over 15 years of experience, I‘ve witnessed firsthand the evolution of laptops from bulky, expensive machines to sleek, ubiquitous devices that power our personal and professional lives. While technological advancements have made laptops more powerful and affordable than ever, they remain susceptible to a wide range of hardware issues, software glitches, and accidental damage.
That‘s why, after extensive research and careful consideration, I‘ve decided to purchase an Asurion laptop protection plan for my own device. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share the top 10 factors that influenced my decision and explain how Asurion‘s industry-leading coverage can benefit laptop owners of all types.
1. Laptops are Prone to Damage and Defects
One of the main reasons I believe laptop protection plans are so important is that these devices are inherently vulnerable to a variety of issues. According to a 2019 study by SquareTrade, a leading device protection company, 31% of laptop owners reported experiencing damage or defects within the first three years of ownership. The most common types of damage cited were:
| Type of Damage | Percentage of Laptop Owners Affected |
|---|---|
| Liquid damage | 12% |
| Cracked screen | 10% |
| Power issues | 9% |
| Hinge damage | 6% |
| Touchpad problems | 5% |
Source: SquareTrade 2019 Laptop Reliability Study
These statistics highlight the prevalence of laptop issues and underscore the importance of having a protection plan in place. While some problems may be minor, others can render a laptop unusable and require costly repairs or replacement.
2. Manufacturer‘s Warranties Have Limitations
Many laptop owners believe they‘re adequately protected by the manufacturer‘s warranty that comes with their device. However, these warranties have significant limitations that can leave you vulnerable.
Most manufacturer‘s warranties only cover defects in materials or workmanship, not accidental damage from handling. They also typically only last for one year, meaning your laptop is unprotected for the majority of its usable lifespan.
Additionally, some manufacturers have strict warranty terms that can void coverage for certain types of damage or usage. For example, using your laptop outside of the recommended temperature range or removing the back panel to upgrade components could nullify your warranty.
Asurion laptop protection plans provide a valuable layer of coverage beyond the manufacturer‘s warranty. They cover accidental damage from day one and extend protection for up to four years, giving you long-term peace of mind.
3. Repairs Can Be Prohibitively Expensive
Another key factor in my decision to purchase an Asurion plan is the high cost of laptop repairs. When a device is out of warranty, the owner is responsible for all repair bills. These expenses can add up quickly, especially for more severe issues.
To illustrate, here are the average costs for common laptop repairs in the United States, according to data from Asurion‘s network of certified repair shops:
| Repair Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Screen replacement | $350 |
| Motherboard replacement | $600 |
| Liquid damage repair | $500 |
| Hard drive replacement | $250 |
| Keyboard replacement | $150 |
Source: Asurion Repair Shop Data, 2021
As you can see, a single major repair can cost hundreds of dollars out of pocket. For many laptop owners, these unexpected expenses can be a major financial burden.
With an Asurion plan, you‘re protected against these costs. There are no deductibles for covered repairs, meaning you won‘t pay anything out of pocket for parts or labor. Considering the average laptop repair costs over $300, the upfront price of an Asurion plan (which starts at just $40 for two years) is a relatively small investment for significant long-term savings.
4. Flexible Coverage Options for Every Need and Budget
One aspect of Asurion‘s offerings that really appealed to me is the flexibility of their coverage options. They provide plans for laptops at 24 different price points, ranging from under $100 to over $5000. This means you can get tailored protection that aligns with the value of your specific device.
Asurion also offers the choice between two and four year coverage terms, allowing you to select the duration that best fits your needs and budget. Longer plans provide more extended protection, which can be especially valuable for those who plan to keep their laptop for several years.
Another option that stands out is the Asurion Complete Protect Plan. For a flat monthly fee of $16.99, this plan covers an unlimited number of eligible devices including laptops, tablets, desktop computers, gaming systems, cameras, and more. If you own multiple electronics, this can be a cost-effective way to protect your entire tech ecosystem under one streamlined plan.
For my $1200 laptop, I opted for a four-year Asurion Laptop Protection Plan. At just $190 upfront, it provides me with long-term coverage at a fraction of the cost of potential repairs. However, I appreciate that Asurion offers lower-priced plans for budget laptop owners and more premium options for those with high-end devices. There truly is a plan to fit every need and budget.
5. Robust Repair Network and Sustainable Practices
Another factor that gives me confidence in choosing Asurion is the company‘s extensive network of certified repair providers. Asurion partners with over 2000 authorized service centers across the United States to provide timely, quality repairs for covered devices.
This robust infrastructure means that most laptop owners are within close proximity to an Asurion-certified repair shop. The company also offers a prepaid shipping option for those who aren‘t near a physical location, ensuring that every plan member can access service when needed.
What I really appreciate about Asurion‘s repair network is the company‘s commitment to sustainability. They prioritize repair over replacement whenever possible, reducing electronic waste and extending the lifespan of devices. Asurion‘s certified repair technicians use high-quality, OEM parts and adhere to strict quality control standards to ensure that repaired laptops function like new.
In 2020 alone, Asurion repaired over 1 million laptops, diverting them from landfills. As someone who values environmental responsibility, I feel good about supporting a company that prioritizes sustainable practices.
6. Simplified Claims and Flexible Resolutions
In my experience, one of the biggest pain points of extended warranties is the often complicated and time-consuming claims process. With Asurion, filing a claim is simple and streamlined.
You can initiate a claim online, over the phone, via live chat, or through the Asurion mobile app. The company‘s claims representatives are available 24/7, so you can get assistance whenever you need it.
Once your claim is approved, Asurion works quickly to resolve the issue. If the problem can be fixed remotely, their tech experts will troubleshoot over the phone. For more extensive repairs, they‘ll schedule a prompt appointment at a local certified repair shop.
If your laptop is beyond repair, Asurion offers the choice between a replacement device or reimbursement for the original purchase price. I appreciate this flexibility, as it allows me to choose the resolution that best fits my needs at the time. With a replacement, I can get back up and running quickly with a device of like kind and quality. With reimbursement, I have the freedom to put the funds towards a new laptop of my choice.
7. Accidents Happen (Personal Anecdote)
As someone who has owned and worked with laptops for many years, I know all too well that accidents happen, even to the most careful users. In fact, I have my own personal experience that underscores the value of having accidental damage coverage.
A few years ago, I was working on my laptop at a coffee shop when I accidentally knocked over my drink, spilling liquid directly onto the keyboard. Despite quickly powering down the device and attempting to dry it out, the damage was done. The laptop wouldn‘t turn on and I was left with a very expensive paperweight.
At the time, my laptop was out of warranty and I didn‘t have an extended protection plan. I ended up having to pay over $600 out of pocket to have the motherboard replaced. It was a painful and unexpected expense that I hadn‘t budgeted for.
Had I had an Asurion plan at the time, that accident would have been covered under the accidental damage protection. I would have simply filed a claim and had my laptop repaired or replaced at no additional cost to me.
That experience taught me the hard way about the importance of protecting my devices. Now, I don‘t take any chances. An Asurion laptop plan gives me the peace of mind of knowing that I‘m covered, even if I have another clumsy moment in the future.
8. Transferable Coverage Adds Value
One Asurion benefit that I think is often overlooked is the transferability of coverage. If you sell or gift your laptop while it‘s still under an Asurion plan, the remaining coverage transfers to the new owner.
This can be a major selling point when it comes time to upgrade your device. Laptops with a transferable protection plan often command higher resale values, as the buyer knows they‘re getting extra assurance and protection.
When I sold my last laptop, I was able to get an additional $100 for it because it still had 18 months left on the Asurion plan. The buyer appreciated having that added coverage, and I was able to recoup some of my initial investment in the protection plan.
Even if you don‘t plan to sell your laptop, having a transferable plan provides flexibility and peace of mind. If you decide to gift your device to a family member or friend, you can do so knowing that they‘ll be protected against unexpected repairs or damage.
9. Partnerships with Major Retailers
Another factor that influenced my decision to choose Asurion is the company‘s partnerships with major electronics retailers. Asurion is the exclusive extended warranty provider for Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Staples, among others.
These partnerships lend credibility to Asurion‘s services and provide an added layer of convenience for laptop buyers. When purchasing a device from one of these retailers, you can add an Asurion protection plan right at checkout, streamlining the process.
I also appreciate that I can easily access my Asurion plan details and file claims directly through my Amazon account. This integration simplifies the user experience and gives me confidence that my plan will be honored.
Asurion‘s partnerships with major retailers also underscore the scale of the company‘s operations. They have the infrastructure and resources to handle a high volume of claims and provide reliable, timely service to millions of customers.
10. Tips for Choosing the Right Asurion Plan
Now that I‘ve covered the key reasons I‘m purchasing an Asurion laptop protection plan, I want to share a few tips for choosing the right coverage:
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Consider your laptop‘s value: Asurion offers plans at different price points based on the cost of your device. Be sure to select the plan tier that aligns with your laptop‘s purchase price to ensure you have adequate coverage.
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Think about how long you plan to keep your laptop: If you typically upgrade your device every year or two, a two-year plan may be sufficient. However, if you tend to keep your laptops for longer, opting for a four-year plan can provide extended protection and value.
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Look for bundling discounts: If you‘re purchasing multiple eligible devices from the same retailer, check for discounts on Asurion plans. Some retailers offer savings when you add protection plans to multiple products in the same transaction.
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Read the fine print: While Asurion plans are comprehensive, there are some exclusions and limitations. Be sure to review the terms and conditions carefully so you understand exactly what is and isn‘t covered.
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Keep your plan documents and receipts: After purchasing an Asurion plan, you‘ll receive a confirmation email with your plan details. Be sure to save this information, along with your original purchase receipt, in a safe place. You‘ll need these documents if you ever need to file a claim.
By following these tips and choosing the Asurion plan that best fits your needs, you can enjoy reliable, comprehensive protection for your laptop.
The Bottom Line
After carefully weighing the benefits and costs, purchasing an Asurion laptop protection plan is a wise investment for anyone who relies on their device for work, school, or personal use. These plans offer a level of protection and peace of mind that manufacturer‘s warranties simply can‘t match.
With accidental damage coverage, extended term lengths, a robust repair network, flexible claims processes, transferable coverage, and partnerships with major retailers, Asurion has established itself as the leader in laptop protection plans.
For me, the decision to buy an Asurion plan for my own laptop was a no-brainer. The relatively small upfront cost is well worth the assurance that my device is protected against the unexpected. I hope that by sharing my perspective and experience, I‘ve helped you understand the value of these plans and make an informed decision for your own laptop protection needs.
