Device Protection Plan (cellphone insurance)

**koolin** · 09-02-2009, 11:36 PM

Rumored by Riley a while ago and now actually launching!

http://mobilesyrup.com/2009/09/02/te...otection-plan/

TELUS to launch cellphone insurance September 10th called “Device Protection Plan”

Fresh off the CWTA announcing a new “Code of Conduct” for our wireless carriers, news comes today that TELUS will be launching a new service called “Device Protection Plan” on September 10th.

It’s basically cellphone insurance that will cost $7 per month (similar to when Bell announced their Insurance back in October) and from what we hear it’s for new activations only. The manufacturers usually have a 1-year warranty and this new service will cover almost all the scenarios that a manufacturer’s warranty doesn’t, such as: Loss, theft, damage (including water damage) and normal wear and tear and out of warranty repairs.

We’ve been informed that the “goal of Telus’ new Device Protection Plan is to ensure minimal interruption, inconvenience and out-of-pocket costs to our clients when their device is deemed an out of warranty issue or beyond economical repair. A replacement device will be shipped to the client within 2 business days, ready for over-the-air activation.

Replacement Fee: The Replacement Fee is determined by the phone tier of the clients’ device model. The 3 Replacement Fees are: $40, $80, $150 to be paid at claim. Business and Corporate Clients charged Replacement Fee on invoice. Consumer Clients charged Replacement Fee via Credit Card. These clients are not charged $25 for a swap fee.”

We’ll have more info soon… but it looks like the Future is getting a bit more friendly!

**SuperCM** · 09-03-2009, 01:40 AM

It mentions "replacement device" which I'm assuming does not mean "new device".

Perhaps this is just the prelude to TELUS scrapping the advance swap program like Bell has.

**fooledme** · 09-03-2009, 04:35 AM

Originally Posted by SuperCM

It mentions "replacement device" which I'm assuming does not mean "new device".

Perhaps this is just the prelude to TELUS scrapping the advance swap program like Bell has.

It does mean new device and at $7 it's an awesome deal ($252 over a 3 year contract). I just wonder how many times Telus will let me drive over my phone before they stop me from having the insurance...

**a in yul** · 09-03-2009, 06:27 AM

wonder if FS or BB will match??

**dumbdumb09** · 09-03-2009, 07:53 AM

Originally Posted by fooledme

It does mean new device and at $7 it's an awesome deal ($252 over a 3 year contract). I just wonder how many times Telus will let me drive over my phone before they stop me from having the insurance...

$7 a month and then a replacement fee upon claim. "Replacement Fee: The Replacement Fee is determined by the phone tier of the clients’ device model. The 3 Replacement Fees are: $40, $80, $150 to be paid at claim."

Now does phone tier mean client segment or actually the phone which you own. So will the Tour cost $150 compared to, lets say, the LG masterpiece at $40. These are clearly to different tiers of phones.

**Ra_Harmakis** · 09-03-2009, 08:03 AM

Originally Posted by dumbdumb09

$7 a month and then a replacement fee upon claim. "Replacement Fee: The Replacement Fee is determined by the phone tier of the clients’ device model. The 3 Replacement Fees are: $40, $80, $150 to be paid at claim."

Now does phone tier mean client segment or actually the phone which you own. So will the Tour cost $150 compared to, lets say, the LG masterpiece at $40. These are clearly to different tiers of phones.

The first part of your post answers that question: The Replacement Fee is determined by the phone tier of the clients’ device model.

The Model is the type of phone you own not your segmentation.

**Guest 113** · 09-03-2009, 08:57 AM

........ about time

Now I won't feel dirty for selling an "extended warranty" that covers ****

**HouseApe** · 09-03-2009, 09:09 AM

Dont say warranty because its not...its insurance. Warranty implys no fault by the end user.

If you get a crack in your car winshild you would not go to the dealer and claim warranty...you would call your insurance company.

warranty (device fault)
insurance (owners fault)

I think this needs to be explained very carefully to customers.

**gayjock** · 09-03-2009, 09:14 AM

The replacement fee sounds to me like what other insurance policies would call a deductible. As with car insurance, the larger the deductible the lower the premium. Consumers will have to compare prices and make their decision. Best Buy is more expensive but no deductible, is that right? But Best Buy doesn't cover water damage, I believe. Insurance is never simple.

Personally, I favour the replacement fee; it will discourage frivolous claims and things like "my phone is scratched so I'll break the screen too and go for a replacement". The kind of thing that drives up prices for the honest customers.

Now we can expect the flood of complaints from the parasites that don't want to replace their phone but to upgrade and big, bad Telus won't let them. And the more difficult issue of the phone to be replaced no longer being available.

**Guest 113** · 09-03-2009, 09:18 AM

or what about making a claim... and deciding I no longer want to pay the 7$.. are you FORCED into taking the 7$ for the DURATION of the contract ?

Can I add that feature down the road.. make a claim.. then take it off..

all these small variables.

**baggio4eva** · 09-03-2009, 10:41 AM

Wirelessly posted (Opera/9.60 (J2ME/MIDP; Opera Mini/4.2.14912/866; U; en) Presto/2.2.0)

Originally Posted by MikieCGY

or what about making a claim... and deciding I no longer want to pay the 7$.. are you FORCED into taking the 7$ for the DURATION of the contract ?

Can I add that feature down the road.. make a claim.. then take it off..

all these small variables.

Telus has taken all the necessary steps to avoid abuse of this plan. Its just like any other product replacement plan: a gimmick.

**JTC301** · 09-03-2009, 12:15 PM

you can cancel the 7$/mth at anytime and end your protection plan. you are allowed 2 claims in 12 months, after which you would need to wait another 12 months from the last claim before you can claim again. There is a deductible you need to pay, depending on the tier of your device (40~150).