AppleCare Protection Plans: To Buy or Not To Buy?

[Mr. Mayor]

There are some people who swear by AppleCare and say that you should always buy it for a Mac, especially if the Mac has an LCD screen (because the price of LCD replacement is so high). That would mean getting it for the iMac, MacBook or MacBook Pro.

I’ve also heard people with AppleCare say that they get superior level of service than standard Apple owners. Of course, this is anecdotal.

In the past, I have bought AppleCare through the Higher Education scheme in the UK, which meant a fixed fee of £50 ($99USD). To me, that was a no-brainer... — £50 ($99) for a three year warranty is great value.

Now that I don’t have access to that discount scheme, the price is not so attractive:

• £139 ($276) for iMac


• £199 ($395) for MacBook


• £279 ($554) for MacBook Pro

If you are not worried about the technical support you get in the price of the AppleCare Protection Plan, there are alternatives to the repair coverage.

For example, home insurance policies can cover contents. The advantage of home contents insurance is they will usually cover accidental damage while AppleCare officially does not. The disadvantages to this method include a claim on home insurance will usually have an amount of money you must pay first (the excess) that you will have to pay before the insurance company pays out. Also, you could lose your no-claims discount which would mean the cost of the following year’s home insurance would go up. Taking these two disadvantages into account, home contents insurance may not be that cost-effective an option.

Another alternative is third-party insurance for computer equipment. The advantages include no excess, no security requirements and worldwide cover for theft and accidental damage. A simple Google search will bring up offerings of three years’ cover on a laptop for fire, flood, theft and accidental damage from £99 ($196) to £249 ($494), depending on the cost of the laptop.

Do you have experience with AppleCare or third party insurance?

[Source of third party pricing]

[chadaw]

I have a 3 year Apple Care Plan and am glad I do. I have had several problems with my MBP and it has come in handle. Granted I believe the 1st year warranty would have covered it. It gives me some assurance.

[roalgumo7]

Yeah, a bit high, but if you can afford it, it's good I guess

[Sam DaCool]

wow thats asking a little much isn't it? my apple products usually last more than 3 years. if i had the money, maabey i would consider it.

[chadaw]

The question is more do you have the money to repair it if something goes wrong. When you spend over $2000 for something, I think you can spend 10% to have some assurance.

[deol]

Since this MacBook is my first Mac. My Wife and I talked it over and came to the conclusion that it would be a safe buy. Since this was a whole new world to us, we figured it would be better safe then sorry.

If it was for a PC, I wouldn't worry. Those I can fix inside and out no prob.

[chadaw]

Originally Posted by deol

Since this MacBook is my first Mac. My Wife and I talked it over and came to the conclusion that it would be a safe buy. Since this was a whole new world to us, we figured it would be better safe then sorry.

If it was for a PC, I wouldn't worry. Those I can fix inside and out no prob.

Yeah I agree with you about the pc repairs. They are usually easy to fix, but likewise, this was my first mac so I didn't want to take the chance. And plus its just good insurance. I have read where some people get replacements to latest model if something really bad happens to their Apple. I don't see that happening with PC.

[alex.stef]

excellent idea from Apple to use this service, as people who buy Apple products take a lot of care for them and don't mind paying a few hundreds dollars more

[Benny and the Jets]

i brought one, just so im covered while im at collage.
its somthing i dont need to be stressing about thought my studies.

[Nightfall4]

I would say that 90% of the Apple products I have purchased since 1995 have lasted beyond the scope of the traditional Apple Care programs. I have used warranty service through Apple. The Apple Care Programs help give a little extra reassurance.