SquareTrade takes on AppleCare+ for Apple Watch with its own 2-yr protection plans

Apple Watch release is finally here. During the order process Apple makes it easy to just add AppleCare+ to your Watch purchase. If you couldn’t stomach increasing the cost of your order or were simply waiting to see how torture tests played out, you now have another option for protecting your new gadget:

This morning SquareTrade announced its Apple Watch protection plans. The upfront cost of a 2 year plan is based on the original purchase price of your Apple Watch. Prices start at $59 with a $75 per claim deductible for Sport, while Watch plans start at $79 with a $99 per claim deductible. Each plan also has a higher-priced tier that does not include a per claim deductible, those prices are as follows: Sport from $129, and Watch from $169. You’re allowed 2 claims during the course of a 2 year plan. Edition models are not currently eligible for any plan.

SquareTrade Plans cover manufacturer defects along with drops, spills, and malfunction. However, SquareTrade does not cover loss and theft (just like AppleCare).

As a refresher, AppleCare+ costs $49 for Sport ($69 per accident), $69 for Watch ($79 per accident), and $1,500 (!) for Edition ($1,000 per accident). Manufacturer defects are covered for the entire 2 years. There’s also an Apple Watch/iPhone AppleCare+ plan that costs $169. You’re allotted up to 2 accident claims.

If you’re considering a protection plan for your new Apple Watch, I’d recommend sitting down and looking into each plan’s specifics to find which better suits your needs. If you don’t have the time or patience for that, then I’d just go with AppleCare+, as they obviously have the knowledge and resources needed to provide excellent customer service.

[9to5-press-release]
SquareTrade Announces Pricing for Apple Watch Protection
Shares Recommendations Based on Individual #Wrisk Factors

April 24, 2015 – SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The Apple Watch™ will shortly become the latest prized possession for millions of early adopters. To give them piece of mind should accidental damage occur, SquareTrade®, the highly rated protection plan trusted by millions of happy customers, today announced its pricing for a variety of Apple Watch combinations based in part on their #Wrisk™ Factor – the perceived risks of the wrist-borne devices.

As with any protection plan, SquareTrade has evaluated a number of risks associated with the various types of watches, their design, assumed use and behaviors of consumers who may gravitate toward the various models.

With over 38 types of the Apple Watch to choose from, SquareTrade has also developed a #Wrisk Predictor Lifestyle Quiz to help people assess which model is most suitable for them. Find out if you’re 007 or 00 Oh No! Take the quiz here.

SquareTrade now offers protection for your wrist:

– Apple Watch Sport ($349 to $399): SquareTrade’s 2-year Protection Plan is $59, and covers malfunctions as well as accidental damage;
– Apple Watch ($549 to $1,049): SquareTrade’s 2-year Protection Plan is priced between $79 to $149, and covers malfunctions as well as accidental damage.

“We don’t mean to dampen all the excitement about the Apple Watch, but inevitably the klutz in us will come out. Just like smartphones, the Apple Watch accompanies us everywhere and is susceptible to the wear and tear of daily life,” said Jessica Hoffman, vice president of global communications for SquareTrade.

While accidental drops are the most common causes of smartphone damage, SquareTrade predicts the top danger points for the Apple Watch:

Drops and falls from nightly charging stations
Bar room spills and splashes from constantly showing off to jealous friends
Misaligned fist bumping at the office
Swimming pool mishaps as people forget to remove them – remember it’s splash-, not waterproof
Workout trips and falls from watching the Apple Watch and not watching what you’re doing
To learn more about SquareTrade’s protection plans for the Apple Watch, visit: http://www.squaretrade.com/smartwatch-warranty.

About SquareTrade
SquareTrade is the top-rated protection plan trusted by millions of happy customers for its fast and exceptional service. SquareTrade protects mobile devices, laptops and tablets, and other consumer electronics and appliances from malfunctions, accidental damage and life’s frequent mishaps. Unlike old-fashioned warranties, SquareTrade is designed for today’s consumer and uses innovative technology to deliver a zero hassle claims process. SquareTrade has more than 200,000 fans on Facebook, consistently wins industry awards and receives thousands of 5-star reviews for its legendary customer service. Top retailers around the world offer SquareTrade, achieving significant sales growth and happier customers. Privately held, SquareTrade’s investors include Bain Capital and Bain Capital Ventures. SquareTrade is headquartered in San Francisco and London. For more information, go to www.squaretrade.com.

SquareTrade and the SquareTrade logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SquareTrade, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners, who are not affiliated with SquareTrade and do not endorse its products and services.
[/9to5-press-release]

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