As kids head back to school, chances are they’ll do so with some kind of an electronic device such as a smartphone, tablet or laptop computer.
When these gizmos are stuffed into a backpack, carried in hand or used as a coaster the potential for mishaps is high.
Six out of 10 insurance claims filed for electronic devices are the result of accidents, according to Service Contract Industry Council member company N.E.W. Customer Service Companies.
A product service contract, often referred to as an extended warranty, can provide coverage for accidental product damage, repair and replacement.
“Extended warranties can cover accidental damage caused by use and handling,” Timothy J. Meenan, executive director of the SCIC, said in a statement. “Extended warranty coverage can typically be purchased on the spot or days after the product purchase. According to Consumer Reports, those are warranties worth considering.”
The cost of repairing the LCD screen of a laptop computer is $346, according to N.E.W. Customer Service Companies. The average cost of repairing the main board of a tablet is $328 and the screen/digitizer of an E-reader is $130.
Extended warranties generally cost 10-20 percent of the purchase price of an electronic device, and a bit more for full accidental damage protection. They generally offer 24/7 phone and online technical assistance and troubleshooting support.
Most extended warranties provide a 30-day, “free-look” period for consumers to review the contract and return it for a full refund if they decide not to purchase the service contract.
The SCIC offers the following information for parents and students as they purchase electronic products for use at school:
• Parents should consider how many years they expect the teenager to use the product, how often and in what environments it will be used.
• Purchase a backpack with padding on the bottom as well as the sides to prevent damage from repeated contact with hard floors.
• Look for laptops and other electronic devices with a spill-proof keyboard, solid-state hard drive and an outer shell made of aluminum, or plastic that’s been reinforced with fiberglass.
• After the manufacturer’s warranty expires, without the protection of an extended warranty, the product owner incurs all repairs and replacement costs.
• Obtain a copy of the contract prior to buying.
• Thoroughly read the terms and conditions of a contract and assess coverage, exclusions and limitation.
• Fulfill all responsibilities related to regular maintenance and handling, etc.
• Save the receipt, service-plan documents and all maintenance records.
• Research the warranty provider. Most retail warranties are covered by independent third-party providers and are not affected if the retailer goes bankrupt.
