Manufacturer Warranties and Protection Plans

[Jen516]

I purchased a new HP laptop this week from my local Best Buy (after a horrible Dell experience... but that's a whole other story) I am conflicted about whether I should purchase a protection plan through the Geek Squad or through HP direct (or if I shouldn't get one at all)

My last laptop, a Dell, had a 3 year extended warranty with accidental coverage. I have two young children and you never know what will happen with them. (And I did use my warranty plan a few times, for a busted keyboard twice, for a new battery, etc)

So my new laptop was $650. To get a 2 year plan with accidental it is $250 (or $299 for 3 years) This is almost 1/2 the cost of the laptop. 

I would love some advice on if I should get the Geek Squad plan... and if so, any experiences with using them? Would i be better off not getting the warranty and just taking it to a local repair person if something breaks? How about going through HP direct? I have about 12 days left to get the plan through Best Buy so any advice is appreciated.

Thanks!

Jen

[RealGeorgeW Emerging Expert]

Here's what I usually tell customers considering the ADH plan.

Say you somehow damage your laptop's screen and did NOT have the ADH coverage, the repair cost is anywhere from $300-about $700 that you'd either have to pay, or get a new laptop. Plus you get the replacement battery and AC adapter... along with coverage for any other damage/breakage/parts going bad that could occur.