Manufacturer Warranties and Protection Plans

[sb53]

I bought a Sony Vaio laptop back in July of 2010.  I damaged it over this last weekend.  I had purchased a 2-yr. protection plan at the time of purchase of the laptop.   I took it into the local Best Buy and was told that the protection plan that they sold two years ago does not include damage, only hardware defects.   I paid $179.98 for what????  The girl told me that I should have bought the replacement/damage plan as well.   First of all, I was never asked about two different plans, and I guess like all consumers, I expect the protection plan to cover any damage.   She also said that NOW that is the only one they sell.  I was told I have no coverage for the damage to my computer.  I think this is just a scam.  Protection plans are worthless - why did I spend that money - for what?????  I want an answer.    My so called protection plan is going to expire in July.  Can anyone tell me if they have experienced anything like this???

[Ryan-BBY Senior Social Media Specialist]

Hello sb53 -

Doug from our Social Media team, will be reaching out to you regarding your concern. Thank you for your continued patience!

[Douglas-BBY Community Connector]

Hello sb53,

I’m sorry to hear about your computer. We do indeed sell two differed plans for computers: the standard, which covers hardware defects, and the advanced, which covers accidental damage from handling in addition to regular wear and tear on your computer. 

You can always find details about our current and past plans at our Geek Squad website:

http://www.geeksquad.com/protection-plans/black-tie-protection/computing-black-tie-protection.aspx

The advanced plan is typically more expensive than the standard to account for the extra coverage. I hope that this helps to clarify things a little. If you have any other questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to let me know here or by private message.

Regards,

[hydrogenwv]

"and I guess like all consumers, I expect the protection plan to cover any damage."

  Since I'm part of 'all consumers', I'll mention this...

No, honestly, unless I but a plan that specifically states it covers physical damage, I do no expect it to. I don't expect ANY protection plan to cover ANY/ALL damage, i.e. throwing a laptop into a pool or running over it with a vehicle. Even accidental damage plans from most (if not all) retailers have exceptions.

[rwe528]

He got sold the standard plan rather than the accidental like he wanted I'm sure. Guess the sales associate mistakenly chose the wrong one.