If you own an Apple device, chances are you have had to make the decision on whether or not to purchase AppleCare coverage. And while it may seem like an easy choice to make, because Apple products tend to last for a very long time, there are various reasons why you would want to get it, regardless.
First off, AppleCare is best described as an extended warranty for any Apple product. It is usually offered upon purchase, so you can decide whether or not to go for it. It essentially allows you to protect any Apple device against the risk of loss, accidents, or even theft.
In other words, if you accidentally damage your Mac while on the move by dropping it, with AppleCare, you can request a repair. However, just because it covers you from damage, does not mean that you should be careless with your device. This coverage will normally last at least three years from the purchase date and allows up to a maximum of two damage claims per year. As such, if you own a MacBook, it is always recommended that you purchase a waterproof laptop case in advance.
These accessories will do well to make sure that your computer remains protected at all times, especially if you are a remote worker. Moreover, they sometimes also feature an extra pouch that is useful for carrying any extra devices or accessories you may have such as; cables, mousepads, chargers, etc. In this case, we would suggest checking out Lention’s PCB-B300 protector. The advantage of this model is it comes made of highly water-resistant neoprene material. And guarantees security for your devices against any accidental spills or slight damage.
Aside from that, AppleCare also features up to three years of phone and chat support that is meant to help you solve any problems you may have with the software. Moreover, the coverage also extends to other Apple external accessories, such as your Mac charger, as if your battery’s capacity drops below 80% within those three years, Apple will replace it with no extra charge.
However, keep in mind that coverage does not include external accessories that are not from Apple. For instance, if you decide to own a Mac Mini, you will need to also get extra devices, such as; a USB c hub. These accessories will allow you to expand your laptop’s connectivity ports, so you can now plug in multiple external devices concurrently, be it external keyboards, mousepads, cameras, speakers, etc. However, none of these devices will be included in your Applecare plan.
What Is The Price Of AppleCare?
This will usually vary as it often depends on what Apple device you intend to cover. For instance, a Mac mini’s coverage = $99.
However, there is a full list of prices on Apple’s AppleCare website page. You should also keep in mind that there is also an extra amount to pay for accidental damage, and it will vary on how serious the damage is. For instance, it will usually cost you an extra $99 plus tax to repair screen damage. However, if you aren’t in a position to pay that and you need to carry out urgent work, you can always connect your Mac to an external monitor instead, using a thunderbolt 2 adapter. This can sometimes help you carry on with your work if your Mac doesn’t seem to be responding properly.
Also, when it comes to paying the AppleCare fee, you can either pay it all upfront or in monthly installments within a year. However, it’s best to do it at once, because if you choose the latter, you will end up paying more money overall. Also, you can get coverage, even if you didn’t get a new Mac from Apple, but from a third-party reseller. Moreover, there is also covered if you end up purchasing a refurbished Mac, as well.
What if I sell my Device?
You can always transfer your coverage plan if you sell your device before the paid period is over. However, you will need to hand over the paperwork and receipts to the buyer. Plus, you will have to let Apple know about the transfer of ownership.
Does the coverage include Loss and Theft?
Yes, it does. However, this level of coverage is slightly expensive. But, the befit is that it will ensure that you are covered from the risk of damage, but also if your Mac ends up lost or stolen.
Are there any other coverage options?
Yes, there are. Many Apple resellers out there often offer extended warranties upon purchase as an incentive for you to purchase from them. Moreover, several home insurance policies also cover your devices from theft or accidental damage. Additionally, even without AppleCare, any newly purchased devices usually have a base warranty that keeps your device covered from an unexpected fault within that one year. So, on the rare chance that the device stops working properly soon after purchasing it, without any good reason, you will be provided with a free repair from Apple.
