Asurion Desktop Protection Plan Review: Conditional Verdict
Starting with a pattern that’s impossible to ignore, multiple long-time customers describe ASURION Desktop Protection Plan as a safeguard that often pays off—sometimes spectacularly—but when it fails, it can mean months of frustration and missed deadlines. While Amazon shoppers rate it 4.5/5 stars across thousands of reviews, closer analysis of cross-platform feedback reveals sharply divided experiences, making its overall score a conditional 7.9/10.
Quick Verdict: Conditional
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quick claim approvals reported by many users | Some claims take months or repeated calls to resolve |
| Full Amazon gift card refunds when repair isn't possible | Denials for issues deemed "outside normal use" |
| Covers electrical/mechanical failures and accidental damage (on eligible plans) | Communication gaps with repair centers |
| 24/7 tech support for troubleshooting | Protocol rigidity over problem-solving |
| Multiple items covered under Complete Protect subscription | Refunds issued as Amazon credit, not cash |
| No deductibles for desktop plans | Service delays causing missed work |
| Repair/replacement coverage after manufacturer warranty ends | Confusion over registration and coverage limits |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing emphasizes “most claims approved within minutes,” “no additional cost for parts/labor/shipping,” and “coverage from the date of purchase.” Digging deeper, these promises match reality for straightforward cases. A verified Amazon buyer noted: “About 5 days later, I received an email stating they could not fix it, and they were sending me an Amazon gift card for the full purchase price.” This reflects the intended rapid resolution process.
Yet in complex cases, approvals are anything but instant. On Reddit, user u/kjtonjm recounted: “I’ve had a laptop… and when I called they had no record of my plan even though I could see it on my account.” Another, u/lfn673q, said “the company has a clear agenda of denying and delaying to avoid coverage.” This shows the gap between advertised minutes-long approvals and multi-week or even multi-month battles.
Coverage for accidental damage like drops and spills is a headline claim. While this holds true for portable devices, several users discovered coverage limitations. On Reddit, one comment explained that using an indoor security camera outdoors—even under a porch—would “fall outside of normal use,” rendering related failures not covered. This contrasts with the broad “wear and tear” coverage messaging.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
For expensive desktops and gaming rigs, the plans have saved users hundreds. Amazon buyer stories abound where hardware issues after a manufacturer’s warranty expired still led to replacement. “They refunded me the entire amount… definitely not a scam,” said Reddit user u/ksae2vb after a leaking tent claim. Another Amazon customer reported replacing a gaming computer two years after purchase without hassle: “Of course I got a protection plan for the new one.”
Families benefit from multi-device coverage. A Reddit parent admitted having Complete Protect on “every one of their phones and tablets” because, with kids, damage is inevitable. These households appreciate coverage that spans drops, spills, and surges, combined with no deductibles for desktop claims.
Subscribers to Complete Protect often cite the value in covering past and future purchases under one plan. Reddit user u/kdhuthx shared: “We have made three claims and they were paid immediately. It’s been totally worth it to us.”
Common Complaints
When repairs require diagnosis, especially for intermittent faults, processes bog down. A Trustpilot-like case from Amazon involved an Acer Aspire shutting off randomly—after months of back-and-forth, and multiple shipments to Asurion, resolution only came after a supervisor intervened. “I lost the use of it for 4 months and had to buy a laptop… someone finally decided I should get a full refund.”
Service speed is another sore spot. One buyer of a Kamrui mini PC reported waiting a month for a resolution, noting the initial promised email label “never came” and slow communication compounded the delay.
Misaligned expectations between coverage scope and customer assumptions fuel frustration. A 449.00 gaming desktop owner discovered a video card issue but was told to “go through Intel,” with Intel directing them to do self-service part removal—something they refused. Returning to Asurion led to a timeline of “3-5 business days for label then 5-10… for repair,” making them miss a job start date. The rep’s suggestion to “borrow a desktop from a friend” only deepened dissatisfaction.
Divisive Features
Refunds via Amazon gift cards split opinion. Some welcome the instant store credit to replace their device; others prefer cash for flexibility, as one buyer lamented, “Didn’t really like that because now he has to spend his money on Amazon.”
Same-day or quick replacements are praised among smooth cases, contrasting sharply with stories of four or more repair cycles before a warranty is honored. For some, this undermines the advertised “No Lemon Guarantee” meant to trigger replacements after repeated failed repairs.
Trust & Reliability
Concerns about reliability stem from denied claims that customers felt should have been approved. A Reddit post titled “Tip: never purchase an Asurion protection plan” described a six-month struggle for a TV claim, culminating in repeated demands to speak to managers. The poster alleged intentional delay and selective coverage, even suggesting a class action over water-damage denials.
Still, long-term customers note successful claims across multiple devices over years. One Amazon buyer called it “a lifesaver” after their desktop died post-vacation, praising the five-day turnaround for a full refund. These polar outcomes underscore the risk: when Asurion works as advertised, it’s exemplary; when internal documentation or eligibility disputes arise, persistence becomes key.
Alternatives
Quora analysis points to SquareTrade as a more affordable but less comprehensive competitor—limited claims versus Asurion’s unlimited desktop claims. Mulberry offers a $9.99/month unlimited purchase protection but lacks Asurion’s repair network. Akko is cited for clarity in terms and easier product registration, while AppleCare, pricier, focuses narrowly on Apple devices.
Each rival trades breadth for depth—Asurion's edge is multi-category coverage and in-store repair options via 700+ locations, but the downside is the complexity and customer service hurdles in contested claims.
Price & Value
Desktop-specific plans vary widely by purchase price tier—examples range from $80 for cheaper models to over $699 for high-end coverage. Complete Protect at $16.99/month covers thousands of eligible items, potentially replacing individual plans for prolific Amazon shoppers.
Market price data shows similar Asurion protection on eBay and B2B channels marketed with emphasis on drops, spills, and business-use coverage. Value peaks for devices with high repair or replacement costs, and where manufacturer warranties are short. Community advice: buy it at checkout for seamless Amazon order linkage, keep photo records of devices on arrival, and know the claim limit—typically $5,000 per 12 months for Complete Protect.
FAQ
Q: Does Asurion cover accidental damage for desktop computers?
A: Yes, on eligible desktop plans, damage from electrical surges and mechanical failures is covered. Accidental drop/spill coverage is typically for portable devices, not stationary desktops.
Q: How are refunds issued if repair fails?
A: Most refunds are provided as Amazon e-gift cards for the purchase price, allowing immediate replacement through Amazon. Cash refunds are rare.
Q: Do I need to register my plan separately?
A: Not if purchased with the device—registration links automatically. Plans bought within 30 days can be applied to any eligible purchase during that window.
Q: How quickly are claims processed?
A: Simple claims can be approved within minutes; repair-dependent claims can stretch to weeks or even months, especially for intermittent faults.
Q: What happens if my claim is denied?
A: You can request detailed reasons, appeal with additional evidence, and contact both Amazon and Asurion support. Many denials are overturned when documentation is strong.
Final Verdict: Buy if you routinely invest in high-value desktops or have multiple devices prone to failure, and can tolerate occasional service delays. Avoid if you expect immediate resolution in complex cases or dislike store-credit refunds. Pro tip from community: document your device’s condition on arrival and keep receipts—well-documented claims tend to move fastest.
