ASURION Desktop Protection Plan Review: Buy or Avoid?
A single $35 purchase saved one Amazon buyer hundreds—and a week of tech downtime. The ASURION Desktop Protection Plan earns a solid 8.2/10 from user data, thanks to fast claim approvals and full reimbursements, but frustration over claim denials and repair quality still surfaces across platforms.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast reimbursement for unrepaired products | Inconsistent repair success before returns |
| Covers power surges from day one | Claim denials for excluded damage types |
| 24/7 tech support for covered devices | Service delays from shipping box policy |
| Full Amazon gift card refunds | Some confusion over plan registration |
| No extra cost for repairs or shipping | Must file claims via chat in some cases |
| Multi-device options for frequent buyers | Limited accidental coverage for desktops |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing promises “easy claims” and “most approved within minutes.” Indeed, Amazon reviewers frequently note near-instant decisions, such as a verified buyer who “got gift card for amount of X45 and extended warranty” just days after reporting a failed mini-PC. Reddit user u/ls8rc4v echoed this: “...just over a year later they refunded me the entire amount on my Amazon gift card balance.”
But speed doesn’t always mean resolution. A frustrated Amazon reviewer detailed how their desktop was “returned from asurion with same problem,” criticizing poor quality control and delays caused by Asurion’s insistence on sending a new shipping box even when one was already available.
The company claims coverage for mechanical/electrical breakdowns and surges. Buyers validate that surge protection works—one customer described losing multiple devices in a rare power surge and being “impressed” at the fast refund process. However, Reddit threads caution that certain uses—like operating indoor devices outdoors—can void coverage under “normal use” exclusions.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Protection on high-value or refurbished tech is a recurring highlight. Many owners of refurbished PCs reported the plan “turning junk into usable devices” when parts failed post-refurb warranty. A verified buyer noted: “Best $35 I ever spent… reimbursed my entire purchase via gift card.” For small business users, Algopix highlights B2B coverage for drops, spills, and commercial use—critical for operations where downtime costs money.
Frequent Amazon shoppers praise the Complete Protect subscription. Reddit user u/kdhuthx shared: “We have made three claims and they were paid immediately. It’s been totally worth it to us,” suggesting strong value when covering multiple devices. The included 24/7 tech support also benefits less technical owners—one Amazon reviewer avoided dismantling a PC by calling Asurion, receiving a refund without opening the chassis.
Common Complaints
Repair repetition is a sore spot. Several buyers received devices back unfixed, requiring re-shipment and prolonging downtime. One Amazon report laments: “I have to restart the process of sending the computer back… very frustrating.” Reddit post u/lfn673q accuses Asurion of “a clear agenda of denying and delaying to avoid coverage,” while Trustpilot includes accounts of returned desktops in worse condition than when sent in.
Another pain point is claim handling protocol. Some users dislike having to wait for Asurion’s box instead of using their own—one report calls this “absurd” when a suitable box is available, noting it unnecessarily “further delay[ed] the repair.”
Divisive Features
The shift from individual plans to subscriptions has fans and skeptics. Heavy Amazon buyers see bundled protection as cost-effective, while others view it as overkill for occasional purchases. The Amazon gift card refund method also divides opinion—useful for future Amazon buys, but limiting for those wanting cash reimbursement. As one 2-year plan holder noted, “...now he has to spend his money on Amazon.”
Trust & Reliability
Reddit and Trustpilot highlight stark contrasts: some long-time users frame Asurion as “definitely not a scam,” citing immediate payouts and consistent coverage over years. Others, like the viral Reddit “Tip: Never purchase” post, describe 6-month battles to resolve claims, accusing the company of avoidance tactics. These reports often involve disputed coverage scope—water damage from full submersion, or accidental damage outside normal use.
Long-term patterns suggest Asurion honors straightforward claims within defined coverage but struggles with edge cases and complex repairs. Buyers who maintain documentation, purchase receipts, and photo evidence at acquisition report smoother resolutions.
Alternatives
SquareTrade surfaces in user comparisons as a “good insurance” with fewer service mishaps, though it limits claim counts per plan. Mulberry earns praise for upfront terms clarity and covering “all your online purchases for only $9.99/month.” AppleCare offers deeper integration for Apple products but costs more and excludes non-Apple gear.
Compared to these, Asurion’s strength lies in wide eligibility—covering desktops, electronics, appliances—and unlimited claim counts, but at the cost of occasional service frustration.
Price & Value
Plan prices range from $34 to ~$147 for multi-year tiers, with Amazon gift card reimbursements up to product purchase value. Subscription-based Complete Protect sits at $16.99/month, covering past (up to 1 year) and future eligible items with a $5,000 annual claim cap. For frequent buyers or households with multiple devices, user math shows savings when protecting several items annually.
Market listings on Sears or Algopix show occasional discounts, suggesting savvy buyers can reduce upfront costs. Reddit and Quora discussions stress aligning plan cost to replacement value—best for gear $300+ or high-repair-cost devices.
FAQ
Q: Does Asurion cover accidental damage for desktops?
A: Not usually. Standard desktop plans cover mechanical/electrical failures and surges, but accidental coverage applies mainly to portable devices.
Q: How quickly can I get reimbursed?
A: For unrepaired items, many report gift card refunds within days of claim approval. Repairs vary, with same-week turnaround reported but also multi-week delays in disputed cases.
Q: Can I use my own box to ship for repairs?
A: User experiences say no—Asurion typically requires sending their box, even if you already have suitable packaging, which can delay process.
Q: Are refunds in cash or Amazon gift cards?
A: Plans purchased through Amazon generally refund via Amazon e-gift card for the item’s purchase price plus plan cost.
Q: What documentation helps with claims?
A: Keep purchase receipts, warranty confirmation emails, and photos of device condition at delivery—users report these improve claim success.
Final Verdict: Buy if you own high-value or refurbished desktops and want surge/mechanical coverage without repair cost risk; avoid if you expect broad accidental protection or need cash refunds. Pro tip from community: document device condition on arrival and keep all purchase records—several quick payouts began with a simple photo sent to claims.
