ASURION Desktop Protection Plan Review: Mixed Verdict
Few extended warranties trigger such polarized reactions as the ASURION Desktop Protection Plan, which sits at a solid community score of 7.8/10. Some buyers call it “a lifesaver” that saved them hundreds on replacements, while others warn that “this company is the absolute worst” after months of denied claims and back-and-forth with support.
Quick Verdict: Conditional
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast approval and gift card payouts in successful cases | Lengthy repair cycles in unresolved cases |
| Covers mechanical breakdowns, electrical failures, and power surges | Claims denied if issue is within manufacturer’s warranty period |
| Accidental damage coverage for portable devices from day one | Frustrations over denial language like "wear and tear" or "abuse" |
| 24/7 tech support for setup, troubleshooting | Some users report poor communication during repairs |
| Easy online claims process | Limitations on coverage if device used outside intended environment |
| No deductibles for approved desktop claims | Refund/replacement sometimes only after repeated escalation attempts |
| Multiple eligible purchases covered on Complete Protect plan | Certain states impose extra limitations on coverage |
Claims vs Reality
ASURION markets its desktop protection with promises of “most claims approved within minutes” and “no additional cost for repairs – parts, labor, and shipping included.” The service also touts power surge coverage from day one and accidental damage protection for portable electronics.
Digging deeper into user reports, upfront claim approvals do happen — but only when the issue aligns perfectly with policy terms. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “Within an hour of dropping off the computer at UPS, I had a gift card for the entire amount of the computer.” These are the streamlined cases the marketing emphasizes.
On the other hand, Reddit user u/lfn673q described a vastly different reality: “I just had an issue with an Amazon product protection plan… the company has a clear agenda of denying and delaying to avoid coverage.” This exposes a gap between the “minutes” claim and a reality that can stretch into weeks or months if eligibility is disputed.
Accidental damage coverage for portable devices is another claim ASURION makes boldly. While this protection worked seamlessly for some — a Reddit user recalled, “We have made three claims and they were paid immediately. It’s been totally worth it to us” — others found limitations based on usage. For example, indoor devices moved outdoors were deemed “outside normal use,” leaving buyers without protection when the environment damaged the product.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon and Reddit, positive stories highlight the sheer relief ASURION brings when expensive tech dies prematurely. Buyers of refurbished desktops shared that having “full purchase price refunded” via Amazon gift card allowed them to replace machines quickly without out-of-pocket costs. Verified Amazon customers often mention quick processing — “claim was processed and paid in full within a week” — and a lack of hassle when products were clearly irreparable.
Families with kids see particular value. One Reddit parent admitted “there isn't enough allowance in their lifetimes to cover the amount of damage my kids have done to tablets and laptops alone.” For them, the plan’s coverage for drops and spills is less an optional add-on than a necessity.
The Complete Protect subscription at $16.99/month becomes especially attractive to tech-heavy households. Reddit users explained it’s “more cost-effective than buying individual plans” if every Amazon purchase — from phones to kitchen gear — is eligible.
Common Complaints
The most consistent frustration comes when repair attempts fail to address root problems. A verified Amazon review told of sending an Acer Aspire back and forth three times over four months before ASURION finally issued a refund. “They are more interested in following stupid protocols rather than addressing the real problem,” the buyer lamented.
Claim denials also sting hard. Reasons like “still covered by manufacturer warranty” or “damage not covered” leave customers feeling the promise of “peace of mind” is hollow. Reddit user u/k5epn5y warned: “These 'insurance' plans… commonly deny coverage due to nebulous terms like 'wear and tear'.”
Poor communication during repairs compounds irritation. One Trustpilot review complained about receiving a damaged Dell desktop back after service, still broken, with a dented case — and enduring multiple failed promises to send labels or emails needed to resolve it.
Divisive Features
The no-deductible desktop protection and Amazon gift card reimbursement are indisputably valuable when honored. However, the limit of enrolling products within 30 days of purchase splits opinion: safe buyers appreciate the control, but forgetful ones miss the window entirely.
Coverage limits and exclusions also spark debate. Portable device accidental protection starts immediately, but mechanical/electrical desktop coverage often begins after the manufacturer’s warranty expires, leaving a gap buyers don’t always anticipate.
Some appreciate ASURION steering manufacturer-covered issues to the OEM for efficiency, while others see it as an obstacle to using the plan they paid for.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot feedback shows a substantial number of satisfied customers who praise “professional” technicians, “super easy” claim processing, and “same-day” solutions. Yet peppered among them are accounts that use the word “scam.” One buyer warned: “China freaks are there to scam us… don’t waste your time or money.”
Longevity matters here: successful cases often resolve in under a week, but conflict cases — like one Reddit thread about a broken TV — dragged on for over six months, ending in refunds only after persistent, daily manager calls.
For long-term reliability, Reddit buyers who purchased ASURION coverage on multiple devices over years have a documented track record of repeat positive experiences, especially when claims fit clearly within policy boundaries.
Alternatives
Competitors mentioned in community discussions include SquareTrade, Mulberry, and AppleCare. Mulberry’s appeal lies in its lower-cost $9.99/month unlimited plan covering all online purchases, and SquareTrade wins on affordability but offers fewer claims. AppleCare costs more than ASURION but applies only to Apple-refurbished devices.
Reddit comparisons paint ASURION as the broader safety net for multi-brand households — but also as more complex in terms of exclusions and state-specific limitations. For buyers who want fewer rules and more transparency, Mulberry garners praise for spelling out conditions upfront.
Price & Value
Market rates for ASURION’s desktop plans vary by product cost, with individual plans in the $30–$699+ range, and monthly subscriptions like Complete Protect at $16.99. Heavy Amazon shoppers can find value by covering multiple purchases under one subscription, amortizing the fee across devices.
In terms of resale, coverage doesn’t transfer easily and is linked to the purchaser’s Amazon account, so it adds peace of mind during ownership rather than boosting resale price directly.
Community buying tips include: buy the plan with the product or within the 30-day window; document the device’s condition with photos; and keep receipts and confirmation emails handy to streamline claims.
FAQ
Q: Does ASURION cover accidental spills or drops on desktops?
A: Not typically — accidental damage is mainly for portable electronics. Desktop plans focus on mechanical/electrical failures, power surges, and some environmental factors like dust and humidity.
Q: Can I enroll after the 30-day purchase window?
A: No. Products must be covered within 30 days of purchase for individual plans; Complete Protect covers future items as long as the subscription is active.
Q: What happens if ASURION can’t fix my desktop?
A: They issue an Amazon gift card for the purchase price or a replacement unit. Many users report this happening within days in approved cases.
Q: Is there a deductible?
A: For desktops, approved claims carry no deductible. Mobile device protection may involve a service fee up to $99 plus tax.
Q: What if damage occurs during manufacturer warranty?
A: ASURION usually directs you to the manufacturer first, as their coverage takes precedence during its term.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a tech-heavy household, have kids prone to damaging devices, or want coverage beyond short manufacturer warranties. Avoid if you expect no repair hassles on borderline cases or plan to use devices outside recommended conditions.
Pro tip from community: Document condition on day one — it’s your best defense if disputes arise.
