ASURION Desktop Protection Plan Review: 7.5/10 Verdict
Digging into user feedback for the ASURION Desktop Protection Plan, it’s clear that satisfaction varies sharply depending on claim experiences. Across platforms, ratings average between 4.1 and 4.5 stars, suggesting the plan often delivers—but a notable portion of users report persistent obstacles, delays, or outright denials. The plan earns a conditional 7.5/10 in our verdict: it’s worthwhile for high-value or accident-prone equipment owners, but frustrating for those dealing with complex or intermittent issues.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast online/phone claim process when approved | Some claims denied under unclear terms |
| Covers mechanical/electrical failures + surges | Long repair times, often weeks to months |
| Amazon e-gift card refunds when repairs fail | Packaging issues causing cosmetic damage |
| Unlimited claims with Complete Protect subscription | Gap between advertised and actual coverage start dates |
| 24/7 tech support included | Repeated repair attempts before refund |
| Accidental damage covered for portable electronics | Communication delays during claim process |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing emphasizes “no additional cost repairs” and “most claims approved within minutes.” While Amazon’s spec page confirms that parts, labor, and shipping are included, Reddit discussions complicate the picture. Reddit user u/kjtonjm shared: "I’ve had a laptop (about $250) and when I called they had no record of my plan even though I could see it on my account."
The “easy claims process” has supporters, but the speed varies. A verified Amazon buyer praised, "Returned it to Asurion... 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." Others, like Reddit user u/lfn673q, felt it was "a clear agenda of denying and delaying to avoid coverage." While official claims of “minutes” for approval hold true in simpler cases, complex repairs—especially intermittent faults—can stretch out for weeks or months.
Coverage claims include malfunctions after manufacturer warranties expire and day-one surge protection. However, policy language excludes pre-existing and cosmetic damage. A Trustpilot reviewer reported sending a Dell desktop back twice, receiving it dented and still broken. This supports community warnings about service quality inconsistency.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
High-value purchase owners often see clear benefit. A Reddit user u/kdhuthx noted, "We have made three claims and they were paid immediately. It’s been totally worth it to us." Amazon reviewers echo that sentiment, particularly when failures occur near the end of coverage. One buyer recounts, "Under warranty... returned the entire amount. This insurance really works!" For families, accidental damage coverage for portable electronics can be invaluable; users with children stressed its role in protecting tablets and laptops.
The e-gift card refund system draws consistent praise—especially as funds are usable immediately on Amazon. Many appreciate not having to navigate manufacturer service centers, particularly for devices with only 90-day OEM warranties.
Common Complaints
Repair delays dominate negative feedback. Several Amazon buyers documented months-long processes; one wrote of "sending this computer back and forth since February and now it’s June" before securing a refund. Reddit threads fill with stories of repeated repair attempts before honoring “no lemon” guarantees.
Claim denials, sometimes citing manufacturer coverage or excluded damage types, leave customers frustrated. The lack of proactive communication compounds irritation. A reviewer on Amazon described being out of a computer for nearly a month: "Worst customer service experience ever... Lady on phone recommended me 'borrow' a desktop computer from a friend or go buy another."
Physical damage during return shipping also appears repeatedly. A Trustpilot complaint recounted "big dent in side of case... still would not come on" after repair.
Divisive Features
The Complete Protect multi-device plan divides opinion. Heavy Amazon purchasers cheer the broad category coverage; infrequent buyers question if the monthly fee outweighs benefits. Some users dislike gift card-only refunds, preferring cash or direct replacement. Others find the gift cards more flexible and faster than sourcing identical replacements.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Reddit show patterns of repeated service frustration for complex issues. Extended sequences of failed repairs before refunds erode confidence. One Amazon customer dealing with a SkyTech gaming PC described four repair cycles over five months before resolution. On the extreme end, Reddit’s r/Asurion hosts discussions around potential class action interests due to claim denials involving water damage.
Still, many long-term buyers have uneventful coverage—policies sit unused until a sudden failure prompts smooth claim fulfillment. Shoppers who’ve held plans for 2–3 years without issues often speak highly when a payout does occur, reinforcing the value for sudden catastrophic failures.
Alternatives
Community comparisons mention SquareTrade (cheaper but with claim limits) and Mulberry (unlimited online purchase coverage for ~$10/month, with easier product registration). Reddit and Quora notes show Akko as more transparent on exclusions. AppleCare remains targeted at Apple devices and costs more, but includes direct OEM integration. Asurion distinguishes itself with multi-device coverage and unlimited claims via Complete Protect, but falls behind competitors in proactive communication and repair cycle speed.
Price & Value
Quora experts highlight the $8–$12/month average cost for individual devices, or ~$1/day for Complete Protect, covering nearly all home tech. eBay listings show B2B Asurion plans maintaining full commercial-use coverage at similar price points. Users note value peaks for devices with costly repairs—robot vacuums, gaming rigs, or mini-PCs—where replacement costs approach purchase prices.
Market observations from Algopix show sustained pricing in the $50–$175 range for gaming and desktop plans, with occasional 20% discounts. Resale value isn’t relevant for the plan itself, but gift card refunds allow buyers to reinvest directly into replacements without devaluation.
FAQ
Q: Does the ASURION Desktop Protection Plan cover accidental damage?
A: For portable electronics, yes—from day one. Desktop plans focus on mechanical/electrical breakdowns and surges, with no coverage for cosmetic damage or misuse.
Q: How long does a typical repair take?
A: Simple resolutions may take under a week, but intermittent or complex faults can stretch into months with multiple repair attempts before refund approval.
Q: What happens if ASURION can’t fix my device?
A: You’ll receive an Amazon e-gift card for the original purchase price, usable immediately. Some users prefer this to direct replacement.
Q: Are pre-existing issues covered?
A: No. Coverage excludes any damage or malfunction present before the plan purchase, as confirmed on Amazon’s product page.
Q: Can I transfer the plan to another product?
A: Individual plans link to purchases made within 30 days; Complete Protect covers multiple eligible items, but plans aren’t transferable beyond that eligibility time frame.
Final Verdict: Buy if you own high-value devices with expensive repair potential or live in a household with high accidental damage risk. Avoid if downtime from long repairs is unacceptable or if your devices already enjoy robust OEM/credit card warranty coverage. Pro tip from community: Document your device’s condition on arrival—photos can help resolve disputes over shipping or repair damage.
