Asurion Desktop Protection Plan Review: Worth It? 7.5/10
A verified buyer on Amazon summed up the dilemma bluntly: “Do not waste your money on any Asurion protection plan... never again!” Yet another declared, “This insurance really works!” That split captures the essence of the ASURION Desktop Protection Plan, a product polarizing enough to provoke both fierce loyalty and deep frustration. Across major platforms, the plan averages strong ratings (around 4.3–4.5 stars), but digging deeper reveals uneven experiences—excellent claim processing for some, bureaucratic roadblocks for others. Verdict: 7.5/10 for households with high-value tech and patience for occasional delays.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — Highly valuable for households with expensive or accident-prone tech; avoid if downtime is unacceptable or you rely heavily on manufacturer warranty overlap.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quick, often same-day claim approvals (Amazon e-gift card or replacement) | Lengthy repair cycles (up to a month reported) |
| Covers mechanical/electrical failures, accidental damage on some plans | Claim denial frustration due to unclear “wear and tear” exclusions |
| No extra cost for parts, labor, shipping | Requires overlap awareness with manufacturer warranties |
| Unlimited claims for subscription holders | Poor communication during repair process noted |
| Includes 24/7 expert tech support | Inconsistent packaging quality in repairs/shipping |
| “No lemon policy” after three identical failures | Geographic/state coverage limitations |
Claims vs Reality
On paper, Asurion promises “no additional cost repairs—parts, labor, and shipping included” with coverage for malfunctions post-manufacturer warranty and power surges from day one. For portable electronics, accidental drops and spills are included immediately.
Reddit user u/lsa8rc4v described a seamless process: “When it stopped working just over a year later they refunded me the entire amount on my Amazon gift card balance.” Amazon buyers share similar success stories, like one who said their all-in-one desktop was repaired twice before the “no lemon” refund kicked in.
Reality turns when claims get bogged down. Reddit user u/lfn673q recounted, “It was clear to me after two hours on a chat that the company has a clear agenda of denying and delaying to avoid coverage.” Some Amazon verified buyers echo this, noting three-week waits only to have the product returned seemingly unchanged.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The biggest win is financial peace of mind for expensive tech. A verified buyer noted, “Under warranty... returned the entire amount. So, this insurance really works!” For parents, the coverage is worth it—Reddit user kd_huthx joked that “there isn't enough allowance in their lifetimes to cover the amount of damage my kids have done to tablets and laptops alone,” praising multiple rapid payouts.
Frequent Amazon shoppers find Asurion Complete Protect attractive for bundling past and future purchases under one $16.99/month plan. The value multiplies for high-repair-cost devices like gaming desktops, robotic vacuums, or niche appliances. As one Twitter review highlighted, “My claim was taken care of the same day... absolutely true and I am grateful.”
Common Complaints
Slow repairs and poor shipping practices emerge as sore spots. One Amazon buyer described receiving their desktop back with a broken front panel due to poor packing. Others faced month-long outages: “29 days without my desktop so far. Not happy.”
Denials tied to “pre-existing damage” or “cosmetic issues” frustrate customers, especially those mid-job or course. A Redditor described purchasing coverage for indoor cameras they intended to use outside—only to be told this fell "outside of normal use," a reminder of tight definitions.
Trustpilot includes more severe anecdotes: a Dell owner claimed their desktop was “destroyed” after returning for repair, calling the company “a scam.”
Divisive Features
Gift card reimbursements instead of cash cause debate. Some appreciate instant Amazon credit, others—like one Amazon grandfather whose grandson’s desktop was refunded—disliked being forced to spend on Amazon.
The “no lemon policy” wins praise among users who hit the three-repair threshold but frustrates those stuck in repeat cycles before reaching it. A Sky-Tech gaming PC owner endured five months and multiple repairs before Asurion agreed to refund. While the refund resolved the frustration, they lamented the long slog.
Trust & Reliability
Concerns about legitimacy surface in sharp contrast to glowing testimonials. Sitejabber recorded a review labeling Asurion “a scam in many ways,” citing multiple repair mishaps and damage caused during handling. While Asurion responded apologetically, such episodes erode trust.
Conversely, long-term users report dependable service: one Complete Protect subscriber made three claims “paid immediately” and called it “totally worth it.” This suggests reliability hinges on claim type, product category, and clear adherence to terms—those who document issues thoroughly and follow process steps tend to fare better.
Alternatives
SquareTrade earns praise for affordability but limits claims, while Asurion offers unlimited under certain subscriptions. Mulberry positions itself as a budget alternative ($9.99/month, browser extension support) but lacks Asurion’s vast repair network. AppleCare offers strong brand-specific coverage but is pricier and tied to Apple products only. The choice narrows to whether you value multi-brand, multi-device protection like Asurion’s over brand-locked warranties.
Price & Value
Individual desktop plans range by product price band, often $120–$175 for multi-year coverage, while Complete Protect runs $16.99/month. On eBay, gaming protection was spotted at $63.74—significant savings for thrifty buyers.
The value is strongest for households with expensive, accident-prone gear and minimal manufacturer coverage. A Reddit “insider” reinforced that plans shine on high-repair-cost items or tech with short manufacturer warranties (90 days). Caution is warranted for simple, low-failure-rate electronics or when credit cards already extend warranties.
FAQ
Q: Does Asurion cover accidental damage?
A: Yes, for portable devices with accidental coverage from day one. This includes drops, spills, and cracked screens, but not misuse or outdoor use of indoor-only products.
Q: What is the “no lemon policy”?
A: If the same issue occurs three times and repairs fail, Asurion refunds the purchase price via Amazon e-gift card. This policy accelerates resolution for chronic faults.
Q: How fast are claims processed?
A: Some are approved in minutes with gift card issued same or next day. However, mail-in repairs can take weeks; users cited up to a month without their device.
Q: Can I get cash instead of an Amazon gift card?
A: No; reimbursements are issued as Amazon credit, which must be spent on the platform.
Q: Is coverage automatic for manufacturer defects during warranty?
A: No; Asurion directs you to the manufacturer first if the original warranty is still active.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a frequent Amazon tech purchaser, have kids or heavy-use households, and want a catch-all safety net across multiple devices. Avoid if you require instant, guaranteed repairs and cannot tolerate weeks without your desktop. Pro tip from the community: keep receipts, photo-document your device upon arrival, and clearly describe reproducible issues—success often depends on how precisely you meet Asurion’s coverage criteria.
