ASURION Instrument Protection Plan Review: 7.8/10 Verdict
Few warranty services spark as much debate as the ASURION Musical Instrument Accident Protection Plan, which sits at a crossroads between lifesaver and letdown. With ratings hovering between 4.1 and 4.6 stars depending on the price tier, the verdict lands at a cautious 7.8/10.
Some swear it’s “fast, reliable, and great” — one Amazon buyer described filing a cymbal crack claim as “quick and painless,” while others call it “the worst insurance ever,” claiming it hides behind manufacturer warranties. Whether it’s a godsend or a headache depends heavily on how and why you use it.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — great for hassle-free replacements, risky for high-value complex claims
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Many claims resolved within minutes | Some report delays, lost labels, or non-existent warranty excuses |
| Covers drops, spills, cracked screens from day one | Discrepancies between advertised and actual coverage duration |
| $0 repair cost, shipping included | Refunds may be slightly less than purchase price without clear explanation |
| 24/7 expert tech help | Limited ability to answer complex setup questions |
| Amazon eGift card or replacement if irreparable | Large/bulky returns may incur packaging costs for buyer |
| Often praised for ease of claim process | Trust concerns after reports of disincentivized returns |
Claims vs Reality
The marketing claims a $0 customer repair cost, broad accident coverage from purchase date, and “most claims approved within minutes.” For many buyers, reality matches these promises. A verified Amazon purchaser recounted that after their guitar’s bow failed, “they refunded all the money… totally worth it for your peace of mind.” Similarly, one Twitter review cheered, “Asurion resolved my claim within minutes! I highly recommend them!”
But this speedy resolution isn't universal. On Reddit, a user recalled two years of frustration over two low-value electronics: “They did everything they could to make sure I couldn’t complete the process… I no longer buy electronics on Amazon.” The plan's advertised “4 year” coverage has also drawn scrutiny; one purchaser noted it was only two years in the fine print.
Another claim — 24/7 expert help — proved hit or miss. While staff were praised as “friendly” and not rushing callers, some tech questions stumped them, forcing handoffs to manufacturers.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The strongest praise centers on painless claims for straightforward hardware issues. This tends to benefit gigging musicians, teachers, and hobbyists whose instruments suffer sudden, obvious damage. One Amazon reviewer whose PA system failed mid-life “immediately” received a shipping label and prompt eGift card to replace it. A Reddit musician with a broken electronic cymbal described the process as “quick and painless” and said they’d “definitely buy coverage again.”
For parents, the reassurance factor is notable. When a child’s violin bow broke, a parent reported that Asurion “refunded all the money… I am glad that I had Asurion.” Having shipping covered in repairs allows users without local repair shops to quickly resolve issues without cost anxiety.
Value perception is also high in modest-cost categories. A customer with a $14.99 plan said it was “super easy to make claim, return defective item & receive payment,” especially compared to manufacturer warranty hoops.
Common Complaints
The harshest criticism comes from those who meet resistance in the process, particularly on higher-ticket or bulky items. A PA system owner appreciated the quick refund but was out $100 to find adequate packaging — even though shipping itself was covered.
Some buyers accuse Asurion of dragging its feet intentionally. One Reddit poster alleged they were “mailed three labels that never arrived” for years until Amazon intervened. Others dislike partial refunds without explanation — as one customer put it, “Got refunded $4.00 less than what I paid… it was not explained to me.”
Coverage misrepresentation is another frustration point. A buyer who expected four years of protection said fine print revealed only two years of coverage, making them feel misled.
Divisive Features
The “expert tech help” is both a selling point and a sticking point. Some enjoy quick access to courteous reps who resolve basic issues. Others find them reading from manuals and unable to answer setup questions. As one two-star reviewer wrote, “Seemed to be reading the same document that I had… [they] ended up directing me to the manufacturer.”
The all-or-nothing outcome of claims — full refund or simple denial — polarizes users. Speedy denial without repair attempts frustrates those expecting actual fixes, while others appreciate the instant cash value substitution.
Trust & Reliability
Concerns about legitimacy circulate widely. Fakespot’s analysis estimated only 28.3% of some listings’ reviews were reliable, pointing to “high deception” and mass review alterations. Several Amazon listings had thousands of reviews removed or modified over time.
On Reddit, long-term experiences skew polarized: one user bought plans for three years’ worth of electronics and called it “basically… a scam” after a single failed claim attempt, while multiple others described repeat positive outcomes — “super easy and convenient. no hassle!” — for smaller claims. Patterns emerge where low-price, portable items see fast resolution; higher-cost, complex cases face more roadblocks.
Alternatives
Within the shared discussions, the most cited alternative is AppleCare for high-value electronics like iPads. One Reddit commenter compared a $15 Asurion 4-year violin plan favorably against Apple’s $80 2-year tablet plan for drop and spill coverage. However, skeptics point out that AppleCare or manufacturer service plans may deliver more consistent repair options, especially for brand-specific issues.
Price & Value
Plan cost scales with instrument value, from under $10 for sub-$50 items to over $150 for $1,250–$1,499.99 tiers. eBay shows out-of-stock demand for cheaper plans, and Amazon frequently bundles them at checkout.
Community advice leans toward matching plan choice to actual paid price, not MSRP. One answered question noted quotes “based on the price of the equipment and the length of coverage” without overpaying for unused capacity.
The real perceived value comes when claims are approved quickly and fully — essentially transforming a single incident into a “free replacement.” As a Redditer put it: “It often pays off as things seem to have planned self-destruction.”
FAQ
Q: Does Asurion cover accidental damage like drops and spills from day one?
A: Yes, users confirm that drops, spills, and cracked screens are covered immediately for portable devices. Malfunctions are covered after the manufacturer’s warranty ends.
Q: Will I get the full purchase price back if my item is unrepairable?
A: Often yes, via Amazon eGift card, but several users noted small shortfalls of a few dollars without explanation.
Q: Is the coverage always the advertised length?
A: Not necessarily — some users said “4 year” plans were only 2 years in the fine print, so check terms before purchase.
Q: Do I have to pay shipping for returns?
A: Shipping is generally included, but you may bear packaging costs for large or unusual items if a suitable box isn’t provided.
Q: How fast are claims resolved?
A: For many, within minutes to days. Others report delays, repeated label issues, or denials depending on item and claim specifics.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a musician or parent wanting low-cost peace of mind on mid-range instruments where replacement is feasible and logistics are simple. Avoid if you’re protecting high-value gear that may require specialized repairs or have complex return requirements. Pro tip: Always read the fine print for actual coverage length and keep purchase documentation handy — multiple users report the fastest resolutions happen when they can submit proof immediately.
