ASURION Sporting Goods Plan Review: Conditional Approval
Digging into user feedback across Amazon, Reddit, Trustpilot, and ConsumerAffairs, the ASURION Sporting Goods Protection Plan emerges as a polarizing product. While many buyers award it high marks for speed, convenience, and comprehensive coverage, persistent complaints about denied claims, unclear exclusions, and poor communication temper enthusiasm. Based on aggregated experiences, the plan earns a 7.6/10—strong for straightforward claims, but risky for complex or high-value sporting goods.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Approval
| Pros (User-Reported) | Cons (User-Reported) |
|---|---|
| Fast claim approvals—often within minutes | Exclusions catch buyers off guard (e.g., frame damage not covered) |
| E-gift card reimbursements allow instant repurchase | Poor communication and follow-up on complex claims |
| No deductibles for most covered sporting goods | Some users report long hold times and difficulty reaching supervisors |
| Coverage starts day of purchase, includes drops/spills | Denials for "non-covered" issues despite marketing language |
| Easy online claim filing via Amazon orders | Sales pitches for upgrades during service calls frustrate |
| Transferable coverage for gifted/sold items | Repairs/replacements sometimes lower quality than original |
Claims vs Reality
ASURION advertises “coverage for drops, spills, cracked screens, mechanical/electrical breakdowns, and failures due to normal wear and tear” starting from purchase. While that’s technically accurate, user reports reveal a gap in expectations—especially around what “damage” means for sporting goods.
A verified Amazon buyer recounted: “I experienced a major issue with an exercise bike. Asurion covered the entire purchase price. The claims process was fast and easy. I highly recommend.” This aligns with marketing promises for mechanical breakdown coverage.
However, others discovered that certain damage types were excluded. One Amazon reviewer fumed: “My electric bike frame is bent and they say it’s not covered… companies like this should be put out of business.” Here, the marketing’s broad language clashed with fine-print exclusions, leaving the buyer feeling misled.
The “easy claims process” is often true for straightforward failures. On Reddit, one user described dropping a weight on their iPhone, filing a claim, and receiving a replacement “within 24 hours… looked absolutely new.” But complex sporting goods repairs, especially those requiring part replacements or specialized technicians, sometimes stall for weeks.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Speed and simplicity dominate positive reviews. A Trustpilot user explained, “I reported the issue to Asurion and their response was immediate!”—a sentiment echoed on ConsumerAffairs where buyers praised “claims processed quickly and efficiently” for treadmills, ellipticals, and golf gloves. For active users who rely on gear daily, this quick turnaround minimizes downtime.
Reimbursement via e-gift card is another hit. A buyer who replaced a Schwinn elliptical shared: “Asurion sent a gift card to cover the full value.” For athletes in training or those mid-season, the ability to repurchase instantly is crucial.
Coverage breadth also wins fans. The No Sweat Protection Plan, detailed on Quora and Twitter, includes accidental damage for select products, wear-and-tear failures, and even power surge coverage. This appeals to outdoor enthusiasts whose gear faces varied stressors—dust, humidity, and mechanical strain.
Common Complaints
The most frequent frustration is claim denial due to exclusions. Bicycle owners are particularly vocal: “Battery went bad… been waiting on hold for hours, never get to talk to a supervisor,” reported one Amazon reviewer. Damage to frames, cosmetic issues, or wear outside defined parameters often trigger rejections.
Communication gaps exacerbate issues. A Reddit commenter warned: “They did everything they could to make sure I couldn’t complete the process… mailed three labels that never arrived.” Others cite conflicting information from different reps, leading to repeated documentation requests.
Service quality for replacements can be inconsistent. While many receive “like new” items, some are disappointed by refurbished gear or missing parts. One ConsumerAffairs reviewer noted receiving a replacement with “the same problems after I asked them not to.”
Divisive Features
Sales upsells during service calls divide opinion. Some see value in upgrading to broader coverage, but others feel pressured. One Reddit user described the pitch as “a bit sneaky… they go through it quickly, barely mention the price.”
Transferable coverage is praised by resellers, yet irrelevant to buyers who keep equipment long-term. Similarly, the “no lemon policy” (replacement after three repairs for the same issue) is lauded by heavy users but rarely triggered for casual owners.
Trust & Reliability
Scam concerns surface in Trustpilot patterns, often tied to high-value sporting goods. Multiple users accuse ASURION of “procedures to disincentivise returns,” with some abandoning claims after prolonged delays. High monthly costs for minimal payouts fuel skepticism, especially among Verizon-linked mobile insurance customers transferring expectations to sporting goods.
Long-term durability stories, however, show ASURION honoring coverage years later. A ConsumerAffairs user recounted a 3-year-old dehumidifier failure: “They immediately issued coverage… very satisfied customer.” These cases suggest reliability for mechanical breakdowns within clear coverage scope.
Alternatives
Where mentioned, SquareTrade appears as a competitor. One Twitter reviewer contrasted the two: “So many issues with SquareTrade… Asurion very minimal issues and not as stressful.” For Amazon sporting goods buyers, ASURION’s integration with order history remains a convenience advantage.
Price & Value
Current Amazon listings for similar ASURION sporting goods plans range from ~$21.99 for $175-$199.99 items to ~$26.99 for $250-$299.99 items. Community advice leans toward purchasing coverage for gear above $100, especially for items prone to mechanical failure.
Resale value benefits from transferable coverage—used gear sold with an active plan can command a premium. Buyers suggest attaching the plan at checkout to ensure coverage starts immediately.
FAQ
Q: Does ASURION cover accidental damage for all sporting goods?
A: No. Accidental damage is covered only for select products. Frame damage on bikes, for example, is commonly excluded.
Q: How quickly are claims processed?
A: Many users report approvals within minutes and reimbursements or replacements within days, especially for clear-cut mechanical failures.
Q: Can I transfer my plan if I sell my equipment?
A: Yes. Coverage is transferable to the new owner, which can enhance resale value.
Q: What’s the “no lemon policy”?
A: If your item is repaired three times for the same issue and fails again, ASURION will replace it instead of attempting another repair.
Q: Is the plan worth it for low-cost gear?
A: Community consensus favors plans for items over $100 due to claim convenience and potential replacement value.
Final Verdict: Buy if you own mid-to-high-value sporting goods prone to mechanical failure and want fast, integrated claim processing. Avoid if your gear’s likely issues fall into exclusion zones (cosmetic damage, frame bends). Pro tip from the community: file claims directly through your Amazon order history for the quickest resolution.
