ASURION Sporting Goods Plan Review: Conditional Verdict
Digging into the customer feedback, the ASURION Sporting Goods Protection Plan earns a conditional recommendation, landing at 7.8/10. While many users praise its quick claims process, broad coverage, and peace of mind, others warn of frustrating exclusions, inconsistent customer service, and lengthy resolution times for certain high-value items. The experiences vary sharply depending on the product type and the support channel chosen.
Quick Verdict: Conditional
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast claim approvals, often within minutes | Some exclusions surprise users (e.g., certain bike frame damage) |
| Broad coverage beyond manufacturer warranty | Inconsistent communication and follow-up |
| E-gift card reimbursements for full purchase price | Replacement not always identical to original |
| No deductibles for many claims | Claims can be delayed for high-value sporting goods |
| Transferable coverage | Aggressive upselling during support calls |
| Peace of mind for accidental damage | Difficulties navigating Amazon-linked claim process |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing emphasizes “no additional cost repairs” and “coverage from day one for drops, spills, and cracked screens.” In practice, the responsiveness for these issues is strong. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “I went online to the Asurion site… after I uploaded all the requirements, I was issued a refund within a few days.” This aligns with the promise of fast resolution.
Another claim is “easy claims process: most claims approved within minutes.” While this often matches reality for mid-priced items, some high-value sporting goods tell a different story. An Amazon reviewer reported: “Have purchased an electric bike… battery went bad… still not giving me any solution… been waiting in hold for hours.” This suggests that while the process is streamlined for common electronics, complex sporting goods repairs may face bottlenecks.
The “if we can’t repair it, we’ll send you an Amazon e-gift card” pledge is generally upheld. Reddit user u/Verizon*** shared: “Dropped a weight on my iPhone… arranged for next day shipping… the one I received looked absolutely new.” Yet others, like a Trustpilot reviewer, warn that replacements can be refurbished and differ in brand or features.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Reddit, and Trustpilot, users repeatedly praise the speed and simplicity for standard claims. A ConsumerAffairs reviewer detailed: “Filed a claim… it was done completely by 6:30 pm… being reimbursed for the full price of the phone.” For fitness enthusiasts, the plan’s coverage of wear-and-tear and accidental damage means uninterrupted training schedules. One Amazon buyer replaced a broken elliptical with “a gift card to cover the full value” after the warranty expired.
The plan’s breadth—covering drops, spills, mechanical failure, and even power surges—offers peace of mind to outdoor adventurers. A Twitter/X post highlighted coverage for “bikes, treadmills, eyewear, camping gear” under the No Sweat plan, noting that it includes “failures due to heat, dust, humidity, and wear and tear.”
Common Complaints
Frustration often stems from exclusions and communication gaps. An Amazon reviewer recounted: “Frame of my bike is bent and they say it’s not covered… should have known.” This hits hardest for cyclists expecting full-frame coverage. Another recurring pain point is slow supervisor callbacks; one buyer said, “Been waiting on hold for hours… supervisor never called me back.”
Aggressive upselling during claims calls also irks customers. Reddit user u/Verizon*** described the “sneaky” pitch for a pricier plan mid-claim: “They go through it quickly… try to get a verbal ok… push once more before giving up.”
Divisive Features
The replacement process splits opinion. Some love the brand-new appearance of replacements (“looked absolutely new… battery capacity still 100%”), while others dislike receiving refurbished models or non-identical substitutes. For high-value sporting goods, the plan’s reimbursement via gift card is seen as fair by some, but others prefer exact replacements. A Quora reviewer explained: “Asurion usually sends a replacement device with the same make and model… but availability may vary.”
Trust & Reliability
Customer trust varies. Long-term users often express loyalty due to consistent outcomes. A ConsumerAffairs reviewer stated: “Over many years… repairs are handled quickly, correctly, and smoothly.” However, scam concerns surface in cases of repeated denials or low-value replacements for expensive items. One Quora review warned: “Stay away… gave up a $900 phone for a $60 phone.”
Durability in coverage is a plus for those who’ve held multi-year plans. A Redditor noted they’ve “used Asurion a lot & each time it has been a smooth experience.” Yet, others advise dealing directly with Amazon when claims stall, saying “Asurion dicked me around for years… didn’t get anywhere until I complained to Amazon.”
Alternatives
Some users compare Asurion to AppleCare+, noting that Apple’s plan may offer more predictable replacements for Apple devices but at higher cost. Others highlight retailer-specific plans, like Home Depot’s protection, where local service relationships can expedite repairs. For sporting goods, manufacturer warranties may suffice for early defects but lack accidental damage coverage—an area where Asurion excels.
Price & Value
Prices vary by product category, but community tips stress the value-for-money when claims are likely. For example, the $20 No Sweat plan from Dick’s Sporting Goods paid off for a damaged golf glove, as one Twitter/X user shared: “Able to get a new one without paying $24.” However, buyers warn to factor in deductibles for theft/loss claims, which can reduce perceived value.
Buying tips from Reddit include selecting the lower-priced coverage tier if tech support isn’t needed, and timing upgrades during “open enrollment” periods to maximize coverage after manufacturer warranties expire.
FAQ
Q: Does the plan cover bike frame damage?
A: No, multiple reports confirm bent frames are excluded, even when other components are covered.
Q: Are replacements always new?
A: Not always—some are refurbished with equivalent functionality, which may differ in brand or features.
Q: How fast is the claims process?
A: For common electronics, approvals can occur within minutes; complex sporting goods claims may take days or weeks.
Q: Is coverage transferable?
A: Yes, the plan can transfer to a new owner if the product is sold or gifted.
Q: Are there deductibles?
A: Many claims have no deductible, but theft/loss on phones often carries a fee.
Final Verdict: Buy if you own mid-priced sporting goods or electronics where accidental damage is a concern and value quick, gift card-based reimbursements. Avoid if you expect exact replacements for high-value items or need coverage for exclusions like bike frames. Pro tip from the community: For stalled claims, escalate through the retailer partner (Amazon, Dick’s) to speed resolution.
