[kennethkilo]

Just a quick question, will I be able to pay 49$ and get Apple to replace maybe the aluminum back even though it only has scratches on it and I just want it to look new again? And is replacing the backing even possible?

[swarlos]

I believe you would just get a new device which would be easier and faster. Just do restore from iCloud on the new device.


Beamed from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk

[SeanHRCC]

They're going to give you a new phone if you file a claim on your Apple Care coverage...

[IAmAuthority]

You can replace or repair your phone if there is damage done to the phone. I believe you have a limited number of claims for AppleCare. 2 a year is what I believe I read. I personally don't think it's worth a claim, but you or others may justify its cost and use of one of your yearly claims.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do...

PS: Maybe try a case that covers the scratches and or back of the phone?

[jclisenby]

Yes, you can get it fixed with your $50 copay. They only allow 2 exchanges per year and each will cost you $50. I would recommend a case, or if you don't like cases, check out a protective film like the Zaggskin. They are awesome and let the phone look naked, while still offering protection from scratches.

[iLive an iLife]

I was thinking about adding Apple Care to my iPhone. Does anyone know if you have to pay the $49 deductible if there's a warranty issue (home/power/volume buttons stick, etc - no physical damage or abide) with the phone? Something that would be covered for free under the regular phone warranty.

[Fausty82]

You can replace or repair your phone if there is damage done to the phone. I believe you have a limited number of claims for AppleCare. 2 a year is what I believe I read. I personally don't think it's worth a claim, but you or others may justify its cost and use of one of your yearly claims.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do...

PS: Maybe try a case that covers the scratches and or back of the phone?

Not 2 a year. Two in the life of the warranty (2 years). Once you get the second one, you’re done... no more replacements... unless it’s a bona fide warranty issue. Those are "as much as you need" and they’re free.

[Karenkcoulter]

I was thinking about adding Apple Care to my iPhone. Does anyone know if you have to pay the $49 deductible if there's a warranty issue (home/power/volume buttons stick, etc - no physical damage or abide) with the phone? Something that would be covered for free under the regular phone warranty.

No deductible if a warranty issue and warranty is extended to two years.

[Fausty82]

Yes, you can get it fixed with your $50 copay. They only allow 2 exchanges per year and each will cost you $50. I would recommend a case, or if you don't like cases, check out a protective film like the Zaggskin. They are awesome and let the phone look naked, while still offering protection from scratches.

It’s TWO TOTAL, not two per year.

[Garz]

It’s TWO TOTAL, not two per year.

Exactly correct

[precon22]

And is it a brand new or white box replacement ?

[iLive an iLife]

No deductible if a warranty issue and warranty is extended to two years.

Thanks, Karen!! Definitely adding Apple Care then. I treat my phone like it's a small child, but I'd like to be covered if something out of my control happens (a button starts sticking or is unresponsive)...

[Fausty82]

Thanks, Karen!! Definitely adding Apple Care then. I treat my phone like it's a small child, but I'd like to be covered if something out of my control happens (a button starts sticking or is unresponsive)...

Just to clarify:

It’s a minor thing, but worth mentioning. The iPhone warranty that we’re talking about here is AppleCare+ (the PLUS is significant). Apple no longer offers AppleCare for iPhones and iPods... but replaced it with AppleCare+. The difference is that "plus" includes up to TWO replacements ($49 per) for physical, previously non-warranted damage.

And if you sell (or transfer ownership) of your phone, you can do a one-time transfer of the AC+, as well. You can also request a refund at any time for the pro-rated, unused portion of the coverage.

[iLive an iLife]

Just to clarify:

It’s a minor thing, but worth mentioning. The iPhone warranty that we’re talking about here is AppleCare+ (the PLUS is significant). Apple no longer offers AppleCare for iPhones and iPods... but replaced it with AppleCare+. The difference is that "plus" includes up to TWO replacements ($49 per) for physical, previously non-warranted damage.

And if you sell (or transfer ownership) of your phone, you can do a one-time transfer of the AC+, as well. You can also request a refund at any time for the pro-rated, unused portion of the coverage.

Thanks, Fausty! That's a good feature and I appreciate you pointing it out. I'm not as concerned with the non-warranty replacement - I baby my phone way too much for that to happen!!

[Massie]

Copying my reply from this thread:

Another note on AppleCare+ is that you can only buy it within 30 days of buying a new iPhone. After that you're out of luck. From the Apple site:

AppleCare+ must be purchased within 30 days of the date you bought your new iPhone. If you did not purchase AppleCare+ with your iPhone, you may purchase it at an Apple Retail Store. To buy AppleCare+ at an Apple Retail Store, a Specialist will first need to verify your iPhone purchase date and confirm that your iPhone has no pre-existing damage.

If you missed the window, it helps to consider is what Apple charges for out-of-warranty repair/replacements; depending on your device and how careful you are with it, you might decide that AppleCare+ is not worth the money anyway:

Screen Shot 2012-12-01 at 10.48.42 AM.png

So if you have a 4S and buy AppleCare+, you spend $99 no matter what, and $148 if you have to replace your phone ($197 if you break it twice in two years). Without it, you'd spend $199, but only if you need service. For me--someone who is really careful with his devices--I'm comfortable without it, knowing that if I do need non-warranty service, it's only going to cost me around fifty bucks* more than I'd pay if I had AppleCare+. Obviously, it gets more expensive if you manage to need two replacements in two years, but after owning three generations of iPhones I have yet to require any service for any of them. So for me it doesn't seem worth the initial payout, based on my history.

*Depending on your device. My iPhone 5 would actually be about $80 more to replace outside of warranty, but my iPhone 4 would only cost $1 more than it would if I prepaid for AppleCare+.

[Fausty82]

Copying my reply from this thread:

Another note on AppleCare+ is that you can only buy it within 30 days of buying a new iPhone. After that you're out of luck. From the Apple site:

AppleCare+ must be purchased within 30 days of the date you bought your new iPhone. If you did not purchase AppleCare+ with your iPhone, you may purchase it at an Apple Retail Store. To buy AppleCare+ at an Apple Retail Store, a Specialist will first need to verify your iPhone purchase date and confirm that your iPhone has no pre-existing damage.

If you missed the window, it helps to consider is what Apple charges for out-of-warranty repair/replacements; depending on your device and how careful you are with it, you might decide that AppleCare+ is not worth the money anyway:

Screen Shot 2012-12-01 at 10.48.42 AM.png

So if you have a 4S and buy AppleCare+, you spend $99 no matter what, and $148 if you have to replace your phone ($197 if you break it twice in two years). Without it, you'd spend $199, but only if you need service. For me--someone who is really careful with his devices--I'm comfortable without it, knowing that if I do need non-warranty service, it's only going to cost me around fifty bucks* more than I'd pay if I had AppleCare+. Obviously, it gets more expensive if you manage to need two replacements in two years, but after owning three generations of iPhones I have yet to require any service for any of them. So for me it doesn't seem worth the initial payout, based on my history.

*Depending on your device. My iPhone 5 would actually be about $80 more to replace outside of warranty, but my iPhone 4 would only cost $1 more than it would if I prepaid for AppleCare+.

That’s a good point, Massie. As with ALL insurance, it’s about risk - what’s the risk/probability that you will do something or that something will happen to require the coverage. For many like me (and from your comments, you), it’s not worth it. But it’s there for those who are clumsy, careless or work/play in environments where "stuff happens".

[Massie]

Totally--my wife always gets AppleCare, and has used it more times than I can count. (Phone in washer, phone in puddle under car overnight, etc.)

Bottom line: if you're GOING to get insurance, get AppleCare+ and not some crappy third party insurance.

[iLive an iLife]

Well I just left the Apple Store and got Apple Care+. I am planning on keeping this phone for awhile and rely on it too much if something would happen. Thanks for all of the input guys!

[kennethkilo]

Lol but what I meant was like at the end of a year, I might want to sell my phone. Of course it has a better value if it's nice and new, so I'll just use my apple care, spend 50$ to get it looking like new, and then sell it for 100$ more than if it was scratched up.

[kennethkilo]

So in short, I can pay 49$ to get a guaranteed aesthetically perfect phone from my original phone even if it only has a few minor scratches.

[GibMcFragger]

So in short, I can pay 49$ to get a guaranteed aesthetically perfect phone from my original phone even if it only has a few minor scratches.

Yes, but only a total of 2 times for the life of the AppleCare+ (2 years).

[kennethkilo]

lol! SICK! AWESOME!!! Screw using a case then. I'm going naked. Then when it gets bad, pay 50$ to get it allll goood. and Before i sell it for a iphone 5s ill use it once again :P