In today‘s connected world, our homes are filled with more electronic devices than ever before. From laptops and tablets to smart TVs and gaming consoles, the average US household now has over 10 internet-connected devices, according to a recent study by Deloitte. And with the rise of remote work and learning, those numbers are only going up.
All of this expensive technology is a significant investment – one that needs to be protected. That‘s where device protection plans like Verizon Home Device Protection come in. For a reasonable monthly fee, you get peace of mind knowing your gadgets are covered against the unexpected.
But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to know which plan is right for you. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll break down everything you need to know about Verizon Home Device Protection – what it covers, how it works, and how it stacks up against the competition.
The True Costs of Device Damage and Repairs
Let‘s start with a hard truth: accidents happen, especially in busy households with kids and pets. In fact, a 2018 survey found that over 50% of American parents reported a tech device being damaged by their child. And it‘s not just little ones – adults are prone to spills, drops and other tech mishaps too.
When misfortune does strike, the costs of repairs or replacements can seriously add up. Here‘s a look at the average costs for common device issues:
| Device | Typical Issue | Average Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop | Cracked screen, liquid damage, failing hard drive | $300 – $500+ |
| Tablet | Shattered glass, charging port failure | $100 – $300 |
| Smart TV | Motherboard failure, backlight issues | $200 – $400 |
| Gaming console | Overheating, disc drive failure | $100 – $200 |
Sources: Consumer Reports, Thumbtack, Angi, Fixr
As you can see, just one major repair can easily cost hundreds of dollars. And that‘s not even factoring in full device replacements, which are often necessary for catastrophic damage or failures. Without some kind of protection plan in place, device damage can quickly drain your bank account.
How Verizon Home Device Protection Works
This is where Verizon Home Device Protection comes to the rescue. In partnership with Asurion, a leading device insurance provider, Verizon offers some of the most comprehensive coverage on the market. Here are the key facts you need to know:
What‘s Covered
Verizon Home Protect covers nearly every kind of connected device in your home:
- Computers (laptops and desktops)
- Tablets
- Flat-screen TVs
- Audio equipment (speakers, receivers, etc.)
- Gaming consoles
- Streaming media players
- Printers and scanners
- Wearables (smartwatches, fitness trackers)
- Smart home devices (thermostats, security cameras, etc.)
The only major exclusions are Verizon-branded routers and streaming boxes. For everything else, you‘re protected against:
- Mechanical and electrical breakdowns
- Accidental damage (drops, spills, cracks)
- Power surge damage
- Hard drive failures
Basically, if a device stops working like it should or gets physically damaged, Verizon has you covered.
Plan Options and Pricing
Verizon offers two tiers of Home Device Protection to fit different needs and budgets:
-
Home Device Advisor ($15/month): If you just want access to 24/7 tech support and troubleshooting, this is the plan for you. Experts are available via phone or chat to walk you through any issues with your connected devices. You also get the Verizon Digital Secure app for ID theft monitoring.
-
Total Home Protection ($25/month): For total peace of mind, go with this premium plan. You get everything in Home Device Advisor, plus actual repairs and replacements for your damaged devices. There‘s also additional benefits like in-home expert visits and mobile security features.
With either plan, you pay month-to-month with no long-term contracts. You can enroll at any time via the Verizon website or mobile app.
If you do need to file a claim under Total Home Protection, there will be a service fee:
- $49 for repairs to wearables, tablets, and for some in-home product installations
- $99 for computers, TVs, and other electronics
While these deductibles may seem steep, they‘re actually on par with or lower than other leading protection plans. AppleCare+, for instance, charges $99 for screen damage or $299 for other damage to Macs.
It‘s also important to note that claims are unlimited up to $5000 in value per year across all your devices. And individual devices are covered up to $2000 in value each. So unless you‘re rocking a garage full of 8K OLED TVs, you likely have all the coverage you need.
Additional Perks and Benefits
One of the biggest selling points of Verizon Home Device Protection is the sheer scope of benefits included. Unlike most extended warranties that only cover certain failures, you‘re getting a suite of services to keep your tech life running smoothly:
24/7 Expert Tech Support: Got a weird error message? Not sure how to connect a new device? Just call or chat with Verizon‘s team of support specialists anytime for fast troubleshooting. No more yelling at automated phone menus or digging through forums for answers.
In-Home Expert Visits: With Total Home Protection, you get two scheduled visits per year from an Asurion tech. They‘ll come to you to set up devices, fix issues, or just optimize your connected home experience. It‘s like having a personal IT department!
ID Theft Monitoring and Alerts: Verizon Digital Secure is included in both plans to safeguard you online. Get alerted of any suspicious activity or if your personal info is spotted on the dark web.
Dedicated Claims Support: In the event you need a repair or replacement, Verizon / Asurion makes the process as painless as possible. Claims can be filed online or via phone 24/7. Most repairs are completed in 2 days or less by certified techs. You can even get reimbursed if you pay out of pocket in a pinch.
These value-added services really elevate Verizon‘s offering beyond a typical warranty. When you look at the costs of tech support, online security tools, and the time and stress saved by having claims experts on call, the $25/month price becomes an even better deal.
How Verizon Home Protection Compares
Of course, Verizon isn‘t the only game in town when it comes to device protection. Big retailers like Best Buy and Apple offer their own plans, as do specialty insurers like SquareTrade. Here‘s a quick breakdown of how Verizon Home Protect stacks up on coverage and cost:
| Provider | Price | Deductible | Coverage Limit | Major Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | $25/month | $49 – $99 | $5000/year | Widest range of devices, ID theft monitoring, 24/7 support |
| AppleCare+ | $99 – $299 upfront + monthly fee | $29 – $99 | 2 claims/year | Genuine Apple parts and labor, 24/7 support |
| Geek Squad | $7.99 – $19.99/month per device | $0 – $149 | Varies by plan | In-store repairs, 24/7 support |
| SquareTrade | $89 – $549 upfront | $25 – $149 | Varies by device | Easy online claims, local repairs, 24/7 support |
Note: Prices and terms are accurate as of 2024 and subject to change. See provider sites for latest details.
As you can see, Verizon‘s plan offers some of the broadest coverage for the most reasonable ongoing price. Other retailers may be cheaper upfront but limit claims or only cover certain brands. And having one plan for all your devices is much simpler to manage than juggling multiple policies.
Real World Scenarios: When to Consider Verizon Home Device Protection
Still on the fence about whether you need a protection plan like Verizon Home Protect? Ask yourself if any of these common situations apply to your home:
-
You have kids (or pets!): Let‘s face it, little hands and paws can wreak havoc on expensive electronics. Rowdy teenagers with gaming gear aren‘t much better. Device protection offers a safety net for when the inevitable "oops" moments happen.
-
You work from home: If your laptop or desktop computer is suddenly out of commission, that‘s a major disruption to your livelihood. Having a repair plan can get you back up and running ASAP without shelling out hundreds or thousands for an emergency fix or new machine.
-
Your devices are out of warranty: Most consumer electronics only come with a limited one-year manufacturer‘s warranty. After that, you‘re on the hook for any repairs or replacements. A multi-device protection plan extends that peace of mind for the lifetime of the product.
-
You‘re not tech savvy: No judgment! The world of connected devices can be overwhelming if you‘re not a digital native. Having instant access to friendly, knowledgeable tech experts takes all the stress out of troubleshooting issues yourself. Think of it as tech support for the rest of us.
-
You buy a lot of devices: If you‘re the type that always needs the latest and greatest tech toys, device protection is a must-have. You‘re already spending top dollar on the devices themselves – what‘s a few extra bucks a month to make sure that investment stays protected as long as possible?
Of course, no two homes are alike, and there‘s no one-size-fits all approach to device protection. But for the growing number of households with multiple high-value connected devices (which is most of us!), the convenience and cost savings of a comprehensive plan like Verizon Home Protect is clear.
The Future of Device Protection
As we barrel towards a world of even more connected devices in the home and beyond, the demand for simple, reliable device protection will only continue to grow. A 2020 study by Asurion found that 86% of consumers believe tech protection plans are a necessity, but many are dissatisfied with their current provider. The top complaints? Lack of coverage for the devices they actually own and a slow, limited claims process.
This creates a huge opportunity for providers like Verizon that can deliver on a more streamlined, customer-focused experience. By offering more robust coverage across multiple device types, 24/7 omnichannel support, and fast local repairs and replacements, Verizon Home Device Protection is well positioned to be a market leader.
Industry analysts agree. According to Toni Sabatino, an insurance expert and owner of TTS Consulting, "The device protection space is ripe for disruption. People are looking for simplicity and convenience, which legacy providers have struggled to deliver. Verizon‘s approach, especially with the Asurion partnership, hits all the right notes for the modern consumer."
As devices evolve, so too must the protection plans that cover them. Innovations like self-repair programs, remote diagnostic tools, and on-demand support will become the norm rather than the exception. And as 5G and edge computing push more processing power to the devices themselves, the risks (and costs) of failures will only increase, making robust protection even more of a necessity.
Meeting this demand isn‘t just a profitable business opportunity – it‘s a requirement for building long-term customer trust and loyalty in an increasingly competitive market. According to the Asurion study, 84% of consumers said they would switch mobile carriers for better phone protection, and 62% would buy more smart home devices if the protection offering was more comprehensive. Brands that learn to bundle protection seamlessly into the device purchasing experience will have a significant upper hand.
The Bottom Line: Verizon Home Device Protection Is a Smart Investment
For most households, it‘s no longer a question of if but when a pricey connected device will need to be repaired or replaced. The numbers don‘t lie: with the average home now containing thousands of dollars worth of electronics, and most of us feeling ill equipped to fix issues on our own, having a backup plan just makes sense.
Verizon Home Device Protection stands out for its exhaustive coverage, white glove support, and thoughtful additional benefits. No other provider makes it quite so easy to protect all the tech we rely on to work, play, and stay connected.
And while $25/month may feel like a lot up front, the potential savings are enormous. A single incident – whether it‘s a shattered smartphone screen or a fried laptop motherboard or a submerged smart speaker – can easily cost more than a full year of Verizon‘s top-tier Total Home Protection plan. It‘s a small price to pay for priceless peace of mind.
In an unpredictable world, Verizon Home Device Protection is the ultimate safety net for your family‘s technology. So go ahead and splurge on that extra 4K TV, or let your toddler gleefully smear yogurt on your tablet, or spill coffee all over your expensive mechanical keyboard. With Verizon in your corner, you‘re covered for whatever the future may hold for your devices.
