I just renewed my MacBook Pro’s policy with Safeware. I have all my big ticket tech items insured… so when they drop I can shout a loud “Yes!” instead of a horrifying, life-shortening scream.
However, my relationship with Safeware has been far from perfect. I’ve had two claims in the past five or six years. The first went smooth as silk (my Toshiba e570 PDA’s screen cracked), and they replaced the unit within 72 hours. The other claim (a MacBook Pro that had Diet Coke spilled in it) was an absolute horror story. Four months, fired employees not returning calls (and their voicemails going nowhere), underwriters losing paperwork, and even a Vice President that never seemed to be able to take my call (but I kept being told I just had to talk to her to get the claim settled). It was a nightmare… and if I hadn’t repaired the system myself, I would have been without my MacBook Pro for four months.
But, I still use Safeware… I’m just more likely to call my friendly state insurance commissioner next time when things go awry.
So, I’m also looking for other options. Feel free to post and share other insurance companies you use for tech and mobile gear. We’re not talking extended warranties here, insurance covers theft and accidental damage.