Extended warranty/accidental damage coverage for laptops?

March 14, 2005 8:57 AM

I just bought a spiffy new HP laptop. I declined the third-party extended warranty at the time of purchase...

...thinking that I would explore my options later on. Specifically, I wanted to get an extended warranty plan that includes accidental damage coverage--and the in-store plan didn't (most don't.)

I just discovered that HP has the perfect plan, but they can't sell it in New York. Naturally, I live in New York City.

I've already checked with my renter's insurance provider, and there doesn't seem to be a way to add a rider for accidental-damage-to-laptop coverage. (Theft? sure. Damage? no.)

So. Can anyone recommend a reputable supplier of extended warranty service and accidental damage insurance coverage for laptops?

posted by enrevanche to computers & internet (2 comments total)

I don't know one off of the top of my head, but you could talk to your renters insurance people and see how much a separate policy would be. I think they're called "inland marine" policies.
posted by SpecialK at 10:41 AM on March 14, 2005

Safeware seems to be the main laptop insurer in the USA. The cost of insuring through them was significantly cheaper for me than an accidental-inclusive warrantee extension. When I was shopping for insurance, a guy I know told me he had absolutely no problem getting his hardware replaced by them after some damage, which was more than could be said for the horror stories I was hearing about people trying to claim on their warrantee, so I went with Safeware. They charge more if you expect to be taking the laptop out of the country, and a few other things, but that's all up to you.
posted by -harlequin- at 12:35 PM on March 14, 2005