Directv Protection Plans

[Olphart]

I have the basic ($8) to cover "their" equipment, dish, lines, etc. I had a tech come out as a dish had gotten out of alignment just a bit and some channels were giving me the "771" error code at various times on one receiver. He did a good job and removed one dish and re-connected the lines to the remaining dish, then aligned it correctly.

While he was here, he has to ask if we might be interested in the protection plan that covers the normal stuff, along with TVs, computers, laptops, and tablets. He stated it is $20/month, but since I have the basic, it would be $12 more with the change/upgrade in plans.

This sounds good as they come out and if they can't fix the TV or computer, they replace it with a new one. And, I have a 46" TV and if it goes out, I'd get a slightly larger one, which sounds good.

Does anyone have this particular plan and had to use it? What are your thoughts, the good and the bad?

[buckmastertexas]

I know when I had a defective satellite receiver, and under the protection plan, I was forced to do another two year contract. So, in the end the only way to ever clear the two year contract without paying the penalty, is to never have an equipment failure. Also, if you add a satellite receiver, you will be forced into renewing the two year contact.

[captainsling]

I have it but haven't had to use it. Paid nothing for the equipment and don't intend to. That's why I got the coverage for $8 a month.

[Huntindad]

I've had Directv for a zillion years. Never had a protection plan...never had problems either. I wouldn't do it.

[Olphart]

Well, we've had a couple of issues over the many years we've been with them. One was a receiver went out and then this latest deal. I can't say that with computers as I've had to replace 2 in 2 or 3 years. One TV is at least 13 years old and I have 3 others.

My question is for those with the "cover all" plan. I'm looking for info from those that have had to use it, if any....how long did it take to get them out, how long to get the unit checked/repaired or replaced, etc. Was the replacement some off-brand Chinese junk or did they replace the item (TV, computer) with the same brand that failed?

[sailor]

NO

[Monark]

Directv will poke your eyes out if you let them. I dropped them. You would not believe how many letters I have received saying"come back", "we miss you", "here's $200 off". I have actually gotten phone calls about why I canceled. They were overcharging me for basic service.

[Meatcutter]

Have never had a problem with them. I don't have the plan.

[Tbar]

Irks me.
I pay for the service.
They OWN the equipment.
Why should I pay to protect THEIR equipment?

[Olphart]

Irks me.
I pay for the service.
They OWN the equipment.
Why should I pay to protect THEIR equipment?

I agree. I just don't want to pay through the nose (all at once) when something fails...and it will.

[Olphart]

I guess that question was answered...

[heartburn]

I guess that question was answered...

Specific to the question that you have posted. I had this additional coverage, had a 70" TV that should have been covered against any sort of damage (power surge, toys into the screen, fall damage, etc...) the TV did fall and was damaged (angry autistic child). When working with Directv on the settlement of this coverage was told they would not cover accidental damage of this type (they determine what sort of damage is covered and what is not).
I am 8 months as of now into trying to get a refund for the additional 15 bucks a month or whatever the cost was and continue to get billed this coverage even though we have told them to cancel it.

[Olphart]

I understand, heartburn. I noticed on their website they don't cover that kind of damage unless you pony up the extra $5 per month in addition to the "failure" protection plan. Thanks for your reply.

I think I'll pass and when something fails, I'll replace it....and at a cheaper price in the long run.

[ren087]

I've had Directv for a zillion years. Never had a protection plan...never had problems either. I wouldn't do it.

^^^ This. Waste of money.

[fullsizeaggie]

Will only pay the $8 one. They tried to sneak the $20 in on me.