DIRECTV Protection Plan?

[L.E.S. Ghoul]

Yes or no?

[HRJustin]

I dont have the Protection Plan on my account so I say No.

[Mertzen]

With complicated setups it can be worth it.

[L.E.S. Ghoul]

So what is covered if I don't have the protection plan?

[or270]

I do, but my setup is complex.

[JeffTex42]

Its insurance. $72 a year could save you or it might go towards fixing something at my house when something goes wrong.

[L.E.S. Ghoul]

This is my setup,

Slimline (SWM), HR23-700, D12-500

[dlt4]

Yes or no?

I had it for a year, but with the simple setup I have, plus not having any problems in six years, I decided to drop it yesterday. Maybe I should have waited until after April Fools Day! :lol:

[L.E.S. Ghoul]

I don't mind keeping it on my account, I'm wondering what DIRECTV covers without the plan.

[DrummerBoy523]

I got HD in Dec 2007 and so I got the PP to cover the new installation for the next year or so. I still have it (15 mos later) but am planning on cancelling it after the spring stormy season (in case the dish needs a realignment).

[Shades228]

It basically boils down to are you ok with paying $49 for a service call if you need one or $15 for a remote replacement if you need one. If you're ok with paying charges when you have a problem then you don't need the protection plan. If you don't ever have to want to worry about any extra charges other then the $6 a mo then get it.

I always get insurance coverage through providers because it makes me never have to worry about things or making sure that if something does happen an unexpected cost doesn't come up.

[Prince Oz]

It basically boils down to are you ok with paying $49 for a service call if you need one or $15 for a remote replacement if you need one. If you're ok with paying charges when you have a problem then you don't need the protection plan. If you don't ever have to want to worry about any extra charges other then the $6 a mo then get it.

I always get insurance coverage through providers because it makes me never have to worry about things or making sure that if something does happen an unexpected cost doesn't come up.

Could have not said it any better. +1 :grin:

[Jhon69]

So what is covered if I don't have the protection plan?


http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=900030 ;)


Without DirecTV's protection plan DirecTV will replace your receiver for $20 S&H. That's it!.

[L.E.S. Ghoul]

It basically boils down to are you ok with paying $49 for a service call if you need one or $15 for a remote replacement if you need one. If you're ok with paying charges when you have a problem then you don't need the protection plan. If you don't ever have to want to worry about any extra charges other then the $6 a mo then get it.

I always get insurance coverage through providers because it makes me never have to worry about things or making sure that if something does happen an unexpected cost doesn't come up.

Thanks! That's exactly what I needed to know. So, let me get this straight, if for whatever reason a tech comes out to my place it would be $49 and the price of any replacement part that I might need. If I have the PP everything is covered and I pay $0 for a tech coming out and $0 for any replacement parts.

Now does it cover upgrades (new technology, recievers, dishes)?

[L.E.S. Ghoul]

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=900030 ;)


Without DirecTV's protection plan DirecTV will replace your receiver for $20 S&H. That's it!.


With the PP, I don't have to pay the s&h?

Sorry, I'm a newb!

[bakers12]

I signed up for the PP when DirecTV accidently showed on their web site that it was free for a year. After I proved it was their mistake, they agreed to credit $5/month for a year. That credit just ran out, so it's time for me to cancel it.

[bakers12]

Now does it cover upgrades (new technology, recievers, dishes)?
Nope. Sorry.

[WestDC]

I drink $120 a Month in Whiskey = $1440 a Year -- My wife spends $1200 a year just in insulin Another $3000 in Associated Meds--- $72 a Yr is nothing all it takes is one misplaced electric Storm to take everything out, Better to have it and not need it,Than to not have it and need it.

If the $72 Bothers you that much then you should not have bought a TV set either :lol:

[gfrang]

In over 8 years i spent zero bucks on repairs,no pro plan. Things went wrong like receivers that i got replaced free whit no commitment and dish alignment which i learned to do myself.So i feel i am way ahead if anything goes wrong.

[Undertaker]

I've got it when I initially signed up for dish. It has covered HD receivers and remotes as well. Didn't have to pay for multi-switches, etc. We well worth my while. I think it is a good thing to have. Also, Gfrang, when was the last time you had a problem? They may have changed their policies since your last one. Just wondering.

[BattleZone]

Without DirecTV's protection plan DirecTV will replace your receiver for $20 S&H. That's it!.

... AND a reset of your 18 or 24 month programming commitment.

If you have the Protection Plan, your commitment is not extended unless you add or upgrade.

[L.E.S. Ghoul]

Thanks for all the helpful replies! I don't mind keeping it because DIRECTV is new technology for me, I just got it installed like 2 weeks ago. I'm leaning towards keeping it because it'll be one less thing I need to worry about.

I only ask because I'm pretty tech savvy when it comes to gadgets and electronics and with this message board I feel like I can get away with not having it.

[gfrang]

I've got it when I initially signed up for dish. It has covered HD receivers and remotes as well. Didn't have to pay for multi-switches, etc. We well worth my while. I think it is a good thing to have. Also, Gfrang, when was the last time you had a problem? They may have changed their policies since your last one. Just wondering.

The last time i had a problem was about two mouths ago it was a bad dvr had a little hassle but everything worked out. But whatever there policy is i have mine and it is no protection plan and no commitment.

[timmmaaayyy2003]

I generally only pay for protection plans for devices with moving parts. Most electronics will fail within the warantee period or last its designed lifetime in my experience.

[Jhon69]

With the PP, I don't have to pay the s&h?

Sorry, I'm a newb!


Correct.;)

[Brennok]

I have used mine multiple times to replace some of the multiswitches that have gone bad over time. I seem to go through them a lot for some reason. Oh well it has more than covered the cost since they usually even leave me a couple plus extra lines.

Now hopefully when the new Directivos come out I can use it to replace some of my broken Directivos I still have around for spare parts since DTV would only replace them with their DVRs.

[dodge boy]

Now hopefully when the new Directivos come out I can use it to replace some of my broken Directivos I still have around for spare parts since DTV would only replace them with their DVRs.

They should have already done the swaps and just left you keep the old Tivos. I dunno though every case is different.

[Brennok]

They should have already done the swaps and just left you keep the old Tivos. I dunno though every case is different.

I ended up not doing swaps since they wouldn't replace them with Tivos. I just later deactivated them and activated new Tivos I bought locally. I have never used the PP to get a replacement receiver.

[Shades228]

I would highly doubt that when the new tivo's come out old ones would get swapped out for them. Considering everything Chase has said stated it will be a premium option for customers.

[Crashovride02]

With the PP It cover only Technical Problems that you may encounter with equipment that is covered. Power surges, normal wear and tear, failures, remotes, cabling, etc... Without the PP you will have $20 shipping on a replacement that WILL come with an 18 or 24 month commitment depending on receiver type. Service calls as mentioned will be $49 and if tech finds that problems occurred from customer damage or receiver failure and something needs to be replaced you can and usually will be charged for that as well along with a possible new commitment so I think it's worth it.

[dcben]

I have rejected the PP as I do with all retailer extended warrenty offers. The way I look at it, I am fortunate enough to be able to self-insure. I put away some money each month into savings and 401K (yeah I know, but the long term plan still is in the black and will let me retire ok). I will not like it, but I could afford the $49 fee and charges if something happens. If it doesn't, the added $$ in savings can be used for something else I need or want. SO I guess it depends on how close to the edge your DT service places you. If its that close, maybe you should cancel one of the premiums you don't watch very much, or cut down on a ppv or two a month. The age of excess is over, remember?

[wingrider01]

I have rejected the PP as I do with all retailer extended warrenty offers. The way I look at it, I am fortunate enough to be able to self-insure. I put away some money each month into savings and 401K (yeah I know, but the long term plan still is in the black and will let me retire ok). I will not like it, but I could afford the $49 fee and charges if something happens. If it doesn't, the added $$ in savings can be used for something else I need or want. SO I guess it depends on how close to the edge your DT service places you. If its that close, maybe you should cancel one of the premiums you don't watch very much, or cut down on a ppv or two a month. The age of excess is over, remember?

Donlt forget to add cost of parts into the equation, cable pulls, multiswitches, dishes, etc none of those are covered under the 49.00 truck roll.

[dodge boy]

I have it,and it has come in handy.

[Rich]

I don't mind keeping it on my account, I'm wondering what DIRECTV covers without the plan.

Without the PP, they will replace a bad receiver and charge you 19.99 shipping for an HR. Nothing else is covered, but if you argue politely and firmly...

I used to think the PP's CSRs were better trained than the normal CSR, but I've revised that assumption. One service call will cost you at least $50 if you are not a member of the PP.

I've had the PP since I joined D* and never regretted it. Saved me more money than it costs.

I have resolved that the next time one of my HRs goes south, I will replace it with a new HR that I will purchase myself. I'm sick of "replacement roulette". But aside from that, I think the extra few bucks a month is well worth the price.

Rich

[The Merg]

Also, the PP covers anything going wrong from the dish to the wiring to the receivers. It is your responsibility for the dish and wiring and the receiver, once it is out of warranty, if you don't have the PP.

I thought the service calls are $79 without the PP. With the PP, the first service call is, I believe, $29 and after that you are covered. As Jhon stated, you don't pay to have your receiver replaced if you are on the PP and there is no extension of your commitment.

For more information on the commitment extensions and the protection plan, you can check out a thread I started laster, DirecTV Commitment Extensions (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=119756).

- Merg

[BattleScott]

This is my setup,

Slimline (SWM), HR23-700, D12-500

Assuming you have started a 2-year commitment, thats 24 x $6 for $144. Given the system that you listed, you could replace the entire dish assembly including mounts and LNB for about that. Having to replace one of these components is an extremely rare occurence, all of them in the course of 2 years, fah-geht-a-bot-it.

Assuming you live in a harsh weather area that might require occassional alignment, you can get 3 of those at $49 a pop or 1 every 8 months (not very likely if it's done right the first time).

As for receiver replacements, which is really the only "problem" most people encounter, worst case is $20 for shipping, so you can go about 7 receivers deep before it starts to pay off.

The commitment extensions are not valid and have been reported by PP members as well. They have no legal grounds to extend any commitment for replacing "their" defective equipment.

[wingrider01]

4.99 a month, one less McChoke and Puke lunch a month, a lot easier in today;s economy to come up with the then having to write a check for a service call becasue the dish is out of alignment or the squirrels ate the cable (yes had the last one happen)

[bakers12]

As usual, this is a matter of opinion. The OP will have to choose for himself.

[jefbal99]

Mine just paid for itself when my H20-600 went flaky and got replaced.

[hdtvfan0001]

In general, I am not a big fan of nor advocate of "protection plans" or extended warranties.

However, I have retained the DirecTV protection plan now for several years, and feel its a reasonable-cost insurance policy for Dish LNBfailure/alignment problems, multiiswitch outtages, or hardware failures (receivers/DVRs) in general.

The cost of this service gets paid back with just one significant "incident", not to mention the "warm fuzzy" of getting action promptly on any problem.

In the end, its a personal decision to get it - but in this household, its considered an inexpensive insurance policy and money well spent.

[Rich]

In general, I am not a big fan of nor advocate of "protection plans" or extended warranties.

That's how I feel too. The only time I ever get an extended warranty is on certain cars. A friend of ours just had to sell a Lincoln Navigator because the warranty ran out and the repairs for it were eating her alive. Cars like that cost $500 or more every time something goes wrong and you can save a lot of money and keep the car longer with an extended warranty.

But the PP is a totally different thing than getting sucked into a $300 extended warranty on a TV that will work perfectly for the next twenty years.

However, I have retained the DirecTV protection plan now for several years, and feel its a reasonable-cost insurance policy for Dish LNBfailure/alignment problems, multiiswitch outtages, or hardware failures (receivers/DVRs) in general.

The cost of this service gets paid back with just one significant "incident", not to mention the "warm fuzzy" of getting action promptly on any problem.

In the end, its a personal decision to get it - but in this household, its considered an inexpensive insurance policy and money well spent.

Agree, I do. Well worth the money.

Rich