[ewto16]

Is this something I should get or not? I declined intially, but now I'm wondering if I should add it in.

Thoughts, experience?

My DTV is getting installed as we speak.

 

[Michael D'Angelo]

It is really a personal choice. If you do a search for "protection plan" you will find a few threads on this.

I do have it myself and think it is worth it for me. I have needed a couple of dish realignments and it has saved me $80 each time for service calls.

 

[curt8403]

Is this something I should get or not? I declined intially, but now I'm wondering if I should add it in.

Thoughts, experience?

My DTV is getting installed as we speak.

I would add it during the second bill cycle

 

[hdtvfan0001]

It is really a personal choice. If you do a search for "protection plan" you will find a few threads on this.

I do have it myself and think it is worth it for me. I have needed a couple of dish realignments and it has saved me $80 each time for service calls.

Ditto.

Plus I sleep really good at night knowing its there.

 

[tcusta00]

I believe you have carte blanche with service calls for the first 90 days. After that I'd add it.

 

[curt8403]

I believe you have carte blanche with service calls for the first 90 days. After that I'd add it.

remember the 30 day wait time.

 

[Upstream]

After your warranty expires, the Protection Plan covers the receiver, wiring, and dish, including protection from lighting strikes and dish realignment.

There are some here who don't feel the Protection Plan is worth the money since DirecTV replaces defective leased receivers for a $20 shipping cost. However, even though DirecTV does this now, they are under no obligation to continue this policy. At any time they could increase the replacement price and add commitments on replacement.

With the Protection Plan, you have a contractual promise to have the receivers replaced at no cost and no commitment extension.

 

[Ira Lacher]

Unfortunately - and this is one of the few things I dislike about D* - without it they charge exorbitant fees for repair, readjustment, upgrades, etc. It makes you feel like you're paying protection, but it's ultimately worth it.

 

[rudeney]

After your warranty expires, the Protection Plan covers the receiver, wiring, and dish, including protection from lighting strikes and dish realignment.

I've had an LNB and two multiswitches replaced under the PP. They don't fail often, but when they do, it can be comforting to know that there is no charge to diagnose and repair them.

There are some here who don't feel the Protection Plan is worth the money since DirecTV replaces defective leased receivers for a $20 shipping cost. However, even though DirecTV does this now, they are under no obligation to continue this policy. At any time they could increase the replacement price and add commitments on replacement.

With the Protection Plan, you have a contractual promise to have the receivers replaced at no cost and no commitment extension.

Some here are also reporting that D* is becoming less willing to swap a receiver for $20 and are requiring an $80 in-home service call to "verify" that the receiver is defective. With the PP, this is no worry at all as it's covered.

 

[GregLee]

remember the 30 day wait time.

I'm not sure what you have to wait for. I did not have the protection plan and just called to make a service appointment. I was told I could commence the protection plan now, for a year, and pay only 19.95 for the service call. So I don't see the point of getting the protection plan before you actually have a problem.

 

[rudeney]

remember the 30 day wait time.

I'm not sure what you have to wait for. I did not have the protection plan and just called to make a service appointment. I was told I could commence the protection plan now, for a year, and pay only 19.95 for the service call. So I don't see the point of getting the protection plan before you actually have a problem.

That's what Curt meant - the $19.95 applies during the first 30 day "waiting period". After that, all PP services are no additional charge.

 

[leww37334]

Just had an HR-20 meet an untimely demise (lightning, I think). I have had the protection plan for several months, still had to pay the $20 shipping fee. I asked, "Are you sure about the $20?", the CSR said everyone has to pay it. Just my experience today, another CSR may have a different answer.

 

[JLucPicard]

leww37334,

Did you speak with the Protection Plan department, or just the front-line CSR?

If you have the PP and there is going to have to be a receiver replaced, you should be speaking with the PP department. That may mean you have to ask for them or walk the CSR through the logic that you are a customer that has the PP and you are having a problem that is covered under the PP, so you should probably be transferred to the PP department where they can take care of you. (No offense intended to CSRs, but it would seem pretty obvious to me what should be done in that case).

 

[wingrider01]

Unfortunately - and this is one of the few things I dislike about D* - without it they charge exorbitant fees for repair, readjustment, upgrades, etc. It makes you feel like you're paying protection, but it's ultimately worth it.

cable company, phone company all do exactly the same, if the problem is outside your house the fix is free, if inside the local cable company charges 75.00 to have the repair tech step inside the house, phone company 60.00 for the same type of thing.

 

[rudeney]

Just had an HR-20 meet an untimely demise (lightning, I think). I have had the protection plan for several months, still had to pay the $20 shipping fee. I asked, "Are you sure about the $20?", the CSR said everyone has to pay it. Just my experience today, another CSR may have a different answer.

That does not sound right at all. In fact, you can read the official policy on this here:

http://directv.com/learn/pdf/DirecTV_service_contract_v4.pdf

It clearly states that it includes the repairs and troubleshooting and that there are no deductibles.

I would call back and demand the $20 be refunded (and make sure it's a *refund* and not a "goodwill credit" as those count against your ARPU rating).

leww37334,
Did you speak with the Protection Plan department, or just the front-line CSR?

If you have the PP and there is going to have to be a receiver replaced, you should be speaking with the PP department. That may mean you have to ask for them or walk the CSR through the logic that you are a customer that has the PP and you are having a problem that is covered under the PP, so you should probably be transferred to the PP department where they can take care of you. (No offense intended to CSRs, but it would seem pretty obvious to me what should be done in that case).

I've had many pieces of equipment replaced under the PP and never called anyone other than 1800-DIRECTV. Other than one CSR who tried to get me to press the red reset button or do a "menu -> reset" on a UTV (that had neither), I've not had any issues getting service that way.

 

[alv]

The protection plan also frequently gets you no (at least less) hassle swaps of equipment.

 

[Brian Hanasky]

I have it. I've used it once in the last 4 years but find it to be worth it. Same as car insurance...you don't appreciate it until you need it.

 

[phat78boy]

Plus they cover remotes too, which is a big plus for me.

 

[fluffybear]

The PP covers re-alignment of your dish & equipment swaps. I know many people who have it and swear by it and others who swear at it.
Since the wife does not want me climbing up on the roof (3 stories with a 12% pitch), we find it a great value as all it takes is a single phone call after a major wind storm to have the dish re-aligned.

 

[tivoman]

I would get it to, if I didn't already have it. Just replaced an old Sony T60 that I just reactivated 5 days before I called to replace it. I did have to call to get me PP rate reduced, it was still at $7.99/month with the following under it
DPP Grandfather
$5.99 Monthly

I guess the old rate was for advanced units that you owned, but now I have a mix in my setup.