Dropped my Rezound, only cosmetic damage. What should I do?

**Apav** · 02-07-2012, 10:37 PM

I am very careful with my phone but today was not a good day for it.

I pulled a muscle in my leg pretty bad, so it is very painful for me to walk or bend down after getting up from sitting. When I got out of my car, my phone fell out of my pocket onto crushed concrete gravel.The case fell off but the phone was alright. I went to bend over to pick it up, but I felt excruciating pain so I accidentally dropped the phone again. Third times a charm right? Nope, I bent down and dropped it again, but this time it hit my foot and bounced along the gravel.

Finally I managed to get the phone (bending down is really a hurdle for me with this pulled muscle.), but I was saddened when I saw the damage. The front has small scuffs and dents on the edge of the phone, on the silver part. The back has a few dings and scratches as well. The screen is alright, thank god there was a screen protector on it, because I only notice a few scratches and very small dings on where the screen hit the road. There also seems to be a minor scratch on the camera lens, although I can't tell when taking a picture if it is affected.

It has been about a month since I purchased the phone, and I am under insurance. What are my options? I'm not sure if I should get a replacement over very minor cosmetic damage, but it bothers me to feel these scuffs on my phone. If I decide to get a replacement, how much will the deductible be? Lastly, will the replacement phone be in similar quality of this phone too (cosmetic damage)? It wouldn't be worth it if I'm getting the same phone really....

Thanks!

**dpham00** · 02-07-2012, 11:41 PM

deductible thru Asurion is $100, but i don't believe they cover cosmetic damage. if the screen was damaged, then they would replace it.

**Apav** · 02-07-2012, 11:59 PM

Originally Posted by dpham00

deductible thru Asurion is $100, but i don't believe they cover cosmetic damage. if the screen was damaged, then they would replace it.

Oh no

That's not good, the screen has some small dents into it from when it hit the gravel so it is kind of uncomfortable to type on. There must be a way to replace it.

**humpagardengnome** · 02-08-2012, 02:15 AM

Where did you buy the phone from? If you have it, what/whose insurance plan are you covered under? I had a similar episode on my DX2, under Verizons insurance plan. I had major scratching damage and they charged me $50, to replace. I also had an Omnia II, no insurance/expired warranty, that had a huge screen crack and they replaced for free. So I guess it all depends. If your covered by Big Reds insurance, $50 or full retail. If you don't have it, you could get a third party coverage but you'd still have to deal w/ using your phone for at least 90 days before you could even report a claim to them.

**Dovahkiin** · 02-08-2012, 06:21 AM

Originally Posted by Apav

Oh no

That's not good, the screen has some small dents into it from when it hit the gravel so it is kind of uncomfortable to type on. There must be a way to replace it.

Yeah, throw it into a tub of water and say it fell in a large puddle outside. 1 phone call and $100 later, you have a new Rezound.

**isdaako** · 02-08-2012, 07:10 AM

Should you choose to go the deception route to justify a claim... How about set fire to the phone and tell them you were in a fiery crash.

**rootbrain** · 02-08-2012, 07:14 AM

Originally Posted by isdaako

Should you choose to go the deception route to justify a claim... How about set fire to the phone and tell them you were in a fiery crash.

I agree, that's not the way to go. I think you should just live with it rather than destroy it on purpose. Phones will all get some wear and tear over time anyway.

**GNex Girl** · 02-08-2012, 07:15 AM

Originally Posted by Dovahkiin

Yeah, throw it into a tub of water and say it fell in a large puddle outside.

Why not just say it fell into a tub of water? What's the difference since water damage is covered no matter how it happened?

**Apav** · 02-08-2012, 07:37 AM

I guess I might as well try that, Thanks guys! Is the replacement phone new or certified like new? I mainly want to do it because of the screen.

**Apav** · 02-08-2012, 07:38 AM

Originally Posted by humpagardengnome

Where did you buy the phone from? If you have it, what/whose insurance plan are you covered under? I had a similar episode on my DX2, under Verizons insurance plan. I had major scratching damage and they charged me $50, to replace. I also had an Omnia II, no insurance/expired warranty, that had a huge screen crack and they replaced for free. So I guess it all depends. If your covered by Big Reds insurance, $50 or full retail. If you don't have it, you could get a third party coverage but you'd still have to deal w/ using your phone for at least 90 days before you could even report a claim to them.

I got it from an actual Verizon store, it's under my Dad's plan but he authorized me to call up and get a replacement if needed. I'm not sure what insurance he pays, but all I know is my phone is insured by Verizon.

**humpagardengnome** · 02-08-2012, 07:47 AM

Originally Posted by Apav

I guess I might as well try that, Thanks guys! Is the replacement phone new or certified like new? I mainly want to do it because of the screen.

If it's outside the return period, it's a refurb. Inside the returns period, new. If you did the water damage option, it's likely free of charge. Make sure that thing is ruined w/ no hope of being dried and turned on.

P.S. I was gonna say the water thing but I didn't b/c I offended some honest Abe w/ a similar option. Hope he doesn't read this thread, since 2 people said, he'll have a heart attack.

**dpham00** · 02-08-2012, 07:53 AM

Originally Posted by humpagardengnome

Where did you buy the phone from? If you have it, what/whose insurance plan are you covered under? I had a similar episode on my DX2, under Verizons insurance plan. I had major scratching damage and they charged me $50, to replace. I also had an Omnia II, no insurance/expired warranty, that had a huge screen crack and they replaced for free. So I guess it all depends. If your covered by Big Reds insurance, $50 or full retail. If you don't have it, you could get a third party coverage but you'd still have to deal w/ using your phone for at least 90 days before you could even report a claim to them.

Deductible through Asurion is $45 only for dumb phones. Androids are $100. iPhones are $170-200 depending on model.

.

**humpagardengnome** · 02-08-2012, 08:01 AM

Originally Posted by dpham00

Deductible through Asurion is $45 only for dumb phones. Androids are $100. iPhones are $170-200 depending on model.

.

For most recent return claim, Verizon corp. store, they only charged me $50 for a refurb due cosmetic damages on my DX2. I either got lucky or they changed the plan since then.

**Dovahkiin** · 02-08-2012, 08:46 AM

Originally Posted by GNex Girl

Why not just say it fell into a tub of water? What's the difference since water damage is covered no matter how it happened?

"Sir, why were you standing over a bathtub with your phone?"
They both work, but I prefer taking the route that includes less questions/hassle and make it seem like less of a lie.

**humpagardengnome** · 02-08-2012, 08:56 AM

Originally Posted by Dovahkiin

"Sir, why were you standing over a bathtub with your phone?"
They both work, but I prefer taking the route that includes less questions/hassle and make it seem like less of a lie.

Not that it matters but the outdoor puddle, is more plauses, given the scratches.

**GNex Girl** · 02-08-2012, 09:36 AM

Originally Posted by Dovahkiin

"Sir, why were you standing over a bathtub with your phone?"
They both work, but I prefer taking the route that includes less questions/hassle and make it seem like less of a lie.

OK, but they don't ask questions like that. And really all you have to say is that you dropped your phone in water and now it won't work.

**dpham00** · 02-08-2012, 09:50 AM

Originally Posted by humpagardengnome

For most recent return claim, Verizon corp. store, they only charged me $50 for a refurb due cosmetic damages on my DX2. I either got lucky or they changed the plan since then.

Current official policy is $100 for advanced devices, I'd expect the worse, and say $100 deductible. If you get lucky then they charge you $50 deductible, but always expect the worse. If the op isn't willing to fork out $100 deductible, then...he can make his own decision.

**Apav** · 02-08-2012, 10:25 AM

Originally Posted by dpham00

Current official policy is $100 for advanced devices, I'd expect the worse, and say $100 deductible. If you get lucky then they charge you $50 deductible, but always expect the worse. If the op isn't willing to fork out $100 deductible, then...he can make his own decision.

I hate to be dishonest, but I hate the damage even more!

What if I say that there is something wrong with the internal functions of my phone?

Ie, I had a DInc 1 and the first one was over heating and turned off because it got so hot, so I got it replaced for free. The second one wouldn't even turn on so I got another replacement for free.

Could I be able to say there is something wrong with how the phone works and get a replacement Rezound for free?

Lol I liked how this thread turned into how to a how to cheat Verizon thread.

Thanks guys!

**Apav** · 02-08-2012, 10:29 AM

Also just thought of this, what if there are little indents on the screen that went through the screen protector?

The screen isn't cracked, but there are little indents on where it hit the gravel. Not sure if that went through the screen protector, but if it did, would that count as actual damage to the phone?

**dpham00** · 02-08-2012, 10:54 AM

Originally Posted by Apav

I hate to be dishonest, but I hate the damage even more!

What if I say that there is something wrong with the internal functions of my phone?

Ie, I had a DInc 1 and the first one was over heating and turned off because it got so hot, so I got it replaced for free. The second one wouldn't even turn on so I got another replacement for free.

Could I be able to say there is something wrong with how the phone works and get a replacement Rezound for free?

Lol I liked how this thread turned into how to a how to cheat Verizon thread.

Thanks guys!

A manufacturer defect should be covered under warranty with no deductible through verizon.

**g8-rez** · 02-08-2012, 12:53 PM

Seems like you really just need a new screen protector and a better case that will not fall off.
This would be cheaper, and you keep your phone that you know works well. There is always a chance you get a replacment with problems.
For around $20 you can get an otterbox commuter with screen protector off ebay. Problem solved - scratches are hidden, you will not get any more.
Now if the glass itself is actuelly damaged thats another story, but i would think its just the protector that is damaged. Take it off and see for sure.

Just my 2 cents!

**ShaggyKids** · 02-08-2012, 02:43 PM

Originally Posted by Apav

Lol I liked how this thread turned into how to a how to cheat Verizon thread.
Thanks guys!

I wouldn't do this myself but I know there are plenty of other people who would. We all pay the price for fraud in higher costs. Considering the cost of a new phone, $100 is a bargain.
Eventually companies will put their foot down and nice bennies like inexpensive phone replacement will no longer be an option.

Sent from my Rezound via TapaTalk

**SpaceHippie** · 02-08-2012, 05:40 PM

This may sound weird, but as much as i love my phone and try to keep it perfect. I feel like it becomes a bit more personal when it gets a little beat up.

**Drootz** · 02-08-2012, 05:48 PM

Originally Posted by Apav

I hate to be dishonest, but I hate the damage even more!

What if I say that there is something wrong with the internal functions of my phone?

Ie, I had a DInc 1 and the first one was over heating and turned off because it got so hot, so I got it replaced for free. The second one wouldn't even turn on so I got another replacement for free.

Could I be able to say there is something wrong with how the phone works and get a replacement Rezound for free?

Lol I liked how this thread turned into how to a how to cheat Verizon thread.

Thanks guys!

Not saying this is the right thing to do....but if you pay for the ins. you might as well use it

Just say you lost the phone.....problem solved, No more questions, no more hassle, no more explanation needed, plus you get to keep the original phone for spare parts (battery, battery cover, etc....you just won't be able to activate it again) but you could still use it to test out roms.....

And IF your refurb was worse than your original just send the refurb back and say some nice person found it at a store and called you to return it to you, so you wanted to send the refurb back.

In the future might I recommend an otterbox to avoid these scenarios....yes it may be bulkier than most cases but they are outstanding for phone protection. (I personally use the otterbox defender cases on every android I have ever owned, to keep my phone in mint condition and would recommend you purchase one no matter which route you go)

**FrankXS** · 02-08-2012, 06:10 PM

1) Insurance is the way to go.

2) If you bought the insurance from VZW it is Asurion with $100 deductible.

3) I feel certain that all you have to say is that you dropped the phone (three times -- trying not to laugh here, sorry for your issues

) and damaged it. That should be fine.

4) Asurion should have a phone to you by the next day.

5) The replacement phone should be just fine.

-Frank