Insurance claim... Will I get a NEW Epic?

[eriksseven]

So I dropped my EPIC in the toilet (yup), some of you may have seen the recent thread. Anyways, I've given up trying to dry it out--and I'm not comfortable fully disassembling it for a thorough cleaning.

So yes, today I learned for the first time, something that I'm sure 95% of you know already, which is Sprint uses a 3rd party for insurance claims... This is my first smart-phone so I was ignorant of this little tidbit. The WORRY is that I'll get a refurbished phone, as opposed to (I was hoping) a "fresh-off-the-assembly-line" Epic from Sprint--in a shiny new box. Oh the details they leave out at the retail-outlet counter...

So what do you guys think? I send them my water-damaged phone which I haven't *fully* tried to dry out and potentially get a sketchy refurbished phone with no SPRINT accountability?

Or, stick with my malfunctioning Epic and try to dry--saving myself $100?

Who knew I could spend all day debating the issue...

Anyone made an insurance claim for their EPIC yet? I really don't want to get a phone with issues.

*** REGARDING DISASSEMBLY: ***

After removing the backing plate (battery cover) there are 7 tiny screws to remove. I removed these, but I could not pop the cover off... I managed to separate the back-cover at the TOP of the phone, but I am unsure of the tab-design, or what exactly is holding the cover on, on the sides and bottom. I am worried that if I simply "muscle" it, I'll snap the cover.

Anyone know the trick, or has anyone ever disassembled a phone that can compare the EPIC's back-cover to give me any tips?

All I succeeded doing was getting the USB "door flap" to come undone and the volume control button to fall out while prying...

 

[eriksseven]

Bah... $100 Insurance claim filed. PS, they charge $500 for a non-returned phone!

Sorry faithful EPIC, you were good to me... Hopefully this new one is not a POS.

 

[|-KGB-|CaptHowdy]

meh, so many ppl worry about refurbished. just means whatever was broke is fixed now so i could care less.

 

[tndank]

In additional, all Sprint S&R centers are now able to work on Asurion phones and cover their warranty. I wouldn't worry about it.

Just fyi, the same company (Asurion) supplies most of your major carriers insurance plans.

 

[vader4633]

They shouldn't have too much returned stock so you'll prob get a new in the box. When I dropped my HTC touch in water, they sent me a brand new in box touch diamond as a replacement since the touch was no longer available at the time.

 

[bjb_nyj101]

Bah... $100 Insurance claim filed. PS, they charge $500 for a non-returned phone!

Sorry faithful EPIC, you were good to me... Hopefully this new one is not a POS.

I don't understand; How can they charge you $500 for a non-returned phone?
Is that only if you file a"damaged phone" claim? Because, iirc, the deductible is $100 for a lost/stolen phone... Obviously one wouldn't be able to return it at that point...

 

[MissJennell#IM]

I don't understand; How can they charge you $500 for a non-returned phone?
Is that only if you file a"damaged phone" claim? Because, iirc, the deductible is $100 for a lost/stolen phone... Obviously one wouldn't be able to return it at that point...

That would be a different situation than the one he is in now wouldn't it.

 

[Mikey47]

I don't understand; How can they charge you $500 for a non-returned phone?
Is that only if you file a"damaged phone" claim? Because, iirc, the deductible is $100 for a lost/stolen phone... Obviously one wouldn't be able to return it at that point...

It is my understanding that if it is a lost/stolen phone Sprint would mark the ESN as being stolen/lost and not able to activate it again. If it is just damaged it will go somewhere into a queue to be refurbished if possible.

So, some unsuspecting poor soul may end up with an Epic from Asurion that was in his toilet at one point in time.

 

[lpsteve72]

They will not replace the phone or approve your claim if you tell them its water damaged. Just say it was lost or stolen and turn the phone off.

 

[jamex]

They will not replace the phone or approve your claim if you tell them its water damaged. Just say it was lost or stolen and turn the phone off.

Water damage is covered. lol

 

[jamex]

It is my understanding that if it is a lost/stolen phone Sprint would mark the ESN as being stolen/lost and not able to activate it again. If it is just damaged it will go somewhere into a queue to be refurbished if possible.

So, some unsuspecting poor soul may end up with an Epic from Asurion that was in his toilet at one point in time.

That's not the case. Lost or stolen the ESN still works.

 

[eriksseven]

Definitely true... someone will eventually end up with this toilet EPIC.

 

[eriksseven]

So I received my new EPIC just a few minutes ago. Came in a Sprint Box with everything--just like brand new. The box was not sealed, but I don't know if they came sealed new. The yellow box-top just slides up and off. Probably IS brand new. All the Samsung plastic protection was in place. Came with everything in the box, just like factory.

One thing I received in this package which I never had before was a Micro-SD card adapter... Not sure if all you guys have this--but either I never received one on launch-date, or it was misplaced in the Sprint Store. Either way, this is new to me.

Doing a direct side-by-side comparison. The new EPIC's keyboard is simply much tighter. It doesn't wobble, click or rub upon opening it. Side by side, holding both EPIC's in my hands and quickly opening them/manipulating them the same, the new epic is much tighter then my old EPIC which was protected by a bulky case for my first 20 days or so of ownership.

Makes me consider my use of a protective case... Sad, but very noticeable when compared to new.

Both Phones have "build dates" of 8/10, BUT the batteries are different, with my new EPIC getting a battery labeled 8/17 (versus 8/10). The battery has slightly different text in a slight bolder and larger print as well as an additional language (warning).

Overall, I'm happy with the Sprint Insurance protection plan. Let's just say I'm naturally pessimistic, so I'm happy to have a new phone in the best possible condition (at least on initial inspection).

 

[eriksseven]

PS, apparently I get to keep my SD card, my battery and all my accessories?

The return envelope specifically states DEVICE ONLY and in small print says:

"Wireless phones" Do not return batteries and chargers, mobile broadband devices, do not return accessories

Score?

 

[MissJennell#IM]

PS, apparently I get to keep my SD card, my battery and all my accessories?

The return envelope specifically states DEVICE ONLY and in small print says:

"Wireless phones" Do not return batteries and chargers, mobile broadband devices, do not return accessories

Score?

Score. Well kinda. You just paid $100 less than 3 weeks after the phone was released.

 

[eriksseven]

Ha, well if I could rewind history and *not* throw my phone in the toilet--that would be best case scenario... LOL.

That aside, an extra battery, SD card, charger and headphones are a nice addition to my EPIC collection and if purchased retail would probably cost, oh, about $100. Just trying to keep a semi-positive outlook, LOL.

 

[MissJennell#IM]

Ha, well if I could rewind history and *not* throw my phone in the toilet--that would be best case scenario... LOL.

That aside, an extra battery, SD card, charger and headphones are a nice addition to my EPIC collection and if purchased retail would probably cost, oh, about $100. Just trying to keep a semi-positive outlook, LOL.

Don't worry. You are not the only one. I did it with my Hero when that first came out 3 days after I got it and had to do an insurance claim.