Orlando Harmon
PC World Insurance, now known as Currys PC World Insurance, has received mixed reviews. Some customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the changes in benefits and plan options, while others have questioned the nature of the insurance, suggesting it is more of a care plan than traditional insurance. On the other hand, some customers have found the insurance valuable for its comprehensive coverage, including accidental damage and breakdown protection. The insurance has also been praised for its convenience, as it offers collection of the laptop from the customer's house for repair. However, there are concerns about long wait times when contacting customer support and the pushy sales tactics employed by the company.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | £5 per month |
| Coverage | Accidental damage, breakdown, collection of the laptop for repair |
| Pros | Low cost, covers almost everything |
| Cons | No end date, fewer benefits than the original plan, long wait times for customer support |
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$40.11 $245.95
What You'll Learn
- PC World insurance may not be worth it due to long call wait times
- PC World's insurance has been described as a care plan disguised as insurance
- PC World's insurance may not be worth it due to pushy sales tactics
- PC World's insurance may be worth it for the laptop repair and collection service
- PC World insurance may not be worth it due to a lack of flexibility with payments
PC World insurance may not be worth it due to long call wait times
PC World insurance, now known as Currys Care & Repair plan, may not be worth it due to long call wait times.
A user on the MoneySavingExpert forum reported that they had been paying £5 per month for PC World's "Whatever Happens" insurance cover for their laptop since 2013. While the insurance was supposed to cover accidental damage, breakdown, and other issues, the user never had to use it and ended up paying around £660 over 11 years. They also mentioned that PC World was taken over by Currys, which changed their insurance plan to the Care & Repair plan with fewer benefits.
Another user on the same forum thread expressed concern about the viability of the insurance cover after such a long time. They pointed out that laptops have a 'Maximum Life' and that the insurance provider might only offer a voucher towards a replacement laptop instead of repairing it. This could result in a loss for the customer as the voucher might not cover the cost of a comparable laptop.
In addition to concerns about the insurance plan's value, there have been reports of pushy insurance sales tactics by Currys staff. A former employee revealed that staff are targeted for insurance sales and could lose their jobs if they don't meet certain targets. This may result in customers feeling pressured to purchase insurance plans they may not need or want.
Furthermore, long call wait times can be a significant drawback when dealing with insurance providers. A customer of PC Insurance, a Canadian insurance broker, reported having to wait an average of 40 minutes on hold each time they contacted the company, whether to make a claim or inquire about rates. Long wait times can be frustrating and inconvenient, especially when trying to resolve time-sensitive issues.
While PC World insurance may offer peace of mind for laptop owners, customers should carefully consider the potential drawbacks, including long call wait times, pushy sales tactics, and the possibility of reduced benefits over time. It is essential to review the terms and conditions thoroughly and compare different insurance providers before making a decision.
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PC World's insurance has been described as a care plan disguised as insurance
PC World's "Whatever Happens" insurance plan has been described as a care plan disguised as insurance. This is because it does not offer the same protections as a traditional insurance policy. For example, it does not cover loss or theft, and only guarantees a working laptop for the life of the policy. Additionally, there are no underwriters as there would be with insurance, and the terms and conditions state that the plan has no end date and cannot be varied. This means that PC World can alter the benefits and move customers to a new plan without any notice.
The plan has also been criticised for being overpriced and not offering good value for money. Customers have reported paying hundreds of pounds over many years for the plan, only to find that their laptop is now worth very little and that they would only receive a voucher towards a replacement if it broke down. In some cases, customers have paid several times the original cost of the laptop in insurance premiums.
The plan has also been described as a "service plan" rather than insurance, which allows PC World to avoid Insurance Premium Tax and regulation by the FSA, FSCS, and Ombudsman. This means that there is no guarantee that the company will be able to pay out on claims if the proverbial hits the fan. Currys, which owns PC World, has been accused of setting up its service plans in a complicated way with offshore trusts to ensure they are not considered insurance policies and to avoid the associated costs and protections.
Overall, while the "Whatever Happens" plan may offer some peace of mind for laptop owners, it is important to carefully read the terms and conditions and be aware of the limitations of the plan. It may not offer the same protections as a traditional insurance policy, and customers could end up paying more in premiums than they would receive in benefits if their laptop needed to be replaced.
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PC World's insurance may not be worth it due to pushy sales tactics
PC World's insurance, now known as Currys' Care & Repair plan, may not be worth it due to its pushy sales tactics. Several customers have complained about the aggressive sales tactics used by the company's staff, who are incentivised to sell insurance plans. Former employees have confirmed that staff are targeted for insurance sales and can lose their jobs if they don't meet certain targets. As a result, customers are pressured into purchasing insurance plans they may not need or want.
One common tactic is to offer the first month of the plan for free, hoping that customers will forget to cancel the direct debit and continue paying for the plan. In some cases, customers are not even allowed to purchase certain products without also buying the insurance. This can be frustrating and inconvenient for customers, especially when the insurance offers limited benefits or does not provide the expected coverage.
Additionally, some customers have reported issues with claiming repairs or replacements under the insurance plan. There have been instances where customers were misled about the availability of replacement products or faced delays in receiving their repaired items. The insurance plan may also not cover all types of damage or issues, leaving customers paying for repairs or replacements out of their own pocket.
Furthermore, the insurance plan may not offer good value for money. In some cases, customers may end up paying more in insurance premiums over time than the original cost of their laptop or device. The plan may also not take into account the depreciation of the device, resulting in customers receiving vouchers for a fraction of the device's original value.
Overall, while insurance can provide peace of mind and protection against unexpected costs, the pushy sales tactics and limited benefits of PC World's insurance plan may outweigh its advantages. Customers should carefully consider their needs and review the terms and conditions before signing up for any insurance plan to ensure it is worth the cost and provides the coverage they require.
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PC World's insurance may be worth it for the laptop repair and collection service
PC World's insurance, now known as Currys' Care & Repair plan, may be worth it for those seeking a convenient laptop repair and collection service. The plan offers a range of benefits, including coverage for accidental damage and breakdown, for a monthly fee of £5. This fee remains the same even after the takeover by Currys, ensuring that customers do not face increased costs for the same level of protection.
One advantage of the PC World insurance plan is the convenience of having a damaged laptop collected from your home for repair. This feature can save time and effort, especially for those who may not have easy access to a repair centre. The plan also covers a wide range of issues, including accidental damage, which is a common concern for laptop owners.
However, it is important to carefully consider the terms and conditions of any insurance plan before signing up. Some customers have expressed concerns about the lack of clarity regarding the 'Maximum Life' of their laptops and the potential voucher-based compensation upon reaching the end of this period. Additionally, there may be challenges in altering or cancelling the plan, as highlighted by a customer who paid into the insurance for 11 years without making a claim.
While PC World insurance may offer peace of mind for laptop owners, it is essential to weigh the benefits against the potential drawbacks. The plan's coverage, convenience, and affordability should be evaluated against factors such as long-term costs, customer service, and the potential for limited compensation. Ultimately, the decision to opt for PC World insurance depends on individual needs and priorities, especially considering the varying experiences shared by customers.
Overall, for those seeking a straightforward and affordable laptop repair and collection service, PC World insurance may be a worthwhile option. However, it is crucial to thoroughly review the terms and conditions, understand the limitations, and consider alternative options before making a decision.
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PC World insurance may not be worth it due to a lack of flexibility with payments
PC World insurance, now known as Currys insurance, may not be worth it due to a lack of flexibility with payments and other issues.
One of the main concerns with PC World insurance is the lack of transparency and flexibility regarding payments. Some customers have reported that the insurance is disguised as a care plan, with no clear underwriters or end date to the policy. This makes it difficult for customers to understand the terms of their coverage and when their payments will end.
In addition, there have been reports of pushy insurance sales tactics by PC World staff, who are incentivized to sell insurance plans to meet their targets. This may result in customers feeling pressured to purchase insurance without fully understanding the terms or needing the level of coverage offered.
Furthermore, customers have shared negative experiences with Currys' customer support, with long wait times and difficulties in reaching a resolution for their claims. This can be frustrating and time-consuming for customers who need assistance or need to make a claim.
Another issue with PC World insurance is the potential discrepancy between quoted price and actual cost of the insurance. Online quotes may be lower than the final price, leading customers to believe they are getting a better deal than they actually are.
Lastly, some customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the changes in their insurance plans after PC World was taken over by Currys. They reported a reduction in benefits and a lack of clarity around the company's ability to alter the terms of their original plans.
Considering these factors, PC World insurance may not offer the flexibility and transparency that customers expect when it comes to payments and plan changes. It is important for customers to carefully review the terms and conditions and compare different options before committing to any insurance plan.
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Frequently asked questions
PC World insurance, now known as Currys insurance, has received mixed reviews. Some customers have expressed frustration with the company's pushy sales tactics and long wait times when trying to make a claim or ask about rates. On the other hand, some customers appreciate the peace of mind that comes with having insurance that covers accidental damage, breakdown, and other issues. Ultimately, the decision to purchase PC World insurance depends on individual needs and preferences.
PC World insurance offers a range of benefits, including coverage for accidental damage, breakdown, and collection of the laptop for repair. The insurance is supposed to cover almost everything, providing comprehensive protection for your device.
One major drawback of PC World insurance is the long wait times when trying to contact customer support. Customers have reported having to wait an average of 40 minutes on hold, which can be frustrating and inconvenient. Additionally, some customers have expressed concerns about the company's sales tactics, with staff allegedly being pushed to sell insurance and facing consequences if they don't meet their targets.
Yes, there are several alternative options available for device insurance. Some customers have recommended RS or John Lewis, which offer price matching and longer warranty periods. It's always a good idea to shop around and compare prices, coverage, and customer service before making a decision.
