Protection Plan Price Increase

[PMKS]

Got a letter today:

The DIRECTV Protection Plan is going up to $7.99 a month effective Oct 4, 2012.

But I'll get a $2 credit on each monthly bill until my "initial" 12-month period ends?
I've had the protection plan since at least 2003/2004, unless it automatically renews every year?

New to the protection plan effective Oct 4, 2012:

New Equipment upgrade every two years at no additional costs**
**requires a 24 month agreement and you have to be "eligible" whatever that means

New Unintentional and accident damage from handling of the DIRECTV System

Just passing this along.....

 

[whitewolf8214]

Thank you for sharing

 

[Mr Tony]

thanks for sharing

 

[gadgtfreek]

Dang. Guess I gotta pay for those new HD channels they just added

Or maybe its Viacom LOL

 

[detroit_fan]

well that stinks. seems kinda high for the basic protection plan

 

[viclovr]

a birdy told me thats in texas only, for now.

 

[Jimbo]

D* doesn't usually change prices in the middle of the year, typically it's only in Feb/March

 

[KasumiX]

Hm... aren't upgrades generally $199? $7.99 for 2 years is $191.76... seems like a pretty slim savings for something you may not even do.

 

[gadgtfreek]

Upgrades and PP really have nothing to do in my eyes. PP is for when I need a repair, and I dont need as much to pay to roll a truck.

 

[Ronnie-]

Upgrades and PP really have nothing to do in my eyes. PP is for when I need a repair, and I dont need as much to pay to roll a truck.

Personally I have never seen the point. The box is theirs, I am simply leasing it, so they will replace it for free. All you are really left with is a tech visit, and the one and only time I needed one it was easy enough to get them to waive it. Even so, isnt the tech visit $50 or so at most? (may be wrong on that).

 

[Mo Fly]

i just got the same letter. it just reminded me that i need to cancel it

 

[gadgtfreek]

Tech visit is $70 IIRC. Also, $19.95 S&H has been charged before on a leaser receiver exchange for failure, and I think PP waives that. Generally, waiving of a fee requires you to sign up for the PP for 30 days, but hey, what do I care. I pay it knowing if I need something fixed, i dont have to worry about it.

As I think about, Im also seeing it worth it to pay $191.76 for 2 years, just to get the free upgrade every 24 months. Granted it's only a $8 savings from the general $199, but if I need anything else in the 2 years ive saved more money. The 24 month free upgrade, if you are someone that does it, kinda makes it a wash.

 

[goober22]

Tech visit is $70 IIRC. Also, $19.95 S&H has been charged before on a leaser receiver exchange for failure, and I think PP waives that. Generally, waiving of a fee requires you to sign up for the PP for 30 days, but hey, what do I care. I pay it knowing if I need something fixed, i dont have to worry about it.

As I think about, Im also seeing it worth it to pay $191.76 for 2 years, just to get the free upgrade every 24 months. Granted it's only a $8 savings from the general $199, but if I need anything else in the 2 years ive saved more money. The 24 month free upgrade, if you are someone that does it, kinda makes it a wash.

This December will be 5 years with D* for me. I DON'T have the PP. I self installed, have a meter, and take care of any issues (I haven't had any BTW). This past year I was notified that I had a free upgrade to a HD/DVR (a $199 value) for a 2-yr commitment. Since I already have 6, I passed.

If I had the PP I would have paid about $336 and seen no results. If I had a failed receiver = $20 shipping, or $70 tech visit - still ahead. So... if you know what you are doing, the PP is kinda worthless. If you don't have a clue, then maybe it's worthwhile. Everyone is different.

 

[Aridon]

Upgrade to what? Most of us here already have all the equipment we need and once the contract is up you'll get the same deal plus some anyways. Seems a waste to me.

 

[cbjbs]

i would like to think they will pass some of that money on to their installers and the techs. that help on the phone.