We returned our non-working phone to Verizon Wireless for an exchange. The individual we spoke to walked us through the process, made it clear it had to be returned within five (5) days, or there would be a restocking charge (another scam they have going). So we sent the phone back in the postage paid Fedex box, got and programmed the phone and a few days later got an email from Verizon that we are being charge $299 for a replacement phone.
After calling Verizon Wireless to find out why we would be charged since we had insurance, returned the broken phone promptly, they indicated that the receiving warehouse determined that the phone had "physical" damage to the phone and that it was not covered on the Assurion insurance. I was blown away that paying $8.99 a month, with a deductable (now up to $85 a phone. Watch for the creeping details of these insurance scammers) they could determine" by themselves to invalidate any claim that they want. Particularly since the phone I returned had a mechanical problem with the screen turning pink slowly until most of the screen of the Blackberry was covered.
Verizon customer service was very reticent about any compromise and I said had I known this game would be played, I would have canceled my insurance for all five phones that I have (that's approximately $540 a year with a deductable too!) and purchased a replacement phone rather than getting the refurbished or used phone that they shipped me as a replacement. Needless to say, they shuffled me off to another CSR, this one a "supervisor" who also said, receiving determined it was a physical damage and they automatically charged the $299 to my account for a replacement phone.
At this point I was incensed, as I can't stand when I am charged without any authorization and not given any options after being assured I was simply to return the phone and all would be easy to program. I offered to send this replacement phone back and even told them to keep the old broken phone and I'd buy my own replacement. No good, they want that extra income it seems.
Frustrated to no end, I simply told him to cancel all of my phones and then he threatened to charge the early termination fees, so you see folks, don't waste your money on insurance as it is a fraud and don't give Verizon Wireless your information as they'll hit you with as many fees as they can. I looked into Metro PCS, no contract, $40 a month. Seems great compared with this Verizon Wireless insurance scam going with Assurion, who despite having insured your phones, won't actually replace them when they break. Sickening!
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