For those of you who own cell phones a few words to the wise... If told by a salesperson or if ordering via the web for a new cell phone, beware of a company known as NCOA (National Cellular Owners Association).
This so-called 'cell phone protection company' puts 'La Costa Nostra' to absolute shame when it comes to 'paying protection money' in case your new cell phone is damaged, stops working, malfunctions, is stolen, etc., etc.
Don't waste your money on paying the $49.00 a year because if something actually does happen to your cell phone chances are minimal (and I do mean minimal) that you'll be compensated for your loss.
My cell phone was stolen out of my backpack in a public library as I walked no more than 15 feet away to reshelf a book.in constant eye contact with my belongings I turned for only a moment to reshelf the book in its proper place. The thief must have been casing me because in no more than 15 to 30 seconds they opened and reached into my backpack and stole my cell phone and a couple of other items.
Reporting the incident to NCOA was a total absolute waste of time, effort and yes, $49.00 which undoubtedly I'll never, ever get back or receive compensation for the theft of my cell phone.
NCOA provides details on what is covered after you've paid up front and by the way, there's no cancellation once you've signed up for their insurance/protection.
So I'm taking this directly from their denial letter they sent to me in regard to the theft of my cell phone:
What is covered? The entire phone and original electronic accessories provided in the phone box are covered for repair or replacement with no deductible. Eligible devices are covered for accidental damage, theft, malfunction or loss up to the liability limit. A police report may be requested for a lost or stolen cell phone.
What is excluded from coverage? The loss, real or perceived of data, time, financial opportunity, or any other consequence arising from the loss of the use of the wireless device, normal wear and tear, inventory shortage, dishonest or malicious acts, cosmetic damage (ex. Marring, scratching), negligent loss, liquid damage, pervasive corrosion, loss or unexplained disappearance or voluntary surrender to a third party, loss in a body of water, theft from an unattended premises or vehicle not reasonably secured, in transit either through postal or courier services, or incidences occurring outside the US or Canada are not covered by the service.
So as you can read for yourself, (and again, you're not made aware of their 'particular clauses' until you've paid the $49.00 up front and that's prior to you receiving your cell phone), according to NCOA's 'what is covered and what isn't covered' clause, basically, you pay NCOA $49.00 a year for insurance/protection in case of loss, theft, accidental damage or malfunction of your cell phone, but their 'what's excluded' clause pretty much is an absolute sucker bet and undoubtedly you'll have to part the Red Sea, feed a multitude of people with two fishes and a loaf of bread, walk on water, lay hands on the sick and completely heal them, raise the dead and upon completing those tasks ascend (with no help from an outside source, mind you) into the heavens above never to be seen again before NCOA will honor a claim and offer compensation for the loss of your cell phone.
NCOA's so-called insurance is a complete absolute rip-off and chances are if something does actually happen to your brand new shiny cell phone, 98% of the time it's going to fall under NCOA's 'what is excluded from coverage' clause.
So don't waste your money folks... Just go and buy a new cell phone, trust me it's much cheaper than throwing $49.00 away a year to NCOA, which is undoubtedly the biggest flim-flam, rip-off cell phone protection/insurance racket out there!
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