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Protect your tech for as low as $2.99/month.

Smartwatch and wearable tech protection plans: Why they’re worth it

Remember the days of analog clocks? Look at us now — wearing what is essentially a mini-smartphone on our wrist, in which we can access health data, keep up with social media notifications, and so much more. (Oh yeah, it tells time too.)

 

But just like our other devices we can't live without, smartwatches and wearable tech cost a pretty penny, and should be cared for and maintained properly. If you’ve recently upgraded your Casio for something a little smarter (no offense, Casio), keep reading to find out how to make sure it stays in great shape for years to come.

 

 

What’s wearable tech?

Wearable tech refers to devices that can be, well, worn on your body. They’re used for tracking and analyzing personal data in real time, usually equipped with motion sensors that take snapshots of your day-to-day activities. If you wear one, chances are you have yours synced with your smartphone or laptop computer to track and maintain your performance.

 

 

The difference types of wearable tech

 

So what kind of wearables are out there? Here are a few of the most popular types (and brands) on the market... that you can also cover against drops, spills, cracks, and more with a low-cost electronics protection plan. (But more on that later!)

 

Smartwatches: as some of the most popular of the wearables out there, these devices can do so much more than tell time. Smartwatches provide notifications on the wearer’s calls, texts, emails, social media updates, and more, as they are usually synched with their smartphone. But that’s not all — smartwatches can also answer texts by voice, provide fitness data (like your heart rate and step count), play your favorite tunes, and act as a GPS. Popular smartwatches include Apple’s Apple Watch, and Samsung’s Galaxy Watch.

 

Fitness and health trackers: for the professional (or budding) athlete, these watches can provide data far beyond just heart rate and step count. Fitness and health trackers can report on calorie burn and exercises completed, sleep quality, and other health-related patterns. It’s a useful tool for those who want to improve their health goals or become more in tune to their bodies. Popular fitness and health trackers include Fitbit and Oura Ring.

 

Virtual reality headsets: for those that like a little escape from time to time, virtual reality headsets are head-mounted devices that are typically used for video games and simulators. A wearer’s surroundings are replaced with a 360-degree view of a movie, game, or virtual reality environment. Popular virtual reality headsets include the Oculus Rift, PlayStation VR, and Samsung Gear VR.

 

 

Tips for maintaining your smartwatch and wearable tech

 

Make sure it fits properly.

 

After you’ve ripped open the packaging and spent your first full day sporting your new wearable, have you noticed the buckle digging in? Or is the band material irritating you? Spend a little time making sure your smartwatch or other wearable fits you properly. Due to the nature of wearable technology, you do have to make sure its sensors are close to your skin (like if you’re tracking your heart rate, for example) — but not in an uncomfortable way that leaves marks on your wrist. A little trial and error is worth it — there’s a better chance you’ll get more wear out of it when you know it’s a comfortable fit all day long.

 

Clean and disinfect regularly.

 

Just like our smartphones, smartwatches and wearable tech touch a lot of germs and surfaces. (And sweat and lint and grime and...)

 

It’s important to clean your device exactly how the manufacturer recommends, because it’s made of materials like glass, metal, and plastics that can scratch or corrode easily.

 

Keep it out of water (for the most part).

 

Pretty much every smartwatch is water-resistant — so if you jump in a pool (or get pushed in by your prank-loving friends), you don’t need to dip into your savings to buy a replacement, though it all depends on your smartwatch make and model. But overall, it’s not recommended to shower with your wearable tech, or have it come in contact with soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and other body care products. And just to be safe, we’d leave it at home during pool parties or days by the beach.

 

Consider an electronics protection plan.

 

Electronics protection plans can be purchased for the stuff you own — like your smartwatches, fitness trackers, and virtual reality headsets. This coverage is not required (unlike, say, car insurance), but it’s more like a peace of mind product. For a low monthly premium (some devices can be protected for as low as $2.99!), your device can be fully covered from things like accidental damage and manufacturer malfunction. Plus, when you sign up for a plan through Kasasa Care (in partnership with Cover Your Assets, or CYA), your tech is backed by a 5-day service guarantee. In other words, you won’t be without your much-loved item for long!

 

 

What’s covered by a smartwatch and wearable tech protection plan

So you’re thinking about a protection plan from Kasasa Care for your smartwatch. (A good move, by the way.) We can probably guess your two biggest questions: how much will it cost, and what exactly does it cover? Let’s do some number crunching and discuss.

 

Say your smartwatch has a retail value of $399. If that’s the only thing you’re choosing to cover, you can expect to pay $2.99 month-to-month (perfect for the non-committal types) or $32.89 a year.* That’s less than half of what you’d pay for, say, AppleCare on your Apple Watch. For that low, low price, your device will be protected from:

 

  • Accidental damage, like the dreaded cracked screen or scratch.

  • Device malfunction, mechanical failure, or manufacturer defect.

  • Water damage from a spill or complete submersion. (Don’t worry, we’ll blame it on your friends too.)

  • Damage from a power surge or lightning.

Much cheaper than:


  • Repairing your Apple Watch: $69+*

  • Replacing your Samsung Galaxy Watch band: $54.99* (on average)

  • Replacing your Fitbit: $179+*

  • Replacing your Oculus Quest head strap: $36.99+*

 

...Should we go on? In all seriousness, electronics protection plans can actually be a great budget hack — especially if you’re saving for something big in the future. Not to mention, many Americans are in a state of financial vulnerability. The Federal Reserve Board surveyed U.S. households about how they would pay for an unexpected (but hypothetical) expense of $400. Here’s what they found:

 

  • 61% said they would pay with cash, savings, or a credit card to be paid off at the next statement.

  • 27% would borrow money or sell something.

  • 12% would not be able to cover the cost.

 

Even though your smartwatch might not be at the top of your immediate replacement list, devices like your smartphone might be — and replacing one could set you back over $1,000.

 

 

Comparing Kasasa Care and AppleCare

For those that sport an Apple Watch (or use any other Apple device), you’ve probably heard of AppleCare. And you might be wondering how an electronics protection plan from Kasasa Care compares.

 

For an Apple Watch Series 6, AppleCare will cost you $79* for a year, giving you access to:

 

  • Up to two incidents of accidental damage protection every 12 months

  • 24/7 Apple expert assistance

  • Global, mail-in, or carry-in repairs

  • Hardware coverage

  • Software support

 

But for $32.89 a year* with Kasasa Care and CYA, you’ll get:

 

  • Unlimited accidental damage protection as long as you’re covered

  • Access to 10,000+ CYA-authorized repair service centers that can fix your device within 5 days

  • Real-time assistance from a CYA agent (call today at 800-202-7707!)

  • No-contract protection! (Yep, you can cancel at any time.)

 

Plus, you can build your own bundle and maximize your savings! Add on any of these can’t-live-without electronics (even your personal property) and you can save up to 30% more on your protection premium.**

 

  • Smartphones

  • Video game systems, including console and controllers

  • Small electronics

  • Cameras and specialty lenses

  • Drones

  • Computers and laptops

 

These days, we can’t live without our wearable tech — but an accident can happen at any time. Save yourself the time, money, and hassle by looking into an electronics protection plan with Kasasa Care — so you can get back to exploring virtual worlds, staying connected with friends, and achieving your fitness goals in no time.

 

 

*Prices as of December 2021.

 

**Savings vary by the product(s) you’re covering and the amount of coverage you require.

 

 

Tags: Protection, Care, Electronics Protection

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