Amazon is offering some shoppers “peace of mind” with a new insurance product to protect against damage and theft.
With Amazon Protect, the Internet giant lets you add to the manufacturer’s existing guarantee which typically only lasts two years. Covering appliances such as washing machines, mobile phones, tablets, TVs, kitchen appliances, and more, shoppers will be asked if they want to add Amazon Protect coverage to their shopping basket at the checkout. Launched in partnership with the warranty and insurance services company the Warranty Group, it covers accidental damage, broken items, and theft for up to five years after purchase.
Amazon protect is launching in the U.K. only for now it seems, and when probed by VentureBeat on whether it would arrive in other markets, a spokesperson said: “We never comment on our future plans.”
Above: Amazon Protect
In terms of pricing, well, it seemingly varies in accordance with the value of the product, as you would expect. For example, with a £129 ($185) TV Amazon Protect will cost £33.25 ($48) for five-year protection or £28.75 ($41.50) for four-year protection. With a £460 ($660) TV it will cost £76 ($110) and £66 ($95) respectively.
While Amazon began as an online book retailer, it has long spread its wings into countless product categories. Naturally, an insurance product such as Amazon Protect really only makes sense with higher-value products, and looking at a £50 ($72) Android phone reveals that insurance isn’t provided on all products.
Amazon’s new service promises “next business day” replacement for mobile phones, repairs, and free delivery on products to replace broken goods, and will also arrange for repairs to take place at home for bigger items such as dishwashers or TVs. If a repair isn’t possible, or doesn’t make financial sense, a customer may also be offered a replacement product or a gift card.