Extended-Warranty Rundown

By Alan Wolf On Feb 13 2012 - 6:01am

NEW YORK – The following is an overview of some of the newest CE programs and services offered by third-party administrators and their insurance underwriters:

AmTrust/Warrantech: The company now offers data-recovery services for mobile devices, and is preparing to launch a mobile device protection offering which includes traditional service-plan coverage with optional coverage for theft and loss of the covered device. Additionally, Warrentech is working with Amazon.com to launch a unique extended-service contract for furniture.

Assurant Solutions: A just-released mobile app for Apple and Android devices dubbed MyClaim allows consumers to manage their protection plans, track their claims status and reschedule their service appointments.

Chartis/Service Net: The company is looking to expand its subscriptions services in the mobile arena by offering traditional service-contract coverage, accidental damage from handling (ADH), theft, loss and buy-back programs. Also on tap are comprehensive warranty programs that cover all of a consumer’s computing and mobile products on one contract at a low monthly rate.

Global Warranty Group: Two new offerings include PhoneRetriever, an innovative app for smartphones and tablets that locates and recovers lost or stolen devices and data utilizing advanced GPS and Cloud technology, and FreeBuyback, a unique trade-in program for all electronic devices.

Mack Worldwide Warranty: The company will continue to expand on its clientbased software to provide more valuable sales data and training information.

NEW: Newly introduced service offerings include gaming bundles, enhanced tablet coverage, registration incentives, monthly billing and tech-support plans.

The Warranty Group: New services include device-based product registration which provides expanded cross-sell opportunities for service contracts, and a North American test of a theft insurance offering for small devices such as smartphones and laptops.