User profile for user: super reubs
super reubs Author
User level: Level 1
5 points

What is "Tier 2 Accidental Damage"?

Hey, everyone. Somehow this post was placed into the "USB, Firewire, etc" subforum earlier. I don't use these boards often, so I got it in the wrong place. I'm trying again. Hopefully someone can answer this question...

We recently had an, um, accident with my wife's mid-09 13" MacBook Pro, and I had to send it in to Apple for repairs. I got the itemized estimate back today, and it assessed it as "Tier 2 accidental damage" with about $450 worth of repairs. Now, the screen was busted, the superdrive was busted, and the bottom casing was bent. Is there any way all that only amounts to about $450 worth of repairs with labor included? I ask only because Apple didn't get back to me to answer that question this afternoon and I need to get these estimates to the insurance company ASAP.

So, anyone have any thoughts about it?

MacBook Pro 15" (mid-2009), Mac OS X (10.6.3), 2.53 GHz; 4 GB RAM

Posted on May 24, 2010 10:02 AM

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User profile for user: eww
eww
User level: Level 9
53,046 points

May 24, 2010 10:25 AM in response to super reubs

Yes, it's possible that replacing all those parts could cost you only $450. Apple has one or more "repair depots" where whatever ails a Mac (including multiple problems like your) will be fixed for a flat rate that depends on the extent of the damage. The base rate (which I assume is Tier 1) is about $350 for a MacBook Pro, and costs go up from there presumably in a stairstep fashion. Lots and lots of people have reported that repairs at the Apple depot cost far, far less than if an Apple Store or AASP did the same work, though in some cases the work takes a bit longer.
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User profile for user: rkaufmann87
rkaufmann87
User level: Level 10
147,116 points

May 24, 2010 11:07 AM in response to super reubs

Hi,

I saw your post on another forum explaining what happened, I feel for you!

However back to your original question, yes $450 is reasonable. As mentioned you could take it to another AASP however as has been stated that could cost less but take longer. Were I in your shoes I think I'd insist that Apple do the repair rather than a third party vendor. The quote you have is the quote and as long as it's written that should be adequate for your insurance company.

Best of luck,

Roger
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User profile for user: eww
eww
User level: Level 9
53,046 points

May 24, 2010 11:45 AM in response to rkaufmann87

As mentioned you could take it to another AASP however as has been stated that could cost less but take longer.


Actually, what I said was the opposite of that, in both respects: an Apple Store or AASP might be a little faster but would cost much more than the $450 estimate, which I assume comes from the Apple depot.
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User profile for user: super reubs
super reubs Author
User level: Level 1
5 points

May 24, 2010 12:40 PM in response to super reubs

Thanks to everyone for the responses. This is really helpful, and I actually got my phone call returned from Apple today shortly after posting this.

I am happy with the repair cost; I was just concerned that it wouldn't cover the damage that was there and that there would be additional costs on top of that. I'm rolling the dice, submitting the paperwork to the insurance company, and hoping to get the computer back like it was before the accident.

In all my life I don't think I've ever messed up a piece of equipment like this, and I'm fortunate that it was still covered under the credit card insurance. Even if it wasn't, though, this is looking to be like a more than reasonable cost for the repair. Thanks again to folks for the responses. I'll letting y'all know how it works out when I get the computer back. My wife has my 15" MBP until her MBP is returned, so this has been a long ordeal for me!
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User profile for user: super reubs
super reubs Author
User level: Level 1
5 points

Jun 25, 2010 7:34 PM in response to super reubs

Just want to report back that the MBP came back in great shape, and the total cost of repair was around $450, and the credit card insurance covered everything but shipping and tax. We were really lucky this happened when it did, otherwise insurance wouldn't have covered it!

Thanks for the responses, everyone.
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What is "Tier 2 Accidental Damage"?

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