iPhone fault - 6m contract left

garymac

So my iPhone died this morning. An apparent 'white screen' death, I am told.

I am with Orange and have 6 months left (3 months until I can upgrade). I don't have Orange Care. However, I do have insurance with my bank account at Lloyds TSB. I've heard bad things about them.

Question is, what are my options? I've assumed the following:

1) Buy a cheap phone to manage for the next 3 months (issue is that I need a 3g phone for work purposes)
2) try and get orange/apple to repair/replace my phone (doubt this will work knowing how difficult they are)
3) buy up the remainder of my contract (currently paying £35p/m)
4) reduce my current contract to the lowest possible repayments and take out a brand new contract

Option 4 is the one i'm going to look at, I think...

Anyone been in a similar position?

gas4you

You don't say how old your phone is, but Orange have now changed their contract with Apple and will send the phone off for you.

Bmwm3gt2

Would be fair to asume it's 18 months old if he has 6 months remaining? Can you not argue it's reasonable for the phone to last the duration of the contract?

garymac

Phone is 22 months old. The advisor has already suggested bank insurance. Am I correct in saying that you can reduce your monthly contract repayments after a certain period?

grumbler

Before considering other options contact the insurer. Apparently they have to cover all damages and breakdowns. Read the policy and don't take no for an answer.

Also, you can make an appointment with Apple store. They are known to replace the broken phones for about £100-£150.

Re reducing payments, it can be only the next cheaper tariff. To avoid having this problem in the future you can consider buying a sim-free or unlocked phone and using it on PAYG or a rolling contract.

tweets

Hi dont go to Orange with your phone book to see an Iphone genius at your local apple store. I have been reading the o2 forums on the Iphone and the genius seem to be of more help.

garymac

I've checked the insurance policy - it will cover accidental damage/mechanical breakdown which this issue fits into both those categories. But I've read horror stories about LTSB claims procedure/phones they give in return (they really 'embrace' the definition of 'like for like' replacement). Also, it'll probably take 30 days.

little_miss_muppet_face

I have lloyds tsb mobile phone cover and myself and my husband have used them a few times, excess £30 but got the phone repaired both times..

MissKeith

Sounds silly but have you tried holding down the home and the lock buttons together for fifteen seconds?

grumbler

garymac wrote: »

... (they really 'embrace' the definition of 'like for like' replacement). Also, it'll probably take 30 days.

Beggars cannot be choosers.

Buy a new 24-month contract then. Keep paying for two contracts for 6 months. Be prepared to face the same problem in a year.

BTW, you can find a replacement 3g phone (Samsung i5500 Europa, Samsung Galaxy Europa) for less than £60. Don't tell me that you cannot afford it or cannot use for your work. And you need a spare phone anyway. Why does it have to be 3g if you are on Orange?

SuperHan

I haven't claimed with Lloyds TSB before, but with other 'Like for Like' insurances if you find a USP for the iPhone and demand that is what you need in a new phone. So find an app that is iPhone only and tell Lloyds that you NEED that app in your like for like replacement. They don't have a whole lot of choice in what to replace it with then.

Other than that, the Apple Store are really good with repairs etc.