How To Avoid Unnecessary Device Repair - SellUp - Blogs

How To Avoid Unnecessary Device Repair

A friend of mine recently dropped his iPhone 13, and as a result, the screen was cracked and FaceID was unable to function.

As accidental damage is not covered under manufacturer warranty, he was prepared to pay for the repair as he relate the devastating incident to me. My immediate question was, 'Do you have Mobile Protection plan?'

He couldn't recall if he had one and went on to check. As a matter of fact, he indeed subscribe to an insurance plan and forgotten about it. He then proceeds to replace the phone with the service provider and avoided paying hundreds of dollars for repair. 


With this article, we like to remind our readers to check for two important things before rushing to the service centre. Hopefully, it will save you from the unnecessary repair and time. 

Product Warranty

Firstly, check if your device fault covers under Manufacturer Warranty. All new device purchases from Authorised Reseller will come with a standard warranty covering the product hardware and labor.

Here is a quick link where you can check the warranty validity of your device. Most of the device warranty can be check online whereas a handful of phone manufacturer still depended on the date of purchase stated on the physical receipt. Hence it is important to keep your original receipt in case for warranty purpose. 

Apple Coverage Information
It is important to note what is NOT covered by a warranty which usually includes: 
- Damage from accident, misuse, abuse, alteration, tempering of device
- Water damage 
- Act of God example, flood, fire, or insect infestation 
- Wear & tear, corrosion, rusting, or stains
- OEM parts that an unauthorized service centre replaces
- Use of third-party accessories that damage the device

As a general rule of thumb, the warranty does not cover man-made damage. As in the case of my friend's scenario, he has dropped his phone, which caused the crack. Hence the phone is not covered under the standard warranty. 
Phone screen crack
Other than checking the warranty coverage, it is good to know the warranty period of your device. Do note some brand manufacturer offers up to two years of warranty, such as Huawei. Also check if you have purchased the 2nd and 3rd year extended warranty for your device. 

Mobile Insurance

It is also important to check if your device is covered by any Insurance Plan. This coverage is usually purchased through these three parties: 

1. Telco-Issue Mobile Phone Insurance

If you signed up for a new phone or re-contract your existing plan, you may have come across a checkbox asking if you would like to insure your phone for a small fee every month. This insurance will usually cover the cracked screen, water damage but not loss or theft. It will allow you to repair or replace the product. 

Starhub SmartSupport
If you are unsure if you even have signed up, call your telco or look at your monthly bill. The insurance will come in different names: 
CircleLife Phone Protect
M1 FoneCare+
Singtel MobileSwop Unlimited
Starhub SmartSupport

2. Insurer-Issued Mobile Phone Insurance 
Insurance companies' coverages for mobile phones are a lot more comprehensive. They include loss, thefts, and worldwide coverage. A few such providers are: 
Citibank Lifestyle Guard (AXA)
DBS Mobile Protect (Chubb)
PhoneProtect360 (HL Assurance) 
It will allow you to receive a replacement device if you lose it, even overseas. 

PhoneProtect360 mobile insurance

3. Manufacturer-Issued Mobile Phone Insurance 
This is usually termed as Extended warranty, and coverage includes parts and labor repair beyond the standard warranty, 24/7 phone support, on-site Global repair coverage, etc. 

List of Apple Products under AppleCare

Ensure you have checked with your device manufacturer for your coverage before further deciding if you want to proceed with the external repair. 

What if your phone is out of warranty and not under insurance coverage?

If both schemes do not cover your phone, the next course of action will be getting the device repaired by forking out of your own pockets. You can either visit the Authorised Service Centre to get it repaired or to the Third-party Repair Centre.

The advantage of going to the Authorised Service Centre is that the parts used are original, however, be prepare to pay higher replacement fee.

The other option is to visit the Third-party Repair Service Centre to have it repaired.

At SellUp, we have a network of professional and reputable service centers that can fix the device at a fraction of the cost compared to the Authorised Service centre. Although the part used is non-original (also known as OEM), but the quality is as good as the original, and it will come with at least 30 days after repair service. All technicians are highly trained and come with years of experience. You will be able to repair an extensive range of devices on the platform.

To get an instant quotation of the repair fee, visit our Repair Section now.  

Need help?

Let us know if you have any queries on our service. Whatsapp or call us at 9336 0575 or email us at service@sellup.com.sg

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