AppleCare is Apple’s extended warranty program that provides additional coverage and technical support for Apple products like the MacBook Pro. A common question many MacBook Pro owners have is whether AppleCare covers physical damage like drops, spills, or cracks on the laptop.
The short answer
The short answer is no, standard AppleCare plans do not cover accidental physical damage to a MacBook Pro. However, there are a couple AppleCare plans that do provide coverage for accidental damage.
What AppleCare plans are available for MacBook Pro
There are three main AppleCare plans available for the MacBook Pro:
- AppleCare+ for Mac – Covers manufacturer defects and provides technical support for 3 years
- AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss – Same as AppleCare+ but adds coverage for theft and loss
- AppleCare+ with Accidental Damage – Same as AppleCare+ but adds coverage for accidental damage
The standard AppleCare+ plan that comes with a new MacBook Pro purchase covers manufacturer defects and provides technical support but does not cover accidental physical damage. The two upgraded AppleCare+ plans add additional protection – Theft and Loss protects against theft or losing the laptop, while Accidental Damage covers damage from drops, spills, and cracks.
What accidental damage coverage includes
For those considering the AppleCare+ with Accidental Damage plan, here is what is covered:
- Damage from drops, spills, electric surges, and cracks
- Coverage includes both the MacBook Pro laptop and battery
- Up to two incidents of accidental damage, each subject to a service fee
Some examples of accidental damage covered includes:
- Cracking the MacBook Pro screen by dropping it
- Spilling liquid onto the keyboard and damaging internals
- Breaking the MacBook Pro ports like USB-C or headphone jack
For each accidental damage incident claimed, there is a service fee that must be paid before Apple will repair the laptop. The fee is $99 for screen damage or external enclosure damage, or $299 for any other damage.
What accidental damage is not covered
Despite covering a wide range of accidental damage, there are some limitations and exclusions to AppleCare+’s damage coverage:
- More than two incidents of accidental damage
- Damage caused by intentional misuse or modifications
- Cosmetic damage that doesn’t affect function (e.g. scratches or dents)
- Damage caused during commercial use or reselling
Additionally, AppleCare+ must be purchased within 60 days of getting a new MacBook Pro to qualify for accidental damage coverage. Trying to add it on later will cover only manufacturer defects.
How to decide if you need accidental damage coverage
When purchasing a new MacBook Pro, deciding whether to pay extra for one of the upgraded AppleCare+ plans with accidental damage coverage comes down to your own personal situation.
Here are some key considerations:
- Cost – Accidental damage coverage adds $50-$100 more upfront to the cost of AppleCare+.
- Your usage – If you travel frequently with your laptop or are prone to drops or spills, the extra coverage can give peace of mind.
- Existing protection – Some credit cards provide additional warranty coverage and could potentially overlap.
- Budget – The extra upfront cost may or may not be worth it based on your budget and how well you take care of electronics.
In general, accidental damage coverage is a good idea for those who are clumsy, travel often with their laptop, or simply want extra peace of mind knowing drops and spills can happen. But it likely isn’t necessary for careful users who don’t move around much with their MacBook Pro.
Examples of situations where accidental damage was covered
Here are some real world examples of MacBook Pro owners who had accidental physical damage successfully repaired under their AppleCare+ plan:
Cracked screen from a drop
John dropped his laptop and the screen cracked badly in one corner. Because he had purchased AppleCare+ with accidental damage coverage, he was able to get the screen repaired for just the $99 screen damage fee.
Liquid spill on keyboard
Emily spilled a full cup of coffee onto her open MacBook Pro, damaging the keyboard and internal components. She had AppleCare+ with accidental damage so she paid the $299 fee and Apple repaired the laptop by replacing keyboard and any impacted internals.
Port damage from cable tug
Mike accidentally yanked on a USB-C cable connected to his MacBook Pro, damaging the USB port. He filed a damage claim with AppleCare+ and for the $99 enclosure damage fee, they repaired the broken USB-C port.
How to purchase AppleCare+ with accidental damage
If you decide accidental damage coverage is right for you, here is how to purchase an AppleCare+ plan with accidental damage protection for a new MacBook Pro:
- Buy it when first purchasing your MacBook Pro – Add it to cart online or request at an Apple Store.
- Purchase within 60 days of buying your laptop – Buy online or at an Apple Store.
- Pay the upfront cost – $269 for 13″ MacBook Pro, $379 for 16″ MacBook Pro.
- Confirm enrollment using Apple Support app or System Preferences.
As long as you purchase within 60 days of getting your new MacBook Pro, you will be fully covered for up to two incidents of accidental damage over the next 3 years.
How to file an AppleCare+ damage claim
If an accident happens and your MacBook Pro gets damaged, here is how to file a claim and get your laptop repaired:
- Backup your data – In case repairs require wiping the laptop.
- File a claim via Apple Support app or online.
- Pay service fee – $99 for screen/enclosure or $299 for other damage.
- Take laptop to Apple Store or mail-in center for repair.
- Wait 1-2 weeks for repaired MacBook Pro to be returned.
One thing to note is that the service fees must be paid upfront before Apple will begin the repair process. Also, repairs can generally be handled more quickly if you take the laptop into an Apple Store versus mailing it in.
Other AppleCare+ benefits
Besides the accidental damage coverage, AppleCare+ for MacBook Pro also provides these additional benefits:
- Technical support – Get help troubleshooting issues by phone or online chat.
- Hardware coverage – Repairs/replacements for defects up to 3 years.
- Battery coverage – Replacements if capacity falls below 80%.
- Onsite repairs – For issues not requiring full replacement.
So even without accidental damage, AppleCare+ can be worth it for MacBook Pro owners who want longer hardware coverage and access to Apple technical support.
DIY repairs vs filing AppleCare+ claim
When accidental damage happens to a MacBook Pro, some may consider doing DIY repairs themselves instead of paying the AppleCare+ deductible and service fees. Here are some pros and cons of each approach:
AppleCare+ claim pros
- Don’t void warranty – Apple Authorized Service ensures warranty remains intact.
- Genuine Apple parts – Ensure full compatibility and performance.
- Expert repairs – Avoid any mistakes trying a DIY repair.
AppleCare+ claim cons
- High service fees – $99-$299 per incident.
- Wait times – Repairs take 1-2 weeks via mail or appointments at Apple Store.
- Data loss risk – Potential for data wiping during repair process.
DIY repair pros
- Lower cost – Parts like screens can be much cheaper than service fees.
- Faster turnaround – Can be completed same-day instead of waiting.
- Keep control – Avoid letting laptop leave your possession.
DIY repair cons
- Void warranty – Apple won’t service a self-repaired laptop.
- Inferior parts – Cheaper 3rd party parts may underperform.
- Risk of mistakes – Potential for damaging components if repair goes wrong.
Ultimately it comes down to your technical skill and risk tolerance. For those less tech-savvy, filing an AppleCare+ claim is likely the safer choice despite the higher cost. But those very knowledgeable about MacBook Pro repairs may opt to do it themselves and save money.
Conclusion
To recap the key points about AppleCare+’s coverage for MacBook Pro accidental damage:
- Standard AppleCare+ does NOT cover damage from drops, spills, cracks, etc.
- Must purchase AppleCare+ with Accidental Damage option for protection from physical damage.
- Covers up to 2 incidents subject to a $99 or $299 service fee per incident.
- Must be purchased within 60 days of getting a new MacBook Pro.
- Covers a wide range of common accidents like cracked screens and liquid spills.
- Additional benefits include technical support and extended hardware coverage.
- DIY repairs are an option but void warranty and risk mistakes.
Accidental damage coverage gives MacBook Pro owners peace of mind knowing their expensive laptop is protected even from common issues like cracked screens. For anyone worried about the inevitable drops and spills that can happen, AppleCare+ with accidental damage is highly recommended when purchasing a new MacBook Pro.
