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The Signal Insurance

Natalie of Diamond, MO November 3, 2008

Natalie of Diamond MO (11/03/08)
My family and I purchased our cell phones through U.S. Cellular in February 2008 and purchased the addition insurance as a means of additional security. In September 2008, 7 months after purchase, the screen of my Motorola Razr suddenly went blue in the middle of a text I was writing and it never came back. This happened on approximately Sept. 5 or Sept. 6, 2008, while I was out-of-town visiting a friend in Yucaipa, California and couldn't find a U.S. Cellular store, so had to wait 6 1/2 weeks until I came back home to talk with a representative about my cellphone service.

After returning to Joplin, Missouri, my dad and I took my phone in to the U.S. Cellular phone store and told them what happened. They gave me the following phone number to call to file a claim: 1-800-480-0167. We called and filed claim and told them what had happened. They, in turn, told us to take the phone back to the U.S. Cellular store because the phone was less than a year old and still covered under the original warranty.

My dad and I did as we were told and returned to the U.S. Cellular phone store in town and they told us to go back home and call a different number  to file a claim for a cellphone still under warranty and then they would send the phone back to the manufacturer to get repaired, but it would take about 16 weeks. They also gave us the option to return to their store on the following Monday because they were expecting a technician that day, who could look at the phone in their store.

The cellphone was last seen sitting on the passenger seat of my dad's car, but when we got ready to go back in to see the technician, the following Monday, we couldn't find the cellphone. Now we can't find the phone, even though we've spent the last week searching for it. Since it's not working, we can't call it to locate it. So we went back to the store and told them we can't find it now. So they told us to call the 888-944-9400 number and just go ahead and explain to them we've now lost the phone.

I did this today, but was told that since I'd filed the first claim, the cellphone is no longer insured. This is not right. I could find the phone if it was working, but now, the phone is no longer working and is lost and the Signal Insurance Company won't do anything for us even though we paid for the insurance in good faith, just for such an emergency.

Linda of Holy Cross, IA September 12, 2008

Linda of Holy Cross IA (09/12/08)
The signal insurance is a BIG JOKE. I have had my contract for 13 years and have never changed the origonal phone number, we have 3 phones on the contract. My youngest son is hard on phones so we have had to deal with them on several occasions. They are rude and inconderate. The last time I talked the those people I was speeking to brandy and she actually was laughing at me and I cought it of course she would not admit it and could not wait to get me off the phone. They are the only insurance company for cell phones and they know it. that is sooooooooooo bad.

Wade of Redwood Valley, CA August 9, 2008

Wade of Redwood Valley CA (08/09/08)
So I purchased a 2yr contract through US Cellular. I picked out a LG flip phone that I had loved. One day it stopped receiving incoming calls. I could text or call out as much as needed. So I go down to US Cellular where u get put on a list and wait what seems half the day to finally talk to a phone Tech. The tech told me that it would have to be sent out to insurance and that they had no loaner phones to give me. He mentioned that there were alot of others in line for loaners and that i probly wouldnt even get one when they did come in. All in all i had to BUY a new Motorolla Razor cause insurance doesnt cover that of course.

Well about a year later they put out a new law that u cant drive while talking without a headset. So i purchased one, and tried to get it to connect with the phone with no luck. Went to US Cellular where i waited for a long time to find out that my Blue Tooth was defected. The tech gave me a reconditoined phone......I find this to be horrible service. I bought a new phone with defected blue tooth...i want a new one in place of it, not some factory fixed junker. Well i took it cause theres not much you can do.

The very next day the screen quit working. I didnt have time to go into US Cellular since i work all day that week. Just happened that that weekend i cracked the screen (not sure how, was in my pocket). Well since i cracked the screen it became an insurance claim. When i found out that i had to personally do the insurance claim i flipped out. I felt that something they should take care of.

I did it without a hassle. Made Signal credit me the 50 dollar deductible. Recieved my new phone and sent in my old one. K heres the fun part; I went in to get the new one activated and my info transferred. The tech came out and said everything was fine EXCEPT that the phone was registering the battery as INVALID. I asked what the hell that meant. oh well it works fine, u just wont be able to see how much charge u have. K that didnt bother me since i charge it in my truck alot. What bothers me is that 5 days later it died and wont take a charge. So now i get to deal with The Signal all over cause it was their battery and replacement phone.

Amy of St. Louis, MO July 30, 2008

Amy of St. Louis MO (07/30/08)
I answered the cell phone with wet hair, and my phone got wait and was still on, but did not get a signal. I went to my local US Cellular branch and they suggested I file an insurance claim. When buying this contract, I was told my phone was covered for loss or damage. However, the signal told me this claim was not covered! I have had the insurance for months and have already paid over a hundred dollars in insurance!

At this time, I was told I needed to pay 50 additional dollars to get a refurbished cheaper version of my phone AND send my old phone in so they could junk it out for parts. This is totally ridiculous! They were very rude as well. The next day, my phone had miraculously recovered. This was months ago and it still works. SO I called and had them cancel my claim. I sent back the replacement phone they sent me, and they told me I would be refunded my 50 when they receive the phone in their warehouse. This was over a month ago. I have called twice and my first representative said they are still charging my deductible b/c this is the contract I agreed to. But its not.

I agreed to pay them 50 for a new phone, and I don't have the new phone! Also, they are sending me harassing letters that they will charge me 250 if I do not send in my old phone! The one which I am still using, by the way! They are sleazy!

Well, I'm out 50 which they've owed me for months. I am going to have to have a lawyer send them a letter, this has taken me hours to sort out and nearly given me a heart attack I've gotten so mad. Further, they are frauds. This is not insurance that covers your phone in the event of loss or damage, i would have spent less money on a brand new phone OR by cancelling my contract with US Cellular and going to a new company. I'm so mad, i just may do that.

Karen of Vernon, TX May 31, 2008

Karen of Vernon TX (05/31/08)
My cell phone was damaged by water. I thought wow Im glad I have insurance. Well........little did I know that signal insurance isnt worth a dime.

I got my 2nd phone finally,, back from them yesterday. The first one they sent me lasted 2 days. I did not have a clue when I was paying for insurance monthly that you get refurbished phones.  I got my other phone yesterday. it was a different phone than I had sent them, twice,and now this new phone I got yesterday lasted 8 hours.

Now i have to go through all the mess I have gone through twice already. Im almost ready to just buy me a new phone, turn them in to the Better Business Bureau and NEVER TAKE OUT INSURANCE again. They dont tell you all this when you sign up for insurance, and actually U S Cellluar has not been a great deal of help either. They just say they have nothing to do with the insurance, but they certainly are there ready to take your money.. CUSTOMER SERVICE???? i THINK THEY NEED A COURSE. I am sooooooooooo frustrated

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