The next time your Samsung phone is lost or stolen, the company’s Care+ service may cover it. Currently, Samsung Care+ covers things like accidental damage, including drops and cracked screens, but the terms say that any loss as a result of theft or burglary isn’t covered. However, according to strings we found in Shop Samsung Android app version 1.0.21465, that may change.
An APK teardown can often predict features that may arrive in a future update of an application, but it is possible that any of the features we mention here may not make it in a future release. This is because these features are currently unimplemented in the live build and may be pulled at any time by the developers in a future build.
Here’s what Samsung currently says is not covered under Care+ and Premium Care:
Any loss as a result of: abuse, neglect, pre-existing conditions, rust, corrosion, theft or burglary, mysterious disappearance, damage from exposure to weather conditions, power fluctuations, and any loss covered under a manufacturer's warranty. Please refer to the program’s Terms and Conditions for a complete list of exclusions.
The new strings suggest that Galaxy owners who have Care+ can add a Theft and Loss Subscription, which will be billed on a monthly basis for 36 months or until canceled. Here’s what a Theft and Loss Subscription might cover:
<string name="phone_premium_care1">*Samsung Care+ and Samsung Care+ with Theft and Loss Subscription: I understand that I will be billed on a recurring basis for 36 months or until canceled. The monthly charge will be a standard purchase with payment due in full every month and is not eligible for special financing.</string>
<string name="phone_premium_care2">*Samsung Care+ with Theft and Loss Subscription: Insurance coverage for loss, theft, and damage. Service contract coverage for accidental damage from handling (ADH) and out of warranty mechanical breakdowns. $99 - $269 insurance deductibles and $29 - $99 service fees apply. Maximum of three (3) insurance claims within any consecutive 12-month period, with replacement product value maximum of $2,500 per claim. Maximum of three (3) ADH claims within any consecutive 12-month period. Claims may be fulfilled with new or refurbished product. You may cancel your optional coverage at any time and receive a prorated refund. Program coverage contains binding arbitration (express state exemptions may apply; please see your program terms and conditions).</string>
Samsung Care+ currently costs $3.99, $8.99, or $11.99 per month depending on your device. It’s unclear how much a Care+ plan will be with an added Theft and Loss Subscription, or when the new plan will be available to purchase. As we head into the busy holiday period, perhaps Samsung is looking to launch the service as the weather gets colder and our hands have a harder time holding onto our devices.