--- title: Essential Buyers Guide for K-12 Device Insurance description: Our comprehensive buyer's guide for K-12 technology insurance helps you make informed decisions about protection plan providers for your students' devices. image: https://blog.safeware.com/hubfs/BuyerGuide4.png --- [![2021_Safeware_Logo_OnWhite](https://blog.safeware.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/New%20Subsidiary%20Logos/2021_Safeware_Logo_OnWhite.png?width=222&name=2021_Safeware_Logo_OnWhite.png)](https://www.safeware.com/) Search - [My Account](https://www.safeware.com/CustomerHome?returnurl=https%3a%2f%2fwww.safeware.com%2fContact-Us) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/SafewareInc/) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/safeware_inc/) - [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/safeware-insurance/) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/Safeware_Inc) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/SafewareInc/) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/Safeware_Inc) - [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/safeware-insurance/) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/safeware_inc/) - [Solution Center](https://www.safeware.com/Solution-Center) - [Report New Claim](https://www.safeware.com/Solution-Center/Report-New-Claim) - [Check Claim Status](https://www.safeware.com/Solution-Center/Report-New-Claim/ClaimStatusLookup) - [Update Your Plan](https://www.safeware.com/Solution-Center/Update-Your-Plan) - [Make a Payment](https://www.safeware.com/Solution-Center/Make-a-Payment) - Products and Services - [Business](https://www.safeware.com/Products-Services/Business) - [Higher Education](https://www.safeware.com/Products-Services/Higher-Education) - [Parents & Students](https://www.safeware.com/Products-Services/Higher-Education/Parents-Students) - [Campus Store Partners](https://www.safeware.com/Products-Services/Higher-Education/Campus-Store-Partners) - [Institutional Programs](https://www.safeware.com/Products-Services/Higher-Education/Institutional-Programs) - [K-12](https://www.safeware.com/Products-Services/K-12) - [Fitness](https://www.safeware.com/Products-Services/Fitness) - [Furniture](https://www.safeware.com/Products-Services/Furniture) - [Appliance](https://www.safeware.com/Products-Services/Appliance) - Outdoor Sporting Goods - [BowProtect](https://www.safeware.com/Products-Services/Outdoor-Sporting-Goods/BowProtect) - Partners - [Resellers](https://www.safeware.com/Partners/Resellers) - [Servicers](https://www.safeware.com/Partners/Servicers) - Resources - [Blog](https://blog.safeware.com/) - [Contact Us](https://www.safeware.com/Contact-Us) - [FAQ](https://www.safeware.com/Resources/FAQ) - About Us - [The Safeware Story](https://www.safeware.com/About-Us/The-Safeware-Story) - [Careers](https://www.safeware.com/About-Us/Careers) Industry News and *Insights* from Safeware. Please read on for more information! [![Taylor Thompson](https://blog.safeware.com/hubfs/Headshot_2024.png)](https://blog.safeware.com/author/taylor-thompson) Taylor Thompson [![Essential Buyers Guide for K-12 Device Insurance](https://blog.safeware.com/hubfs/BuyerGuide4.png)](https://blog.safeware.com/hubfs/BuyerGuide4.png) 19 April ## Essential Buyers Guide for K-12 Device Insurance April 19, 2024 by [Taylor Thompson](https://blog.safeware.com/author/taylor-thompson) [K-12](https://blog.safeware.com/tag/k-12) 0 There are several factors to consider when deciding how to budget and manage repairs for a 1:1 student technology program. We're here to help you understand the hidden risks when buying device protection or accidental damage plans. This guide provides key questions to ask potential providers to help you make informed decisions.   ![K-12 Device Insurance Buyer's Guide](https://blog.safeware.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BuyerGuide-1.png?width=700&height=397&name=BuyerGuide-1.png)   ## Core Program and Business Questions Not all protection plan and insurance programs are created equally and unfortunately in this industry there are some companies who operate without the proper legal and financial structure in place, often sacrificing these fundamentals in an effort to compete on price. This can leave you the consumer at risk and unprotected. Sadly, we have seen examples of this play out where a company has gone out of business and customers are left paying the price. That's why it's crucial to ask these key questions when choosing a plan. 1. **Is the company licensed to sell insurance and service contracts in your state**? - Fact: Service contracts and insurance plans are regulated differently in each state and some states require service contract forms to be properly filed prior to use in the state. - Ask: *"Is your company compliant with my state's regulations regarding insurance and service contracts?"*  2. **Is the service provider placing your district's risk with an AM Best A (Excellent) rated or better insurance company? **   - Fact: AM Best's credit ratings are an essential tool to help consumers assess an insurer's financial strength, creditworthiness, and ability to honor obligations to policyholders worldwide. This is important because if a company were ever to go out of business, it's important to know who the insured entity backing that company and its service contracts is. You [can look up carriers here](https://web.ambest.com/home) to review their information. - Ask: *''Are your Accidental Damage Plans insured by an AM Best A- rated or better insurance company? And is the insurance company named in the terms and conditions?”* ![K-12 Device Insurance Buyer's Guide](https://blog.safeware.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BuyerGuide7.png?width=700&height=397&name=BuyerGuide7.png) 3. **How long have the vendor and carrier been in business?** - Fact: Only 50% of businesses survive past their fifth year. Given that service contracts can last 4+ years, it's important for companies to show a proven track record and that they aren't a "popup" provider in it to make a quick buck. - Ask: *"How long have you and your insurance carrier been in business?" * 4. **What language should I look out for/be worried about when reviewing a service contract?** - Fact: Even if a contract’s terms and conditions seem to meet your organization’s needs, there could be language included that leaves room for them to be altered and changed in the future. You should only buy a service contract if the terms cannot be changed, or if changes are limited to increasing the amount of coverage you have purchased. - Ask: *"Can you guarantee that our service contract’s terms and conditions won’t be modified or change during the full term of the service contract?" * 5. **What happens if our service contract partner goes out of business?** - Fact: Unless the obligations from the warranties and service contracts are insured by an insurance company, those company obligations are dissolved if the service provider goes out of business. - Ask: *"If you go out of business, who will provide us with the services and repairs promised?"* ![K-12 Device Insurance Buyer's Guide](https://blog.safeware.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BuyerGuide9%20(1).png?width=700&height=397&name=BuyerGuide9%20(1).png) Coverage and Service Questions   1. **What device repair options does your company offer schools and how long does it take for repairs to be completed?**   - Fact: There are several repair options available for schools, however limiting your district to a single repair center can cause delays if they have a part sourcing issue or an influx of repairs. - Ask: *“What does your current repair network consist of? Do you use a single location, or do you have multiple locations throughout the country? What is your turnaround time for repairs?” * 2. **Is the coverage transferrable when the device is beyond economic repair?** - Fact: Most service plans only allow for one replacement of a device during the term of the plan. Insurance plans can transfer coverage to the replacement devices for the remainder of the term purchased. - Ask: *“Are replacement devices covered if the damaged device cannot be repaired?”* 3. **Does your coverage include A/C adapters?** - Fact: Uncovered A/C adapter replacements can lead to significant, unbudgeted costs. - Ask: *“Are A/C adapters and power cables covered under your plan?” * ![K-12 Device Insurance Buyer's Guide](https://blog.safeware.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BuyerGuide9.png?width=700&height=397&name=BuyerGuide9.png)   Claims and Finance Questions   1.  **Does your company provide a claims portal and automated claims adjudication?**   - Fact: Claims can build up quickly and will bog down team productivity if they are not simple to submit with the ability to submit multiple at once. - Ask: *“What is your process for filing claims? Do you allow for bulk claims submission to speed up our claims procedures?” * 2. **Who funds the program?** - Fact: Traditionally, school districts fund technology protection plans. Some programs enable parents and families to contribute to the school plans through a secure portal. Some districts will choose both options to cover their devices. - Ask: *“Can your company collect the insurance premium from our families, and do we have the option to have a hybrid model that is funded by both families and our district?” * 3. **Are there any service fees or deductibles?** - Fact: Unexpected shipping costs and deductibles can eat into your district's annual budget. - Ask: *“Will we have any fees, deductibles, or shipping charges when we file a claim?” * The most important question: *"Are you responsible if your Accidental Damage Protection Plan provider does not meet the requirements in your state?"* - **Non-complaint purchases can put your district and government funding at risk.**  ![K-12 Device Insurance Buyer's Guide](https://blog.safeware.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BuyerGuide8.png?width=700&height=397&name=BuyerGuide8.png) About Safeware In the last decade alone, Safeware has worked with over 6,400 K-12 districts and schools across the country to protect their technology deployments. Our program is backed by an AM Best A-Rated insurance carrier and multibillion dollar Fortune 500 company—this means that your plans will be safe and sound and administered properly through the life of the contract.   [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6460187/afbdd1cd-a58d-43ff-9632-4bb3472d5e9c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6460187/afbdd1cd-a58d-43ff-9632-4bb3472d5e9c) #### Related Posts [![How to Protect Student Devices Over Winter Break](https://blog.safeware.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Winter%20Break%20Blog.png?width=600&name=Winter%20Break%20Blog.png)](https://blog.safeware.com/hubfs/Winter%20Break%20Blog.png) [How to Protect Student Devices Over Winter Break](https://blog.safeware.com/how-to-protect-student-devices-over-winter-break) Winter break is the perfect time for students (and their devices) to finally take a breather. But before everyone heads out for a few weeks of rest, it’s worth making sure school-issued laptops,... [![Answers to Common K-12 Protection Plan Questions](https://blog.safeware.com/hs-fs/hubfs/k-12FAQ_Blog.png?width=600&name=k-12FAQ_Blog.png)](https://blog.safeware.com/hubfs/k-12FAQ_Blog.png) [Answers to Common K-12 Protection Plan Questions](https://blog.safeware.com/answers-to-common-furniture-protection-plan-questions-1-0) Selecting the right K-12 device protection plan can be confusing with various options and details to consider. To assist you in making an informed choice, we've answered some of the most frequently... [![K-12 Device Protection Challenges - How to Navigate and Overcome Them](https://blog.safeware.com/hs-fs/hubfs/All%20about%20Navigating%20Device%20protection%20hurdles%20in%20k-12%20schools%20Version%202%201.png?width=600&name=All%20about%20Navigating%20Device%20protection%20hurdles%20in%20k-12%20schools%20Version%202%201.png)](https://blog.safeware.com/hubfs/All%20about%20Navigating%20Device%20protection%20hurdles%20in%20k-12%20schools%20Version%202%201.png) [K-12 Device Protection Challenges - How to Navigate and Overcome Them](https://blog.safeware.com/k-12-device-protection-challenges-how-to-navigate-and-overcome-them) In today's technology centered classrooms, ensuring that K-12 students and staff have access to protected and functional devices is critical. Reliable device protection plans not only defend... [![K-12 Student Device Insurance and Protection Plan Buyer's Guide](https://blog.safeware.com/hs-fs/hubfs/K-12%20Buyer_Blog_Main.png?width=600&name=K-12%20Buyer_Blog_Main.png)](https://blog.safeware.com/hubfs/K-12%20Buyer_Blog_Main.png) [K-12 Student Device Insurance and Protection Plan Buyer's Guide](https://blog.safeware.com/technology-insurance-buyers-guide-an-educational-resource-for-k-12) When managing a 1:1 student technology program, the process of securing devices, protection plans, repair services, and more for your district can be complex and challenging. It requires... [![Top 4 Reasons to Insure Your K-12 Student's Device This School Year](https://blog.safeware.com/hs-fs/hubfs/K=12Info.png?width=600&name=K=12Info.png)](https://blog.safeware.com/hubfs/K=12Info.png) [Top 4 Reasons to Insure Your K-12 Student's Device This School Year](https://blog.safeware.com/top-5-reasons-to-insure-your-students-laptop-as-school-starts) As school kicks off, ensuring your child's device is protected is essential. From unexpected accidents to everyday challenges, having a device protection plan can save you time and money. [![6 Essential Care tips For Students’ Devices](https://blog.safeware.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Infographic.png?width=600&name=Infographic.png)](https://blog.safeware.com/hubfs/Infographic.png) [6 Essential Care tips For Students’ Devices](https://blog.safeware.com/6-essential-care-tips-for-students-k-12-devices) Navigating the elevated risk environment of K-12 education can be challenging for students and their devices. To help ensure the longevity and optimal performance of these essential tools, we've... ### Comments (0) ### Categories - [K-12 (12)](https://blog.safeware.com/tag/k-12) - [Warranty Information (8)](https://blog.safeware.com/tag/warranty-information) - [Higher Education (7)](https://blog.safeware.com/tag/higher-education) - [Technology insurance (7)](https://blog.safeware.com/tag/technology-insurance) - [Claims (3)](https://blog.safeware.com/tag/claims) - [COVID-19 (2)](https://blog.safeware.com/tag/covid-19) - [Fitness (2)](https://blog.safeware.com/tag/fitness) - [Furniture (2)](https://blog.safeware.com/tag/furniture) - [Appliances (1)](https://blog.safeware.com/tag/appliances) - [BowProtect (1)](https://blog.safeware.com/tag/bowprotect) - [Commercial Restaurants (1)](https://blog.safeware.com/tag/commercial-restaurants) - [Insider (1)](https://blog.safeware.com/tag/insider) - [Renters Insurance (1)](https://blog.safeware.com/tag/renters-insurance) - [Short-term insurance (1)](https://blog.safeware.com/tag/short-term-insurance) - [Your Safeware Portal (1)](https://blog.safeware.com/tag/your-safeware-portal) See all ### Recent Posts - ![What Are Product Protection Plans? A Quick Guide](https://blog.safeware.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ChatGPT%20Image%20Jun%209%2c%202025%2c%2001_05_05%20PM.png?width=767&name=ChatGPT%20Image%20Jun%209,%202025,%2001_05_05%20PM.png) [What Are Product Protection Plans? A Quick Guide](https://blog.safeware.com/product-protection-plan) April 2, 2026 - ![How to Protect Student Devices Over Winter Break](https://blog.safeware.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Winter%20Break%20Blog.png?width=767&name=Winter%20Break%20Blog.png) [How to Protect Student Devices Over Winter Break](https://blog.safeware.com/how-to-protect-student-devices-over-winter-break) December 3, 2025 - ![Can a Manufacturer Void Your Warranty? 5 Mistakes to Avoid](https://blog.safeware.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Void_warranty.png?width=767&name=Void_warranty.png) [Can a Manufacturer Void Your Warranty? 5 Mistakes to Avoid](https://blog.safeware.com/can-a-manufacturer-void-your-warranty-5-mistakes-to-avoid) November 10, 2025 [Read More](https://blog.safeware.com) [Tweets by Safeware\_Inc](https://twitter.com/Safeware_Inc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) #### About Safeware Having pioneered the technology insurance industry in 1982, Safeware is now one of the most recognized names in product protection. Safeware's innovative approach to insurance and extended warranty solutions has propelled the company into multiple industries including education, government, corporate technology, fitness, furniture and appliances. ... [View More](https://www.safeware.com/aboutus/thesafewarestory) --- ##### Solution Center - [New Claim](https://www.safeware.com/Solution-Center/Report-New-Claim) - [Existing Claim](https://www.safeware.com/Solution-Center/Report-New-Claim/ClaimStatusLookup) - [Contact](https://www.safeware.com/contact-us) ##### Products & Services - [Business](https://www.safeware.com/Products-Services/Business) - [K12](https://www.safeware.com/Products-Services/K-12) - [Higher Education](https://www.safeware.com/Products-Services/Higher-Education) ##### Partners - [Resellers](https://www.safeware.com/partners/resellers) - [Servicers](https://www.safeware.com/partners/servicers) ##### About Us - [The Safeware Story](https://www.safeware.com/About-Us/The-Safeware-Story) - [Careers](https://www.safeware.com/About-Us/Careers) - [Sitemap](https://www.safeware.com/sitemap.aspx) ##### Contact Us (800) 800-1492 - **Address:** 5700 Perimeter Dr. STE E Dublin, Ohio 43017 - **Email:** [Service](mailto:service1@safeware.com) [![The Safeware Insurance Agency Inc. BBB Business Review](https://blog.safeware.com/hubfs/Safeware_March2020/images/blue-seal-200-42-whitetxt-bbb-8492%20(1).png)](https://www.bbb.org/us/oh/dublin/profile/extended-warranty-contract-service-companies/the-safeware-insurance-agency-inc-0302-8492/#sealclick) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/SafewareInc/) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/safeware_inc/) - [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/safeware-insurance/) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/Safeware_Inc) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/SafewareInc/) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/Safeware_Inc) - [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/safeware-insurance/) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/safeware_inc/) © Copyright 2025 by Safeware [Terms Of Use](https://www.safeware.com/Terms) [Privacy Statement](https://www.safeware.com/Privacy) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Taylor Thompson", "url" : "https://blog.safeware.com/author/taylor-thompson" }, "dateModified" : "2024-04-19T18:54:01.228Z", "datePublished" : "2024-04-19T18:54:01.000Z", "headline" : "Essential Buyers Guide for K-12 Device Insurance", "image" : [ "https://blog.safeware.com/hubfs/BuyerGuide4.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.safeware.com/k-12-tech-buyers-guide-protecting-devices-in-every-classroom", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.safeware.com/hubfs/2021_Safeware_Logo_OnWhite.png" }, "name" : "Safeware" } } ```