GE Zurich PC Extended Warranty is a major ripoff.
I purchased an IBM Laptio through Circuit City and purchased an extended warranty at the same time. The warranty is serviced by GE Zurich.
The Laptop USB port was defective and after 1 year of light usage the USB port lost the internal spacer bar that prevents the USB plug from being inserted incorrectly. As a result, I ended up inserting the plug backwards. In a properly functioning port this is impossible as the port will only allow the plug to be inserted in one direction.
When I called GE Zurich I was serviced by a hoistile and abusive Tech who told me that they would not honor the Warranty because I abused the PC. I tried to explain the problem originated in a faulty USB port but he told me I did the damage.
As a retired IBM customer service engineer (30 years) I know I got dumnped by a company who does not want to honor their agreements. Their Tech obviously did not know how a USB port works and rather than listen to my explanation cut me off and made the determination that I would not receive service.
It seems to me that any company in the service business should employ Techs who are customer oriented and knowledgeable. They should at least be able to carry on a cogent conversation and explain their reasonong.
From the treatment I received I conclude that GE Zurich is an HMO of PC Warranties. Dont get scammed by buying an Extended Warranty through these turkeys.
Clickhere to read other Rip-off Reports on Zurich
1 Updates & Rebuttals
James
dallas,Texas,
Here, read..
#2UPDATE Employee
Sun, March 31, 2002
....USB port LOST the internal spacer bar......
How does a PC just "LOSE" a piece hardwired into a USB port? Did it pop out one day? What caused it to come out? Was the laptop just sitting on your desk when it happened? Probably not.
Some outside force had to have caused this to happen. Not saying that it was you that caused it, but a problem like this DOES NOT HAPPEN DURING NORMAL USAGE.
Lets put this in another perspective. Lets say, you go buy a new vehicle and buy an extended warranty for it too. After the original warranty passes by, and the vehicle is fine. One day, you throw a rock up and puncture a hole in the gas tank. Do you think they would cover something like that?
Act of GOD my friend.
Also, for everyone that doesnt know, this is what we do not cover on the contract:
6. Service Limitations This Contract does not cover:
a. maintenance, repair or replacement necessitated by loss or damage resulting from any external causes such as, but not limited to, theft, environmental conditions, negligence, misuse, abuse, improper electrical/power supply, unauthorized repairs by third parties, improper installation, attachments, transportation damage (except damage incurred by authorized shipment of Product(s) to and from an authorized servicer), damage to cabinetry, lack of manufacturer specified maintenance, equipment modifications, vandalism, animal or insect infestation, rust, dust, corrosion, leaking batteries, burned phosphor in CRTs, computer viruses, software defects, software generated problems or acts of God;
b. Product(s) used as a server product or subsequent loss or damage to recording media, software or data; personal computers while connected to a network;
c. consumables such as toner, ribbons, drums, belts, laptop power source batteries, or consumer replaceable printer heads;
d. transportation charges if service is specified on your sales receipt as carry-in (with the exception of products covered by the Advanced Exchange Program or Express Depot Service).
e. Product(s) with removed or altered serial numbers;
f. any repair that is a result of a recall, regardless of the manufacturers ability to pay for such repairs;
g. any costs associated with repairs, replacements or maintenance resulting from the failure or inability of Product(s) to correctly recognize, process, interpret, distinguish, or accept date data related to the century change or data field recognition of a century change prior to, during or after calendar year 2000 AD including, without limitation, the dates of September 9, 1999 and February 29, 2000; this includes hardware, software and firmware, as well as all other electronic equipment or components; and
h. repair of Product(s) upon the noncompliance of any part of Section 5 by you.
rata purchase price of the Contract or $25, whichever is less unless otherwise precluded by law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, your refund will be reduced by the amount paid in claims for failures due to power surge, regardless of when your written cancellation is received, unless otherwise precluded by law. If Circuit City or the Service Provider cancels the Contract, for any contractual reason, after the first 30 days, then we will refund to you a prorated amount of the Contract price (based on the duration of your Contract less any claims paid). Written notice of cancellation shall be sent to you 30 days prior to cancellation. Notice shall state the effective date and reason for cancellation.
I hope that this will help everyone so that there will be less conflicts concerning what we do or do not cover.