What is a Damage Protection Plan? Why Your K12 School District Needs One

March 10, 2023

Every year, K12 school districts face challenges related to device damages and losses. Damage protection plans offer a solution to help mitigate the financial impact of device repair on school districts. In this blog, we will discuss a damage protection plan, why K12 school districts need it, how to choose the right plan, and how to implement and maintain it.

What is a Damage Protection Plan?

A damage protection plan for school devices is coverage that protects school-owned devices, like laptop computers, tablets, and other electronic equipment, from accidental damages or loss. Coverage is usually provided by the manufacturer’s warranty, retailers, or third-party providers as an additional service or an extension of the device’s warranty.

Technical support for school devices typically covers unintentional damages, such as drops, spills, and other similar incidents. Coverage varies depending on the provider and plan. Some plans offer total replacement or repair of the covered item, while others may reimburse repair or replacement costs.

Lexicon Tech Solutions’ AlwaysLearning™ program ensures students always have a device to work with and repairs damage from students. 

Why K12 School Districts Need Device Protection Plans

Damage protection is essential for schools that provide electronic devices to students for remote learning or use in the classroom. By having accidental damage protection, school districts can:

• Reduce the financial burden of fixing or replacing damaged equipment, allowing schools to direct more resources towards other important educational initiatives
• Minimize the interruption of educational activities, as devices are quickly repaired or replaced, ensuring students can access the technology they need to continue learning.
• Provide peace of mind to school district administrators, knowing they are protected against additional charge or unexpected costs of repairing or replacing damaged equipment.

How to Choose the Right Damage Protection Plan 

When choosing a damage protection plan for school devices, schools should carefully review the terms and conditions of the plan to ensure it meets their needs and provides adequate tech support.

• Cost: The plan’s price may vary depending on the level of coverage provided, the number of devices covered, the coverage period, and the provider.
• Coverage: Coverage amounts vary, but common options include:
  • Accidental damage: This coverage level provides protection against accidental damage caused by drops, spills, and other unforeseen events.
  • Theft and loss: This coverage level provides protection against theft or loss of the covered device.
  • Power surge and electrical damage: This coverage level provides protection against damage caused by power surges or electrical issues.
  • Mechanical failure: This coverage level provides protection against mechanical failure that is not caused by accidental damage.
  • Wear and tear: This coverage level provides protection against normal wear and tear that occurs over time.
• Provider: When choosing a damage protection plan, it’s important to consider the provider’s reputation and track record. You want to choose a provider with a proven track record of providing excellent customer service and timely claim resolution. Reading customer reviews or talking to other districts using the provider can help you make an informed decision.
• Exclusions and limitations: Damage service plans may have exclusions and limitations that may impact the level of coverage provided. For example, some plans may not cover damages caused intentionally or by natural disasters. It’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of the plan to ensure that it meets your district’s needs and provides adequate protection for your devices.

Benefits of Working with a Third-Party ADP Provider

Third-party providers, like Lexicon Tech Solutions, can offer a more comprehensive, tailored, and flexible solution in the following ways:

• Wider range of coverage options than device manufacturers or retailers. This means that schools can choose a plan that meets their specific needs and requirements, rather than being limited to the coverage options offered by the device manufacturer.
• Specialized damage protection plans for more comprehensive and tailored plans.
• Industry Expertise. Lexicon Tech Solutions understands the challenges faced by schools when it comes to device damage, and can provide expert advice and support.
• More flexibility than device manufacturers or retailers when it comes to pricing and contract terms. This can be particularly beneficial for schools that are working with limited budgets or that require specific contract terms to meet their needs.

How to Implement a Damage Protection Plan in Your School District

There are several important steps to ensure seamless integration into your school’s operations.

• Identify the devices to be covered: This may include laptops, tablets, and other electronic equipment owned or leased by the school.
• Choose a provider: You can choose a plan offered by the device manufacturer, a retailer, or a third-party provider.
• Review the terms and conditions of the plan: Before signing up for a damage protection plan, it’s essential to carefully review the terms and conditions of the plan to ensure that it meets your school’s needs. Pay attention to factors such as the level of coverage, exclusions, limitations, and the cost of the plan.
• Train staff and students: Train staff and students on the proper use and care of the devices, including guidelines for damage prevention and reporting.
• Communicate the plan to parents: It’s important to communicate the damage protection plan to parents and guardians. This can include providing information on the plan’s coverage and how to submit a claim if necessary.
• Establish a system for tracking and reporting damages: It’s essential to establish a system for tracking and reporting damages to ensure that claims are processed efficiently. This can include assigning a staff member to be responsible for tracking and reporting damages and establishing clear procedures for reporting and documenting damages.
• Review and evaluate the plan regularly: Finally, it’s important to regularly assess and evaluate the damage protection plan to ensure that it continues to meet the district’s needs. This can include reviewing claim data, evaluating the plan’s effectiveness in reducing device damage, and making necessary adjustments to the plan as needed.

Damage protection is essential for K-12 school districts invested in electronic devices to support learning. With the increasing use of technology in education, accidental damage to these devices is inevitable. 

Damage protection plans are a reliable solution to help mitigate these losses by providing financial coverage for physical damage and losses. K12 school districts must assess their needs, select the right damage protection plan, and implement and maintain it effectively to ensure they are adequately protected.

Accidental Damage Protection with Lexicon Tech Solutions 

Lexicon Tech Solutions provides unlimited ADP, so you can rest assured that whatever your students throw at their devices, you have the needed warranty in place for repairs/replacement. When damage occurs, simply enter the device in RepairEngine®. We handle all warranty issues from there. We’ll submit the claim if the device is still covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. If not, you have full coverage under our Accidental Damage Protection (ADP) plan. Read more about ADP with Lexicon Tech Solutions here or contact us with questions.