Samsung Care+ Screen Repair: What’s Covered?
- Repair count
- 1 repairs
- You entered
- Service fee
- 29 USD
- You entered
Samsung Care+ is a paid subscription that covers accidental screen damage, and subscribers can get a free screen repair once per 12-month period, subject to a service fee that varies by device and plan. After that, additional screen repairs are charged at a discounted rate. This article explains exactly how the screen repair benefit works, what the fees are, what’s not covered, and how to file a claim.
Formula
The calculator above estimates your total out-of-pocket cost for screen repairs under Samsung Care+. The formula is:
Total cost = Service fee × Number of repairs
Where:
- Service fee (f) is the flat deductible you pay for each repair (in USD).
- Number of repairs (t) is how many screen repairs you need in a 12-month period.
The result is the total you’ll pay out of pocket, not counting the monthly or annual subscription cost.
Worked Example
Using the default values from the calculator above:
- You have 1 screen repair in a year.
- Your service fee is $29 (common for Galaxy S-series phones on the standard plan).
- Total cost = $29 × 1 = $29.
So you’d pay $29 for that one repair, plus whatever you paid for the Care+ subscription itself.
How Samsung Care+ Screen Repair Works
Samsung Care+ is an extended warranty and accidental damage plan sold by Samsung for its phones, tablets, watches, and some other devices. When you have a cracked or broken screen, you file a claim through Samsung’s website or by phone. Samsung will either send you to a certified repair center, offer a mail-in repair, or in some cases arrange a courier pickup.
The key point: the screen repair is not “free” in the sense of zero cost. You pay a service fee (deductible) each time. The subscription itself also costs money, either monthly or as a one-time payment for a multi-year term. So the total cost is the subscription plus the deductible.
What’s Covered and What’s Not
Samsung Care+ covers:
- Accidental damage, including cracked screens, liquid damage, and drops.
- Mechanical or electrical failures after the manufacturer’s warranty expires.
- Battery defects (but not normal battery wear).
It does not cover:
- Loss or theft (that requires a separate plan, like Samsung Care+ with Theft and Loss).
- Intentional damage or damage from unauthorized modifications.
- Cosmetic issues that don’t affect function, such as scratches.
- Accessories like chargers or cases (unless you bought them with the plan).
Service Fees by Device Type
The service fee varies. For recent Galaxy S and Z series phones, it’s typically $29 per repair on the standard plan. For tablets, it’s often higher, around $49 to $99 depending on the model. For watches, it’s usually $29 to $49. The exact fee is shown when you file a claim, and it may change over time. Check Samsung’s official Care+ page for the current rates.
How to File a Screen Repair Claim
- Go to Samsung’s Care+ claims page or call the support number listed on your plan.
- Provide your device’s IMEI or serial number and your plan details.
- Choose a repair method: mail-in, drop-off at a service center, or courier pickup (availability varies).
- Pay the service fee online or over the phone.
- Send your device or take it to the service center.
- Receive your repaired device, usually within 3–10 business days depending on the method.
Common Misconceptions and Pitfalls
“Free” means no cost at all. Many people think Care+ covers everything. It doesn’t. You pay a deductible each time, and the subscription itself is not free.
You can get unlimited screen repairs. The standard plan allows only two claims per 12 months, and the second one may have a higher service fee. Some plans limit screen repairs to one per year.
Any repair shop will do. To keep your coverage valid, you must use Samsung-authorized service centers. Going to a third-party shop may void your plan.
The plan covers everything after the first year. No, the plan covers mechanical failures for as long as you subscribe, but accidental damage claims are always subject to the deductible.
Is Samsung Care+ Worth It for Screen Repairs?
If you’re prone to dropping your phone, the plan can save you money. A screen replacement on a flagship Galaxy phone can cost $200–$300 without coverage. With Care+, you pay the subscription (often $5–$12 per month) plus a $29 deductible. Over two years, that’s roughly $150–$300 total, which is comparable to one uninsured repair. If you crack your screen more than once, you’ll likely come out ahead.
But if you’re careful with your devices, you might be better off setting aside that money in a savings account for a potential repair. Also, note that the plan doesn’t cover loss or theft, so if that’s your main concern, you need a different plan.
Alternatives to Samsung Care+
- Credit card benefits: Some credit cards offer extended warranty protection or accidental damage coverage if you paid for the phone with that card. Check your card’s terms.
- Carrier insurance: Your wireless carrier may offer its own protection plan, often with similar deductibles but sometimes including loss/theft.
- Standalone screen repair: If you’re out of warranty, a third-party repair shop may replace the screen for less than the deductible plus subscription cost, but you lose the guarantee of original parts.
- Do-it-yourself: Some people buy a screen kit and replace it themselves, but this is risky and may void any remaining warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the screen repair truly free with Samsung Care+?
No. You pay a service fee (deductible) each time you use the repair benefit. The fee is typically $29 for phones, but it can be higher for tablets and watches. The subscription itself also costs money.
How many times can I get a screen repair in a year?
The standard Samsung Care+ plan allows up to two claims per 12-month period, but the second claim may have a higher service fee. Some plans limit screen repairs to one per year. Check your plan details.
Does Samsung Care+ cover a cracked screen if I dropped the phone?
Yes, accidental damage from drops is covered, including cracked screens. You’ll pay the service fee, and the repair will be done by an authorized service center.
Can I get the repair done at any Samsung store?
Not necessarily. You must use an authorized Samsung service center. You can find one through Samsung’s website, or you can choose mail-in repair.
What if my phone is lost or stolen?
The standard Samsung Care+ plan does not cover loss or theft. You need the separate “Samsung Care+ with Theft and Loss” plan, which costs more.
Does the plan cover battery replacement?
Yes, if the battery is defective or fails prematurely, it’s covered. Normal battery degradation over time is not covered.
Related
Formula used
in t | Repair count | repairs | 1 | 0 in f | Service fee | USD | 29 | 0 out total | Total cost | USD | f * t | 2
Each line is one input (in, sel, list) or one result (out: label, unit, formula, decimals). How the calculators work
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.