Update: I used to buy the extended warranty at checkout every time, now I ask one question first
For about 6 years I just said yes when the cashier at Best Buy in Reno asked about the protection plan, mostly because I hated holding up the line. Last month a guy rang me up for a $340 tablet and rattled off a 3 year plan for $79, so I asked what it actually covers, and he read me the exclusions off the pamphlet in about 20 seconds, cracked screen and battery wear were both out. That was the part I needed, so I passed and put the $79 toward a case instead. Then I tried the same question at a mattress store in Sparks and the sales guy straight up admitted the first 2 years are free through the maker anyway, so the store plan was double coverage. Now I ask that one question before saying a word about yes or no. Has anyone actually had a plan pay out on something small, or is it always the big stuff they fight you on?