As a drone enthusiast, you’ve probably heard about DJI Care Refresh, a comprehensive protection plan that covers accidental damage to your DJI drone. But with the additional cost, you might be wondering if it’s really worth the investment. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of DJI Care Refresh, compare it to standard warranties, and help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Understanding DJI Care Refresh
DJI Care Refresh is an optional service plan that provides coverage for accidental damage to your DJI drone. Unlike standard warranties, which only cover manufacturing defects, DJI Care Refresh protects your drone from a variety of accidents, including collisions, water damage, and flyaways (for select models).
The plan comes in two options: a 1-year plan and a 2-year plan. The 1-year plan allows you to claim up to two replacements, with the first excess fee being $99 and the second being $109. The 2-year plan, on the other hand, provides coverage for four replacements, including two for flyaway incidents.
Why DJI Repairs Can Be Expensive
Repairing a drone after a crash can be costly and time-consuming. Depending on the extent of the damage, you might need to replace expensive components like the camera, gimbal, or even the entire frame. Standard DJI warranties don’t cover accidental damage, leaving you responsible for the repair costs.
For example, repairing a Mavic Pro after a crash could cost you hundreds of dollars, not including shipping and labor fees. In contrast, with DJI Care Refresh, your first replacement would only cost $139, and the second would be $199. This means that even if you crash twice, you’ll pay a total of $507, which is significantly less than the cost of repairing the drone or buying a new one.
Benefits of DJI Care Refresh
In addition to the cost savings, DJI Care Refresh offers several other benefits:
- Priority repair or replacement service
- Free shipping both ways
- Access to VIP phone and email support
- Extended warranty coverage (up to 2 years)
These benefits can save you time and hassle when dealing with a damaged drone, allowing you to get back in the air as quickly as possible.
Deciding if DJI Care Refresh is Worth It
Whether DJI Care Refresh is worth the cost depends on your individual needs and flying habits. If you’re a beginner pilot or fly in challenging environments, the peace of mind and cost savings provided by the plan may be well worth the investment.
On the other hand, if you’re an experienced pilot who rarely crashes, you might decide that the standard warranty is sufficient for your needs. Ultimately, it’s a personal decision that depends on your budget and risk tolerance.
To help you decide, consider the cost of the plan relative to the value of your drone. For example, DJI Care Refresh for a Mavic Pro costs only 10% of the total price of the drone. If you crash twice, you’ll pay an average of $253.50 per replacement, which is a significant discount compared to the cost of a new drone.
If you do decide to purchase DJI Care Refresh, make sure to do so within the specified time frame for your drone model. For most drones, you can purchase the plan within 48 hours of activating the aircraft.