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Should I get transponder insurance?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Pangaeus, Jun 28, 2013.

  1. Pangaeus

    Pangaeus New Member

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    I have to decide in the next 3 hours. Insurance is $399 which will cover cost of repairs or new keys if I lose it. Cost to replace the transponder is $450.

    How hardy are the transponder- for example being jostled around in a backpack or dropped to the floor?
     
    #1 Pangaeus, Jun 28, 2013
  2. burstaneurysm

    burstaneurysm Active Member

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    That seems obscenely expensive.
    You're paying $400 for something you might never need, and if you end up needing it, it only costs $50 more?
     
    #2 burstaneurysm, Jun 28, 2013
  3. Pangaeus

    Pangaeus New Member

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    I guess because it is for life- you can get it replaced as often as you need. So I am wondering how hardy these keys are- I've never had a car with a transponder before.
     
    #3 Pangaeus, Jun 28, 2013
  4. burstaneurysm

    burstaneurysm Active Member

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    I mean, the transponder chip is built in to the keyfob, so they're not really fragile.
    Loss would be a bigger concern, so I guess the question is, how often do you lose your car keys?
     
    #4 burstaneurysm, Jun 28, 2013
  5. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    Yes, if you're asking the Transponder...or Fob..seems to have a track record of hardiness and relative durability. However this won't keep somebody from potentially losing one.

    IMO that "Insurance" seems ridiculously expensive in relationship to the cost of the product itself. There is absolutely no sane reason I would recommend anyone pay for that insurance which is why....

    I say do it!

    Do it, then go snorkeling with the transponder tucked inside a piece of chum meat. See how many times you can destroy and/or lose the transponder before the insurance company starts to balk.

    Do it...because I don't think anyone else will.
     
    #5 The Electric Me, Jun 28, 2013
    ou812 likes this.
  6. PLSPUSH

    PLSPUSH Active Member

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    have had many over the years, never broke or lost one
     
    #6 PLSPUSH, Jun 28, 2013
    Pangaeus likes this.
  7. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    By the way, what type of Nazi Dealership offers "Transponder Insurance" at $450, then only gives you hours to think about it?

    Man In Suit with BADLY executed German accent: "Ve would highly recommend you buy Ze Tranzponder Insurance".

    Potential Buyer: I'm not sure, let me go home and think about it.

    Man In Suit: Nein! Das ist not acceptable. You will decide and you will decide in 3 hours! If we hear nothing from you? Your transponder is dead to us! Now if you will kindly wait in the lobby we will finish up with your paperwork.
     
    #7 The Electric Me, Jun 28, 2013
    32kcolors likes this.
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    does it cover losing both fobs at the same time? 'cause that's a whole 'nuther ball 'o wax!

    as far as damage i haven't had a problem in 9 years, but i try to be careful and have only dropped a few times.
     
    #8 bisco, Jun 28, 2013
  9. bathala

    bathala Member

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    it's not worth it IMHO. Fob/Transponder doesn't easily break and if it does or you lose it, you "should" have a 2nd piece. If I were you, save $50 a month and in 8 months you can buy a new fob. If not, you have cash to burn.
     
    #9 bathala, Jun 28, 2013
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