iPad initiative

[hollychig]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NJ

Hi-
My daughters high school is implementing iPads in the curriculum and they are giving iPads to each student. They will be required to have them in class and at home to do work. As parents, we are being made responsible for them. We are to purchase supplemental insurance from the school for 49.00, put a deposit for them (538.00), or insure them ourselves (homeowners, etc.). The problem is they have nothing in writing about what their insurance covers. At the end of the year the students will hand in the iPads and the IT department will make the determination as to what kind of condition it is in (normal wear and tear vs. replaceable damage).
Also, can they force these iPads on us? We can refuse to accept them, but than it will impact their work. They will be doing in class assignments, etc.

Thank you!

 

[Antigone*]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NJ

Hi-
My daughters high school is implementing iPads in the curriculum and they are giving iPads to each student. They will be required to have them in class and at home to do work. As parents, we are being made responsible for them. We are to purchase supplemental insurance from the school for 49.00, put a deposit for them (538.00), or insure them ourselves (homeowners, etc.). The problem is they have nothing in writing about what their insurance covers. At the end of the year the students will hand in the iPads and the IT department will make the determination as to what kind of condition it is in (normal wear and tear vs. replaceable damage).
Also, can they force these iPads on us? We can refuse to accept them, but than it will impact their work. They will be doing in class assignments, etc.

Thank you!

You said it yourself, you can refuse the IPad.

FYI ~ Just in case do decide to go with the technology the school is offering. You can purchase a sleeve that stays on the IPad and protects it from damage for $30.

 

[Humusluvr]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NJ

Hi-
My daughters high school is implementing iPads in the curriculum and they are giving iPads to each student. They will be required to have them in class and at home to do work. As parents, we are being made responsible for them. We are to purchase supplemental insurance from the school for 49.00, put a deposit for them (538.00), or insure them ourselves (homeowners, etc.). The problem is they have nothing in writing about what their insurance covers. At the end of the year the students will hand in the iPads and the IT department will make the determination as to what kind of condition it is in (normal wear and tear vs. replaceable damage).
Also, can they force these iPads on us? We can refuse to accept them, but than it will impact their work. They will be doing in class assignments, etc.

Thank you!

I wouldn't use the school insurance. If you are a homeowner, your homeowner's insurance will cover them (check that) minus the deductible, if it is stolen.

This is a great experience for your daughter, not just curriculum-wise, but in the opportunity to take responsibility for this "possession," and to treat it properly. Make sure you discuss with her that ipads are easily stolen if they are left out while she goes to the restroom or leaves it somewhere after school. It should always be kept in her backpack, and a protective covering is a must. Depending on how responsible she is, she can keep this ipad in great shape.

I would also ask to see the school's written policy on these ipads. Most likely, they were bought with a grant, and the grant-writers would have had to spell out how they are to be used and cared for. If the school doesn't have a policy in writing, ask that they come up with one. It's not good practice for the school to just "make up the rules as they go."

 

[tranquility]

I wouldn't use the school insurance. If you are a homeowner, your homeowner's insurance will cover them (check that) minus the deductible, if it is stolen.

Raise your hand if you have a homeowner's insurance deductible of less than $500. OK, let me count. Let's see there's......

Well, I'm thinking that AT BEST the protection is for the couple of hundred above the deductible. Homeowner's insurance is not designed to cover this.

 

[Humusluvr]

Raise your hand if you have a homeowner's insurance deductible of less than $500. OK, let me count. Let's see there's......

Well, I'm thinking that AT BEST the protection is for the couple of hundred above the deductible. Homeowner's insurance is not designed to cover this.

Raises hand. $250.

You can always get a rider, which is probably less than what the school is offering.

 

[Antigone*]

Raises hand. $250.

You can always get a rider, which is probably less than what the school is offering.

Or if it is that much of a burden, she can alway say "No thank you."

 

[Humusluvr]

Or if it is that much of a burden, she can alway say "No thank you."

or, the school might offer lower cost or free insurance for low-income or unemployed parents. The parent may not know all the options.

 

[tranquility]

The coolest thing is is that Humusluvr's choice to insure $250 (The difference between the usually recommended amount and a $250 deductible.) probably costs him at least 25% of his policy cost.

I bet the OP did not make the same mistake.

 

[ecmst12]

Lowering the deductible is often not as expensive as you think it will be.

Homeowner's insurance absolutely IS designed to cover theft of personal posessions. It may NOT be designed to cover damage to personal property through one's own negligence. I have successfully claimed for dropping my cell phone in the toilet, but that was on my renter's insurance, I'm not sure if my homeowner's insurance would cover the same thing. OP would have to call the insurance company.

The $49 school policy, if it covers anything that could happen without a deductible, might be worth it for the peace of mind. Maybe kiddo can "work it off" around the house. I'm sure that she wants the new toy to play with

 

[Humusluvr]

The coolest thing is is that Humusluvr's choice to insure $250 (The difference between the usually recommended amount and a $250 deductible.) probably costs him at least 25% of his policy cost.

I bet the OP did not make the same mistake.

rolleyes. When you compare rates and coverage, and take that info back to your homeowner's insurance, they often want to keep *such good customers as me* and offer nice perks.

oh, and I have a uterus, not the dangly-parts. Perhaps how I got to be so smart.

 

[OHRoadwarrior]

OP, file a claim against your homeowners policy for something frivolous and you will find the rates you pay will go up quickly. The key to homeowners insurance is to remain claim free. If you have a repair under $1000, you will lose in the long run.

Humusluvr, you pay for perks, whether you know it or not. I remember when I was asked if I wanted to engage in a vanishing deductible policy. She explained what a great value it was. I asked her if it cost more. When she gave me the amount, I explained how my not having had a claim in 28 years was not going to increase the possibility I would, so therefore the only one profiting would be them.

 

[cyjeff]

Actually, I think the insurance is a good idea.

It is below any deductibles and if it covers ANYTHING that happens to it, it is good news.

An iPad in the hands of my child is on borrowed time.

 

[You Are Guilty]

Why is everyone so focused on HO insurance coverage? It strikes me that an aftermarket warranty (eg: http://www.squaretrade.com/pages/ipad-landing) would be much cheaper, especially in the event of a claim being filed, and probably more comprehensive to boot. What am I missing?

 

[hollychig]

Thank you for your replies. Regardless of what insurance I choose to take (school policy, homeowners, or deposit) they are still not defining what is normal wear and tear vs. replaceable damage. I get the same answer, no matter who I ask- It is up the IT department to determine when you hand them in...!

 

[You Are Guilty]

"Normal" wear and tear is like pornography - hard to define but "I'll know it when I see it". They can't say up front that 'scratches more than 3" are not normal, but abrasions less than 2cm^2 are OK'. It will be dealt with on a case by case basis. If that still causes concern, what you should be looking for now is what process, if any, there is to appeal their "wear and tear" decision to someone higher up.