HTC announces Uh Oh Protection for its One M8 and M9 smartphones

Accidental damage to HTC One M9 and M8 will be covered under Uh Oh Protection in the US

The new protection plan provides the owners with a free replacement One M8 or M9 in case of accidental damage or carrier switch and adds credit towards a new HTC phone if no replacement claim was made within a year.

Andrey Konstantinov, Published 03/18/2015

With its financial position finally stable, HTC is now looking for ways to attract more customers. The company's newest strategy targets those worried about accidentally damaging their new expensive smartphones: dubbed "Uh Oh Protection", this insurance plan covers screen cracks, water damage and even carrier switches. Within one year from purchase date, owners of HTC's One M9 will be able to claim a one-time free replacement should such misfortunes befall their new fevice. HTC One M8 is also part of the program, but only units purchased after 25th of March will be eligible.

To claim the replacement, the customers will simply need to contact HTC support and either send in their damaged phone first, in which case the replacement one will be shipped 2 days after HTC receives it, or place a $300 security deposit (which will be refunded once the damaged phone is sent to HTC later) and have the replacement shipped to them immediately. HTC is also offering a $100 credit towards a purchase of the next HTC One to customers whose smartphones endure the year without needing to be replaced - this way, the company is hoping to avoid dishonest exchange claims.

So far, the promotion is only offered to US customers and at this point is scheduled to end on August 31, 2015. Devices bought after this date will not be covered. There's currently no information on the possibility of more countries or devices being included in the program or its duration being extended.