So I just saved a drowning kid...

[catmcc]

I was at the city's downtown YMCA yesterday watching my 5 yr old daughter (who has Down syndrome) in her swim lessons. In the kiddie pool there were a few other classes going on w/ ages ranging from 3-6. In one of the classes as the teacher was gathering up her kids, she missed one little 5yr old boy. He was in the "deep" end (4ft) right in front of where I was sitting. Anyways, the teacher had lost track of him paying attention to the other kids in her class and his father was on the opposite side of the pool. I saw people pointing to my end and I see this kid bobbing up and down at my feet. There was a look of panic on his face and he couldn't get a hold of the edge and he wasn't tall enough to stand w/ his head above water so I just jumped in and pulled him up and moved him to the side and got him out of the water. Trust me, I just reacted as a dad.

But I had my Droid in my pocket and of course it got just as wet as me. So my question is: if I didn't get insurance, how likely is VZW to replace my phone (2 months old) if I explain to them what happened and provide a copy of the Y's incident report?

Thanks.

 

[nerdbox08]

As it not being a manufacturer defect, chances are close to none.

While it was a heroic act, you still are liable for the phone and the damage it incurs. Who knows, you might come across a sympathetic rep who can help you, but don't hold your breath.

Sorry about the phone, but I sure would have done the same thing.

 

[hedney3]

I was at the city's downtown YMCA yesterday watching my 5 yr old daughter (who has Down syndrome) in her swim lessons. In the kiddie pool there were a few other classes going on w/ ages ranging from 3-6. In one of the classes as the teacher was gathering up her kids, she missed one little 5yr old boy. He was in the "deep" end (4ft) right in front of where I was sitting. Anyways, the teacher had lost track of him paying attention to the other kids in her class and his father was on the opposite side of the pool. I saw people pointing to my end and I see this kid bobbing up and down at my feet. There was a look of panic on his face and he couldn't get a hold of the edge and he wasn't tall enough to stand w/ his head above water so I just jumped in and pulled him up and moved him to the side and got him out of the water. Trust me, I just reacted as a dad.

But I had my Droid in my pocket and of course it got just as wet as me. So my question is: if I didn't get insurance, how likely is VZW to replace my phone (2 months old) if I explain to them what happened and provide a copy of the Y's incident report?

Thanks.

after that verizon would have to be a real dick not to give you a new phone. thats amazing dude, you saved someone and thats no light task. great job and i hope they replace your phone for free

 

[herbalt]

How bad is the phone? Where do you live? QUICKLY dry it as much as possible with white rice in a bag so that there is no moisture. As long as there is no corrosion in the charging ports there is a good chance that it can still be replaced. It has not not be or look wet in anyway.

 

[nerdbox08]

How bad is the phone? Where do you live? QUICKLY dry it as much as possible with white rice in a bag so that there is no moisture. As long as there is no corrosion in the charging ports there is a good chance that it can still be replaced. It has not not be or look wet in anyway.

I thought there was a water damage indicator? I know that sounds vague, but from what I understand there is a mechanism that changes color with water.... Or is that just in other devices?

 

[virtualhuman]

How bad is the phone? Where do you live? QUICKLY dry it as much as possible with white rice in a bag so that there is no moisture. As long as there is no corrosion in the charging ports there is a good chance that it can still be replaced. It has not not be or look wet in anyway.

I thought there was a water damage indicator? I know that sounds vague, but from what I understand there is a mechanism that changes color with water.... Or is that just in other devices?

There is, it's the white paper with the red "X"s/plus symbols when you take off the battery door.

OP - sorry about your phone, good luck getting another!

 

[hookbill]

How bad is the phone? Where do you live? QUICKLY dry it as much as possible with white rice in a bag so that there is no moisture. As long as there is no corrosion in the charging ports there is a good chance that it can still be replaced. It has not not be or look wet in anyway.

First the rice thing is actually a myth, but many people swear by it. Second his water mark had to have got wet so replacement wouldn't be possible.

http://www.droidforums.net/forum/droid-faq/8539-how-deal-droid-thats-gotten-wet-right-way.html

 

[Vulcan1600]

I was at the city's downtown YMCA yesterday watching my 5 yr old daughter (who has Down syndrome) in her swim lessons. In the kiddie pool there were a few other classes going on w/ ages ranging from 3-6. In one of the classes as the teacher was gathering up her kids, she missed one little 5yr old boy. He was in the "deep" end (4ft) right in front of where I was sitting. Anyways, the teacher had lost track of him paying attention to the other kids in her class and his father was on the opposite side of the pool. I saw people pointing to my end and I see this kid bobbing up and down at my feet. There was a look of panic on his face and he couldn't get a hold of the edge and he wasn't tall enough to stand w/ his head above water so I just jumped in and pulled him up and moved him to the side and got him out of the water. Trust me, I just reacted as a dad.

But I had my Droid in my pocket and of course it got just as wet as me. So my question is: if I didn't get insurance, how likely is VZW to replace my phone (2 months old) if I explain to them what happened and provide a copy of the Y's incident report?

Thanks.

after that verizon would have to be a real dick not to give you a new phone. thats amazing dude, you saved someone and thats no light task. great job and i hope they replace your phone for free

First of all, O.P. - you did an honorable thing, and I thank you for saving someone else's life.

Unfortunately, yes your Droid was in your pocket. It's also a shame that if you don't have insurance on the phone, there isn't any way that it will be replaced under warranty, because it was not a warranty issue. Believe me, in 2-1/2 at VZW, I heard everything. If you don't have any eligible phones on your account, they can offer you 1 year pricing on a brand new Droid, and that will extend the contract on that line out another 20 months.

 

[catmcc]

Unfortunately, yes your Droid was in your pocket. It's also a shame that if you don't have insurance on the phone, there isn't any way that it will be replaced under warranty, because it was not a warranty issue. Believe me, in 2-1/2 at VZW, I heard everything. If you don't have any eligible phones on your account, they can offer you 1 year pricing on a brand new Droid, and that will extend the contract on that line out another 20 months.

my phone is actually the "add a line" phone attached to my wife's account.

 

[Vulcan1600]

Unfortunately, yes your Droid was in your pocket. It's also a shame that if you don't have insurance on the phone, there isn't any way that it will be replaced under warranty, because it was not a warranty issue. Believe me, in 2-1/2 at VZW, I heard everything. If you don't have any eligible phones on your account, they can offer you 1 year pricing on a brand new Droid, and that will extend the contract on that line out another 20 months.

my phone is actually the "add a line" phone attached to my wife's account.

It's ok, they can still offer you the 1 year discount on a new phone (Droid if you want another one), and will reset your line to 20 months for next eligibility. It doesn't matter if it's the primary or secondary line on the account. And, I would recommend you call *611 or 800-922-0204 and speak to CS directly. If they say "sorry" and don't offer you the 1 year pricing on the phone, then you need to mention this to them. If they act like you're from Mars, then politely escalate the call to supervisor. And, from a former VZW rep point of view, kill 'em with kindness the entire call.

 

[catmcc]

Cool, thanks. This was the kind of advice I was looking to get. I plan on going to a VZW store this afternoon.

 

[Vulcan1600]

Cool, thanks. This was the kind of advice I was looking to get. I plan on going to a VZW store this afternoon.

Unfortunately, you will be paying higher than the 2 yr. promotional pricing on a new Droid. Seriously, for at least the first few months, you do want to carry insurance on your phone. I have 5 lines on my account, and I have my son's line coming eligible in July. So, as soon as that line is available (he is not getting an upgrade, he can live with hand-me-down phones), I will drop the insurance from my Droid and use that as a fallback if need be.

Also, make sure you go to a VZW corporate store today.

 

[catmcc]

Also, make sure you go to a VZW corporate store today.

Definitely. No "XYZ Wireless Authorized Reseller"

 

[mcatdtDroid]

it is a noble sounding story and there is no reason for anyone here to doubt the legitamacy of the story, but you telling us this story isn't trying to get us to comp you a $500 phone either.

As bad as this sounds, people have *gasp* told stories like this to try and get a free phone with cell phone reps. Just be aware that the reason you got it wet doesn't matter to them, not because they are cold heartless sunsuvguns, but rather, because there is no way to verify the story

now, for the "I told you so" moment..... get insurance on the next phone

 

[catmcc]

it is a noble sounding story and there is no reason for anyone here to doubt the legitamacy of the story, but you telling us this story isn't trying to get us to comp you a $500 phone either.

As bad as this sounds, people have *gasp* told stories like this to try and get a free phone with cell phone reps. Just be aware that the reason you got it wet doesn't matter to them, not because they are cold heartless sunsuvguns, but rather, because there is no way to verify the story

now, for the "I told you so" moment..... get insurance on the next phone

Wow. Seriously? That was... helpful?