I've heard of people getting free replacements in weird situations before, but generally once you're past warranty, they won't help you. Doesn't hurt to try, but plan on a purchase if you don't have a spare card. And think it through before you give up unlimited data. There is no possible way i would stick through Verizon without unlimited data.
This is generally true, however we often forget how much they need us, just like we need them. If you show that you understand that when you talk to the Level 2 technical support at Verizon, often they will be willing to replace even if out of warranty. Explain that without a phone, you are unable to make calls (i know, obvious but still should be mentioned), there's no sense in keeping service, and if you were to go elsewhere, there would be a new phone provided and you would pay nothing.
Also make sure you express that under no circumstances will you accept any phone if it means you will give up your grandfathered status on the unlimited plan. Say "That would be a deal-killer for us and we would simply take or business elsewhere."
Be humble, express your concerns for the member of the family and their safety being out of touch and unable to call 911, leverage how long you've been a good paying customer and how much you spend monthly (this is where it hurts them most), and how pleased you are overall with Verizon's service, how all your friends and family are on Verizon and that you frequently talk up the service to people with iPhones on ATT.
Don't hesitate to "ask for help". I know it sounds silly but ask and ye shall receive. If you are respectful and humble the rep will want to help, but if you are demanding, rude, act as though they owe you this, they will do nothing.
I have been a Verizon customer since 1993, and in all those years I've never paid for a phone. We presently have 4 phones on a family plan, 2 unlimited data plans, and spend about $200/month. Believe me, they're not losing money by giving us or phones, they may be making less profit but in percentages its small.
Do this not in the store, but over the phone, either by calling *611 from a cell or 1-800-922-0204 from a land line.
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