Google is discontinuing its Preferred Care extended warranty plan in favor of the new Pixel Care Plus program. The pricing for the two plans is largely similar, with monthly fees at $8 or a flat rate of $159 for a two-year plan for the Pixel 9. For the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, the two-year plan costs $339 or $18 monthly. An optional loss and theft package is available for an additional charge.
Under the new Pixel Care Plus plan, significant changes include complimentary repairs for screen and battery issues, along with reduced service fees for other types of accidental damage. Previously, replacing a cracked screen under the Preferred Care plan incurred a fee of $29. With Pixel Care Plus, a cracked front screen or battery that is below 80% capacity can be replaced at no cost. However, internal screen damage on devices like the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is not covered.
Service fees for accidental damage vary based on the device model. For older models such as the Pixel 8a and 9a, fees may range from $49, while repair costs for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold can reach $99. On average, fees for other Pixel models tend to be lower, although service charges may go up to $129 for the Pixel 9 Pro and Fold models. The loss and theft option, which adds $1 or $2 monthly, also varies by model, with deductibles going as high as $149.
This adjustment aligns Google with industry competitors like Samsung, which recently eliminated screen replacement fees under their extended warranty plans.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/767711/google-pixel-care-plus-free-screen-and-battery-repair