As a seasoned drone enthusiast, there’s nothing more heart-wrenching than watching your prized possession vanish into thin air. Whether it’s a rookie mistake or a technical glitch, losing a drone can be a costly and frustrating experience. That’s why DJI, the world’s leading drone manufacturer, introduced DJI Care Refresh, a protection plan designed to put your mind at ease. But the million-dollar question remains: does DJI Care Refresh cover lost drones?
What is DJI Care Refresh?
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s take a step back and understand what DJI Care Refresh is all about. Launched in 2016, DJI Care Refresh is an optional protection plan offered by DJI for its drones, including the Mavic, Phantom, and Inspire series. The program is designed to provide peace of mind for drone owners, offering a range of benefits that go beyond the standard manufacturer’s warranty.
Key Benefits of DJI Care Refresh
So, what’s in it for you? Here are some of the key benefits of DJI Care Refresh:
- Accidental Damage Coverage: DJI Care Refresh covers accidental damage to your drone, including crashes, water damage, and other unforeseen events.
- Extended Warranty: The protection plan extends the standard warranty period by an additional 12 months, giving you a total of 24 months of coverage.
- Priority Repairs: DJI Care Refresh customers enjoy priority repair services, ensuring your drone is back in the air in no time.
- Free Shipping: DJI covers the cost of shipping for repair and replacement services, saving you time and money.
Does DJI Care Refresh Cover Lost Drones?
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter. Does DJI Care Refresh cover lost drones? The answer is a resounding maybe. While the protection plan does provide coverage for accidental damage, it’s essential to understand the fine print.
DJI’s Official Stance
According to DJI’s official website, DJI Care Refresh does not cover lost or stolen drones. The protection plan is designed to cover accidental damage, not theft or loss. However, there’s a loophole.
Flying Away (and Lost)
If your drone flies away due to a technical issue or pilot error, and you’re unable to recover it, DJI Care Refresh might come to the rescue. In this scenario, you can file a claim, and DJI will investigate the incident. If the investigation reveals that the drone was lost due to a technical fault or a problem with the aircraft itself, DJI might provide a replacement or repair the drone.
However, if the investigation concludes that the drone was lost due to pilot error, such as flying beyond visual line of sight or ignoring safety warnings, DJI Care Refresh will not provide coverage.
Real-Life Scenarios: When DJI Care Refresh Covers Lost Drones
While DJI Care Refresh doesn’t explicitly cover lost drones, there have been instances where the company has made exceptions. Here are a few real-life scenarios where DJI Care Refresh has covered lost drones:
Scenario 1: Technical Glitch
John, a Mavic 2 Pro owner, was flying his drone over a lake when it suddenly flew away due to a technical issue with the aircraft’s compass. Despite his best efforts, John was unable to recover the drone. He filed a claim with DJI Care Refresh, and after a thorough investigation, DJI determined that the drone was lost due to a technical fault. DJI subsequently replaced the drone, minimizing John’s losses.
Scenario 2: Unexpected Signal Loss
Sarah, an Inspire 2 owner, was filming a wedding when her drone suddenly lost signal and flew away. Despite trying to reestablish the connection, Sarah was unable to recover the drone. She filed a claim with DJI Care Refresh, and DJI’s investigation revealed that the signal loss was due to a rare technical issue with the drone’s transmission system. DJI covered the cost of a replacement drone, ensuring Sarah was back in business.
What’s Not Covered?
While DJI Care Refresh provides comprehensive coverage for accidental damage, there are some scenarios where it doesn’t apply. Here are some exclusions to keep in mind:
- Theft: If your drone is stolen, DJI Care Refresh will not provide coverage.
- Intentional Damage: If you intentionally damage your drone, DJI Care Refresh will not cover the costs of repair or replacement.
- Normal Wear and Tear: DJI Care Refresh doesn’t cover normal wear and tear, including cosmetic damage or minor scratches.
- Unauthorized Modifications: If you modify your drone in any way that’s not approved by DJI, you may void your DJI Care Refresh coverage.
Conclusion
While DJI Care Refresh doesn’t explicitly cover lost drones, there are scenarios where the protection plan might come to the rescue. If you’re a responsible drone owner who’s unfortunate enough to lose your drone due to a technical issue or unforeseen circumstances, DJI might provide coverage. However, it’s essential to understand the fine print and exclusions to ensure you’re not left high and dry.
Ultimately, DJI Care Refresh is an excellent investment for drone owners who want peace of mind and protection against accidental damage. By understanding the benefits and limitations of the protection plan, you can make informed decisions and enjoy flying your drone with confidence.
What is DJI Care Refresh?
DJI Care Refresh is a service provided by DJI, a leading drone manufacturer, that offers a one-year warranty and additional accidental damage coverage for their drones. This service aims to provide peace of mind for drone enthusiasts and professionals, ensuring that they can fly with confidence and minimize downtime in the event of an accident or malfunction.
With DJI Care Refresh, customers can enjoy a range of benefits, including accidental damage coverage, priority repair service, and dedicated customer support. This service can be purchased at the time of buying a new DJI drone or within 48 hours of activation.
Does DJI Care Refresh cover lost drones?
Unfortunately, DJI Care Refresh does not cover lost drones. The service only covers accidental damage to the drone, such as crashes, water damage, or other types of physical harm. If you lose your drone, whether due to pilot error, strong winds, or other unforeseen circumstances, DJI Care Refresh will not provide a replacement or refund.
However, it’s essential to note that DJI does offer a separate “Flyaway Coverage” option for certain drone models, which can provide a replacement or refund in the event of a flyaway. This coverage is only available for select models and must be purchased separately from DJI Care Refresh.
What is flyaway coverage, and is it included in DJI Care Refresh?
Flyaway coverage is a separate service offered by DJI that provides protection against flyaways, which occur when a drone loses signal or crashes, resulting in its loss. This coverage is available for select DJI drone models and can be purchased separately from DJI Care Refresh.
Flyaway coverage is not included in DJI Care Refresh, and customers must purchase it as a separate add-on. This coverage can provide a replacement or refund in the event of a flyaway, giving drone enthusiasts an added layer of protection against this type of risk.
How do I activate DJI Care Refresh?
To activate DJI Care Refresh, you’ll need to purchase the service within 48 hours of activating your drone. You can do this by following these steps: 1) Go to the DJI website and log in to your account. 2) Click on “My Drones” and select the drone you want to activate Care Refresh for. 3) Click on “Activate Care Refresh” and follow the prompts to complete the purchase.
Once you’ve activated DJI Care Refresh, you’ll receive an email with a confirmation and details about your coverage. Make sure to review the terms and conditions carefully to understand what is covered and what is not.
Can I purchase DJI Care Refresh for a used drone?
No, DJI Care Refresh is only available for brand-new drones purchased from authorized DJI dealers or the DJI website. If you buy a used drone, you will not be eligible to purchase DJI Care Refresh.
However, if you’re purchasing a certified refurbished drone from DJI or an authorized dealer, you may be eligible to purchase DJI Care Refresh. Be sure to check the warranty and coverage options available for certified refurbished drones before making a purchase.
How many times can I use DJI Care Refresh?
With DJI Care Refresh, you’re entitled to up to two replacement or repair requests within the one-year warranty period. Each request must be for a different issue or incident, and you’ll need to pay a small service fee for each request.
Make sure to review the terms and conditions of DJI Care Refresh to understand the specifics of this policy, as it may vary depending on your location and the type of drone you own.
Can I cancel DJI Care Refresh?
Yes, you can cancel DJI Care Refresh within the first 30 days of purchase for a full refund. After 30 days, you can still cancel the service, but you may not be eligible for a refund.
To cancel DJI Care Refresh, log in to your DJI account, go to “My Drones,” and select the drone with the Care Refresh service. Click on “Cancel Care Refresh” and follow the prompts to complete the cancellation process.