When Circuit City finally went pining for the fjords, we all understood that their extended warranties and service plans would remain in effect. Assurant Solutions, the company servicing these plans, came right out and said so last week (warning: PDF). But the company contracted to service David’s TV said they can’t reach Circuit City for more info on how to handle in-home support calls, so they’re not going to do anything.

Hi, I just thought I would give you guys this tip because it seems like Circuit City is now going against the Consumer Protection Plans they sold us. My story is as follows and maybe you guys can help.

On August 12th, 2006, I had purchased a Magnavox 26″ LCD HDTV with the service plan. Well, the first one was a horrid mess, speakers rattled, and didn’t accept HDMI input and so I had to return it for a replacement. That replacement lasted a while. Recently it’s started acting buggy. Switching off my inputs, randomly shorting out HDMI cables, and the speakers, despite never being turned up over a small amount, are blown and noise filled anytime any bass plays. And so I called their service after hearing the liquidation wouldn’t effect these service plans. And so an appointment was set up for today at 1pm for an in home repair serviceman to come.

Well, 1pm came and went without the repairman so I called the contractor, A1 Electrics, to confirm the appointment. After a lot of digging they did find the appointment they missed and they said they would schedule me in sometime this afternoon. Well, five minutes ago, at 5:15, I received a call from A1 saying they had received an email from Circuit City saying, due to the liquidation, the way in which these service calls will be handled has changed. And so, since they couldn’t contact Circuit City for clarification, they called me to let me know they were unsure on how to proceed. Now I’m sitting here with glitchy Magnavox that could have been repaired should A1 have gotten here by the appointed time. Upset, I decide to call the Consumer Protection Plan Hotline to see what steps need to be followed.

I shockingly discovered that, despite the main line being on, any extension aside from the list of manufacturer contacts disconnects you from the line. Try it yourself at 1-888-333-2333. So now I cannot get in touch with ANYONE in the Circuit City side of things. Frankly, I don’t know what to do. Circuit City essentially has thrown up a middle finger at anyone who bought these plans despite saying they would continue to be honored. I find it highly doubtful Magnavox will step in to do the right thing. Advice?

David, try calling Assurant and asking them for help. According to the FAQ Circuit City has published on its site (warning: PDF), they’re taking over all service plan agreements, so they should be the ones calling the shots now.

These contact numbers are pulled from the FAQ:

What number do I call about my Circuit City Advantage Protection Plans
(extended warranty)?
Assurant Solutions says it is not necessary for customers to call or email Assurant Solutions service centers to confirm the validity of their contracts.

• For Circuit City Advantage Protection Plans purchased ON or AFTER
  December 1, 2006, please call the following number(s) to obtain service:
  • Personal computers, laptops, printers, digital cameras and other
    computer-related equipment: 1.800.555.4615
  • In Home Service for Televisions : 1.800.878.1167
  • MP3 players, gaming systems, CD Players, camcorders, GPS, auto
    and home audio systems, and other consumer electronics items :
    1.800.555.4615
  • Appliances: 1.800.878.1167
• For Circuit City Advantage Protection Plans purchased BEFORE December 1, 2006, please call the following number(s) to obtain service:
  • Personal computers, laptops, printers, digital cameras and other computer-related equipment: 1.800.555.4615
  • In Home Service for Televisions: 1.800.286.0470
  • CD Players, camcorders, GPS, auto and home audio systems, and other consumer electronics items : 1.800.286.0470
  • Appliances: 1.800.286.0470

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