Necessary to get the transfer of Apple Care in writing?

[pinkoos]

The paperwork that comes with the extended Apple Care contract calls for the transfer of the warranty to a different person to be done in writing, either by fax or email or letter.

Is this really necessary? I know the warranty follows the serial number of the Mac and not the name of the owner, but since the formal contract says that this transfer needs to occur in writing, I'm just wondering if problems could crop up in the future if the formal transfer was not done.

Anybody have any experience with getting work done under Apple Care on a Mac with pre-existing Apple Care?

[JoeH]

Many people have reported getting work done under Applecare without the formal transfer. But also many have reported running into "issues" when that was not done. If you have the option, get the written transfer done. It is what is called for in the terms for Applecare, and can speed things up by avoiding problems if you do need to use it.

[TLB]

The only time I tried to do a written transfer of AppleCare, Apple said the transfer was denied. The reason was my proof of purchase for AppleCare was unacceptable (I bought it on eBay). The machine (iBook G3) croaked shortly after sale and Apple repaired it for the new owner, but I don't know if it was under AppleCare or the special iBook program. Since then, I've just told the new owner it had AppleCare and it hasn't bitten me yet.

[N-OS X-tasy!]

Preferable to get it in writing, but AC coverage follows the serial number, not the owner, so it usually isn't a problem if you don't. I've had AC provide coverage with no problems at all for a computer where I didn't get the transfer in writing.

[pinkoos]

Thanks for the replies.

[AllGold]

It's only necessary if you want the Applecare to actually remain in effect.

Hey, don't shoot me, I'm just the messenger. I don't make the rules, Apple does.

You usually won't have a problem if get your repair done at an Apple Store. But what happens if it's a laptop and you have to ship it to a repair depot? When they ship it back, where do they send it? To you or the address on record?

[BigGuynRusty]

[quote AllGold]It's only necessary if you want the Applecare to actually remain in effect.

Hey, don't shoot me, I'm just the messenger. I don't make the rules, Apple does.

You usually won't have a problem if get your repair done at an Apple Store. But what happens if it's a laptop and you have to ship it to a repair depot? When they ship it back, where do they send it? To you or the address on record? To the address you give them when the box is sent out, that is where.
I did this for a living, it isn't a big issue, really.

BGnR

[richorlin]

I've been told by an Applecare rep that the AC stays with the computer and not the original owner. You can transfer it or not. It's up to you, but they'll still honor the Applecare as long as it has been registered. Can't hurt to have the paper AC contract, tho'.