Here's what we know about how Nexus Protect will work
Nexus Protect is essentially Google’s version of AppleCare, giving you two years of enhanced coverage for your new Nexus smartphone. The claims site, which is run by Assurant Solutions, is already live and gives you more details about how the protection plan will work.
Why this matters: Google likely launched Nexus Protect as a way to give 5X and 6P buyers some peace of mind about their new devices. Since the phones are sold unlocked and direct from Google, you have to fork over the full price of the phones, which start at $379 and $499, respectively. When you buy a phone from a carrier, you can purchase a protection plan, so Google's filling in that missing piece.
If your phone is a prime target for Murphy’s Law, then Nexus Protect may have a lot to offer. The main attraction is an extra year of warranty coverage in case your phone goes bonkers or shuts it down for an early retirement (the standard warranty is just one year, and doesn't cover damage from your own dumb mistakes).
But the real attraction may be the two replacement devices you can get during that two-year period should you drop and break your phone, fumble it into a pond, or have some other catastrophe. Each replacement device will require a $79 deductible. That’s certainly less than a new phone, so it could be worth it for the extra protection.
Google promises your new phone will ship out the next business day once a claim is approved. All filing is handled through the Nexus Protect site, 24/7, though there’s also a phone number for contacting a live human. There are also some troubleshooting tips set up by Google in case you’re experiencing issues but aren’t ready to part with your phone and wait for a new one.
The coverage also stays with the Nexus device should you decide to sell it, which should boost the resale price. You do, however, need to contact Google to transfer the coverage to the new owner.
The Nexus 5X and 6P are available for preorder now at the Google Store.