Samsung Overhauls Care+ in Europe: a Plan That Actually Protects?
SamsungSaturday, 31 January 2026 at 10:57
It’s no secret that modern flagships are basically beautiful, expensive glass sandwiches. Whether it’s a Galaxy S26 Ultra or a Z Fold 7, the dread of a "naked" drop is real. Recognizing that, Samsung just dropped a major update to its Samsung Care+ protection plan across 17 European markets. And honestly? It’s about time. They aren't just tweaking the margins here; they're fundamentally changing how the insurance works to compete with the likes of AppleCare+.
Key Points
- Unlimited Claims: Users now get unlimited accidental damage repairs for drops, knocks, and spills.
- Battery Health: Free battery replacements are now included if capacity falls below 80% post-warranty.
- No Travel Limits: The previous 60-day international coverage limit has been completely removed.
- Flexible Billing: A new monthly payment option allows for up to 60 months (5 years) of continuous protection.
- Theft Protection: Optional theft/loss cover guarantees a replacement within 48 hours but requires Knox Guard activation.
Unlimited Repairs and Global Freedom
The biggest "wow" factor in this announcement is the move to unlimited accidental damage coverage. In the past, many insurance plans would cut you off after two or three clumsy moments. Now, whether you’re a serial dropper or just have a run of bad luck with spills and knocks, you’re covered. Samsung has also "streamlined" the excess fee—meaning you won't get a headache trying to calculate different deductibles for a cracked screen versus liquid damage.
Perhaps even more practical for the jet-setters: the 60-day trip limit is gone. If you’re living abroad for six months or just on a very long vacation, your coverage follows you. With 175 new walk-in repair locations added across the continent, getting a genuine screen replacement while traveling in Europe just became significantly less of a nightmare.
The 80% Battery Rule
Batteries are the silent killers of smartphone longevity. We’ve all been there: the phone is two years old, the screen is perfect, but the battery dies by 3 PM. Under the new Care+ terms, if your battery capacity drops below 80% after your standard manufacturer warranty ends, Samsung will replace it for free.
I think this is a huge win for sustainability. It encourages people to keep their devices for four or five years instead of upgrading just because the battery got tired. To support this, they’ve introduced a monthly payment plan that lasts up to 60 months. That’s five years of peace of mind, which aligns perfectly with Samsung’s recent promises of long-term software support.
The "Knox" Catch for Theft
If you opt for the theft and loss coverage, there is one technical hurdle you can't ignore: Knox Guard. You have to activate it within 30 days of starting your policy. It’s a security layer that allows Samsung to remotely lock the device, and without it, your theft claim is effectively void. It’s a fair trade-off for a 48-hour replacement guarantee, but it’s the kind of fine print that could trip up an unsuspecting user.
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