Google introduces one-time payment option for Preferred Care on Pixel devices.

Google is making some changes to its Preferred Care plans, which are insurance options for devices such as Pixel phones, tablets, and watches. Starting from February 24, customers can now choose to make a one-time payment for these plans rather than subscribing to a monthly service. Previously, this insurance was mostly available for Fitbit devices, but now it applies to the latest Pixel gadgets as well.

The new one-time payment option allows people to protect their devices for two years, and it comes at a lower total cost than if they were to pay monthly over that same period. This means that if you want to ensure your Pixel phone, tablet, or watch, there’s now a more straightforward way to do it.

Google’s Preferred Care serves a similar purpose to AppleCare Plus or Samsung Care, which help protect your devices against accidental damage. Under the revised system, customers have two choices for their insurance: they can either pay a single fee for two years of coverage or select the traditional monthly payment option, which lasts for up to five years in total. If something happens to your device, like a cracked screen, the repair cost will be $29, while a full replacement can cost up to $129.

In addition to the new payment option, Google has also switched its insurance partner for these Preferred Care plans. The updated support page notes that for devices shipped on or after February 24, 2025, the insurance will be provided by Asurion Warranty Protection Services, LLC, or one of its affiliates. If a device is shipped before that date, however, the insurance will still be handled by Assurant.

One significant change for customers is the introduction of the one-time payment option. If you want to add this insurance, you can do so either during the checkout process on the Google Store or within 30 days after buying your device.

Here are the prices for the two-year Preferred Care plans for various Pixel devices:

– Google Pixel 9: $159
– Google Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL: $249
– Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: $279
– Google Pixel Fold: $279
– Google Pixel 8 Pro: $249
– Google Pixel 8: $159
– Google Pixel 8a: $109
– Google Pixel 7a: $99
– Google Pixel 7 Pro: $199
– Google Pixel 7: $149
– Google Pixel Tablet: $99
– Google Pixel Watch 3: $89
– Google Pixel Watch 2: $89

These prices offer customers some savings compared to the cost of subscribing monthly for two years. However, there is a trade-off: if you opt for the one-time payment, you cannot continue to insure your Pixel device with Preferred Care beyond those 24 months.

With these changes, Google is making it easier and potentially more affordable for Pixel users to protect their devices. Whether you choose a one-time payment or a subscription, having this kind of insurance can help you avoid hefty repair or replacement fees in case of accidents.