BEST BUY'S GEEK SQUAD Geek Squad Mobile False information on there Black Tie protection for cell phones. Chicago, Illinois

According to the Black Tie Protection Terms and Conditions, on pages 14 and 15:

http://www.geeksquad.com/gslibrary/services/content/black_tie_protection/terms_and_conditions/20080914/20080914TC.pdf

"Repairs or replacements will be performed at our discretion by a Best Buy service center or authorized third party service provider."

"If we determine in our sole discretion, that your product cannot be repaired, we will replace it with a product of like kind and quality that is of comparable performance or reimburse you for replacement of the product with a voucher or gift card, at our sole discretion, equal to the fair market value of the product, as determined by us, not to exceed the original purchase price of your product, including taxes."

"We may require you to secure your replacement product or part with a credit card number until we receive the defective product or part from you. If we do not receive your defective product or part, your credit card may be charged the value of the replacement product or part."

"Additional terms/conditions may apply; a service order disclaimer must be signed to obtain repairs."

"Availability of Services: While we try to complete service as quickly as possible, we are not responsible for delays caused by factors beyond our control, including but not limited to manufacturer’s delays, parts availability, shipping to a regional service facility or Acts of God."

So long story short: disclaimers on repair time, potential charges/deposit for "replacement" parts, and potential additional terms and conditions were all given to you, or available to you. You can get a copy of the Terms at any store or online.

Did you have a previous phone with your provider?  If so, you could have used it as a back-up.   There are also a lot of used phones available through sites such as Ebay.  The cost would invariably be less than the price of the extended warranty.

With the extended warranty, you are ONLY paying for damage, in effect, as the phones have a one-year warranty for electrical and electronic failures.    Warranty aside,  going through the carrier's stores are much more efficient than going through Best Buy.

If you feel you are prone to more damaging "drops,"  check out some alternative warranty companies outside of retail - you can Google them.

Never (ok , 99% of the time) take a Best Buy salesperson's word at face value for anything, especially when it comes to the "sell at all costs" attitude regarding service plans.