23 Million Americans Have Damaged Phones While Watching Sporting Events; Ravens Fans 14% More Likely to Fumble Phone than 49ers Fans

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- As America prepares for Super Bowl XLVII, new research from SquareTrade^®, the top-rated protection plan trusted by millions of happy customers, reveals 23 million Americans have damaged their cell phone or tablet while caught up in the passion of a sporting event.  With the action expected to be fast and furious this Sunday, SquareTrade is urging all fans to take extra care with their devices to avoid some of the most common spectator mishaps.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130131/SF51610-INFO)

According to the study, Ravens fans are most at risk for a fumble, showing themselves to be 14% clumsier than 49ers fans.  27% of Ravens fans have had a cell phone accident in the past 12 months compared to just 23% for those rooting for the 49ers.

The top 5 sporting spectator gadget accidents revealed by the SquareTrade survey are: 

1)   The standard drop: device dropped from hand – 33%
2)   Liquid drops  -most common of which are toilet drops, sweat and water spills – 18%
3)   Beer drops - devices dropped in beer –13% - it's more common than you would think!
4)   Passion drops: devices thrown in anger or excitement - 12% 
5)   Bar drop: devices falling from a bar or table - 8%

"Given the tweeting, texting and photographing in arenas, stadiums, living rooms and local sports bars across the nation, we weren't surprised to learn that one in ten Americans has damaged their phone during a game," commented Ty Shay, SquareTrade's Chief Marketing Officer. "But the prevalence of Passion and Beer Drops caught us by surprise, and speaks volumes about the passion Americans have for football and other sports. "

To boost fans' device defense, SquareTrade offers the following tips for an accident free Super Bowl:

1)   Keep your phone at hand but not in hand – like the precious TV remote find a place that is close to the couch and easy to find
2)   Count to ten after all suspect calls or player mistakes
3)   Never use or take your device to the bathroom
4)   Consider using hands-free beer hat dispensers
5)   Protect your phone and promote your team with football phone covers

For those not heeding this advice, help is still at hand. If you experience a Super Bowl phone fumble, share your story at the SquareTrade Facebook page to win a chance to receive a replacement device: http://www.facebook.com/SquareTrade

SquareTrade works with leading online and in-store retailers to offer uniquely customer-friendly technology protection plans to protect thousands of consumer electronics and appliances including smartphones, tablets, laptops, televisions, video game consoles and digital cameras. SquareTrade consistently receives high rankings for superior customer service and its 5-day service guarantee.

About SquareTrade

SquareTrade is the top-rated protection plan trusted by millions of happy customers for its fast and exceptional service. SquareTrade protects mobile devices, laptops and tablets, and other consumer electronics and appliances from malfunctions, accidental damage and life's frequent mishaps. Unlike old-fashioned warranties, SquareTrade is designed for today's consumer and uses innovative technology to deliver a zero hassle claims process. SquareTrade has more than 195,000 fans on Facebook, consistently wins industry awards and receives thousands of 5-star reviews for its legendary customer service. Top retailers around the world offer SquareTrade, achieving a 200% increase in sales on average and happier customers. SquareTrade's rapid transformation of the warranty industry attracted one of the largest private capital raises in 2012, with a $238 million round led by Bain Capital and Bain Capital Ventures. Headquartered in San Francisco and London, SquareTrade is privately held. For more information, go to www.squaretrade.com.

SQUARETRADE and the SquareTrade logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SquareTrade, Inc.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners, who are not affiliated with SquareTrade and do not endorse its products and services.

PRESS CONTACT:
Jessica Hoffman
Jessica@squaretrade.com 
415-541-1000, ext.1063

SOURCE SquareTrade