New Research Reveals Surprising Accident Zones for iPhone Users

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- SquareTrade®, the top consumer-rated technology protection plan, released new research today showing that 51% of iPhone® accidents happen around the home – most commonly in the kitchen. The study also revealed that "unusual" iPhone accidents are much more common than previously expected: In addition to an astonishing 9% toilet mishap statistic, the research shows that 5% of iPhone users have put an iPhone in the washing machine and 6% of users have put their device on top of their car and then driven off.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121016/SF93654-INFO)

"Smartphones have become our third hand – our instinctual resource for information and entertainment," commented Ty Shay, SquareTrade's CMO. "Whether or not you're the one in ten that drops your iPhone in the toilet, you're likely taking your phone everywhere, and that habit needs protection."

While one might guess that the yard and the swimming pool are risky settings for the iPhone, SquareTrade's Device Danger Zone Survey¹ revealed that the top five danger zones around the home are:

1. the kitchen (21% of accidents around the home happen here)
2. the living room (17%)
3. the bathroom (16%)
4. the driveway (10%)
5. the bedroom (8%)

SquareTrade works with leading retailers to offer uniquely customer-friendly warranties 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.

The survey responses for SquareTrade's 2012 Device Danger Zone Survey were collected using the world's largest panel provider, Survey Sampling International. Demographic quotas were used to collect a representative sample of smartphone users.

About SquareTrade
SquareTrade is the top consumer-rated technology protection plan provider for consumer electronics and appliances. Available at top retailers worldwide, SquareTrade's service is uniquely researchable with millions of customers who have consistently rated SquareTrade's service 5-stars in reviews. SquareTrade is the 2012 and 2011 winner of both the Stevie Award for Sales & Customer Service, the 2012 People's Choice Stevie Award, and the Golden Bridge Award for Customer Service. SquareTrade's leadership position, innovative business model and high-growth profile attracted one of the largest private capital raises in 2012, with a $238 million round lead by Bain Capital and Bain Capital Ventures. Headquartered in San Francisco, SquareTrade is privately held. For more information, go to www.squaretrade.com.

SquareTrade is a registered trademark of SquareTrade, Inc. iPhone is a trademark of Apple, Inc. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

¹ SquareTrade's 2012 Device Danger Zone Survey

PRESS CONTACT:
Jessica Hoffman
SquareTrade
Tek: 415-541-1000, ext. 1063
[email protected]

SOURCE SquareTrade