GAME ups GAMECare price

MCV understands that from next week GAME will increase the price of its GAMECare hardware insurance cover from next Monday (July 12th).

It is believed that the retailer will be adding 5 to each price band, meaning that two year’s cover (that includes the standard manufacturer’s one year warranty) for a console worth 200 or more will now cost 39.99.

Cover on hardware costing between 150-200 will now cost 34.99, with 100-150 machines costing 29.99 and 50-100 consoles costing 24.99.

GAMECare, which is underwritten by Allianz Insurance, covers users for repairs, accidental damage, delivery and replacement. Consumers are offered it at the point of sale.

It is becoming increasingly common for retailers to sell insurance in-store in an effort to prop up increasingly tight margins. In April HMV started offering one year’s insurance on any game purchased in-store at 1 a pop.

MCV has contacted GAME for confirmation of the changes.