What happens to equipment when you cancel directv?
When you cancel DirecTV service, that leaves you with the responsibility of determining what to do with the DirecTV equipment which includes the receivers, remotes, dishes, and cables among others. Below is the description of the available choices and consequences of non-return of leased equipment.
Returning Leased Equipment
It is important to note that the majority of DirecTV equipment is contracted, which means that customers do not own the equipment. This is composed of your satellite dish, receivers, remotes, access card/antenna, and cables, among others. In case of cancellation of the service, DirecTV requires that you return any leased equipment, failing to do so may attract charges.
Normally, you will get the equipment return kit via post after a week to a maximum of one month after disconnection of service. These will be a shipping box, a prepaid shipping label, and a set of instructions on how to cancel service and return the equipment. Your local DirecTV office also has return kits if you prefer getting one earlier than the time stated.
When packing up DirecTV equipment to return, don't forget
- Receivers/Genies: First of all, you need to unscrew all cables on the machine.
- Power inserter/connecting block: Unplug and include if you had one connected to a receiver it will be easier to roll.
- HDMI or other cables: Eliminate those as well as these are DirecTV-owned as well.
- Satellite dish: Tear the cables off and safely pack them to ensure they do not crack or sustain any sort of harm.
Next, it’s time to wrap all the contents in appropriate measures and fix the prepaid shipping label on the box. Take it to the nearest location or arrange for a pickup to ensure that DirecTV returns the equipment within 21 days after you cancel your account.
According to DirecTV policies, you are expected to return leased items in good working order within 21 days after which you will be billed. For the standard receiver, $135 is normally charged, whereas the DVR is $460, and the high-definition Genie DVR is between $700 and $800. The non-return equipment charges, as you may have experienced, are billed in your final statement.
Owned Equipment
Several customers possess particular DirecTV equipment; it is bought either at the beginning or at the termination of the 2-year lease agreement. If you are a DirecTV subscriber who owns any of the satellite dishes, receivers, remote control, or any other hardware device, you do not need to return these items to DirecTV upon cancellation. They are free to retain sell or dispose of owned equipment in whatever way they prefer.
Common owned equipment includes:
- Owned receivers: If purchased receivers were active for more than two years on the given account, they will be considered owned equipment. These receivers are provided to you as part of the service and are yours to keep when you cancel the service.
- Customer-owned dish: If you have paid someone to fix it for you then the dish was his property. The lack of flexibility when canceling DirecTV means that you can either accept their terms or leave it.
- Other equipment: The cables, remotes, switches, or any accessories that you bought do not fit the definition of a lease. These are the ones you can retain when you opt to discontinue DirecTV internet service.
Even if you own your dish it is also the wish of DirecTV that you keep it intact for the next customers when transferring. This means that it eliminates the inconvenience later of waiting for satellite service to be reconnected at the home. However, it is finally up to you as it is your dish hardware that is of interest.
Returning the equipment to prevent being charged fees
Another precaution one can take to avoid extra equipment fees on DirecTV is to ensure that you return any leased receivers, remotes, dishes, or parts before the 21 days are over. No matter how it looks it is scratched or broken, return the item and let DirecTV decide if you will be charged damage fees later.
In the event you do not receive a return kit for your equipment within 10 days after canceling your services, follow up and request one from DirecTV. To ensure that no one can provide a reason as to why they never returned the equipment within the 21 days, the plan was made.
You can return equipment by
1. Accessing services such as the prepaid return shipping label offered by DirecTV to return items to the company’s return center without incurring any cost.
2. Leaving gear off at your UPS store if you miss the pickup time.
3. Taking equipment to a DirectTV vendor such as Best Buy that accepts returns on equipment.
4. If you have one in your area, it is always advisable to physically take your items to the DirecTV office.
Regardless of the approach, continue to record and document information and a receipt that indicates DirecTV took back your equipment. Thus, if some items appear to be missing or unpaid later, you will be able to demonstrate it was returned to them.
In case you cannot source equipment, then?
When without a receiver, remote, or another item of leased equipment to return, you should contact DirecTV customer support as soon as possible. There are a few options in this situation: There are a few options in this situation:
1. Ask for more time if you think some of the items may still be located because they are usually found.
2. If the remote is lost you can purchase a new one from DirecTV or you can get a universal remote.
3. As for the non-return equipment fees, students can pay them but continue to search for 60 days in case the lost items are found. Lost fees shall be credited if found later.
You may also want to file a missing equipment claim or police report if some of the leased items are suspected to have been lost, stolen or even destroyed by a fire or natural disaster. Make sure that you submit the necessary paperwork to DirecTV and explain that you expect the cancellation fees not to be charged under your particular situation.
Although it is sometimes time-consuming to return such items as receivers, dishes, cables, and parts to an account before closing it, it is wise to do so since it can save you hundreds of dollars in penalties. Ensure that you are comprehensive and return shipping receipts are kept to contact DirecTV for any return problems immediately. These measures taken will make cancellation of service less problematic and you will not be charged for some equipment at the end.
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