Several common situations have made people ask whether they should return their DIRECTV remotes – for instance, when they are canceling their DIRECTV service, or upgrading equipment. This is an all too familiar question that many people with DIRECTV have been asking. It seems many customers have questions regarding the DIRECTV remotes specifically whether or not they are required to return them, this is why in this particular blog post we will focus on giving you more information regarding the company’s remote return policies.
DIRECTV Remote Return Policies
Other policies that exist at DIRECTV include policies concerning the return of leased equipment such as remotes in circumstances that involve the cancellation of service or upgrading of receivers. Here's an overview of their main remote return policies:
- Leased Remotes – DIRECTV Genie remote or any other advanced remotes you had hired with the company must be returned when you terminate your subscription or replace your equipment. This is stated in the DIRECTV Customer Agreement with full details as mentioned above. Some are that car rental companies may charge customers non-return penalties in case they fail to return rented equipment.
- Original DIRECTV Remote Purchased – If you bought your remote without subscribing to DIRECTV service or if your remote is outdated and non-advanced one which is included with the basic receiver, then you can take this purchased remote with you once you cancel with DIRECTV. This slogan conveys the idea that once a person purchases an item, it becomes his or her property.
- Advanced Remotes With Owned Receiver – This is in a scenario where you bought your own DIRECTV receiver instead of leasing it from DIRECTV and yet you are supplied with an advanced remote, you will have to return this leased remote upon cancellation of the service. You own the receiver but still, DIRECTV owns the advanced remote that comes with the package as one of the features.
- Changed Service Level Remotes – Some of the packages that come with DIRECTV are associated with special remotes. If you cancel or change your service with DIRECTV so that you no longer have the service level that came with that remote, DIRECTV may request that you return the remote.
Thus, in conclusion, get ready for it, because in most cases, DIRECTV consumers will have to surrender their remote controls upon cancellation of services. The only exclusion is if the remotes are standard, non-advanced types that you bought yourself and are out of the kit or set. DIRECTV wants the land back that was given to them under lease.
Returns of DIRECTV Remotes Upon Cancellation
If you are canceling DIRECTV, here are some tips for smoothly returning your leased DIRECTV remotes:
Be prepared with the Return Kit
It is also important to ask for a return kit for all leased receivers and remotes when you are canceling a direct subscription by phone call. DIRECTV will arrange the shipment of boxes and shipping labels to return your equipment. Make sure that you have all your remotes, cords, and accessories near you so that you can pack them.
Return Within 30 Days
Normally, you have around 30 days from the date of cancellation of DIRECTV to return any leased equipment including remotes. Ensure that you return your return kit as soon as possible so that you do not find yourself searching for some items that you need for filing your return. DIRECTV reminds its clients to note return dates and therefore do not make any delays.
Keep Your Tracking Number
While returning your DIRECTV return kit, make sure you obtain the tracking number from the carrier. Keep this tracking number on hand in case of the delivery of equipment back to DIRECTV any contention concerning the equipment.
Call If Any Issues
If for some reason you believe that DIRECTV might expect you to return the remote, make sure to do so before it becomes an issue. Disputed: Filed a police report and contacted DIRECTV customer service where I provided my tracking numbers and explained that all the leased remotes were returned when I canceled my subscription.
What if you don’t return DIRECTV remotes?
If you return your leased DIRECTV Genie, HD, or other advanced remote and fail to send it back, DIRECTV will seek to recover the non-return fee, which averages $135. You may also be charged some extra amount if the cords are missing or other accessories such as batteries or back covers. These fees will be incurred from your account or billed to your insurance company.
Furthermore, if you fail to return advanced remotes upon cancellation of service, then DIRECTV can remotely put these devices inoperable. Therefore, even though you may hang on to the remote and keep it in your house, it will not be able to interact with your TV or receiver anymore. To ensure that it secures the equipment investment, DIRECTV employs non-return fees and disabling.
The Bottom Line
As a result, by signing up for DIRECTV service, you may be required to return the leased or advanced remotes before having your service terminated. Return kits on the other hand make it easy through boxes and shipping labels included in the kit. If you bought your own simple DIRECTV remote alone, then different from other guest-owned property equipment, you are allowed to retain this one. However, it is necessary to return all other DIRECTV remotes and accessories except for the one used to access the signal to avoid non-return fees. That is why it is crucial to adhere to all the set guidelines regarding the return of the equipment when canceling the DIRECTV satellite service.
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