ThinkPad Accidental Damage Protection

[pinkymadam]

Must accidental damage cover be purchased within a certain timeframe?

I would think yes, and various posts would suggest this, but Lenovo UK store says nothing along those lines, so i just went ahead and bought 1yr coverage (it was cheaper per year than 3 and I plan to buy a netbook soon, so won't be carrying around as much).

I've had the machine since September (3yr depot warranty), if that makes a difference.

I bought accidental damage cover because a couple of days ago my laptop bag broke/failed and fell straight down onto concrete. It's pretty new and not a cheap one, but the metal clasp which attaches to the shoulder strap just slid through (it swivels, but is non-removable) while I was walking! It wasn't even full or particularly heavy.

Luckily, I didn't have my machine in the bag and I don't use the bag for anything other than books any more, since buying a bigger backpack. But imagine if my ThinkPad was in there!

EDIT: I read the wiki and read the warranty can be upgraded only once, at any time it is active, but even so, I've read conflicting things elsewhere, so any input would be helpful.