3 years ago, I bought a powerbook. It died, and I bought the latest MBP. I called my home insurance company to inquire about my PB being dead, I got a claim, and now have a check for $2600. Ya it increased my premiums, by ~$8 a month. But do the math, thats 27 years before I break even. That is my "applecare". I did not even have to take it to a shop to "verify" it was dead.
I also get to keep the old PB, and I will be selling its remains on ebay.
I am NOT saying applecare is bad, I AM saying, check your home insurance, if you feel buying applecare is a "scam", see if they offer something like mine does. BTW, my insurance is through USAA.