ATT / Asurion Replacement phone was Out of Warranty Already
So purchased a new iphone 16 pro max 512gb back in August of 2025. Unfortunately it was stolen only 3 months later. We have the multi coverage insurance plan (of $50/mo) with our ATT plan so I filed a claim. Asurion sent me a replacement of "same" phone/gb. So now, 5 months later, the sound/speakers are not working properly. I go to open a claim for repair thru my ATT Asurion coverage. When I enter the IMEI number the claim process tells me the phone is still under Apple warranty (based on the IMEI number being the same as my original phone that was stolen). So I go to Apple but when I put in the serial number of the replacement phone it states that the warranty expired on 9/22/2025. So those F'ers sent me an old ass phone to replace my 3 month old phone that still had 10 months left under Apple warranty. I read the Asurion terms and I guess this is allowed? (i.e. the replacement phone can be a refurb, used, etc) However, my main problem is that the Asurion website won't let me file a claim for repair because it keeps bumping me over to Apple because the IMEI is still linked to my original (stolen) phone.
Questions:
Should Asurion not have sent me a replacement that was out of warranty already? Or was this allowed? I am still paying my ATT installment plan for the next two years on a phone that should still be under warranty for another four months at least. Plus I had to pay a $275 deductible to replace the stolen phone.
I guess I just need to call Asurion and speak to someone so they can override the IMEI or something? (UGH!!)
Thanks so much!!