Upgrading day, the day they upgrade their old phone for a newer one is often compared as a grown-up version of Christmas for many individuals. You spend the next several hours pressing buttons, experimenting with new functions, and fine-tuning the settings after unwrapping the box to reveal a brand-new toy. Would you like to add on cell phone insurance? comes naturally before all the fun stuff, in between daydreams of enhanced selfies and which OtterBox to buy. It only costs such-and-such each month.
Some people may experience tension, debilitating what-ifs, and self-reflection as a result of this straightforward query. Do I require a plan for device protection? Does mobile phone insurance pay off? What if my phone doesn’t fall? What if I have coverage but don’t? Which phone insurance provider or plan is the best?
Sometimes there is no clear-cut solution. It might be difficult to decide what’s best for you and your device because there are so many possibilities (Should I purchase smartphone insurance or a device protection plan? ), a large number of providers, and a wide range of prices and deductibles. With our comparison of some of the top cell phone insurance companies and plans for 2021, along with our pick of the lot, we’re here to assist.
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Is Cell Phone Insurance Worth It?
The gist of the reply is: Depends. Given that the new iPhone 12 Pro Max starts at $1,099, there is no disputing that smartphones are an investment. You have an accident waiting to happen for both your device and your pocketbook when you combine it with delicate, difficult-to-fix components, like the rear glass used in some of Apple’s newest phones.
And keep in mind how much usage your phone receives each day. There are plenty of possibilities for your sensitive smartphone to fall into the floor or into the toilet, from your ritualistic morning skim through Instagram to your dread cruise through Twitter at the end of a stressful day. In addition, there are several potential for loss or theft due to the numerous locations our phones go, including falling out of a back pocket, leaving it in the back seat of an Uber, and being pickpocketed when traveling.
If you were uninsured and had a shattered screen on your iPhone 12 Pro Max, repairs via Apple would cost you $329. And do you recall the prior reference to the rear glass? You would have to pay $599 for an out-of-warranty repair, which is more than double the cost of your phone’s purchase. And paying an additional $1,099 for a replacement is by no means a drop in the ocean for most folks.
In reality, unapproved or do-it-yourself fixes frequently result in broken components and gadget malfunctions, doing more harm than good.
Therefore, even if the expense of cell phone insurance may seem needless, remember the proverbial maxim that goes, “Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.”
Phone Insurance Versus Extended Warranties Versus Device Protection
What Is The Difference?
You’ve now recognized that you require cell phone insurance. What’s next? Let’s start by clearing up any misunderstanding regarding all the various alternatives before we break down the possibilities.
Extended Warranty
A warranty extension is exactly what it sounds like: an extension of the manufacturer’s original warranty. With this option, don’t anticipate any repairs for cracked screens or water damage; warranties only cover manufacturing flaws and associated problems.
Phone Insurance
Similar to auto insurance, mobile insurance assists in protecting your bank account in the event of accidental damage from handling, or ADH. Consequently, you will only be responsible for the necessary deductible rather than shelling out a sizable sum of money for out-of-warranty repairs or a replacement.
Plan for Device Protection
Think of the phone insurance in the last category as being supercharged. You and your gadget are not only covered during those unfortunate accidents-happen times, but you also get to take advantage of a number of worthwhile extras like 24/7 tech support, unrestricted photo and video storage in the cloud, identity theft protection, and even roadside assistance. In addition to your phone, the AKKO Plan, which is our top selection overall, also covers 24 more goods, ranging from appliances to filmmaking equipment.
The majority of mobile insurance companies offer a combination of each of these services overall. Finding a plan that meets your needs is all that is left to do.
Best Phone Insurance And Warranty 2022
Overall Best Plan
AKKO Plan
The AKKO Plan, which was just introduced at the start of 2020, is our favorite of all of them. AKKO is one of the more expensive alternatives on our list, but what it lacks in years it more than makes up for in coverage. Among the benefits offered by this firm are unlimited claims, the opportunity to secure not just your phone but also 25 more things (encompassing everything from electronics to sports equipment), and a range of price tiers including alternatives for families and students.
The AKKO Plan’s flexibility to raise incident reimbursement caps and reduced deductibles for students both give the impression that it was designed with customers in mind. Phone not repairable? You receive money from AKKO so that you can replace it yourself or put it to other uses. Even while traveling overseas, you may use AKKO to protect your electronics and other belongings. Although the AKKO Plan comes in first on our ranking, its sibling Phone Protection Plan is a great choice for individuals who simply want to secure your phone.
Plan for Phone Protection (all cost estimates are for an iPhone 12 Pro Max)
- $12 per month for one phone
- Deductible for Cracked Screen: $29
- Deductible for other damages: $99
- Deductible for replacement: $99
Unlimited claims are permitted! — up to $2,000 per incident is paid (with an increase to $6,000 per incident)
AKKO Scheme (all cost estimates are for an iPhone 12 Pro Max)
- Price: $12 per month for students, $15 per month for adults
- Deductible for Cracked Screen: $29
- Deductible for other damages: $99
- Deductible for replacement: $99
Unlimited claims are permitted! — up to $2,000 per incident is paid (with an increase to $6,000 per incident) Covers 25 more protected products of your choice in addition to 1 phone.
Manufacturer Mobile Insurance Plans
Apple Plan
The manufacturer’s warranty offered by Apple, known as AppleCare, covers every iPhone against flaws and mechanical faults for free right out of the box. For 60 days from the date of purchase of your phone, AppleCare+ protection options are available for customers seeking more comprehensive coverage.
You receive two full years of tech support in addition to repairs done by Apple professionals (either in-store, through an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or by shipping your iPhone to an Apple Repair Center). Additionally, AppleCare+ subscribers can now make two claims annually (before, two claims every two years), giving these fantastic mobile phone insurance plans even more use.
AppleCare+ (all budgetary projections are based on an iPhone 12 Pro Max)
- Price: $9.99 per month or $199 for a single payment ($239.76 over 24 months).
- Costs of the Out-of-Warranty
- Deductible for Cracked Screen: $29 $329
- Deductible for other damages: $99 $599
Replacement Deductible: $99 for claims involving just mechanical damage or ADH
Claim Limit: Two per calendar year
Additional: Two years of telephone support
AppleCare Plus With Loss and Theft (all cost estimates are for an iPhone 12 Pro Max)
- Price: $14.99 per month or $299 for a single payment ($359.76 over 24 months).
- Costs of the Out-of-Warranty
- Deductible for Cracked Screen: $29 $329
- Deductible for other damages: $99 $599
- Replacement Deductible: $149 for incidents involving theft or loss
Claim Limit: Two per calendar year
Additional: Two years of telephone support
Samsung Plan
The original warranty on your phone is extended by Samsung Care+ (formerly known as Samsung Premium Care; administered by Asurion), and accidental damage is also covered. There is no need to be concerned about subpar repairs because repairs are carried out by Samsung specialists using Samsung components.
Samsung Care+ has just received various updates, similar to AppleCare+. The first 30-day sign-up term has been extended to a full 365 days, and the comfy $99 deductible has been reduced to only $29. Additionally, although theft and loss protection is now excluded, this may change in the future. While conducting research for this piece, we even found the terms and conditions for a mobile insurance plan that included coverage for lost devices.
SMART Care+ (all estimates for costs are based on a Samsung Galaxy S10)
- Cost: $11.99 per month
- Deductible for Cracked Screen: $29
- Expenses for further damages: $29
Replacement Deductible: $99 for claims involving ADH; there is no fee for claims involving mechanical failure
Three claims are permitted each calendar year, with no cap on claims for mechanical failure.
Additional features: round-the-clock technical assistance
Carrier Mobile Insurance Plans
Chances are good that you’re one of the many individuals who buy new technology via your mobile phone company, unless you’re one of those die-hard Apple fanatics who spends hours in line to acquire the newest model directly. Fortunately for you, the majority of carriers have a variety of coverage choices, from basic policies that simply cover faults to comprehensive ones that cover both you and your phone.
AT & T
Customers of AT&T have two alternatives for cell phone insurance, both managed by Asurion: Mobile Insurance and Protect Advantage. The Protect Advantage for 4 option is also available to those with a family plan and four lines. The cost of AT&T’s device protection plan remains the same regardless of the device you own, in contrast to the majority of the alternatives on our list. In contrast, deductibles are categorized by model.
With the exception of the $49 cracked-screen treatment cost, AT&T’s basic phone insurance plan is reasonably priced for people on a tight budget. It also allows for two claims per year and even covers theft or loss. Protect Advantage has some great features at a reasonable price if you’re searching for some extras or want to protect all of your family’s devices.
AT&T Insurance for Mobile (all budgetary projections are based on an iPhone 12 Pro Max)
- Cost: $8.99 per month
- Deductible for Cracked Screen: $49
- $250 Other Damage Deductible
- $250 replacement deductible for claims involving ADH, loss, or theft
- Claim Limit: Two per calendar year
Protect Advantage by AT&T (all budgetary projections are based on an iPhone 12 Pro Max)
- Price: $15 per line per month, $40 per line per month.
- Deductible for Cracked Screen: $29
- $250 Other Damage Deductible
- $250 replacement deductible for claims involving ADH, loss, or theft
- Claims Allowed: 3 every calendar year for a single line, and 8 per year for four lines
Free device maintenance, unlimited photo and video cloud storage, ProTech Support, and identity protection are available as extras.
T-Mobile
Similar to AT&T, consumers of T-Mobile can select between a basic phone insurance plan and the more thorough Protection 360, both of which are handled by Assurant, a third-party organization. Customers pay monthly for each plan, coverage may be cancelled at any time, and gadgets are covered for unintentional damage as well as theft and loss.
While Protection 360 boasts a long list of extras including bottomless screen protectors, early updates for financed devices, and identity theft protection via McAfee Security, T-Basic Mobile’s Device Protection is about as basic as it gets in terms of coverage.
Protection for Simple Devices (all cost estimates are for an iPhone 12 Pro Max)
- Cost: $14 per month
- Deductible for Cracked Screen: $249
- $249 Other Damage Deductible
- Replacement Deductible: $0 for mechanical failure claims; $249 for ADH, loss, or theft claims
- Claim Limit: Two per calendar year
Security 360> (all budgetary projections are based on an iPhone 12 Pro Max)
- Cost: $18 per month
- Screen Cracked: $29 ($99 for devices other than iPhones).
- Deductible for other damages: $99
- Replacement Deductible: $249 for claims of loss or theft; $0 for claims of mechanical failure
- 3 claims are permitted per calendar year.
Extras: JUMP!, Tech PHD tech help, and McAfee Security with identity theft defense. Early updates for financed phones (after 12 months or once phone financing has paid off 50%), limitless screen protector exchanges, and AppleCare Services are available (for iPhone owners)
Verizon
Of all the carriers, Verizon offers consumers an excellent selection of four plans (managed by Asurion), ranging from a warranty that covers only manufacturing-related problems to the all-inclusive Verizon Protect plan. There is so something for everyone, whether you wish to safeguard your device against flaws or want full protection for a variety of devices.
Contrary to other carrier-provided alternatives’ high deductibles, all of Verizon’s plans give customers unlimited claims for broken screens for a basic $29 price. Depending on the phone model you own, deductibles for repairs and other damage, however, might be rather high.
Mobile Phone Security (All price ranges are based on a 512GB iPhone 12 Pro Max)
- Cost: $6.85 per month
- Deductible for Cracked Screen: $29
- $249 Other Damage Deductible
- For ADH, loss, or theft claims, the replacement deductible is $249.
- 3 claims are permitted per calendar year, with no cap on repairs of damaged screens.
- Other: n/a
Complete Mobile Security (All price ranges are based on a 512GB iPhone 12 Pro Max)
- Price: $15 per month for 1 line, $45 per month for 3–10 lines (for more than 3 lines, an additional $11 per line is charged).
- Deductible for Cracked Screen: $29
- $249 Other Damage Deductible
- Replacement Deductible: $0 for mechanical failure claims; $249 for ADH, loss, or theft claims
- Three claims per year for one line, nine claims per year for three lines, and no cap on repairs of broken screens
- Extras include an extended warranty and Verizon Tech Coach.
Google Protect (all cost estimates are for a 512GB iPhone 12 Pro Max)
- Price: $17 per month for one line, $50 per month for three to ten lines (for more than three lines, add $11 each line).
- Deductible for Cracked Screen: $29
- $249 Other Damage Deductible
- Replacement Deductible: $249 for claims of loss or theft; $0 for claims of mechanical failure
- Three claims per year for one line, nine claims per year for three lines, and no cap on repairs of broken screens
Additional features include the Verizon Tech Coach, an extended warranty, a VPN, identity theft monitoring, and a service to identify unknown callers.
Third-Party Insurance Plan
Still not convinced? Consider broadening your search to include independent provider’s device protection plans.
Geek Squad
Consider purchasing one of Geek Squad’s cell phone insurance plans if you’re one of the numerous individuals who purchase their cellphones from Best Buy. These plans don’t come with any extras, but they will cover you if your gadget is unintentionally broken, if the battery runs out, and, of course, if there are any mechanical problems.
Even if your screen is shattered, the deductibles are hefty, but the monthly payments are some of the lowest on our list. The amount of claims that are permitted, however, may vary according on the option you choose, so bear that in mind while making your choice. On the plus side, Geek Squad offers assistance with a wide range of problems, including faulty pixels, shadow pictures, and weak batteries.
Geek Squad Fundamental Defense (All price ranges are based on a 512GB iPhone 12 Pro Max)
Monthly cost: $10.99 Out-of-Warranty Costs
- Deductible for Cracked Screen: $199.99 $329
- Deductible for further damages: $199.99 $549
- Deductible for replacement: $199.99 for claims involving mechanical failure and ADH
- 3 claims are permitted each plan period.
- Other: n/a
Geek Squad Total Security (All price ranges are based on a 512GB iPhone 12 Pro Max)
- Monthly cost: $12.99 Out-of-Warranty Costs
- Deductible for Cracked Screen: $199.99 $329
- Deductible for further damages: $199.99 $549
- Replacement Deductible: $249.99 for loss/theft claims, $199.99 for ADH and mechanical failure claims
- Claims are permitted up to three times per plan term for mechanical and ADH concerns and twice per plan term for loss or theft.
- Other: n/a
Square Trade
The only cell phone insurance program supported by Allstate is SquareTrade. With SquareTrade, you are covered regardless of whether your phone is new or old, an iPhone or a Galaxy, was bought or leased, is on Verizon or Cricket Wireless, or is on any other network. Each option is paid for on a monthly basis, is cancellable at any time, and is carried over in the event of an upgrade or carrier change. The Genius Bar, your neighborhood repair shop, over the mail, or even at home are all options for repairs; don’t worry, you’ll be paid afterward.
Although SquareTrade’s most basic product is devoid of extras, its Phone Security Plus plan offers clients some of the greatest extras on our list, including thorough protection for your digital identity and one Allstate Roadside Assistance request each year. Even if your identity is stolen, SquareTrade will still assist you.
Phone Security (all cost estimates are for an iPhone 12 Pro Max)
- Price: $8.99 for one line per month ($19.99 for up to four lines per month), or $129.00 for Android devices and $149.00 for iPhones as a one-time payment.
- Deductible for Cracked Screen: $149
- Deductible for other damages: $149
- Replacement Deductible: $149 for claims involving ADH or mechanical failure
- Claims Accepted: 4 per plan term for 1 line, 8 per calendar year for 4 lines
- Other: n/a
Phone Security Plus (all cost estimates are for an iPhone 12 Pro Max)
- Price: $12.99 per month for one line (up to four lines cost $24.99 per month).
- Deductible for Cracked Screen: $149
- Deductible for other damages: $149
- Replacement Deductible: $149 for claims involving ADH or mechanical failure
- Claims Accepted: 4 per plan term for 1 line, 8 per calendar year for 4 lines
Additional features include premium technical support, identity theft recovery, digital identity monitoring and security, and a yearly Allstate roadside assistance service.
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