You want to protect your phone against damage and theft, but you're not sure how. There are so many different insurance packages available today that things can get overwhelming quickly. In this article, we’ll help you decide if phone insurance is worth it and recommend some options if you decide that it is.
Table Of Contents
Phone Insurance Offered By Manufacturers
Before diving into insurance plans offered by wireless carriers, we want to talk about the protection plans provided by phone manufacturers. These plans may be a better fit for most people because your phone will still be protected even if you decide to switch wireless carriers.
AppleCare+
AppleCare+ is Apple's iPhone insurance program. There are two plans: AppleCare+ and AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss.
Both plans cover up to two incidents of accidental damage, Express Replacement Service, and 24/7 priority support from trained Apple experts.
AppleCare+ costs $5.99 for up to 24 months, but you have the option to pay $129 upfront. AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss costs $9.99 for up to 24 months or $199 upfront.
Accidental damage repairs are subject to a deductible which can range from $29 – $269.
Is There AndroidCare?
There isn’t a true equivalent to AppleCare+ for Androids. However, some Android phone manufacturers offer their own insurance packages that are similar to AppleCare+.
Samsung has Samsung Premium Care, which costs $11.99 per month with a $99 deductible. It covers problems that result from natural wear and tear, protection after expiration of manufacturer warranty, and accidental damage including drops, liquid damage, and cracked displays.
Google Pixel owners can get Google Preferred Care, $89 – $129 depending on your device. This price includes protection for a minimum of two years and two claims for accidental damage. If your phone ever gets damaged so bad that it needs to be replaced, Google will send you a replacement in as quickly as one business day.
AT&T Phone Insurance
AT&T has three different insurance packages at three different price points. The more expensive AT&T insurance plans cover more for your phone.
What’s Included?
The least expensive AT&T protection plan is Mobile Insurance. This plan includes protection for accidental damage, hardware malfunctions, theft, and loss for one phone. Same-day screen repairs and next-day device replacement are also included. This plan costs $8.99 a month.
The Mobile Protection Pack is AT&T’s middle-tier insurance plan. You’ll get everything included with the Mobile Insurance plan with a few extra perks such as personalized tech help, 50 GB of secure photo and video storage, and identity protection. Just like the Mobile Insurance plan, this package only covers one device. The monthly price of this plan is $11.99.
AT&T also offers the Multi-Device Protection Pack. This plan covers up to three devices and includes all the same benefits as the Mobile Protection Pack. However, you’ll have access to 250 GB of secure photo and video storage, 200 GB more than you get with the Mobile Insurance Pack. This plan costs $34.99 a month, which is actually slightly less expensive per device if you use it to cover three phones.
Are There Extra Fees or Deductibles?
All of AT&T’s insurance plans have a $49 deductible for a screen repair. You have the option to visit a repair center or have a tech expert come directly to you, if one is available near you.
You may be able to save 25–50% on the standard replacement deductible if you don't file any claims for 6–12 consecutive months.
Is AT&T Phone Insurance Worth It?
If you have an iPhone, it's a good idea to compare AT&T’s phone insurance plan to AppleCare+. Much of what is included in AT&T’s insurance plans are also covered through AppleCare+.
| Plan | Devices | Deductible* | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| AppleCare+ | 1 | $29 | $5.99 / month |
| AppleCare+ w/ Theft And Loss | 1 | $29 | $9.99 / month |
| Mobile Insurance | 1 | $49 | $8.99 / month |
| Mobile Protection Pack | 1 | $49 | $11.99 / month |
| Multi-Device Protection Pack | 3 | $49 | $34.99 / month |
*Deductible applies to screen repairs. Deductibles may be higher for other repairs.
T-Mobile Phone Insurance
T-Mobile's phone insurance package is called Protection 360 and it includes a lot more than just insurance for your phone!
What Is T-Mobile Protection 360?
T-Mobile Protection 360 is T-Mobile’s protection plan that covers:
- Accidental damage
- Hardware issues
- Device theft or loss
- Unlimited screen protector replacements
Coverage for accidental damage and hardware issues means you'll have peace of mind if you ever crack your phone's screen or drop your phone in water.
If your device gets lost or stolen, you may be eligible for a replacement phone and even new accessories like a charger, battery, or SIM card, if they were involved in the loss or theft.
Over a twelve month period, your Protection 360 plan entitles you to three claims of accidental damage, two claims of device protection, and an unlimited amount of service claims.
If you have an iPhone, some AppleCare+ services come with your plan as well. Those services include 24/7 access to an Apple expert for device support, hardware coverage for your iPhone and its battery, lower service fees and deductibles, and more.
Perks Of T-Mobile Protection 360
T-Mobile Protection 360 includes benefits unrelated to phone damage. This plan includes T-Mobile JUMP!, the carrier’s cell phone upgrade program. You can upgrade your phone every 12 months or after you've paid at least 50% of the cost of the phone. You'll also have access to McAfee security features like identity theft protection.
How Much Does T-Mobile Protection 360 Cost?
In order to get T-Mobile Protection 360, you have to sign up for it within 30 days of purchasing a qualifying device. Depending on the type of phone you purchase, the plan will cost $7 – $15 per month.
Are There Are Extra Fees or Deductibles?
After filing a claim and getting it approved, you may be charged a service fee or deductible based on your device tier and the type of claim.
Certain hardware services are free, while accidental damage fees can range from $10 – $99, and loss and theft fees can range $10 – $249.
Verizon Phone Insurance
Verizon offers a phone insurance package called Total Mobile Protection. It leaves something to be desired, especially when compared to the plans of other carriers.
What Is Covered By Total Mobile Protection?
Verizon Total Mobile Protection covers the following:
- Loss, theft or damage
- Phone defects
- Screen repair and replacement
- Battery replacements
Perks Of Verizon Total Mobile
There are some additional perks when you sign up for Verizon Total Mobile Protection. Verizon has a 24/7 claims service, so there won't be a delay when you need to file a claim. Phone repairs are usually urgent, so it's nice to know you can file a claim so quickly.
Most of the time, next-day delivery is available, so you won't have to wait long to get your phone back.
Tech Coach, which will help you fix problems with your cell phone, is also included.
Verizon Total Mobile Protection is available for single line and multi-line plans.
How Much Does It Cost? Any Fees Or Deductibles?
Total Mobile Protection costs $12 – $15 a month depending on your device. Cracked screen replacements cost $29. Other repairs may have a deductible ranging from $49 – $199.
Is Phone Insurance Worth It?
Although there are a variety of options to choose from, phone insurance really isn't worth it.
Most plans include access to experts for technical support, but you can already get that for free right here on UpPhone. We have a wide variety of How To and Fix articles that can help you navigate your smartphone.
The password management tools included with some of these plans are also completely unnecessary. Both iPhones and Samsung phones already have built-in password-saving tools.
One easy way to keep your phone in great shape is to get a sturdy case with raised edges. This will keep your phone protected when you drop it on hard surfaces. I highly recommend the Spigen Ultra Hybrid case — it has saved my iPhone on many occasions!
If you really want phone insurance, we'd recommend taking a look at what's being offered by your cell phone's manufacturer. AppleCare+ and Google Preferred Care cost less than most of the insurance packages offered by wireless carriers. Samsung Premium is slightly more expensive, but not to the degree that it becomes cost-prohibitive.
Getting insurance from your phone manufacturer gives you a little more flexibility too. If you decide to switch wireless carriers, you won't be in a position where you have to cancel the insurance plan with your old wireless carrier and sign up for insurance with your new carrier.
Of the carrier insurance plans, T-Mobile Protection 360 probably gives you the most bang for your buck. However, if you're thinking about getting Protection 360 for the JUMP! upgrade program, you should be aware that T-Mobile also has a free upgrade program called JUMP On Demand.
In Conclusion
We encourage you to look into protection plans to keep you and your phone covered just in case. Be sure to share this article with friends, and thanks for reading! If you have any other questions about any of the insurance programs, feel free to leave them in the comments below!
