Best Cell Phone Insurance
Asurion is an affordable and comprehensive solution for cell phone insurance
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Unexpected cell phone repairs or replacements can leave you on the hook for several hundred dollars, but the right cell phone insurance policy can help make it more affordable. When you purchase a cell phone insurance policy, you’ll pay a monthly or annual premium, typically between $5 and $20 a month, and if your device is damaged, lost, or stolen, you’ll be able to repair or replace it for a fraction of the market value by paying a deductible.
Many insurance policies offer similar coverage, but it’s important to thoroughly review each provider and policy before you make your decision. The best policies are cost-effective with low deductibles, making it easy to file a claim. Additional factors like bundling discounts, multi-device options, and customer reviews can also be useful when selecting a provider. Read on to determine which provider best fits your needs.
The Best Cell Phone Insurance in 2021
BEST OVERALLAsurion
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We chose Asurion as our best overall provider because of its affordable and comprehensive coverage with an easy claim process.
Pros
Cons
Many cell phone providers allow customers to add insurance to their monthly bill, and if you’re a Verizon, AT&T, USCellular, or Sprint customer, chances are you’ll have direct access to Asurion’s coverage. Their coverage is affordable, the claims process is easy, and customers are generally satisfied with their experience. That makes Asurion the best overall cell phone insurance provider on our list.
Asurion policyholders are covered if their device is lost, stolen, or damaged (e.g., broken screens and liquid damage). Plans also cover device defects as well as some failures and device issues linked to normal wear and tear, like dust accumulation or internal heat and humidity problems.
The Asurion online claims portal makes it easy to submit a claim, and you can typically expect a replacement phone to arrive via mail in as little as 24 hours. Not all damaged devices require a replacement, however. If you’ve cracked your screen or want to work directly with a technician, you can take it to one of the 575 uBreakiFix by Asurion stores. For added convenience, you can also schedule a home or office visit with an Asurion technician. With so many repair options, it’s easy to find one that works best for you.
Premiums & Deductibles
Purchasing options vary by cell provider and device type, but you can typically expect to pay $12 to $15 a month for a single phone or device (e.g., smartphones and watches) or around $45 for a multi-device plan that covers up to three devices.
Deductibles for a replacement phone also vary by device and can range from $9 to $249, with more expensive or newer phones carrying larger deductibles. Screen repairs, which often don’t require a replacement phone, are more affordable, with deductibles as low as $29.
BEST FOR FAMILIESSquareTrade
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SquareTrade’s affordable rates, multi-device policies, and higher annual claim allowances make this provider the best option for families.
Pros
Coverage for all phones regardless of make, model, or age
Four to eight claims allowed per year
Competitive rates for family plan
Cons
SquareTrade is backed by Allstate and is marketed as one of the most affordable cell phone insurance plans available. SquareTrade offers low-cost, multi-device plans with more claim allowances than many other insurance providers. Combined, these factors make SquareTrade our choice for cell phone insurance that can cover the whole family.
SquareTrade insurance covers all cell phone makes and models regardless of carrier or age. Plans cover cracked screens, touchscreen failures, liquid damage, speak/audio failure, battery failure, and charging port failure.
Coverage includes on-premise (e.g., in your home, office, a coffee shop, etc.), same-day repairs as well as repairs made at a local repair shop. Or, if you’d prefer, you can also mail in your phone for repairs, a process that typically takes two to five days.
While many cell phone insurance providers limit annual claims to two per plan, SquareTrade allows for up to four claims per year per individual device plan. Family plans allow for up to eight claims per year, which can be particularly helpful for families with multiple devices, both cellular and otherwise.
Premiums & Deductibles
SquareTrade premiums start at $8.99 a month for a single device, but you can insure multiple devices for just $19.99 a month. Deductibles are a flat $149 regardless of phone age, model, or issue.
SquareTrade also offers an upgrade ($12.99 per month) that adds additional benefits like premium tech support, Allstate Roadside Assistance, and identity theft recovery.
BEST FOR IPHONESAppleCare+
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AppleCare+ provides affordable coverage that is specific to iPhone and other Apple devices, making it the best option for iPhone users.
Pros
Cons
A new iPhone can easily cost close to $1,000, which can make insurance a smart investment. While most cell phone insurance providers will happily cover iPhones, if you’re looking for the best insurance, you may want to go straight to the source. AppleCare+ makes it easy to protect your phone and get ongoing support from experts who understand the hardware, operating system, and applications that make Apple products unique. That’s why we’ve selected AppleCare+ as the best option for iPhone users.
AppleCare offers two different policies: AppleCare+ and AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss. Both policies cover up to two incidents of accidental damage protection annually as well as coverage in the event your battery retains 80% or less of its original charging capacity. AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss provides additional coverage in the event your device is lost or stolen.
An AppleCare+ account also gives you 24/7 priority access to Apple experts via phone or chat, onsite services (e.g., screen repairs), express replacement services, and mail-in repair options with prepaid shipping. As an AppleCare+ customer, you can also take your device to any Apple Store or Apple Authorized service provider for in-person repairs and troubleshooting.
If you’re considering AppleCare+, it’s best to add the policy within 60 days of purchasing your iPhone. If that window has closed, you may need to visit an Apple Store before you can add a policy.
Plans & Deductibles
Prices vary based on the iPhone model you wish to insure. If you’re purchasing a new model, you can typically expect AppleCare+ to cost $9.99 per month or $199 for a fixed term of two years. AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss will run about $11.49 per month.
Deductibles vary based on the incident type. The deductible for screen repairs is $29, while other types of damage typically result in a $99 deductible. If your phone is lost or stolen, then you can expect a $149 deductible.
BEST FOR SAMSUNG PHONESSamsung Care+
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Samsung Care+ offers expert support and a $0 deductible for mechanical breakdowns, making it a great option for Samsung phone owners.
Pros
Cons
Samsung has been a leader in cell phone technology, and so it makes sense that they also offer an insurance product to cover their phones. Like AppleCare+, Samsung Care+ leverages the expertise of Samsung technicians to offer affordable and reliable repairs for Samsung users. This makes Samsung Care+ the best provider for Samsung users.
Samsung Care+ insurance policies provide coverage for accidental damage, liquid spills, and screen cracks. Policyholders also get an extended warranty that protects against mechanical and electrical breakdowns after the 12-months manufacturer warranty expires.
As a Samsung Care+ customer, you can take advantage of 24/7 support, and if you do need to have a phone repaired, you can rest assured that you’ll receive original Samsung parts and that your phone will be repaired by a Samsung expert.
Premiums & Deductibles
Samsung Care+ policies range from $3.99 to $19.99 per month, depending on the device you’re insuring. If you need to file a claim due to mechanical breakdown, there’s no deductible. The deductible for accidental damage claims is $99, and the deductible for screen repairs is $29.
BEST FOR POLICY BUDGETAKKO
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AKKO’s unique approach to cell phone insurance lets policyholders take advantage of some of the lowest premiums in the industry, making it the best provider for cell phone owners on a budget.
Pros
Cons
AKKO was started in 2018, making them relatively new to the scene, but they’ve garnered attention for consistently affordable cell phone insurance plans. With coverage options starting as low as $5 a month, AKKO is one of the best providers for anyone on a budget.
One thing that sets AKKO apart from other insurance providers is how they manage claims. Instead of automatically receiving a replacement device, AKKO will give you the cash based on the replacement value of the device minus the deductible. Similarly, if you need to have your phone repaired, AKKO will either send you the cash value of the repairs or pay the repair shop directly.
AKKO offers two plans: The Phone Only plan and the Everything Protected plan. Both plans offer basic phone protection, which includes cracked screens, liquid damage, accidental damage (e.g., drops), theft and vandalism, and damages that result from natural disasters (e.g., fire, flood, etc.).
AKKO’s Everything Protected plan extends coverage to up to 25 other electrical items, including any tablets, laptops, and video games that belong to the policyholder.
Premiums & Deductibles
AKKO’s Phone Only plan starts at $6 to $12 per month, or $5 to $11 a month if you pay for the entire year upfront. Deductibles vary based on the make, model, and year of your phone. Repair deductibles typically range from $29 to $75, and replacement deductibles range from $75 to $99.
The Everything Protected option runs from $12 to $15 per month, or $120 to $168 when you pay for the year. Like the Phone Only plan, deductibles typically range from $29 to $75 for repairs and $75 to $99 for replacements. If you’re a student, however, your deductible drops to $49.
Though you can’t insure more than one cell phone per plan, you can save 5% to 15% when you bundle more than one policy.
BEST FOR OPTIONSProgressive
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Progressive lets cell phone insurance customers customize their policy based on device type, coverage amount, and policy term, making this well-known insurer a great provider for customers who want options.
Pros
Cons
Progressive is widely known for their homeowners and auto policies, but they also have a device protection plan that covers smartphones, laptops, tablets, gaming systems, and more. The coverage is highly customizable and offers affordable multi-device plans that make Progressive perfect for anyone looking for a policy with plenty of options.
Progressive’s phone and device insurance policies cover theft and damages, including water damage; drops and accidental damage; cracked screens; and fire, flood, and natural disaster-related damages. Coverage begins as soon as you start your policy, and it doesn’t matter how old your phone is. Progressive’s device protection plan does not include manufacturer defects or problems that stem from normal wear and tear.
As a bonus, you can bundle several device protection policies, which means you can easily insure every phone in your family as well as any additional devices like video games, laptops, and more.
Plans & Deductibles
Protection plans are highly customizable, but you can typically secure basic coverage for as little as $8 to $10 a month per device with a $75 deductible, and existing Progressive customers can save 5% on their premium.
While selecting coverage, you’ll have the option to select the coverage amount ($499 to $1,499) and policy term (one to three years) for each device. You can save more by selecting the two- or three-year policy option, though you’ll need to pay for the plan in full. If you prefer monthly payments, you’ll likely need to select the one-year policy option.
Final Verdict
Cell phone insurance can help you protect your device and avoid costly repairs or replacements. In some cases, finding the right insurance provider may be as easy as signing up for insurance through your wireless provider or the device manufacturer. That’s true for providers like Asurion, AppleCare+, and Samsung Care+.
Another great place to look is through your home or auto insurance provider. Both Progressive and AllState (SquareTrade) have cell phone insurance plans that offer competitive premiums and deductibles—you may even unlock existing customer savings. If neither of those options is suitable to your needs, new and alternative providers like AKKO can get you the coverage you need at a rate you can afford.
Compare the Best Cell Phone Insurance
| Company |
Deductible |
Average Monthly Premium |
Types of Phones Covered |
Available Policies |
Asurion
Best Overall
|
$9 to $249 |
$12 to $15 per month (single device) $45 per month (multiple devices) |
Various |
Single device, Multiple devices |
SquareTrade
Best for Families
|
$149 |
$8.99 to $19.99 per month |
Various |
Single Plan, Family Plan |
AppleCare+
Best for iPhones
|
$29 to $149 |
$9.99 per month |
iPhones |
AppleCare+, AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss |
Samsung Care+
Best for Samsung Phones
|
$29 to $99 |
$3.99 to $19.99 per month |
Samsung |
Varies by device |
AKKO
Best for Policy Budget
|
$29 to $99 |
$5 to $15 per month |
Various |
Phone Only, Everything Protected |
Progressive
Best for Options
|
$75 |
$8 to $10 per month |
Various |
Single device, Multiple devices |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Does Cell Phone Insurance Cover?
Cell phone insurance covers different kinds of damage that may impair or prevent your phone from working. Though coverage can vary based on the provider as well as the age of and type of phone you have, many policies include the following:
- Accidental damage (e.g., drops)
- Liquid damage (e.g., spills or submersion)
- Mechanical issues
- Theft and sometimes loss
How Much Cell Phone Insurance Coverage Do I Need?
Cell phone insurance providers frequently base coverage amounts on the make, model, and age of the phone you’d like to insure. However, if you do need to determine the value of your policy, it’s a good idea to insure your phone for the market value. Doing so can make it easier to receive or purchase a comparable replacement in the event your phone cannot be repaired.
How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Cell Phone?
The cost of cell phone insurance can vary based on the make, model, and age of your phone as well as the insurance provider you select. Generally, policies are available for anywhere from $5 to $20 a month, with most falling squarely in the middle.
Is Cell Phone Insurance Worth the Cost?
Cell phone insurance may be a worthwhile expense if you frequently damage or lose your phone or if you can’t afford the upfront costs associated with repairs or device replacements. This is particularly true for smartphones, which can cost several hundred dollars to replace. Cell phone insurance may also make sense if you’re financing a phone and would need to pay off the damaged phone while also purchasing a new one.
Can You Insure a Used Cell Phone?
Yes, many insurance providers will allow you to insure a used cell phone. In some cases, however, you may need to go through some additional steps. For instance, AppleCare+ customers can insure their iPhones within 60 days of purchase. After that point, customers must take their phone to an Apple retail location for an inspection before they can purchase a policy.
