Upgrade day. For many people, the day they swap out their old phone for a newer model is like a pseudo-Christmas for grown-ups. You open the box to find a shiny new toy, then spend the next couple of hours pressing buttons, trying out new features, and getting the settings *just right*. Before all the fun stuff, however, in between daydreams of upgraded selfies and which OtterBox you should buy, comes the inevitable question: “Would you like to add on cell phone insurance? It’s only such-and-such dollars a month.”
For some, this simple question can cause its fair share of stress, crippling what-ifs, and self-reflection. Do I need a device protection plan? Is cell phone insurance worth it? What if I don’t drop my phone? What if I do and don’t have coverage? Which is the best phone insurance company or plan?
So, do you throw caution to the wind (while, hopefully, keeping a firm grip on your new phone), put your faith in quality construction and an OtterBox case, and say “no” to the mobile insurance? Or, do you accept the hard truths about your accident-prone ways and decide to protect your investment?
The answer isn’t always cut and dry. With so many options (Should I get smartphone insurance or a device protection plan?), tons of providers, and an array of costs and deductibles, figuring out what’s best for you and your device can be tough. Never fear – we’re here to help with our comparison of some of the best cell phone insurance providers and plans for 2021, along with our favorite of the bunch.
Contents
Is Cell Phone Insurance Worth It?
What’s the Difference? — Extended Warranty vs. Insurance vs. Protection Plan
Best Cell Phone Insurance Plans for 2021
Best Overall: AKKO Plan
Manufacturer Insurance Plans: Apple | Samsung
Mobile Provider Insurance Plans: AT&T | T-Mobile | Verizon
Third-Party Insurance Plans: Geek Squad | SquareTrade
Is Cell Phone Insurance Worth It?
The short answer is: It depends. There’s no denying that smartphones are an investment, with the new iPhone 12 Pro Max starting out at $1,099. Add in fragile, hard-to-fix components — such as the back glass used in some of Apple’s newest phones — and you’ve got an accident waiting to happen for both your device and wallet.
And remember how much action your phone sees every day. From your ritualistic morning skim through Instagram to doom scrolling through Twitter at the end of a stressful day, there’s no shortage of opportunities for your delicate device to take a tumble onto the floor or into the toilet. Plus, with all the places our phone goes, opportunities for loss or theft are everywhere — slipping out of a back pocket, forgetting it in the back seat of an Uber, being pickpocketed while on vacation.
Looking back at our iPhone 12 Pro Max example, a cracked screen would cost $329 in repairs through Apple if you were uninsured. And remember that back glass we mentioned earlier? An out-of-warranty repair would cost you $599, or more than half the original price of your phone. And if you needed a replacement, forking over another $1,099 is by no means a drop in the bucket for most people.
Sure, cloaking your phone in a decent shockproof and/or water-resistant case can help protect your device. However, glass is glass and no case is perfect. Of course, turning on Find My iPhone can save your phone, but again, nothing is foolproof. We say that it’s better to be safe and protected than sorry about pricey uninsured service fees or out-of-pocket replacements.
The moral of the story? Always keep in mind your financial situation, who will be using the phone, and how much fixing or replacing it will be when making a decision about cell phone insurance.
Have all of your teenager’s past iPhones ended up with shattered screens after unceremoniously face-planting into the ground? You might want to say yes to AppleCare+.
Do you frequently find yourself asking “Now where did I put that?” Investing in phone insurance with threat and loss coverage is probably a good idea.
Would you be financially comfortable paying out-of-pocket for any out-of-warranty expenses your phone might need? If the thought makes your palms sweat, I think you have your answer.
Unless you’ve been gifted with catlike reflexes and an elephant’s memory, your phone is bound to take a tumble or be misplaced at least once. And while you might be tempted to have a third-party repair shop or a handy friend fix it for you, we think it’s better to be safe than sorry and leave the repairs to the experts. In fact, unauthorized or DIY repairs often cause more harm than good, resulting in damaged components and device malfunctions.
So, although cell phone insurance costs can seem unnecessary, keep in mind that old piece of wisdom: It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Extended Warranty vs. Phone Insurance vs. Device Protection
What’s the Difference?
So, you’ve admitted to yourself that you need cell phone insurance. Now what? Before we break down the possibilities, let’s start by clearing up any confusion about all the available options.
Extended Warranty
An extended warranty is just that: an extension of the warranty originally provided by the manufacturer. Don’t expect any fixes for cracked screen repairs or water damage with this option – warranties only cover manufacturing defects and other related issues.
Phone Insurance
Just like car insurance, mobile insurance helps cover your bank account when accidental damage from handling, or ADH, happens. And for all you forgetful folks, some options even have you covered if your device is lost or stolen. So, rather than forking over a ton of cash for out-of-warranty repairs or a replacement, you’ll only need to pay the applicable deductible.
Device Protection Plan
Consider this last category phone insurance on steroids. Not only are you and your device protected during all those accidents-happen moments, but you also get to enjoy an array of valuable extras on top such as 24/7 tech support, unlimited cloud storage for photos and videos, identity theft protection, and even roadside assistance. The AKKO Plan, our top overall pick, even provides coverage for 24 other items – including everything from appliances to videography equipment – in addition to your phone.
Overall, most mobile insurance providers’ offerings are a combination of each of these. So, it’s just a matter of finding a plan that suits your needs.
Best Cell Phone Insurance Options in 2021
Thanks to a slate of device protection plan offerings from a variety of cell phone insurance providers, you’re sure to find a plan that fits you and your device. Here’s a quick comparison of what each plan has to offer.
A few things to note as you’re looking at the table:
Plan prices notated with ** are single-pay plans. The rest are month-by-month options where the monthly fee has been multiplied by 24.
When looking at price ranges for both plans and deductibles, remember that your specific price will depend on which phone you have.
| Price for 24 Months | Cracked Screen Deductible | Other Damage Deductible | Replacement Deductible | Covers Loss & Theft | Claim Limits | Buy Within | Extra Perks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AppleCare+ | **$79 to $199 | $29 | $99 | $99 | 2/year | 60 days | ✔️ | |
| AppleCare+ w/ Theft & Loss | **$179 to $269 | $29 | $99 | $149 | ✔️ | 2/year | 60 days | ✔️ |
| Samsung Premium Care | $95.76 to $287.76 | $29 | $29 | $99 | 3/year | 365 days | ✔️ | |
| AT&T Mobile Insurance | $215.76 | $49 | $25 to $250 | $25 to $250 | ✔️ | 2/year | 30 days | |
| AT&T Protect Advantage | $360 | $29 | $25 to $250 | $25 to $250 | ✔️ | 3/year | 30 days | ✔️ |
| T-Mobile Basic Device Protection | $144 to $336 | $10 to $249 | $10 to $249 | $10 to $249 | ✔️ | 2/year | 30 days | |
| T-Mobile Protection <360> | $168 to $432 | $10 to $99 -- Unlimited screen protectors | $10 to $99 | $10 to $249 | ✔️ | 3/year | 30 days | ✔️ |
| Verizon Wireless Phone Protection | $74.40 to $164.40 | $29, unlimited claims | $99 to $249 | $99 to $249 | ✔️ | 3/year | 30 days | |
| Verizon Total Mobile Protection | $288 to $360 | $29, unlimited claims | $99 to $249 | $99 to $249 | ✔️ | 3/year | 30 days | ✔️ |
| Verizon Protect | $336 to $408 | $29, unlimited claims | $99 to $249 | $99 to $249 | ✔️ | 3/year | 30 days | ✔️ |
| Geek Squad Basic Protection | $24.99 to $219.99 | $9.99 to $199.99 | $9.99 to $199.99 | $9.99 to $199.99 | 3/plan term | 60 days | ||
| Geek Squad Complete Protection | $219.99 to $269.99 | $149.99 to $199.99 | $149.99 to $199.99 | $149.99 to $199.99 | ✔️ | 3/plan term (ADH); 2/plan term for loss & theft | 60 days | |
| SquareTrade Phone Protection | $215.76 (**$129.00 for Androids, $149.00 for iPhones) | $149 | $149 | $149 | 4/plan term | No limit | ||
| SquareTrade Phone Protection Plus | $311.76 | $149 | $149 | $149 | 4/plan term | No limit | ✔️ | |
| AKKO Phone Protection | $144 to $288 | $29 to $99 | $29 to $99 | $75 to $99 | ✔️ (no loss) | No limit | No limit | |
| AKKO Plan | $360 | $29 to $99 | $29 to $99 | $75 to $99 | ✔️ (no loss) | No limit | No limit | ✔️ |
Now that we’ve given a brief overview of what cell phone insurance providers have to offer, let’s delve into the pros and cons of our favorite device protection plans. For your convenience, out-of-warranty repair costs have been included whenever possible.
No matter if you’re an iPhone fan or an Android owner, there is sure to be a cell phone insurance plan and/or provider to match your device. Here are some of our favorites, whether you’re looking for something chock-full of perks or stripped down to just the essentials.
Best Overall: AKKO Plan
Just launched at the beginning of 2020, the AKKO Plan is our favorite of the whole bunch. One of the pricier options on our list, what AKKO lacks in years, it more than makes up for it thanks to the sheer amount of coverage it provides. Unlimited claims, the ability to protect not just your phone but 25 other items (we’re talking everything from electronics to sports gear), a variety of pricing tiers including options for families and students – these are just a few of the perks this startup provides.
Everything about the AKKO Plan feels like it was made with consumers in mind, from the flexibility to increase your incident reimbursement maximums to lower deductibles for students. Phone beyond repair? AKKO gives you money so you can buy your own replacement or use the cash elsewhere. You can even use AKKO to cover your devices and other items while traveling internationally. While the AKKO Plan tops our list, its sister Phone Protection Plan is an excellent alternative for those looking to only protect their phone.
Phone Protection Plan (all cost estimates are for an iPhone 12 Pro Max)
| Price: $12 monthly for 1 phone | |
| Cracked Screen Deductible: $29 | |
| Other Damage Deductible: $99 | |
| Replacement Deductible: $99 | |
| Claims Allowed: Unlimited! — reimbursed up to $2,000 per incident (can be upgraded up to $6,000 per incident) | |
| Extras: n/a |
AKKO Plan (all cost estimates are for an iPhone 12 Pro Max)
| Price: $15 monthly for adults, $12 monthly for students | |
| Cracked Screen Deductible: $29 | |
| Other Damage Deductible: $99 | |
| Replacement Deductible: $99 | |
| Claims Allowed: Unlimited! — reimbursed up to $2,000 per incident (can be upgraded up to $6,000 per incident) | |
| Extras: Covers 1 phone plus 25 other covered items of your choosing |
The Pros: With AKKO, your smartphone is protected whether it’s old or new, and you can protect 25 other items too all for one convenient price. If you want additional coverage, AKKO lets you increase your incident maximums up to $6,000 (for an additional cost, of course). And in the event of a replacement, AKKO sends you cash instead – not a refurbished device – so you can spend your money on the device you want rather than dealing with a refurbished phone. Plus, families get 5% off the total price of coverage by bundling plans together.
The Cons: Unfortunately, AKKO only covers your phone if it’s stolen, not lost (or as AKKO likes to call a “mysterious disappearance”). Update: AKKO now covers lost items for annual plan holders.
The Verdict: Don’t let AKKO’s new-kid-on-the-block credentials get you down. This comprehensive protection plan offers great coverage for an array of items at a friendly price. So, whether you’re a single adult, a student away at college, or a family looking to cover a ton of stuff, there’s sure to be an AKKO protection plan that meets your needs.
Manufacturer Mobile Insurance Plans
Apple
Every iPhone is covered – for free – against defects and mechanical failures by AppleCare, Apple’s manufacturer’s warranty, straight out of the box. For those looking for more robust coverage, AppleCare+ protection plans are able to be opted into for 60 days following your phone’s purchase date.
Not only are repairs handled by Apple experts (either in-store, with an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or by mailing your iPhone to an Apple Repair Center), but you also receive two full years of tech support. Plus, thanks to recent changes to AppleCare+, customers can now submit two claims per year (previously two claims per two years), giving even more mileage to these great cell phone insurance plans.
AppleCare+ (all cost estimates are for an iPhone 12 Pro Max)
| Price: $199 for single-pay or $9.99 monthly ($239.76 over 24 months) | Out-of-Warranty Costs |
| Cracked Screen Deductible: $29 | $329 |
| Other Damage Deductible: $99 | $599 |
| Replacement Deductible: $99 for ADH or mechanical damage claims only | |
| Claims Allowed: 2 per 12 months | |
| Extras: 2 years of phone support | |
AppleCare+ With Theft and Loss (all cost estimates are for an iPhone 12 Pro Max)
| Price: $299 for single-pay or $14.99 monthly ($359.76 over 24 months) | Out-of-Warranty Costs |
| Cracked Screen Deductible: $29 | $329 |
| Other Damage Deductible: $99 | $599 |
| Replacement Deductible: $149 for theft or loss claims | |
| Claims Allowed: 2 per 12 months | |
| Extras: 2 years of phone support | |
The Pros: When it comes to price, the single-pay option for AppleCare+ is one of the most reasonably priced iPhone insurance plans. Deductibles are fair if you do need to file a claim. Plus, customers are now allowed four claims over a 24-month period, or double what was previously offered, which is a huge step up from when we last reviewed AppleCare.
The Cons: Unlike other plans, Apple offers little in the way of extras, which could be a dealbreaker if you’re looking for something more comprehensive. Additionally, if you’re more accident-prone, there are other options out there that allow more claims annually. Furthermore, if you need to file a claim for theft or loss, you’d better hope you had Find My Phone enabled at the time your device went missing or else you’re out of luck.
The Verdict: Both AppleCare+ options are great choices for iPhone owners looking for simple coverage for their devices, as long as they don’t have a tendency to drop or misplace their phone often.
Samsung
Samsung Care+ (formerly Samsung Premium Care, managed by Asurion) extends your phone’s original warranty and also covers any accidental damage that might occur. Repairs are completed with Samsung parts by Samsung experts, so there’s no need to worry about shoddy fixes.
Like AppleCare+, Samsung Care+, has seen some upgrades recently. Not only has the original 30-day sign-up period been extended to a full 365 days, but deductibles have decreased as well, dropping from $99 down to a comfortable $29. And although theft and loss protection isn’t currently included, this could soon be changing. We even came across terms and conditions for a mobile insurance plan with coverage for wayward devices while researching for this article.
Samsung Care+ (all cost estimates are for a Samsung Galaxy S10)
| Price: $11.99 monthly | |
| Cracked Screen Deductible: $29 | |
| Other Damage Deductible: $29 | |
| Replacement Deductible: $99 for ADH claims; no cost for claims due to mechanical breakdown | |
| Claims Allowed: 3 per 12 months; no limit for claims due to mechanical breakdown | |
| Extras: 24/7 tech support |
The Pros: Samsung Care+ offers customers three claims in a 12-month period (more than AppleCare+) with no limits for mechanical issues. Deductibles are also incredibly reasonable at only $29 for a screen repair and $99 for a replacement.
The Cons: Although this could be changing, Samsung Care+ currently offers zero coverage for loss and theft. And similar to Apple, you won’t see much in the way of perks other than tech support.
The Verdict: For Samsung fans, Samsung Care+ is a solid choice if you don’t frequently drop or lose your phone, and if you like the idea of unlimited claims for mechanical breakdowns.
Carrier Mobile Insurance Plans
Unless you’re one of those ride-or-die Apple fans who stands in line for hours to buy the newest model outright, odds are good that you’re one of the many people purchasing new tech from your cell phone provider. Fortunately for you, most carriers offer a range of coverage options, from barebones defects-only coverage to holistic plans that protect both you and your phone.
AT&T
AT&T customers have two options, each administered by Asurion, for cell phone insurance: Mobile Insurance and Protect Advantage. Those with a family plan and four lines can also opt for Protect Advantage for 4. Unlike most of the options on our list, AT&T’s device protection plan pricing is the same no matter which device you have. Deductibles, meanwhile, are tiered by model.
For those on a budget, AT&T’s basic phone insurance option is affordable (aside from the $49 cracked-screen service fee) yet robust, allows two claims annually, and even covers theft or loss. If you’re looking for some extras or would like to cover all of your family’s devices, Protect Advantage offers some wonderful perks at a decent price.
AT&T Mobile Insurance (all cost estimates are for an iPhone 12 Pro Max)
| Price: $8.99 monthly | |
| Cracked Screen Deductible: $49 | |
| Other Damage Deductible: $250 | |
| Replacement Deductible: $250 for ADH, loss, or theft claims | |
| Claims Allowed: 2 per 12 months | |
| Extras: n/a |
AT&T Protect Advantage (all cost estimates are for an iPhone 12 Pro Max)
| Price: $15 monthly for 1 line, $40 monthly for 4 lines | |
| Cracked Screen Deductible: $29 | |
| Other Damage Deductible: $250 | |
| Replacement Deductible: $250 for ADH, loss, or theft claims | |
| Claims Allowed: 3 per 12 months for 1 line, 8 per 12 months for 4 lines | |
| Extras: $0 deductible for battery replacements, unlimited photo and video cloud storage, ProTech Support, identity protection, and device tune-ups |
The Pros: Unlike many other cell phone insurance providers, even AT&T’s entry-level option covers theft or loss. Protect Advantage offers customers some worthwhile extras, namely identity theft protection and a $0 deductible for replacement batteries.
The Cons: Steep deductibles for anything that isn’t a cracked screen
The Verdict: In general, both of AT&T’s mobile insurance offerings provide customers with decent coverage for their devices and the option for some valuable perks. The deductibles are quite pricey, however, considering this is one of the most expensive options in the bunch.
T-Mobile
Similar to AT&T, T-Mobile customers can choose between a basic phone insurance plan or the more comprehensive Protection 360, each of which is managed by a third-party company, Assurant. With each plan, customers pay monthly, coverage can be ended at any time, and devices are protected against theft and loss as well as accidental damage.
While T-Mobile’s Basic Device Protection is about as barebones as it gets for coverage, Protection 360 touts a very extensive list of extras including bottomless screen protectors, early upgrades for financed devices, and identity theft protection by McAfee Security.
Basic Device Protection (all cost estimates are for an iPhone 12 Pro Max)
| Price: $14 monthly | |
| Cracked Screen Deductible: $249 | |
| Other Damage Deductible: $249 | |
| Replacement Deductible: $249 for ADH, loss, or theft claims; $0 for mechanical failure claims | |
| Claims Allowed: 2 per 12 months | |
| Extras: n/a |
Protection <360> (all cost estimates are for an iPhone 12 Pro Max)
| Price: $18 monthly | |
| Cracked Screen Deductible: $29 ($99 for non-iPhones) | |
| Other Damage Deductible: $99 | |
| Replacement Deductible: $249 for loss or theft claims; $0 for mechanical failure claims | |
| Claims Allowed: 3 per 12 months | |
| Extras: McAfee Security with identity theft protection, Tech PHD tech support, JUMP! early upgrades for financed phones (after 12 months or once phone financing paid 50%), unlimited screen protector replacements, and AppleCare Services (for iPhone owners) | |
The Pros: We love the slate of perks provided with Protection 360 and that theft and loss protection is provided with both plans. Plus, Protection 360 offers refreshingly reasonable deductibles compared to some of the others on our list.
The Cons: Protection 360 is one of the priciest device protection plans out there, ringing in at a steep $18 a month. Although the Basic Device Protection is more affordable month-to-month ($14), that price difference basically gets wiped away when it comes time to file a claim thanks to outrageously high deductibles.
The Verdict: If you’re a current customer and would rather keep your cell phone insurance within the T-Mobile family, your best bet is Protection 360. With awesome extras, more claims, and deductibles that won’t make you cry, you get what you pay for.
Verizon
Of all the carriers, Verizon provides customers with an impressive menu of four plans (administered by Asurion), ranging from a manufacturing-issues-only warranty to the comprehensive Verizon Protect plan. So, whether you’re looking to protect your device from defects or wanting extensive protection for a range of devices, there truly is something for everyone.
Unlike the outrageous deductibles included with other carrier-provided options, all of Verizon’s plans provide customers with unlimited claims for cracked screens at the industry-standard $29 fee. Deductibles for replacements and other damage, however, can be pretty steep depending on which model phone you have.
Wireless Phone Protection (all cost estimates are for a 512GB iPhone 12 Pro Max)
| Price: $6.85 monthly | |
| Cracked Screen Deductible: $29 | |
| Other Damage Deductible: $249 | |
| Replacement Deductible: $249 for ADH, loss, or theft claims | |
| Claims Allowed: 3 per 12 months, no limit for cracked screen repairs | |
| Extras: n/a |
Total Mobile Protection (all cost estimates are for a 512GB iPhone 12 Pro Max)
| Price: $15 monthly for 1 line, $45 monthly for 3-10 lines (over 3 lines, add $11 for each extra line) | |
| Cracked Screen Deductible: $29 | |
| Other Damage Deductible: $249 | |
| Replacement Deductible: $249 for ADH, loss, or theft claims; $0 for mechanical failure claims | |
| Claims Allowed: 3 per year for 1 line, 9 per year for 3 lines; no limit for cracked screen repairs | |
| Extras: Verizon Tech Coach and extended warranty |
Verizon Protect (all cost estimates are for a 512GB iPhone 12 Pro Max)
| Price: $17 monthly for 1 line, $50 monthly for 3-10 lines (over 3 lines, add $11 for each extra line) | |
| Cracked Screen Deductible: $29 | |
| Other Damage Deductible: $249 | |
| Replacement Deductible: $249 for loss or theft claims; $0 for mechanical failure claims | |
| Claims Allowed: 3 per year for 1 line, 9 per year for 3 lines; no limit for cracked screen repairs | |
| Extras: Verizon Tech Coach, extended warranty, and comprehensive security and privacy protection services including a VPN, identity theft monitoring, and unknown number ID |
The Pros: Unlimited $29 screen repairs for only $29 and across-the-board loss and theft coverage make Verizon’s insurance offerings worthwhile. Plus, Verizon Protect provides some great perks, especially a raft of security and privacy protection services.
The Cons: High deductibles for other damage and replacements could be a disqualifying factor if you’re accident-prone.
The Verdict: Total Mobile Protection or Verizon Protect are great options for Verizon customers thanks to a winning combination of comprehensive coverage at a reasonable price. It’s just a matter of deciding whether you want to fork over the extra bucks for some helpful extras.
Third-Party Insurance Plans
Not sold yet? Consider expanding your search to a device protection plan from an independent provider.
Geek Squad
If you’re one of the many people who buy their smartphones from Best Buy, consider investing in one of Geek Squad’s cell phone insurance plans. While free of perks, these plans will have you covered when your device is accidentally damaged, if your battery is depleted, and, of course, in the event of any mechanical issues.
While deductibles are high even if your screen is cracked, monthly payments are some of the lowest on our list. Depending on which option you go with, however, it’s feast or famine when it comes to the number of claims allowed, so keep that in mind when making your decision. On the bright side, Geek Squad covers an array of issues including bad pixels, shadow images, and degraded batteries.
Geek Squad Basic Protection (all cost estimates are for a 512GB iPhone 12 Pro Max)
| Price: $10.99 monthly | Out-of-Warranty Costs |
| Cracked Screen Deductible: $199.99 | $329 |
| Other Damage Deductible: $199.99 | $549 |
| Replacement Deductible: $199.99 for ADH and mechanical failure claims | |
| Claims Allowed: 3 per plan term | |
| Extras: n/a | |
Geek Squad Complete Protection (all cost estimates are for a 512GB iPhone 12 Pro Max)
| Price: $12.99 monthly | Out-of-Warranty Costs |
| Cracked Screen Deductible: $199.99 | $329 |
| Other Damage Deductible: $199.99 | $549 |
| Replacement Deductible: $199.99 for ADH and mechanical failure claims, $249.99 for loss/theft | |
| Claims Allowed: 3 per plan term for ADH and mechanical issues, 2 per plan term for loss/theft | |
| Extras: n/a | |
The Pros: Cheap and cheerful prices and robust coverage help make up for Geek Squad’s crazy-high deductibles. Plus, we love how two additional claims are allowed exclusively for loss or theft.
The Cons: No ifs, ands, or buts about it, $200 is a steep price to pay for a cracked phone screen.
The Verdict: Geek Squad’s phone insurance is a passable choice, as long as you’re ok with big deductibles and basic protection. If you’re on the accident-prone side of things, however, you may want to look elsewhere.
SquareTrade
SquareTrade is the only cell phone insurance plan backed by Allstate. Unlike most other device protection plans, SquareTrade has your back whether your phone is old or new, iPhone or Galaxy, purchased or leased, on Verizon or Cricket Wireless. Each option is paid monthly, can be canceled at any time, and transfers over if you upgrade or switch carriers. Repairs take place at home, through the mail, at your local repair shop, or even at the Genius Bar (don’t worry, you’ll be reimbursed after).
While SquareTrade’s most basic offering is free from perks, its Phone Protection Plus plan gives customers some of the best extras on our list including comprehensive protection for your digital identity and one annual Allstate Roadside Assistance request. SquareTrade will even help you if your identity is stolen.
Phone Protection (all cost estimates are for an iPhone 12 Pro Max)
| Price: $8.99 monthly for 1 line ($19.99 monthly for up to 4 lines) or a one-time payment of $129.00 for Androids/$149.00 for iPhones | |
| Cracked Screen Deductible: $149 | |
| Other Damage Deductible: $149 | |
| Replacement Deductible: $149 for ADH or mechanical failure claims | |
| Claims Allowed: 4 per plan term for 1 line, 8 per 12 months for 4 lines | |
| Extras: n/a |
Phone Protection Plus (all cost estimates are for an iPhone 12 Pro Max)
| Price: $12.99 monthly for 1 line ($24.99 monthly for up to 4 lines) | |
| Cracked Screen Deductible: $149 | |
| Other Damage Deductible: $149 | |
| Replacement Deductible: $149 for ADH or mechanical failure claims | |
| Claims Allowed: 4 per plan term for 1 line, 8 per 12 months for 4 lines | |
| Extras: Premium Tech Support, identity theft recovery, monitoring and protection of digital identity, and one Allstate Roadside Assistance service annually |
The Pros: SquareTrade will cover your smartphone no matter when you bought it, where you bought it from, or what condition it’s in. We’re also suckers for premium extras like roadside assistance and digital identity monitoring.
The Cons: Although we’re fans of moderate prices, SquareTrade could benefit from some additional theft and loss coverage.
The Verdict: For those with older phones or devices purchased from independent vendors, SquareTrade phone insurance is a tempting alternative to the usual device protection plans. Plus, ringing in at almost half the price of competitors, it’s also an exceptional deal for families when compared to other plans on the market.
No Insurance? Buying a New Phone Soon?
We’ll Buy Your Old, Broken Phone
If you’re reading this, chances are that you are: in the midst of buying a new device are: preparing to buy a new phone, wondering whether you should have said “yes please” to that device protection plan offer, or frantically googling tips for how to save yourself and your wallet from out-of-warranty repair costs. Whatever your reasons, we are here to help.
Planning on buying a new smartphone soon and curious about your options?
GadgetGone will take your old iPhone or Android phone off your hands and put cash into your pocket in as little as two business days. Remember our iPhone 12 Pro Max example? In good condition, unlocked, and with 512 GB of storage, that phone will nab you as much as $880 (at the time of writing). Talk about a nice little deposit on a new device.
Wondering if you messed up by skipping the cell phone insurance when buying your new device?
No worries — most cell phone insurance providers allow at least 30 days to decide. If you’re past that, still not all hope is lost as companies like AKKO or SquareTrade have you covered. And if you’re still holding onto your old phone, sell it to GadgetGone and use the cash to cure your non-buyer’s remorse. Cracked screen or shattered back glass? No worries, that’s worth a cool $450 (for our hypothetical iPhone 11 Pro), enough to pay for that phone insurance and still have some Starbucks money left over.
Freaking out because you dropped your uninsured phone and cracked the camera lens?
We’ve got you. Sure, paying out-of-warranty service fees to have it fixed will cost you an arm and a leg. So, sell your busted phone to GadgetGone. Then, use the profits ($475 for an iPhone 12 Pro Max with a cracked screen or $430 if it’s straight-up damaged) to buy yourself a shiny, new (and insured) phone.