Choosing the best smartphone insurance plan, warranty program or best cell phone insurance plan can leave your head spinning. But now that smartphones retail for over $600, you don’t want to be caught without a plan in the middle of a contract if you break or lose your iPhone or Android handset. So after 30+ hours of research, the best of the best is AKKO. It’s comprehensive, covers your laptop and camera gear (and more), and replaces your device with a brand new one.
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| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| Price | $6-12 a month | $8.99 a month | $5.99+ a month | $99 | $7.99-10.99 a month |
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That in mind, most mobile phones come with at least a limited warranty – but these plans often don’t cover drops or loss, much like a 3rd party phone insurance can. Moreover, you may not have the option to purchase an additional protection program after a certain amount of time expires. An insurance plan essentially enhances or extends your phone’s warranty, and could also protect you in the case that it is stolen or you misplace it. You can also read about the best cell phone plans to find out which is best for you.
Some important things to consider:
- Are loss and theft covered with aftermarket insurance plans?
- How much is the plan’s deductible?
- What is the plan’s cancellation policy?
- Is water damage covered – and does that include both spills and immersion?
- Will you be charged a monthly payment or one-time fee?
- Will your replacement phone be the same model as your current phone?
- Are you guaranteed to get a replacement by a certain time?
- Are you limited in the number of replacements allowed?
Many smartphone protection plans are available through Asurion, a third-party insurance company that offers coverage on various phones through each specific participating cell phone carrier: Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Boost Mobile, Clear, Clear Wire, Metro PCS, nTelos, Time Warner Cable and Virgin Mobile. (You cannot buy an Asurion program on its own without a provider.) Though they all use Asurion, each cell carrier has a different name for their protection plan, so it’s not possible to distill Asurion’s features into a single list. Additionally, some carriers also combine Asurion’s protection plans with their own extended warranty programs. Some credit card companies also offer phone insurance. To learn more, check out our credit cards with cell phone insurance guide.
Before purchasing, be sure to check the specific benefits of your provider’s Asurion plan. This can be especially confusing.
For example, Verizon’s Extended Limited Warranty does not cover liquid damage or batteries, but these areas are covered under Asurion’s wireless phone protection, which is part of Verizon’s Total Equipment Coverage package. (If you choose Verizon’s Extended Warranty but not the Total Equipment Coverage, be sure to familiarize yourself with the differences.)
For many consumers, price is the most important factor in choosing a warranty program – but keep in mind that most plans include a deductible, the amount of money you have to pay if you lose your handset. A cheaper monthly fee likely means a higher deductible. Also be aware that varying state laws can result in variations of plan terms and conditions.
Here are the 5 best smartphone insurance and warranty programs we’ve found:
Best Cell Phone Insurance Plans
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| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| Price | $6-12 a month | $8.99 a month | $5.99+ a month | $99 | $7.99-10.99 a month |
| Deductible | $29-$99 | $149 | $75 – $150 | $79 | $149 – $249* |
| Coverage Length | Unlimited | 1-5 Years | 2 Years | 2 Years | 1-5 Years |
| Replacements Allowed | Unlimited | 1 | Unlimited | 2 | 2-3 in 24-months* |
| Time to Add to Program | Unlimited | 30 Days | 12-35 Months | 60 Days of Purchase | 30 Days |
| Covers Theft/Loss |  |  | | | |
| Covers Accidental Damage | | | | | |
| Covers Water Damange | | | | | |
| Covers Drops | | | | | |
| Covers Battery | | | | | |
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#1 AKKO Property Coverage
iPhone plans click here. (Most iPhone repairs can be completed at an Apple Store if you so choose, or at another repair provider.)
Android and other smartphones plans click here.
AKKO, while a new entrance into the smartphone and device insurance space, is perhaps the most simple and comprehensive. Their phone insurance plans range from $6 – $12/month so that you always have the most affordable deductibles, which range from only $29 to $99 based on the phone and claim. Even for theft, the deductible is still only a maximum of $99 for any phone! Putting it less than half the cost of the deductibles most other companies charge such as Asurion or AppleCare+ Loss and Theft.
In addition to their affordable and flexible phone protection plans, they also offer their one-of-a-kind AKKO Plan, the perfect solution for those with multiple devices and gadgets in need of protection. Their AKKO Plan is $15/month ($12/month if a student) with discounts if you pay annually, and while that may be a bit more expensive than paying just $6 – 12/month to only protect a phone, you get a TON more coverage.
In our opinion, an AKKO Plan is the last protection plan you’ll ever need to buy because it protects not just your iPhone (be sure to check out their page on how to switch from AppleCare to Akko) their ar or Android phone, but also your other electronics like laptops, tablets, headphones, smartwatches, camera gear, audio equipment, and so much more at no extra cost. The deductibles for phones are the same on an AKKO Plan, ranging from $29 – 99. For your other devices and items, like tablets and laptops, the deductible is always the exact same cost keeping things simple and affordable; $99 for adults and $49 for students for any damages or theft.
In the event of a claim, you also won’t ever be given a used iPhone or Android phone as a replacement. You’ll get the money equal to the replacement value of any of your devices when they are unrepairable or stolen and can do whatever you’d like with the cash. Even buy a NEW or upgraded replacement.
Details of AKKO Plans
Pricing
- Price (phone protection plans): $6 – $12/mo
- Price (multi-device “AKKO Plan”): Adults: $15/mo or $168/yr – Students: $12/mo or $120/yr (5% discount when you register multiple plans, great for families)
- Deductibles: Phones – $29 – $99, other items: Adults: $99 – Students: $49 (same for damage or theft claims, and for any item)
- Coverage Length: Month-to-Month or Annual recurring, no need to buy/register a new protection plan when you upgrade/change devices.
- Number of Replacements Allowed: No limit! Nor is there an annual coverage limit – AKKO has a per-incident limit per claim and their AKKO Plan has a $2,000 limit (upgradeable to higher limits for higher value items)
- Time to add the program: Anytime! Covers Accidental Damage & Theft/vandalism for any age device including used and refurbished and any makes/models.
- Notes: Their multi-device “AKKO Plans” cover (1) phone per plan + 25 other items you add to your account to be protected, including electronics (laptops, tablets, headphones, smartwatches etc.) and personal items like clothes, watch, sunglasses, skateboard, bike and more!
What the Plan Covers
- Loss: YES. (with annual plan) (see more info)
- Theft: YES
- Accidental Damage: YES
- Water Damage: YES
- Drops: YES
- Mechanical Malfunction: YES
- Electrical Malfunction: YES
- Battery: YES
- Service Cost: Cost of deductible, $29 – $99 for phones based on model
- Coverage: Phone + all your other electronics at no extra cost.
- Worldwide coverage: great for travel, can cover property you rent (ie a bike, surfboard, or camera while on a trip).
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Read Full Review: Akko Phone Insurance Plan
#2 SquareTrade
iPhone plans click here. iPhone repairs can be completed at an Apple Store if you so choose.
Android and other smartphones plans click here.
SquareTrade has a lower base price than many other plans, but a somewhat higher deductible ($99). Loss and theft are not covered, but water immersion is. Note: Through Costco, you can get an even better SquareTrade plan with a lower based price and lower deductible, provided of course you buy the product in their warehouse.
Details of SquareTrade’s (regular) iPhone and Smartphone Plan
- Price: $8.99/month
- Deductible: $149
- Coverage Length: 1-5 years, depending on type of plan purchased
- Number of Replacements Allowed: 1 – though in some cases, additional replacements are allowed if products are defective
- Time to add the program: 30 days after iPhone is purchase, or any phone that is currently insured by the carrier.
- Notes: You must purchase the coverage within 30 days of purchase or on an insured phone.
What the Plan Covers
- Loss: NO
- Theft: NO
- Accidental Damage: YES
- Water Damage: YES (including immersion)
- Drops: YES
- Mechanical Malfunction: YES
- Electrical Malfunction: YES
- Battery: YES, if the original rechargeable battery is defective.
- Service Cost: Labor is included
Type of Replacement: You will be given a new or refurbished product of equal features and functionality, or a cash settlement or a Gift Card reflecting the replacement cost of a new item of equal features and functionality up to the Coverage Amount.
Replacement Time: No guarantee of time. Submit claims online or by phone; if your phone can’t be fixed with troubleshooting, you’ll be directed to an authorized service center or given a free shipping label. Though they do say that they’ll fix it the day it arrives and overnight the phone back to you.
Cancellation Policy: You may cancel any time. Within the 30 days, you will receive a full refund; If you cancel after 30 days, you will receive a pro-rata refund based on the time remaining on your service agreement. You may also want to read about the best unlocked phone.
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Read Full Review: Squaretrade Cell Phone Insurance
#3 Protect Your Bubble
Protect Your Bubble does not cover loss and theft (updated March 2016) – and it can also be purchased within 12-35 months of buying your smartphone, as long as the phone is still under warranty (most plans only give you 30 days). You can also get money off when you add an additional plan if you want to buy one for a family member. The biggest drawback of the plan is its $150 deductible for iPhones. Update: iPhone deductibles are now $50)
Details of Protect Your Bubble (regular) iPhone and Smartphone Plan
- Price: Starts $5.99/month
- Deductible: $75 for basic phones; $150 for smartphones; $50 for iPhones
- Coverage Length: 2 years
- Number of Replacements Allowed: Unlimited
- Time to add the program: Within 12-35 months of purchase, as long as the phone is still under warranty
- Note: We’ve read that there is conflicting info about this company’s fees. So be cautious and read the fine print as to what their deductibles are. They claim a $50 deductible for iPhone but $150 for Samsung smartphones.
What the Plan Covers
- Loss: No
- Theft: No
- Accidental Damage: YES
- Water Damage: YES
- Drops: YES
- Mechanical Malfunction: YES
- Electrical Malfunction: YES
- Battery: YES
- Service: Labor is included.
Type of Replacement: You will get a replacement of like kind and quality, but claimed devices may be repaired or replaced with new or refurbished equipment or a different model than the original equipment.
Replacement Time: PYB will ship your replacement device to you for next day delivery if your claim is approved by 8:00 pm.
Cancellation Policy: You have the right to cancel your coverage at any time without penalty and receive a refund of any applicable unearned premium. Also, check out the best SIM cards for USA.
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Read Full Review: Protect Your Bubble Phone Insurance
#4 AppleCare+
Since the Apple Care program is only available for the iPhone, other smartphone users can ignore this section. Keep in mind that even without Apple Care, you’ll get one year of hardware repair coverage through Apple’s limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary support (but you can’t decide to buy Apple Care after your one-year limited warranty has ended). One of the biggest drawbacks of the Apple Care program is that it does not cover loss or theft.
Details of Apple’s Apple Care Program
- Price: $99 for 2 years (equivalent to $4.13 a month, but is not available on a monthly basis)
- Deductible: $79 (updated 3/2016)
- Coverage Length: 2 years
- Number of Replacements Allowed: 2
- Time to add the program: within 60 days of purchase (updated 3/2016)
What the Plan Covers
- Loss: NO
- Theft: NO
- Accidental Damage: YES
- Water Damage: YES
- Drops: YES
- Mechanical Malfunction: YES
- Electrical Malfunction: YES
- Battery: YES, if depletion is 50% of more from original specification
- Service Cost: Labor is included.
Type of Replacement: A phone that is new or equivalent to new in both performance and reliability
Replacement Time: For fastest service, bring your iPhone in to the Genius Bar at an Apple Store. Mail-in service is also available.
Cancellation Policy: You can cancel at any time for any reason. If you cancel within 30 days, you will receive a full refund less the value of any service provided. After 30 days, you will receive a pro rata refund less a cancellation fee of $25 or 10% of the pro-rata amount, whichever is less. Learn about the best smartphone.
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Read Full Review: AppleCare Phone Insurance
#5 Geek Squad
Geek Squad smartphone protection plan is offered through Best Buy, but is also available for smartphones purchased at other stores, provided that the products have been purchased within the last 30 days, are covered under a current manufacturer’s warranty, and are in new and working order. What makes this plan stand out is its convenient in-home service and its lack of deductible and cancellation fee. However, loss and theft are not covered.
Geek Squad’s Standard Plan extends your manufacturer warranty, but doesn’t cover much on its own; we recommend purchasing the Accidental Damage from Handling Coverage (ADH) plan for the best protection (you can compare the plans here).
Details of the Best Buy’s Geek Squad Protection Program
- Price: $7.99/month for accidents, spills and failures. $10.99/month includes the aforementioned + theft/loss
- Service Deductible: $149 for phones less than $799 or $199 for phones greater than $799
- Theft Deductible: $199 for phones less than $799 or $249 for phones greater than $799
- Coverage Length: 1-5 years, depending on type of plan purchased
- Service Number of Replacements Allowed: 3 claims in 24 months
- Theft Number of Replacements Allowed:2 claims in rolling 12 months or 3 in 24-months
- Time to add the program: 30 days
What the Plan Covers
- Loss: Yes
- Theft: Yes
- Accidental Damage: YES, if the product was being used as intended
- Water Damage: Spills: YES. Immersion: NO
- Drops: YES, as long as the product did not drop from an elevated height such as a roof
- Mechanical Malfunction: YES
- Electrical Malfunction: YES
- Battery: YES, if the original rechargeable battery is defective (1 per phone)
- Service: Labor is included.
Type of Replacement: You will be given a new or refurbished product of like kind and quality that is of comparable performance.
Replacement Time: You can schedule in-home service by phone or Internet 24-7.
Cancellation Policy: You may cancel at any time; you will receive a pro-rata refund of the price you paid for the Plan based on the percentage of the Plan’s unexpired term, less the cost of any service provided. If you cancel within 30 days, a full refund is given. You might also want to read up on the best smartphone plan.
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Read Full Review: Geek Squad Phone Protection Plan
#na Mobile Rhino – OUT OF BUSINESS
Update: Mobile Rhino has shut down and is no longer in business.
Mobile Rhino can be purchased at any time. Unlike Apple Care, Mobile Rhino covers loss and theft, and can be renewed year after year – but Mobile Rhino’s price and deductible are a bit high. Still, we’re rating Mobile Rhino’s plan #1 because it covers loss and theft. With most plans, you’ll be completely out of luck if you lose your phone – and that doesn’t seem worth a monthly fee.
Price: Personal: $129, Business:$119, Education:$99
Deductible: $99
Coverage Length: 1 year
Number of Replacements Allowed: 2 per year or $1000 worth of merchandise, whichever comes first
Time to add the program: May be purchased at any time
What the Plan Covers
- Loss: YES
- Theft: YES
- Accidental Damage: YES
- Water Damage: YES
- Drops: YES
- Mechanical Malfunction: YES
- Electrical Malfunction: YES
- Battery: YES
- Service: Labor is included.
Type of Replacement: You will be given a replacement the same model as your phone; equipment may be reconditioned.
Replacement Time: You will get a replacement in 24-28 hours; if your claim is submitted and approved by 2pm CST, you will receive your replacement by 2pm CST the next day.
Cancellation Policy: You may cancel at any time; any unearned premium will be refunded in accordance with law. If you like Verizon, check out the best Verizon smartphones.
