When it comes to protecting your phone, you have the option of sticking with your device’s manufacturer’s warranty or purchasing a cell phone insurance plan. Each option has its merits, but the one you go with is based on your preferences. Keep reading this article to learn more about the differences between phone warranties and phone insurance, so you know which to use for your new smartphone.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Cell phone warranties are suitable for a base level of protection for your smartphone.
- Cell phone insurance costs more, but it provides much more comprehensive protection.
- Most cell phone insurance providers give you some time to add a plan to your new smartphone so you can do your research in advance.
Learn About What’s Covered Under Phone Warranty and Insurance
There are a few key differences between a smartphone’s warranty and a smartphone insurance policy. While they both offer certain protections and replacement options in case you run into trouble with your phone, you’ll want to know the exact details to get your phone protected the right way. And if you’re using Sprint, you’ll also want to know about these Sprint screen repair solutions.
Cell Phone Warranty
A cell phone warranty, also known as a manufacturer’s warranty, is essentially a promise from the device’s manufacturer to repair or replace your device under certain circumstances and within a specific timeframe. Most cell phone warranties are valid for a year from their purchase date.
Insider Tip
Most cell phone warranties are valid for a year from their purchase date.
What Does a Warranty Cover?
Your cell phone’s manufacturer’s warranty typically only covers issues that come about due to faulty parts or a manufacturing defect. If your phone suddenly stops working due to no fault of your own, then you’ll want to check with your phone’s manufacturer to see if the problem is covered under warranty. Remember that a smartphone warranty will not cover accidental damage like screen cracks or water exposure. You may also void your warranty by trying to repair or tinker with your phone yourself. With an insurance plan from Sprint, you’d be better off getting a replacement phone that is remanufactured by Asurion.
Purchasing an Extended Warranty
Some smartphone companies will offer extended warranties for their devices. While extended warranties won’t cover more than the standard option, they extend the timeframe during which you can get your phone fixed through the manufacturer. Most extended warranties add an additional year or two to your standard warranty. Extended warranties are also typically much cheaper than cell phone insurance, so if you’re on a budget, you should reach out to your phone manufacturer to see what options they have available.
Insider Tip
Most extended warranties add an additional year or two to your standard warranty
Cell Phone Insurance
A cell phone insurance policy covers much more than the manufacturer’s warranty. However, it’s also much more expensive than a warranty. Instead of simply receiving it with your purchase, you’ll need to pay for cell phone insurance. You’ll pay a monthly fee for as long as you want your insurance coverage to continue. Most cell phone insurance providers allow you to cancel your policy whenever you want without cancellation fees.
What Does an Insurance Policy Cover?
Cell phone insurance policies provide the most comprehensive protection and coverage you can purchase for your smartphone. On top of the mechanical and electrical defects that your warranty covers, an insurance policy will also cover accidental damage and situations where your phone is lost or stolen. It’s important to remember that on top of the monthly fee, you will also pay a deductible whenever you file a claim.
Purchasing a Cell Phone Insurance Policy
If you want to purchase a cell phone insurance policy, you have a few different options. Virtually all wireless carriers offer their own insurance policies, which you can buy at the same time as purchasing your new smartphone. However, there are also a variety of third-party insurance providers that are highly rated. It’s perfectly fine to take some time to do your research since most companies will allow you as much as 60 days to purchase a policy.
Warning
Remember that a smartphone warranty will not cover accidental damage like screen cracks or water exposure.
F.A.Q.S
Are warranty and insurance the same thing?
No, phone warranty and phone insurance aren’t the same things. A warranty typically only covers electrical and mechanical failures that come about because of a manufacturer defect. An insurance policy covers additional problems like accidental damage and lost or stolen phones.
Are phone warranties worth it?
All phones come with at least a year of manufacturer’s warranty coverage. However, if you feel like you need more coverage, you can always purchase an extended warranty. Extended phone warranties are worth it if you are on a budget but still want additional protection for your smartphone.
What is a phone warranty?
A phone warranty is a promise from your phone’s manufacturer to replace or repair your phone in the case of a defect that isn’t your fault.
Is phone insurance worth getting?
Yes, cell phone insurance is absolutely worth getting, especially if you’re prone to dropping or losing your phone. Instead of paying the full cost of a new device, insurance only requires a small deductible. Once you pay that, you’ll get a repair or new device.
STAT: Over 5,600 smartphone screens are cracked every hour. (source)
REFERENCES:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insurance
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qo-vP-B4VFs
- https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/mobile-phone-insurance-marketr
- https://www.wsj.com/articles/applecare-and-other-phone-protection-plans-who-shouldand-shouldntbuy-them-11612706400
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/surprising-things-cell-phone-insurance
- https://www.consumerreports.org/insurance/is-smartphone-insurance-worth-buying/
