Is Smartphone Insurance Worth Buying?

On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Technology Buyers Guide

Smartphone insurance can protect you from costly repairs or replacements, but deciding if it’s worth it depends on your needs, habits, and budget. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

Key Considerations

Cost of Repairs:
Screen repair averages $277 (e.g., Samsung Galaxy S8+).
Replacement costs range from $840 to $1,149 for premium models.
Insurance Cost:
Monthly premiums: $7 to $36.
Deductibles: $29 to $225 per claim.
Limited claims: Often 2-3 claims/year.
Likelihood of Mishaps:
In a CR survey, 50% of smartphone users reported a major incident within two years, including damage, loss, or theft.

Types of Smartphone Insurance Plans

1. Manufacturer Plans

AppleCare+
Cost: $149–$199 (for two years).
Coverage: Up to two incidents of accidental damage and mechanical failures.
Deductibles: $29 for screen damage; $99 for other repairs.
Limitations: No coverage for loss or theft.
Samsung Premium Care
Cost: $12/month.
Coverage: Accidental damage, drops, spills, cracked screens.
Deductibles: $99 per repair.
Limitations: No coverage for loss or theft; up to three replacements/year.

2. Carrier Plans

Most major carriers offer plans with varying levels of coverage:

AT&T Multi-Device Protection Pack:
Cost: $35/month for 3 devices.
Coverage: Malfunctions, loss, theft, damage, and tech support.
T-Mobile Premium Device Protection:
Cost: $7–$15/month.
Coverage: Malfunctions, loss, theft, and damage.
Verizon Total Mobile Protection:
Cost: $13/month for smartphones.
Coverage: Malfunctions, damage, loss, theft, and tech support.

3. Independent Plans

SquareTrade:
Cost: $89 (1 year), $129 (2 years), $159 (3 years).
Coverage: Damage (but not loss/theft).
Deductible: $99 for repairs; $25 for select screen repairs.

When Is Insurance Worth It?

Good Fit:
- You have a high-end phone that’s expensive to repair/replace.
- You (or your family) have a history of phone mishaps.
- You prefer the convenience of fast repairs/replacements.

Not Worth It:
- You rarely experience phone issues.
- You have a sufficient emergency fund to cover potential repairs or replacements.

Alternatives to Smartphone Insurance

Credit Card Benefits:
- Some credit cards extend warranties and offer theft/damage protection for products purchased with the card.
- Examples: Chase Ink Business Preferred, Wells Fargo cards.

Homeowners Insurance:
- Some policies allow you to add coverage for smartphones for about $25/year per $1,000 coverage.

Emergency Fund:
- Set aside the monthly insurance cost in a savings fund to cover potential repairs/replacements.

Local Repair Shops:
- Chains like uBreakiFix and Best Buy often offer affordable repair services.

DIY Repairs:
- Websites like iFixit provide free repair guides and tools for many smartphone models.

Pros and Cons of Smartphone Insurance

| Pros | Cons |
|---------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|
| Peace of mind for costly repairs. | High premiums + deductibles. |
| Coverage for accidental damage. | Limited to 2–3 claims/year. |
| Fast repairs or replacements. | Refurbished replacements, not new. |
| Convenient repair networks. | Some plans don’t cover loss/theft. |

Bottom Line

Best For: People with expensive smartphones, frequent accidents, or kids likely to damage phones.
Skip It If: You can manage repair/replacement costs on your own, prefer DIY solutions, or rarely experience mishaps.

Pro Tip: A sturdy case and screen protector might be the best “insurance” you need.