Do I Need Insurance for My Cell Phone?

Cell phone insurance can be useful if you use your cell phone often and would want to reduce out-of-pocket expenses when repairing a cracked screen or replacing your phone due to theft or it becomes so damaged it cannot be used. Options for cell phone insurance vary between service carriers and standard insurance companies, so it’s worth considering all the options to get the best value possible.

Keep reading to learn more about cell phone insurance, where you can buy it and how much it costs.

What Is Cell Phone Insurance?

Cell phone insurance covers various types of damage and other incidents that would lead to the loss of use of your phone, such as cracking your screen after accidentally dropping it or theft. Like most insurance plans, a cell phone policy requires you to pay a monthly premium and usually a deductible amount for each claim you file.

Keep in mind that some cell phone insurance plans, such as those offered by AT&T, are only available for purchase within 30 days after you get a new phone.^[1] Others, such as protection plans offered by T-Mobile, require passing a visual, mechanical inspection at a T-Mobile store before you can enroll if not done at the time of purchase.^[2]

What Is Covered?

The types of damages and incidents covered can vary between cell phone insurance providers but often include:^[3]

• Broken or cracked screens
• Theft and loss
• Accessories that came with the device (e.g., charger and earbuds)
• Electrical and mechanical failure
• Damage caused by dust, internal heat or humidity
• Spills and submersion

What Isn’t Covered?

While the exclusions in a cell phone insurance policy can vary by carrier, damage caused by tampering with or modifying your phone is generally not covered. For example, if you break your phone while attempting to open it to change or replace components yourself, your claim may be denied.

Small cosmetic flaws, such as scratches on the back of your phone, likely won't be covered because they don’t impact the phone’s usability.

Additionally, some protection plans limit the number of claims you can file over the policy period, so even if an incident is covered, you will not receive coverage if you’ve reached your claim cap. For example, a SquareTrade protection plan is limited to up to four claims for a single phone plan or up to eight claims for a family plan.^[4]

What Insurance Providers Offer Coverage for Cell Phones?

Several insurance providers offer coverage for cell phones, including:

• SquareTrade (an Allstate company)
• GEICO
• USAA
• Asurion
• AKKO

You can also buy a cell phone insurance plan from cell phone providers including:

• Samsung
• Apple
• AT&T
• Verizon
• T-Mobile

When Do I Need Cell Phone Insurance?

Consider getting cell phone insurance if you use your phone regularly and don’t want to pay out of pocket for repairs or replacements. Insurance can cover accidental damage, like a cracked screen, and even provide a replacement if your phone is lost or stolen — especially beneficial for families with young children, who may be more prone to accidents.

Some insurers also offer tech support to help set up a replacement and transfer data, saving you time and hassle.

That said, you may not need cell phone insurance if you have homeowners or renters insurance policies, which can insure cell phones for covered perils such as theft. However, cell insurance is still worth considering as homeowners or renters coverage may only reimburse for the phone’s depreciated value. Additionally, your coverage could be more limited, and you will not be reimbursed if you accidentally drop your phone on the sidewalk or in a pool.

Do Cell Phone Service Providers Offer Insurance for Cell Phones?

Many major mobile carriers, such as Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile, offer phone insurance, with claims often managed by Asurion.^[5] AT&T and T-Mobile offer same- or next-day device replacements and unlimited claims with no deductible for cracked screen repairs.^[6][2] If you switch carriers, you may be able to add a cell phone insurance plan, depending on the provider.

Can I Get a Separate Cell Phone Insurance Policy?

Nothing stops you from getting a third-party cell phone insurance policy from what your service provider offers, but plans offered by other service providers might be restricted unless you have a phone line with them, such as with AT&T.^[1] While a protection plan itself might not be worth switching service providers, if you are already shopping around for a new provider, considering cell phone insurance offerings is a good idea when making your decision.

What Are the Benefits of Cell Phone Insurance?

Cell phone insurance helps provide peace of mind because It helps reduce your out-of-pocket expenses if your phone is damaged or stolen. Cell phones can be expensive, potentially costing hundreds of dollars or more to replace, so a small monthly fee and a separate deductible can sometimes be worth it. Additionally, many insurers have a catalog of locations nationwide to get reliable repairs, which can help you ensure you get your phone fixed properly.

Depending on your insurance company, they may offer expert support when setting up your new phone and exchanging data. In addition, a cell phone insurance policy can cover accidental drops and internal failures that are otherwise excluded from your home or renters insurance coverage.

How Much Does Cell Phone Insurance Cost?

We've found cell phone insurance providers who charge $3 to $18 depending on your device and location. Here’s a quick breakdown of monthly costs and deductibles for various cell phone insurance for a single phone based on different providers. Keep in mind that your actual rate can vary based on your device and how much coverage you buy. For example, some base plans may not include coverage for theft and loss unless you upgrade to a more expensive plan.

^{*USAA is only available to military members, veterans, their spouses and other eligible family members}

Some carriers, such as AT&T and Samsung Care+, may offer different options and rates for New York residents.^[2][7] Keep in mind that eligible devices may be limited to certain insurance carriers. For example, if you owned an Apple device, you could get AppleCare+, but not Samsung Care+, as it is exclusive to Samsung products.^[8][9]

How To File a Cell Phone Insurance Claim

Filing a claim for your cell phone can differ between insurance carriers and the type of claim. Most carriers have you start filing your claim online, providing information on your phone, proof of ownership, what happened to it and payment to cover the deductible. If your phone was stolen, you may need to provide evidence, such as a police report.

Your insurance company may send you to an approved local repair shop for a minor phone repair, such as a battery failure or cracked screen. If your phone is deemed damaged beyond repair, they may have you send it to them in exchange for a replacement phone. While the model will generally be equivalent, you may get a different cell phone as a replacement if the same model isn't available.

How To Get Cell Phone Insurance

Cell phone insurance may be available through your cellular service provider or the manufacturer when you initially get your phone. They’ll typically ask if you want to add a protection plan at the point of purchase, and you may have a limited amount of time to decide. You can apply for a protection plan directly from their website for third-party insurance carriers.

Ensure you shop around before making a decision. Some companies may offer a better monthly premium for your model or lower deductibles.