Best Cellphone Insurance Providers of 2024
- Best for Policy Budget: AKKO
- Best for Families: SquareTrade
- Best for iPhones: AppleCare+
- Best for Samsung Phones: Samsung Care+
- Best for Easy Claims: Asurion
- Best for Options: Progressive
Best for Policy Budget : AKKO
- Deductible: $29 to $99
- Average monthly premium: $6–$12 per month (single phone); $14–$15 (phone plus other electronic devices)
- Available policies: Phone Only, Everything Protected
- Low monthly premiums
- Coverage can include other electronic devices
- Multi-policy discounts
- Student discounts
- Lost phones have limitations in coverage
- WordStrment value is determined by AKKO
AKKO was started in 2019, making it relatively new to the scene, but it's garnered attention for consistently affordable cellphone insurance plans. With coverage options starting as low as $5 a month for those who pay annually, AKKO is one of the best providers for anyone on a budget.
One thing that sets AKKO apart from other insurance providers is how it manages claims. Instead of automatically receiving a replacement device, AKKO will give customers cash based on the replacement value of the device minus the deductible. Similarly, if they need to have their phone repaired, AKKO will either send the cash value of the repairs or pay an AKKO partner repair shop directly. AKKO offers two plans: The Phone Only plan and the Everything Protected plan. Both plans offer basic phone protection, which includes cracked screens, liquid damage, accidental damage (e.g., drops), theft and vandalism, and damages that result from natural disasters (e.g., fire, flood, etc.).AKKO’s Everything Protected plan extends coverage to up to 25 other electrical items, including any tablets, laptops, and video games that belong to the policyholder.
Plans & Pricing
AKKO’s Phone Only plan starts at $6 to $12 per month, or $5 to $11 a month if the customer pays for the entire year upfront. The Everything Protected option costs $14 per month for students and $15 per month for adults, discounted by $1 per month when the customer pays for the entire year upfront. For both plans, deductibles vary based on the make, model, and year of your phone. Repair deductibles typically range from $29 to $75, and replacement deductibles range from $75 to $99. Under the Everything Protected plan, adults pay a $99 deductible for repairs or replacements for their other covered electronics, while students pay $49. Though customers can’t insure more than one cellphone per plan, they can save 5% to 15% when they bundle more than one policy.Best for Families : SquareTrade
- Deductible: $149
- Average monthly premium: $8.99 to $19.99 per month
- Available policies: Single plan, family plan
- Coverage for all phones regardless of make, model, or age
- Four to eight claims allowed per year
- Competitive rates for family plan
- Mail-in repairs are slow
- Deductible may be higher for older phones
Plans & Pricing
SquareTrade premiums start at $8.99 a month for a single device, but customers can insure multiple devices for just $19.99 a month. Deductibles are a flat $149. SquareTrade also offers an upgrade ($12.99 per month) that adds additional benefits like premium tech support, Allstate Roadside Assistance, and identity theft recovery.Best for iPhones : AppleCare+
- Deductible: $29 to $149
- Average monthly premium: $3.99 to $13.49 per month
- Available policies: AppleCare+, AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss
- Certified Apple parts and technicians
- Theft and loss policy options
- Low premiums
- Only covers Apple devices
- Additional application steps if starting a policy 60 or more days after initial iPhone purchase
AppleCare offers two different policies: AppleCare+ and AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss. Both cover unlimited incidents of accidental damage protection annually and offer coverage if a battery retains 80% or less of its original charging capacity. AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss covers two incidents of theft or loss every 12 months.
An AppleCare+ account also gives 24/7 priority access to Apple experts via phone or chat, onsite services (e.g., screen repairs), express replacement services, and mail-in repair options with prepaid shipping. AppleCare+ customers can also take their device to any Apple Store or Apple Authorized service provider for in-person repairs and troubleshooting.
For customers considering AppleCare+, it’s best to add the policy within 60 days of purchasing the iPhone. If that window has closed, a visit to an Apple Store may be required to add a policy.Plans & Pricing
Prices vary based on the iPhone model the customer wishes to insure. AppleCare+ insurance ranges $3.99 to $9.99 per month, or $79 to $199 for a fixed term of two years. AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss will run about $7.49 to $13.49 per month or $149 to $269 for a fixed term of two years. Deductibles vary based on the incident type. The deductible for screen repairs is $29, while other types of damage typically result in a $99 deductible. If the phone is lost or stolen, expect a $149 deductible.Best for Samsung Phones : Samsung Care+
- Deductible: $0 to $199
- Average monthly premium: $3 to $16 per month
- Available policies: Samsung Care+, Samsung Care+ with Theft and Loss
- Expert Samsung support
- Theft and loss policy options
- $0 service fee for mechanical breakdown claims
- High premiums for some devices
- Only for Samsung users
Samsung Care+ covers accidental damage, liquid spills, and screen cracks. Customers also get protection against mechanical breakdowns after the 12-month manufacturer warranty expires. The Samsung Care+ Theft and Loss plan covers three incidents of theft or loss within a 12-month period.
Samsung Care+ customers can take advantage of 24/7 support, and if a phone needs repairs, they can rest assured that they'll receive original Samsung parts and that a Samsung expert will repair their phone.Plans & Pricing
The prices of Samsung Care+ policies fill a range, depending on the device being insured. Deductible costs depend on the reason for service (e.g., accidental damage or a screen repair). The Samsung Care+ Theft and Loss plan ranges from $8 to $16 per month for a 36-month term. The standalone Samsung Care+ plan costs $3 to $11 per month for a 36-month term. Repair services fees are set at $0 to $99, while deductibles for lost or stolen phones range between $99 and $199.Best for Easy Claims : Asurion
- Deductible: $29 to $499
- Average monthly premium: $12 to $15 per month (single device) $45 per month (multiple devices)
- Available policies: Single device, multiple devices
- Works directly with several top wireless providers
- Easy claims process
- Robust coverage that includes loss
- Higher deductibles for some devices
- Doesn’t offer the lowest premiums on the market
The Asurion online claims portal makes it easy to submit a claim, and policyholders can typically expect a replacement phone to arrive via mail in as little as 24 hours. Not all damaged devices require a replacement, however. Customers with a cracked screen or those who want to work directly with a technician can take their issue to one of the company's more than 700 Asurion Tech Repair & Solutions or uBreakiFix stores. For added convenience, they can also schedule a home or office visit with an Asurion technician. With so many repair options, it’s easy for customers to find one that works best.
Plans & Pricing
Purchasing options vary by cell provider, device type (e.g., smartphones and watches), and plan. Deductibles for replacement phones also vary by device, with more expensive or newer phones carrying larger deductibles. Screen repairs, which often don’t require a replacement phone, are more affordable.Best for Options : Progressive
- Deductible: $75
- Average monthly premium: $8 to $10 per month
- Available policies: Single device, multiple devices
- Multi-device plans
- Customizable coverage
- Discount for Progressive customers
- Full payment required for two- and three-year policies
- Does not cover manufacturer defects
Plans & Pricing
Protection plans are highly customizable, but customers can typically secure basic coverage for as little as $8 to $10 a month per device with a $75 deductible. Customers can save 5% on their premium with they buy coverage directly through Progressive.
While selecting coverage, customers have the option to select the coverage amount ($400 to $1,499) and policy term (one to three years) for each device. They can save more by selecting the two- or three-year policy option, though they’ll need to pay for the plan in full. If the customer prefers monthly payments, they’ll likely need to select the one-year policy option.Final Verdict
Cellphone insurance can help customers protect their devices and avoid costly repairs or replacements. In some cases, finding the right insurance provider may be as easy as signing up for insurance through a wireless provider or the device manufacturer. That’s true for providers like Asurion, AppleCare+, and Samsung Care+. Another great place where customers can find coverage is through their home or auto insurance provider. Both Progressive and AllState (SquareTrade) have cellphone insurance plans that offer competitive premiums and deductibles—perhaps unlocking existing customer savings. If neither of those options is ideal, new and alternative providers like AKKO may provide suitable coverage at affordable rates.Compare the Best Cellphone Insurance
Company | Deductible | Average Monthly Premium | Types of Phones Covered | Available Policies |
---|---|---|---|---|
Best for Policy Budget |
$29 to $99 | $6 to $12 per month (single phone) $14 - $15 (phone plus other devices) | Various | Phone Only, Everything Protected |
Best for Families |
$149 | $8.99 to $19.99 per month | Various | Single plan, family plan |
Best for iPhones |
$29 to $149 | $3.99 to $13.49 per month | iPhones | AppleCare+, AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss |
Best for Samsung Phones |
$0 to $199 | $3 to $16 per month | Samsung | Samsung Care+, Samsung Care+ with Theft and Loss |
Best for Easy Claims |
$29 to $499 | $12 to $15 per month (single device) $45 per month (multiple devices) | Various | Single device, multiple devices |
Best for Options |
$75 | $8 to $10 per month | Various | Single device, multiple devices |
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Why Get a Protection Plan for a Cell Phone?
Cellphone insurance covers different types of damage that may impair or prevent a phone from working. Though coverage can vary based on the provider, as well as the age of and type of phone, many policies include the following:- Accidental damage (e.g., drops)
- Liquid damage (e.g., spills or submersion)
- Mechanical issues
- Theft and sometimes loss
-
How Much Is Cell Phone Insurance on Average?
The cost of cellphone insurance can vary based on the make, model, and age of the phone as well as the insurance provider you select. Generally, policies are available for anywhere from $5 to $20 a month, with most falling squarely in the middle. -
Is Cell Phone Insurance Worth the Cost?
Cell phone insurance may be a worthwhile expense if you frequently damage or lose your phone or if you can’t afford the upfront costs associated with repairs or device replacements. This is particularly true for smartphones, which can cost several hundred dollars to replace.Cellphone insurance may also make sense if you’re financing a phone and would need to pay off the damaged phone while also purchasing a new one. -
Can You Get Cell Phone Insurance After Purchase?
Yes, although, you may need to go through some additional steps. For instance, AppleCare+ customers can insure their iPhones within 60 days of purchase. After that point, customers must take their phone to an Apple retail location for an inspection before they can purchase a policy.