When the iPhone first came out, one thing that a lot of people were hoping for was a somewhat inexpensive way to get insurance for their devices. Nowadays, that’s no different — new iPhone models can run at over $1,000!
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- How to Transfer an AppleCare Plan to a New Device
We’ve all been there before when it comes to iPhones and damage. Maybe you dropped your phone on the floor and cracked your screen, or perhaps you endured the embarrassment of your iPhone falling in the toilet. Insurance can at least cushion some of these problems, but is it worth buying from Apple or your smartphone carrier?
Today, we’ll answer that question. You’ll learn about Apple’s iPhone insurance options, along with what’s available for some of the major US smartphone network providers.
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Carrier Insurance
AT&T and many other carriers now offer insurance for the iPhone. It can run on the pricey side of things, so it’s up to you to determine whether or not it’s worth getting.
AT&T has two insurance plans: AT&T Protect Advantage for 1 and AT&T Protect Advantage for 4.
AT&T Protect Advantage for 1
AT&T Protect Advantage for 1 costs either $14 or $17 per month, and how much you pay depends on your model. That price is also for each enrolled mobile number.
With this plan, you can utilize the following:
- The maximum device value per claim can be up to $3,500.
- You can get up to three claims for loss, theft, and physical damage.
- If your smartphone is out of warranty, you can get an unlimited number of malfunction claims.
- Cancelation is possible whenever you want, and you won’t need to pay an additional fee.
- Minus the service fee, you can get as many screen replacements as you need.
When using this plan, it’s worth noting that you’ll need to pay a deductible/service fee for each file you claim. You cannot get a refund on this, and it will cost anywhere from $25 to $75 — depending on your individual circumstances.
AT&T Protect Advantage for 4
If you have more devices, you might want to consider AT&T Protect Advantage for 4. The $45/mo fee is for each account, rather than needing to pay for every phone number. Whereas the previously-mentioned insurance plan offers protection for one device, this one lets you insure up to four. Moreover, you can get protection on phones that don’t have an AT&T Wireless plan.
- Compared to the two included in the Advantage or 1 plan, you can get up to six shared claims for accidental damage from handling within a 12-month spell.
- You get up to eight shared claims for loss, theft, or physical damage.
- Each device claim must have a maximum value of $3,500.
- Deductible/service fees vary between $25 and $275.
- Like with the previously-mentioned plan, you can cancel whenever you want.
You can learn more about both AT&T plans here.
Verizon Customer?…
If you are on Verizon or looking to switch to Verizon, their insurance is similar to AT&T. Learn more about what Verizon has to offer here.
Should You Get AppleCare Instead?
AppleCare+ is another option for iPhone insurance. Remember that all iPhones you purchase either new or refurbished by Apple come with an automatic one-year warranty, and you don’t need to pay for this.
This Free Warranty Covers:
- One-year limited warranty against defects that might arise
- 90 days complimentary phone support
Note, however, that some forms of damage aren’t included in the one-year warranty. This includes water damage, so you should still be careful when using your device.
You do need to purchase AppleCare+ for your new iPhone within 60 days of your iPhone purchase…
- Online (requires you to verify your serial number and run a remote diagnostic)
- At an Apple Store (inspection of iPhone and proof of purchase are required)
- Or call (800) 275-2273 (requires you to run a remote diagnostic and provide proof of purchase)
You can also buy AppleCare+ when you first purchase your iPhone without waiting.
Option 1: Apple Care+
With AppleCare+, you get:
- 24/7 priority access to Apple Support
- Apple hardware coverage
- Software support
- Express Replacement Service
- Accidental damage coverage
- 2-year warranty against any defects
- 2-year complimentary phone support
- NO protection against theft or loss
AppleCare+ for iPhone includes up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage for a reduced fee. Plus, you get Apple’s Express Replacement Service2 and 24/7 priority access to Apple experts by chat or phone.
How much you pay for AppleCare+ depends on the device you have. Below is a rundown of the different pricing:
- iPhone SE (3rd gen): $3.99/mo ($79 for two years)
- iPhone 12-iPhone 14: $7.99/mo ($149 for two years)
- iPhone 14 Plus: $8.99/mo ($179 for two years)
- iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 14 Pro Max: $9.99/mo ($199 for two years)
Option 2: AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss
AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss offers the following benefits:
- 24/7 priority access to Apple Support
- Apple hardware coverage
- Software support
- Express Replacement Service
- Accidental damage coverage
- Theft and loss coverage
AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss includes up to two incidents of accidental damage, plus theft, or loss coverage, each subject to a small fee deductible. You still get Express Replacement Service2 and 24/7 priority access to Apple experts by chat or phone.
For valid Theft and loss coverage, Apple requires you to have Find My enabled on your device at the time it is lost or stolen.
Prices for AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss are as follows:
- iPhone SE (3rd gen): $7.49/mo ($149 for two years)
- iPhone 12-14: $11.49/mo ($219 for two years)
- iPhone 14 Plus: $12.49/mo ($249 for two years)
- iPhone 14 Pro/Pro Max: $13.49/mo ($269 for two years)
AppleCare+ Service Fees
If you get AppleCare+, you’ll still need to pay service and/or deductible fees when something goes wrong. Accidental damage costs $99, with the exception of screen or back glass damage — which is priced at $29. Meanwhile, theft or loss costs $149.
Those fees might seem excessive, but you should also remember that the cost of buying a new iPhone is much higher.
What About Credit Card Coverage?
Some credit cards offer warranty extensions and other benefits. The caveat is that you must have paid for your iPhone completely on the credit card.
Check with your credit card company regarding your protection and benefits.
Well, it kind of depends. If you really need peace of mind for your iPhone, and you tend to be accident-prone, then it may be something to get.
There’s a lot to think about since you almost always pay a deductible per incident AND there is also a limit the number of claims you can file. Plus, you might get sent a refurbished iPhone rather than a new device if you need a replacement.
So in reality, this insurance may not necessarily be worth the price. However, you need to use your own judgement to determine whether it’s worth buying.
It might be worth getting AppleCare+…
If you only have a two-year phone contract or something similar, buying insurance might not be worthwhile. But if you don’t have a phone contract, and you plan on keeping your device for longer than two years, you should strongly consider purchasing AppleCare+.
iPhone Insurance: An Important Consideration
When purchasing a new iPhone, it’s important to think about the other additional costs that might be associated. Insurance is something that you should especially keep a strong eye on, and for some people, it might be a worthwhile investment.
You can buy smartphone insurance from your network carrier, but it’s also possible to protect your device with AppleCare+. Besides the monthly fees, you should also keep in mind potential service fees and deductibles that you might have to pay.
Danny has been a professional writer since graduating from university in 2016, but he’s been writing online for over a decade. He has been intrigued by Apple products ever since getting an iPod Shuffle in 2008 and particularly enjoys writing about iPhones and iPads. Danny prides himself on making complex topics easy to understand. In his spare time, he’s a keen photographer.
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