Jul 6, 2023
Is Cell Phone Insurance Worth It?
We take a look at the pros and cons of the question, should you buy cell phone insurance?
Reading time: 9 minutes
Whether you're a casual phone user or you live and breathe your mobile device, there's no denying that cell phones are expensive. The average cost of a new iPhone is now over $1,000, and that's not even counting the price of insurance. Wireless carriers typically offer cell phone insurance plans for an additional monthly fee, (in fact PureTalk offers device protection plans through Allstate starting at just $4 per month for each device covered!)
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the right decision for you will depend on several factors. According to Consumer Reports, phone insurance can be a good idea if you're worried about losing your phone or damaging it beyond repair. However, they also warn that there are some potential downsides to consider before signing up for a policy.
The downside of cell phone insurance:
For one thing, smartphone insurance coverage typically comes with a deductible that you'll have to pay in the event of a claim. The deductibles can be as high as $200 or more, which means it may not make financial sense to file a claim unless the damage to your phone is significant.
Additionally, most insurance policies won't cover either lost phones or stolen phones, meaning you'll still be on the hook for the full cost of a replacement phone if yours goes missing. And even if your insurance policy somehow does cover loss or theft, there's a good chance you'll have to pay a deductible and deal with a lengthy insurance claim process.
Here are a few things to consider when making your decision:
How much does the phone cost?
If you have a relatively inexpensive phone, you may not need insurance. For example, if your phone is a few years old or if it's a budget model, it may not be worth spending the extra money on insurance
On the other hand, if you have a brand-new, high-end phone, insurance may be a good idea. These expensive phones can cost several thousand dollars to replace, so insurance can give you peace of mind in case something happens to your phone.
How often do you use your phone?
If you're someone who only uses their phone for occasional calls and texts, you may not need to buy phone insurance anyway. However, if you rely on your phone for work or you're constantly using it for social media, streaming, gaming, etc., insurance can be a good idea. A broken phone could not only be a major inconvenience, but it could also interrupt your business.
Basically, the more you use your phone, the greater the risk of something happening to it. So, if you're a heavy phone user, insurance may be worth the cost.
Do you have a history of accidents?
If you're the type of person who is always dropping their phone or spilling things on it, insurance may be a good idea. Accidents happen, and if you're prone to them, insurance can save you a lot of money in the long run.
On the other hand, if you're careful with your phone and you don't have a history of accidents, you may not need insurance.
What does the phone insurance cover?
When considering whether or not to get insurance for your phone, it's important to find out what the covered loss the insurance covers. Some policies will only cover damage caused by accidents, while others will also cover damage loss and theft and loss.
It's also worth noting that some homeowners' insurance companies or renters insurance policies will cover your phone in case of damage or theft, so you may already be covered.
Some cell phone insurance policies also come with additional perks, such as coverage for cracked screens or water damage. These added features can make the policy more expensive, but they may be worth it depending on your needs.
According to Flo from Progressive, “Depending on your plan, cell phone insurance typically covers damage caused by accidents and theft, up to a selected limit or the replacement cost of your phone. Although coverage plans vary by carrier, here's what a cell phone insurance plan from Progressive Phone and Electronic Device Insurance by Worth Ave. Group covers, regardless of your phone's age, make, model, or if it's new, used, or refurbished: Liquid damage, theft and vandalism, drops and accidental damage, breaks and cracked screens, fire, flood, and natural disasters, and power surges from lightning.”
So, is the monthly cost of cell phone insurance worth it? Let's take a look at the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Should you buy cell phone insurance
The Pros of Phone Insurance
1. Theft and loss Coverage:
Perhaps the biggest benefit of phone insurance is that it covers the cost of replacing your phone if it's lost, stolen, or damaged. Without insurance, you would have to pay the full price of a new phone out of pocket, which could set you back hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
2. Accidental Damage Protection:
Most phone manufacturers' insurance plans for smartphones also cover accidental damage, such as cracked screens and water damage. Again, this type of damage can be expensive to repair without insurance, so it's nice to have that peace of mind knowing that you're covered in case of an accident.
3. Extended Warranty:
Some phone insurance plans also come with an extended warranty, which means you'll be covered for manufacturing defects that are not covered by the manufacturer's warranty or your standard warranty. This can be a lifesaver if your phone starts having problems shortly after your warranty expires.
The Cons of Phone Insurance
1. Monthly Premiums:
The biggest downside to phone insurance is the monthly premium. These premiums can add up over time, and they're often more than what you would pay to repair or replace your phone on your own.
How much does cell phone insurance worth really cost? It depends on the insurance company and the type of coverage you choose, but you can expect to pay an average price around $7-10 per month for most plans.
But some can cost as much as $30 per month. Many credit card benefits include phone insurance if you pay your monthly installment plan with that credit card.
2. Deductibles:
In addition to monthly premiums, most phone insurance plans also come with a deductible that you have to pay when you file a claim. This deductible can range from $50 to $200 or more depending on the plan and the insurer.
So, even with insurance, you're still going to have to pay something out of pocket if something happens to your phone.
3. Limited Coverage:
Another downside to phone insurance is that it typically only covers physical damage and theft/loss—it does not cover things like data loss or malware infections. And even if your own insurance plan does cover physical damage, there may be certain types of damage that are not covered (e.g., cosmetic damage). So it's important to read the fine print to know exactly what your phone insurance will cover before signing up for a plan.
Things You Can Do To Protect Your Phone From Damage
1. Keep your phone in a case or protective pouch when you're not using it, and use a screen protector.
It may seem like a nuisance to put your phone in a case or pouch before putting it in your bag, but protecting it from scratches and shocks can save you a lot of money and stress in the long run. While screen protectors won't prevent damage from a heavy impact, they can help prevent scratches and cracks from daily use. And investing in these safeguards now can save you from needing to replace your screen or even your entire phone later on. Plus, keeping your phone protected can also add years to its lifespan, resulting in fewer environmental impacts from constantly replacing devices. The small effort and cost of using cases and screen protectors is worth it to keep your phone looking (and functioning) like new.
2. Avoid exposing your phone to extreme temperatures.
Did you know that your phone can be significantly damaged by extreme temperatures? Exposing your phone to hot temperatures, such as leaving it in a car on a sunny day or near a heat source, can cause the battery to swell and potentially burst. On the other hand, exposing it to very cold temperatures can cause the battery to drain quickly and potentially damage the screen.
In order to ensure the longevity of your device, it's important to keep it at room temperature and avoid any extreme heat or cold. If you're heading out in strong sunlight or subzero temperatures, consider investing in a protective case or keeping your device close to your body to maintain a comfortable environment for it. Taking these precautions will help prolong the life of your phone and prevent costly repairs.
3. Don't drop your phone or subject it to other forceful impacts.
While it may seem like common sense, it's quite easy to accidentally drop and damage our phones. And we've all heard the horror stories of cracked screens and water damage. But it's important to remember that these small impacts can also affect the inner workings of our devices. Continuous drops and forceful impacts can loosen connections and cause internal malfunctions, leading to decreased performance or even complete breakdown.
So, take a little extra care with your phone – try using a case or grip to prevent accidental drops, or invest in a quality screen protector to cushion any falls. Trust us – it'll save you a lot of headaches (and potentially money) in the long run. Plus, taking care of our devices helps prolong their lifespan and reduce unnecessary waste. It's a win-win for both you and the environment!
4. Don't get your phone wet; keep it away from liquids of any kind.
Your phone may seem indestructible at times, but it's important to remember that it's actually quite sensitive. One easy way to ruin your phone is by exposing it to liquids. Whether it be a spilled drink or an accidental drop in the toilet, water damage can lead to malfunction and even permanent damage to your device. It's best to keep your phone away from any type of liquid, and if it does happen to get wet, don't try to turn it on or plug it in right away. Instead, dry it off with a towel and allow it time to air dry before attempting to use it again. A little caution can save you the headache (and expenses) of dealing with a water-damaged phone. So remember: when in doubt, keep your phone far away from liquids of any kind.
If Your Phone Gets Wet: “Fill a plastic zip-top bag with silica gel packets and bury the phone in the bag. Leave your phone in the bag for 24–48 hours” say the experts at Asurion. “After you’ve allowed your phone to fully dry, switch it on. If it doesn’t turn on right away, charge it fully and try again.”)
5. Keep your phone clean and free of dust and other foreign particles.
Keeping your phone clean not only preserves its aesthetics but also helps it run smoothly. Dust and other small particles can build up on the screen or the charging ports, causing the device to malfunction or decrease in speed. One way to prevent this buildup is to regularly wipe down the device with a microfiber cloth or lightly dampened cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals as they may damage the delicate components of your phone. Additionally, consider investing in a case or dust cover for added protection against dirt and grime. Taking a few minutes each week to clean your phone can significantly extend its lifespan and improve its performance. So don't forget to keep your device clean for optimal function!
6. Be careful what you put on or near your phone; some chemicals can damage it.
Many of us keep our cell phones within arm's reach at all times, but it's important to be cautious about what we expose them to. Certain chemicals, such as solvents and cleaning agents, can potentially damage the exterior or even the internal components of our precious devices. Even simple activities like applying lotion or spraying perfume can have damaging effects if they come in contact with the phone. It's best to err on the side of caution and avoid exposing your phone to any potentially harmful substances. Likewise, storing your phone in a bag or pocket with keys or other sharp objects can cause physical damage. Give your phone the love and care it deserves by keeping it safe from harmful chemicals and physical dangers. Taking these precautions will help ensure that you can continue to rely on your trusty sidekick for all your communication needs.
7. Regularly back up the data stored on your phone so you don't lose it if something happens to the physical device.
Did you know that losing the data stored on your phone – photos, contacts, text messages – can be just as devastating as losing the physical device itself? In fact, recovering lost or stolen phone data can often be even more difficult and expensive. That's why it's crucial to back up your phone regularly. Many cloud storage services offer automatic backups, so all you have to do is set it and forget it. And even if you prefer to save your backups locally, setting a reminder for yourself once a month or so can go a long way in protecting your important information. Don't let a lost or damaged phone ruin all your memories and valuable contacts – make sure to regularly back up the data stored on your device.
Conclusion:
So, is phone insurance worth it? That depends on several factors, such as how much you're willing to pay in monthly premiums and deductibles and whether you need coverage for things like accidental damage and data, loss and other theft coverage.
You should also take into consideration the type of phone you have and how likely it is to be lost, stolen, or damaged. If you have an expensive phone and you're worried about losing or damaging it, then phone insurance may be a good option for you.
But if you have a cheaper phone and you're not as worried about losing or damaging it, then you may not need insurance. Ultimately, the decision is up to you.
If you decide that no cell phone insurance plan is right for you, be sure to shop around and compare plans from different insurers to find the best coverage at the best price.
Now that you learned all about cell phone insurance in general, take a look at Allstate Device Protection with PureTalk!
About Allstate Device Protection from PureTalk
PureTalk offers device protection plans through Allstate starting at just $4 per month for each device covered! The monthly cost is determined by the type of device(s) you wish to protect. You can add Allstate protection to any working phone, whether it's a brand new device or an older one that you're still using. Allstate offers same-day repairs in most areas, free shipping for mail-in repairs, easy online claims 24/7, and worldwide coverage. For complete coverage details view full Terms & Conditions at SquareTrade Terms and Conditions
Allstate Protection plans cover accidents such as drops and spills as well as product breakdowns due to normal use. Examples include cracked screens, liquid damage, charging port failure, speaker and sound failure, touchscreen failure, and button failure. Intentional damage, lost or misplaced devices, and theft are not covered. Please Note: Plans include up to 1 claim per year for continuing coverage. While two approved claims are allowed within a 12-month rolling period (beginning on the fulfillment date of the first replacement), coverage will conclude after the second claim. For complete coverage details, view full Terms & Conditions at here.
Allstate makes it easy to file a claim. Do so anytime, 24/7 at All State Protection.
No longer wish to have your device protected by Allstate's Protection Plan? That’s ok. You can cancel it at any time. Please keep in mind that any damage or defects will no longer be covered once device protection is canceled. If you wish to cancel your device protection plan, you may do so online through your customer portal or by calling in to speak with one of our customer service representatives.
Allstate Protection Plans offer continuous coverage. It's not like a warranty which only lasts for a set number of years. Coverage will only end when a new device is purchased, or the plan is canceled. If a new device is purchased, Allstate Protection can be added to your new device for the same continuous coverage!
Wondering how you pay for Allstate Protection? Easily! If one or more of your devices is covered by Allstate Protection, the monthly cost of the protection plan will be added to your monthly Pure Talk bill.
Why choose PureTalk?
When you choose PureTalk, you’re choosing to support a company whose values align with your own. You’re choosing to support a company that's veteran-led, pro-America, and supports our military.
You’re also choosing to support American jobs:100% of our customer service is based right here in the United States.
Plus, with PureTalk, you can bring your own phone, and keep your old phone number or choose from our terrific selection of the latest iPhones and Androids.
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Posted 1 year ago