Is Cell Phone Insurance Worth It?

Yes. Cell phones are fragile, expensive, and easy to damage. Replacing or repairing a phone can cost hundreds of dollars, but having smartphone insurance greatly reduces the cost and inconvenience of unavoidable accidents and loss.

What is cell phone insurance?

Cell phone insurance plans protect against damage to your device that isn't covered by the manufacturer's warranty, in addition to protecting stolen phones. It's like any other insurance plan where you pay a monthly or yearly premium for your coverage, and then your phone is protected in the event of a covered loss.

How does cell phone insurance work?

When purchasing smartphone insurance, choose the coverage amount and policy term that fits your needs. Coverage amounts will vary and policy terms last anywhere from one to three years. In the event of a covered loss, your insurer will pay to repair or replace your phone, minus your deductible.

What does a cell phone insurance plan cover?

Although coverage plans vary by carrier, here's what a plan from Progressive Phone and Electronic Device Insurance by Worth Ave. Group will cover, 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
• Power surges from lightning

What isn't covered by cell phone insurance?

Here's a list of what a cell phone insurance plan typically won't cover:

• Tampering
• Modifications
• Natural wear and tear
• Cosmetic flaws
• Unauthorized repairs

Your cell phone will come with a manufacturer's warranty that usually covers any defects or malfunctions that are the fault of the manufacturer. For example, if your charging port, camera, or software is defective and it's a manufacturing error, your phone's warranty would cover the cost of fixing or replacing your cell phone.

How much is a cell phone insurance plan?

The cost of your cell phone insurance plan can vary based on the carrier you choose, type of coverage, and the amount of your deductible. With Progressive Phone and Electronic Device Insurance by Worth Ave. Group, you can get two years of iPhone insurance for as low as $8/month*Disclaimer with unlimited claims. Plus, you'll get a 5% discount when you buy your policy through Progressive.

Keep in mind, most cell phone insurance deductibles range from $50 to $200, but can vary based on the brand, model, age of your phone, your coverage amounts, and policy terms.

Why do I need cell phone insurance?

The high cost to repair or replace a phone can make phone insurance a near necessity. And for most people, their phone is a vital part of their day-to-day life, whether it's for business or personal use. Suddenly damaging your phone immediately disrupts your ability to communicate with friends, family, and co-workers. But with smartphone insurance, a potentially expensive and inconvenient problem becomes very easy to fix.

Still not sure if you need mobile phone protection? Consider these questions when deciding if you should get cell phone insurance:

• Do you use your cell phone to stay connected with family and friends?
• Do you use your phone for work, emergencies, internet access, or all of the above?
• Do you have a history of having your phone stolen or dropping it?
• Do you use your phone while exercising or being active?
• Do you have children who use your phone?
• Do you own an expensive smartphone or iPhone that would be costly to replace without insurance?
• Do you rely on your personal cell phone for business and would need a repair or replacement as soon as possible if it was damaged or stolen?
• Do you work in extreme conditions near water or heavy machinery that could put your phone at risk?

If your answer is "yes" for any of the above, then cell phone insurance can be a smart choice. If you're not prepared to spend hundreds of dollars to repair or replace your phone at any moment, cell phone insurance can save you time, money, and the headache of being stranded with a broken phone.

If you're looking for this type of insurance please give us a call to discuss it, 518-664-7307

This article originally appeared on the Progessive blog.