Guide to Cell Phone Insurance (2025)

Ever accidentally crack your smartphone screen? Then you likely know repairs are costly, and a new smartphone can easily set you back more than $1,000. Fortunately, cell phone insurance is relatively affordable and covers most accidental damage and theft.1

Cell phone insurance can be especially beneficial if you have a high-end device like an iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, or foldable phone. Here’s a look at this coverage, how it works, how it protects your devices, and more.

Compare cell phone insurance plans

If you’re considering cell phone insurance, here’s an at-a-glance comparison of common two-year plans for full coverage on an iPhone or smartphone worth up to $800. 

Most plans offer monthly or annual contracts, and deductible amounts generally depend on the extent of the damage, according to Insurify data.

When shopping for cell phone insurance, you can buy coverage from a wireless company, manufacturer, or third party. Here’s a deeper look at each.

Carrier insurance

Carrier insurance is coverage you get through your wireless provider, and the cost is usually rolled into your monthly bill. Examples of this coverage include AT&T Protect Advantage, T-Mobile Protection360, and Verizon Mobile Protect. Plans from mobile carriers generally have different eligibility requirements, including time frame for activation and which devices qualify.

With Verizon Mobile Protect, for example, you need to enroll within 30 days of:2

• Purchasing and activating a new device

• Upgrading an existing device

• Activating an eligible existing device on a new line of service

Manufacturer protection

Manufacturer protection comes directly from your smartphone manufacturer and usually provides protection beyond the manufacturer’s warranty. Samsung Care+ and AppleCare+ with Theft & Loss are two examples of this coverage.

You can purchase Samsung Care+ for eligible Samsung watches, smartphones, and tablets, and AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss is available for Apple Watches, iPads, and iPhones. Eligibility requirements vary based on the type of plan you choose.

Third-party insurers

Cell phone insurance is also available from third-party insurers. These companies may include traditional insurers, such as Allstate operating as SquareTrade, or specialty insurers like Worth Ave. Group. 

Eligibility requirements may be more flexible with third-party insurers. For instance, SquareTrade is available for any smartphone, no matter its age or model.3

What cell phone insurance covers

In general, cell phone insurance covers you against losses from common mishaps and malfunctions. Depending on your plan, you might have protection against:

• Accidental damage from liquids

• Cracked screens

• Damage from power surges, fire, or flood

• Theft and vandalism

• Battery replacement (for bad batteries)

• Post-warranty malfunction

Your exact coverage will vary depending on the insurance provider and policy type. Some policies may have certain exclusions, like loss or theft. You might also need to pay a deductible for some services.

Cell phone insurance commonly covers a cracked screen, so you’ll likely be able to file a claim for repair or replacement. But you may have to pay a deductible before it can get fixed. Some insurers allow you to get your phone repaired locally, or you may have to send it away for repairs.

What cell phone insurance doesn’t cover

Cell phone insurance generally has some exclusions. Most smartphone coverage doesn’t cover:

• Cosmetic damage

• Intentional damage

• Loss due to negligence

• Problems due to unauthorized repairs

• Software issues 

Plans are also unlikely to protect against gradual wear and tear. And there’s often a specified distinction between “repairable damage” and “non-covered damage.” For instance, a cracked screen typically falls into the repairable damage category, while a scratched screen may be considered non-covered damage. Read the fine print of your policy for a full picture of what’s covered, or check with your insurer.

How to buy cell phone insurance

Carrier insurance and manufacturer’s protection are often the most convenient coverages to purchase. Both are easily available when you purchase or upgrade your device. Keep in mind that some plans require purchase within a certain time frame of a new phone purchase or upgrade — often within 30 to 60 days. 

Here’s a general overview of the process of buying a cell phone insurance plan:

Is cell phone protection worth it?

Cell phone protection may be worth the cost, but it depends on several factors. One important thing to consider is whether your home and renters insurance or credit card offers sufficient coverage. As you weigh your options, be mindful of the value of your phone, your preferred risk level, and your ability to pay out of pocket for cell phone repair or replacement.

Let’s say you have a $1,000 iPhone. Your cell phone insurance costs $9 per month, and you have a $150 deductible. The cost of just $108 annually could be well worth it if you don’t have a repair fund set aside in savings. This is especially true if you’re insuring your teen’s phone, you’re prone to dropping your smartphone, or if your phone is likely to get damaged at work.

Cell phone insurance FAQs