Phone insurance and device protection

Phone protection plans are often added when you buy a phone, sometimes quickly at checkout. They can help if you often break or lose phones, but monthly fees plus deductibles can add up to more than a repair. There is no free version of phone insurance, but you may already have some coverage. This page explains common tricks, what to check, and how to cancel.

Common problems to watch for

Protection added at checkout without a clear explanation
Low monthly fee but a high deductible for each claim
Fine print that limits claims per year or excludes loss
Replacement with a refurbished phone instead of new
Coverage that overlaps with the maker's warranty in the first year
Hard-to-find cancellation steps after the plan is added to your bill

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Free and low-cost alternatives

Ask: do you need it?There is no free phone insurance. If you rarely break phones, setting aside money for repairs, using a sturdy case and screen protector may cost less over time.

The maker's warrantyNew phones come with a manufacturer's warranty. Apple's iPhone warranty lasts one year in the U.S. It covers defects, not accidental damage, so check what your phone's warranty covers.

Coverage you may already haveSome credit cards include cell phone protection when you pay your phone bill with that card, and some home or renters policies cover theft. Check your benefits.

Availability depends on your device and model. AblePro has no relationship with any company named here.

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What fair pricing looks like

A reasonable plan has a clear monthly price, a deductible you can afford, and plain rules about what is covered. Add up a year of fees plus one deductible and compare that with the cost of a repair.

Before you pay

Add a year of monthly fees plus one deductible and compare that with a repair.
Check whether loss and theft are covered, or only damage.
Ask whether replacements are new or refurbished.
Check your credit card benefits and home or renters insurance.
Find out how to cancel and whether there is a waiting period to add it back.

How to cancel

If the plan is on your phone bill, cancel through your carrier's online account, by chat, or in a store.
If you bought it from the phone maker or a store, cancel through that company's account page or support.
If it was bought through an app subscription, cancel in App Store or Google Play subscription settings.
Ask whether you get a refund for unused time and get a written confirmation of the cancellation.
Check your next bill to make sure the charge is gone.

Step-by-step cancel guide for iPhone, Android and PayPal →

Common questions

Is phone insurance worth it?

It depends on your habits and phone. If you often drop or lose phones, or have an expensive phone, a plan may help. If not, monthly fees plus deductibles may cost more than a repair. Add up a year of payments plus one deductible and compare it with typical repair costs before deciding.

Does my phone's warranty cover a cracked screen?

Usually not. A manufacturer's warranty generally covers defects in how the phone was made, not accidents like drops or water damage. Apple's iPhone warranty, for example, is a one-year limited warranty. Read your phone maker's warranty terms to see exactly what is covered and for how long.

Can I cancel phone protection anytime?

Many plans let you cancel at any time, but rules vary. Some may not let you add coverage back later, or may require an inspection if you do. Check the plan terms, cancel with whoever bills you, ask for written confirmation, and review your next statement to make sure the charge stopped.

General consumer information, not legal or financial advice. Reports reflect the experiences and opinions of their writers, not AblePro, Inc. We check reports against our posting rules but do not verify them.