What Does iPhone Insurance Cover and What Are the Options

If you're considering purchasing iPhone insurance, you're likely wondering what exactly it covers. iPhone insurance typically covers accidental damage, such as cracked screens or water damage.

There are several options available, including AppleCare+, which covers up to two incidents of accidental damage in a 12-month period. AppleCare+ also includes 24/7 support and a one-year warranty.

One notable benefit of AppleCare+ is the option to purchase it up to 60 days after your iPhone purchase. This is a great option if you've already purchased your iPhone but didn't opt for insurance at the time.

The cost of AppleCare+ varies depending on the iPhone model and your location, but it's typically around $200-$300. This may seem like a lot, but it's a small price to pay for peace of mind.

There are several types of iPhone insurance plans available, each with its own set of features and prices.

AppleCare Plus is one of the most popular options, with prices ranging from $8 to $10 per month, depending on the iPhone model. It covers repairs for accidental damage, such as cracked screens, and also includes a replacement option if your iPhone is stolen or lost.

Some wireless carriers, like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, also offer their own insurance plans. These plans can be more expensive than AppleCare Plus, with prices ranging from $17 to $18 per month. However, they may offer additional benefits, such as coverage for water damage or unauthorized calls.

It's worth noting that some wireless carriers may automatically enroll you in their insurance plan when you add a new device to your account, so be sure to check your bill carefully to avoid any unexpected charges. In fact, the author of this article can attest to the importance of double-checking your bill, having once been mistakenly enrolled in T-Mobile's Protection 360 plan for their Apple Watch SE.

Here's a breakdown of the costs for different iPhone insurance plans:

Ultimately, the best insurance plan for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. Be sure to carefully review the features and costs of each plan before making a decision.

AT&T offers device insurance through its Protect Advantage plans, which include perks alongside device repairs and replacements. You can enroll in Protect Advantage either within 30 days of activating a new device or during an open enrollment period.

The Protect Advantage plans offer next-day delivery and setup for replacement devices, unlimited screen repairs at $29 per occurrence, and unlimited battery replacement. Each approved repair claim will come with a service fee or replacement deductible, ranging from $25 to $275 depending on the device and if a replacement is necessary.

AT&T's Protect Advantage plans are available as either a single-device plan or a multiple-device plan, with the former pricing at $14 or $17 per month depending on your device. The multiple-device plan supports up to four phones, tablets, smartwatches, or connected laptops at $45 per month.

T-Mobile offers two phone insurance plans: Basic Device Protection and Protection 360. The Basic Device Protection plan is exclusively focused on repairing a damaged phone or replacing it in the event of theft, but it doesn't cover cosmetic damage like scratches and dents.

T-Mobile's Protection 360 wraps together T-Mobile's Jump program and repair services provided by AppleCare Plus for two years. If AppleCare isn't part of the repair, Protection 360 will provide device repairs handled through Assurant or replacements by T-Mobile.

Verizon's Mobile Protect plans offer unlimited screen repair after April 27, and you can enroll in their plans either within 30 days of activating a new device or during an open enrollment period.

Here's a comparison of the carrier-specific protection plans:

Apple's own cover plan, AppleCare+, specifically covers damage, including cracked screens, for a £25 excess that can be used twice a year. This plan also covers other damage for a one-off £79 excess.

Accidental damage, such as a cracked screen or a drop in the pool, is covered by iPhone insurance, which can help cushion the blow of repairing or replacing your iPhone. With this safety net, you can ease your worries about the repercussions of those untimely accidents.

iPhone insurance typically provides cover for theft, loss, and unauthorised calls or app purchases made when the phone is not with you. This can give you peace of mind knowing that you're protected against these risks.

You can get AppleCare+ coverage for a variety of Apple products, including iPhones, Beats, and more. AppleCare+ offers protection against accidental damage, theft, and loss for these products.

The cost of AppleCare+ varies depending on the product and the level of coverage you choose. For example, AppleCare+ for an iPhone 13 costs between $257 and $397, depending on the type of damage.

Here's a breakdown of the costs for AppleCare+ coverage on different Apple products:

It's worth noting that AppleCare+ coverage is not the only option available. You can also choose to pay for repairs out of pocket, or purchase a third-party warranty plan that may offer more coverage and flexibility.

If your iPhone is stolen, you're not stuck with the bill for unauthorised calls.

Many policies cover the cost of these unauthorised calls, shielding you from the impact of a costly phone bill.

Insurance for unauthorised calls is like a safety net, protecting you from a sky-high bill on top of the distress of a stolen phone.

This means you can avoid the nasty shock of a large phone bill, even in the most difficult circumstances.

AppleCare won't cover cosmetic damage like scuffs, scratches, or dings, so if you're prone to accidents, you might want to consider a screen protector.

You'll also be paying out-of-pocket for repairs if you don't have AppleCare, which can be a costly mistake if your phone needs significant repairs.

Damage caused by using your phone in an unintended way is also not covered, so be careful not to try out any crazy stunts with your iPhone.

If a third-party product has damaged your phone, AppleCare won't cover the repair either, so be mindful of the accessories you use.

Pre-existing conditions, like a cracked screen, won't be covered by AppleCare, even if you add protection after the damage has been done.

AppleCare+ can cost between $8 and $11.49 per month, or $149 to $219 for two years, depending on the iPhone model and coverage level.

You can choose to pay for individual repairs out-of-pocket, which can be more cost-effective if you don't need frequent repairs. Apple has published a cost chart for iPhone screen repairs, which can range from $29 to $179.

There are also alternative warranty providers that offer similar coverage to AppleCare+, such as Best Buy and Allstate, which can provide longer or shorter plan durations, different deductible costs, and claim limits.

Here's a comparison of AppleCare+ and T-Mobile's Protection 360 plans:

The cost of iPhone insurance can vary depending on the model and the level of coverage you choose.

AppleCare, for example, costs $11.49 per month for most iPhone models, or $219 for two years.

You'll also need to pay a deductible on top of your monthly or yearly subscription.

The cost of AppleCare for newer Plus models, like the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus, is $12.49 per month, or $249 for two years.

The third-generation iPhone SE is covered at a lower cost, $7.49 per month, or $149 for two years.

Insurance options from other companies can cost between £70 and £180 per year, or £10 per month, depending on the model and capacity of your iPhone.

For example, insuring an iPhone XS costs around £100 per year, or £10 per month.

It's worth noting that Apple's repair costs can be quite high, ranging from £132 to over £500, depending on the model and the nature of the damage.

You can protect your Apple device without breaking the bank. AppleCare+ can be pricey, but there are alternative options available.

One option is to pay for repairs out of pocket, which can be more cost-effective if you only need to fix a small issue. Apple has published a cost chart for out-of-pocket repairs, including iPhone screen repairs, which can give you an idea of what to expect.

You can also consider purchasing a quality extended warranty from a different provider, which may offer better coverage and more affordable plans. For example, Mulberry Unlimited offers no claim limits and no deductibles when filing a claim.

If you're looking for wireless carrier insurance plans, Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T all offer options similar to AppleCare+. These plans may include additional benefits, such as screen repair and replacement services, as well as security software subscriptions.

Here's a comparison of some of these plans:

It's worth noting that you shouldn't sign up for both AppleCare Plus and your wireless carrier insurance, as this can result in duplicate coverage and unnecessary costs. Be sure to carefully review your options and choose the plan that best fits your needs and budget.

Repair and Replacement can be a costly affair, with prices starting from £132 for repair and escalating to over £500, depending on the model and damage.

Apple's repair costs can be daunting, especially if your warranty has expired.

The price for replacement can be even more staggering, ranging from £699 to over £1,000.

This is where iPhone insurance comes in, providing a safety net against these exorbitant costs.

Some repairs or services are included with AppleCare, such as 24/7 priority support and same-day repairs at Apple stores in major metropolitan areas.

However, certain services come with an additional fee, including repairing a broken screen or back glass, which costs £29 extra.

Replacing a lost or stolen phone also comes with a £149 fee on top of the AppleCare plan.

It's worth noting that AppleCare's express replacement service can be convenient, but you'll need to send in your damaged phone within a certain timeframe to avoid a high late fee.