Phone insurance plans: which Android protection plan is the best?

Most premium phones are still expensive, and screens haven't stopped breaking. If you're worried about the cost of repairing or losing your expensive device, smartphone carriers and manufacturers offer protection plans to help you get a quick replacement or repair without draining your funds. Choosing the right one depends on how much coverage you need and your budget. This guide discusses the options available so you can choose the best insurance plan for your phone.

Smartphone insurance from operators

AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile offer optional protection plans to those who are tied to a carrier. Their coverage and benefits are extensive if you want to insure your device. Let's take a look at what each carrier offers.

AT&T

AT&T Protect the advantage The plan covers up to four devices at a time, with benefits ranging from unlimited screen repair to limited replacement in case of theft or loss. Protection for one device costs $14 or $17 per month, depending on the model. It covers loss, theft, damage and unlimited post-warranty repairs. You can make up to three claims per year for theft, loss and physical damage, while accidental damage repairs are limited to two. Broken screens and batteries have no replacement caps, but you will pay $29 for each screen repair.

By paying $45 per month, you can secure up to four devices, including phones, tablets, laptops and watches. The benefits you receive are similar to the above, with differences in the number of claims. With four devices, you get up to eight common claims for theft, loss and physical damage, while accidental handling damage is limited to six. You don't have to register all devices at once. Others can enter after registering the primary device.

For both Protect Advantage PlansAT&T offers same-day replacement for claims approved before 4:00 p.m. A non-refundable self-pay or service fee ranging from $25 to $275 will be charged for all claims requiring a post-approval fee.

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T Mobile

T-Mobile security covers up to five claims for loss, theft or damage (including screen repair) per year. Plan prices range from $7 to $25 per month. Like other providers, the number of mechanical failure claims you can make is unlimited. In-store screen repair costs $29, and service fees and deductibles for theft, loss and other damages can be as high as $499 per claim.

Jump! The upgrade benefit allows you to upgrade your smartphone after paying 50% the cost of your current device. Other benefits includes unlimited screen protector replacements and McAfee Security and ID Theft Protection. You can sign up within 30 days of buying the phone or bringing the device.

Verizon

While most carriers charge subsidized fees for screen repairs, Verizon is changing things up by providing a unlimited screen repair claims at no additional cost. You'll pay up to a $99 deductible for theft, loss and accidental damage, but they don't have annual limits

Verizon's Mobile Protect costs between $14 and $17 per month per line, and you can add three more devices for $11.40 each. If that's not enough, the Mobile Protect Multi-Device plan lets you secure two to 20 lines. This will set you back 34 $, 50 $ and 60 $ for two, three and four up to 20 lines, respectively. Verizon can offer same-day replacement in case of theft and loss, and you have access to their Tech Coach, Call Filter and Digital Secure applications.

You can register within 30 days of buying or bringing your device, and Verizon sometimes throws out open registrations, so you can get on board if you miss your first call.

Smartphone manufacturers' protection plans

Operators aren't the only game in town when it comes to phone insurance. Some phone manufacturers also offer repair and replacement plans. You've probably heard of AppleCare, a program under which Apple provides its customers with technical support, repairs and various levels of protection against theft, loss and damage. Google, Samsung and Motorola also offer similar programs for their phones.

Google

Google's preferred care covers damage and post-warranty mechanical and electrical failures. Loss and theft are not covered, and Google only gives them coverage 15 days Select Preferred Care on your new Google Pixel device.

Its prices are relatively low, however, with the Google Pixel 7a costing $5 and up to $15 per month for Google Pixel Fold. You can protect your device for up to five years, when Google Pixels stop receiving updates. There's also an option to pay in advance for two years if you're not thinking of going that far. That will set you back $99 and $279 for the Google Pixel 7a and Google Pixel Fold, respectively.

Google Preferred Care service is managed by Assurant and you can earn the maximum two claims Over the course of a year. For each victim, you'll pay $29 for screen repair and between $49 and $149 for other damage, depending on the model.

SAMSUNG

Samsung offers four plans covering everything you need to protect your device. The standard Samsung Care Plus plan covers unlimited accidental damage and post-warranty mechanical failures. It's costs from $3 to $11 per month, or from $49 to $239 if you pay in advance for two years. You can jump in within 60 days of purchasing the device and keep the protection for up to three years on a monthly subscription.

To keep you sane if you lose your phone, Samsung Care Plus with the Theft and Loss option offers everything you get under the standard plan and up to three claims for replacing a lost or stolen phone per year. You'll need a two-year upfront payment of $129 to $329, or $8 to $16 per month.

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Other plans include Samsung Care Plus Essentials, which covers only mechanical failures, and exclusive theft and loss insurance in New York. Although damage claims are unlimited across the four plans, cracked screens and accidental handling damage cost $29 and $99, respectively.

Motorola

If the standard 12-month warranty service isn't enough for you, the MotoCare extended service plan covers mechanical breakdowns at low deductible charges for another year. It costs between $20 and $99 and provides access to unlimited claims. If you want coverage for actual accidental damage, choose the second plan, MotoCare Accidental Damage Protection. With commitments ranging from $35 to $399, you get unlimited claims for repairs of accidental damage and mechanical failures. For selected repairs (including broken screens), you'll pay between $26 and $99.

MotoCare service can be purchased within 30 days of using your new phone. If you ever change your mind, cancelling your subscription within 60 days of fewer claims will ensure a full refund.

Which phone protection plan is best for you?

Having phone insurance will help you sleep better at night and reconnect quickly if your phone is lost, stolen or damaged. The best protection plan for you depends on your preferred carrier, device, budget and level of clumsiness. If you're tied to a carrier, choosing its protection plan is obvious. But it's worth considering your options before making a decision.

Do you need protection against theft and loss? How long do you want to protect your device? Do you want to protect more than just the device? These are key questions to help you choose the best protection plan. When securing your phone with a reliable protection plan, follow best practices to ensure the best performance and eliminate viruses and malware, which may impede its use.