What is a phone protection plan?
By Allstate
Last updated: January 1
A phone protection plan typically helps pay to repair mechanical issues or accidental damage. Some protection plans may include additional coverage, such as phone insurance that helps pay to replace your phone after it's lost or stolen.
Keep reading to learn more about phone protection plans and how to purchase one.
What does a phone protection plan cover?
A protection plan may pay to repair your mobile phone if it has:
- A cracked screen
- Liquid damage
- Battery failure or damage
- Touchscreen or speaker failure
- Charging port failure
Keep in mind that most protection plans do not cover intentional phone damage. Some plans may also help cover a wider (or smaller) range of issues, so it's a good idea to review plan details thoroughly — you can usually find more information about coverage details and limitations in the plan's terms and conditions.
Do I need a phone protection plan?
Repairing or replacing a smartphone can be expensive, so you may want to consider buying a protection plan if you have concerns about damaging your phone and the cost to fix it. You also likely count on your phone to complete daily tasks and stay connected with family and friends, and a protection plan may help get your phone back up and running sooner.
When considering a protection plan, it's a good idea to understand what is and isn't covered. Consider asking potential plan providers questions such as:
- Will I need to pay anything out of pocket before the plan kicks in to help with cellphone repairs or replacement?
- Does the plan only pay for phone repairs up to a certain dollar amount?
- Am I limited to a certain number of claims per year?
- If I upgrade my smartphone, will my protection plan transfer over to it?
- Is phone loss or theft covered by the plan?
- Where would I take my phone for repairs?
- Would the parts used to repair my phone be certified by my phone's manufacturer?
- Does the plan include any additional features like tech support to help troubleshoot issues I may experience with my phone?
How do I get a phone protection plan?
You can typically purchase a phone protection plan a few different ways:
1. Through the carrier, retailer or manufacturer you purchased your phone from.
When you buy a smartphone from a phone carrier or a retail store, or even directly from the manufacturer, you may be asked if you'd like to purchase a protection plan. Keep in mind that some phone retailers sell plans from third-party providers.
2. Directly from a cellphone protection provider.
You can usually purchase a protection plan for your mobile phone directly through a standalone provider. For example, Allstate offers a Phone Protection Plus plan that can help get your phone repaired quickly after an accident.
How much does a phone protection plan cost?
The price you pay for a phone protection plan depends on the type of plan you choose. Many plans feature different types of coverage, which may affect the cost. For example, you might find that a plan covering loss and theft may cost more than plans that only cover accidental damage or mechanical issues. Some providers also offer family plans that cover multiple devices, which can influence the cost of the plan.
Lastly, remember that payment schedules can vary between service providers. This means you may pay for your mobile phone's protection plan on a monthly basis, or have the option to purchase a full year of protection upfront, for example. Be sure to ask potential service providers about your options so you can choose a plan that fits your needs.
Can I add a protection plan to my existing phone?
Many providers will let you add a protection plan to an existing cellphone, depending on the condition the phone is in. Some plans can also be purchased for any phone (from any carrier).
Depending on the protection plan provider, a plan might even continue to follow your phone if you switch service carriers or upgrade your device.
What's the difference between a phone protection plan and a manufacturer's warranty?
New phones usually come with a manufacturer's warranty that lasts for a certain period of time (such as a year) from the date you purchased the device. A manufacturer's warranty is typically designed to protect your phone against defects or certain breakdowns during the warranty period.
For example, a warranty may help cover the phone's hardware, such as a defective battery, but would not cover issues stemming from accidental damage that occurs during the warranty period, like a cracked screen. Since some phone protection plans help cover a phone's battery or other mechanical issues after the warranty expires, some people also refer to protection plans as extended warranties.
A phone can be an expensive investment that many people rely on in their daily lives. A protection plan can help give you some peace of mind in case your phone is unexpectedly damaged and needs to be repaired or replaced.