What is a phone protection plan?
Key points
- Phone protection plans cover accidental or mechanical damage, and sometimes loss or theft.
- Common issues include cracked screens, liquid damage, battery or touchscreen failure, and charging port problems.
- Plans are available through carriers, retailers, manufacturers, or standalone providers, with costs varying by coverage and device.
- They extend protection beyond the manufacturer’s warranty.
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?
A phone protection plan can reduce costly repairs or replacements and help keep your phone operational. Before buying, review coverage details, limits, claims rules, transferability, loss/theft protection, repair locations, and additional features like tech support.
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?
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get a quoteHow 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 cost of a phone protection plan depends on coverage type, number of devices, and payment schedule, with options like monthly or annual payments.
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?
A manufacturer’s warranty covers defects or hardware issues for a limited time but not accidental damage. Phone protection plans extend coverage for repairs or replacements beyond the warranty, providing added security.