I am pretty sure they cover the cost of the unsubsidized phone...not just the two year contract price. I could be wrong.
I actually wrote up a comparison yesterday:
Exactly. It's still the cheapest option, even if your premiums go up. Why? Because SquareTrade will cover your phone for $100 up front, $50 deductible, but will not cover the entire price of the phone. Your insurance company is not going to charge you the difference in price. Let me explain.
This example assumes you will have your phone for two years and want coverage for two years, make one claim, have a 32gb iPhone, and don't renew your contract when replacing your phone.
Via SquareTrade, at the bottom of the page.
SquareTrade
- $100 for 2 Year Plan
- $50 Deductible
- $100 extra to replace - (Since SquareTrade covers up to $599, you have to pay another $100 for a 32gb phone if it can't be fixed.)
$250 total for one claim.
Your Insurance (assuming the worst)
- Average $20-$30 a year.
- $50 deductible
$110 total for one claim.
Difference: $130.
Phone completely replaced. Will your premiums go above the difference of $130 for one claim?
And will your only make one claim? Obviously if you make two claims, your insurance company would be much cheaper if your premiums don't go up very much.
Of course, this situation may not be for everyone. You'll have to evaluate the situation for yourself. Call your insurance company and find out how much your premiums would go up. Investigate and decide for yourself.
In my case, my own insurance is best.