iPhone Protection & Insurance: SquareTrade, AppleCare+, Assurion, etc.

[willmtaylor]

Generally this time of year, many threads pop up asking which insurance or protection plan is "best." This varies greatly depending on your needs (read: budget & clumsiness). I've compiled a quick rundown of the most popular options. Feel free to make suggestions in the comments, and I will try to keep it updated ad hoc.

APPLECARE FOR IPHONE

• Every iPhone comes with one year of hardware repair coverage through its limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary support.

APPLECARE+ FOR IPHONE

• AppleCare+ for iPhone extends your one year of coverage to two years (with phone support) from the original purchase date of your iPhone (1) and adds up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a $79/$99 service fee plus applicable tax. (2)
• Buy it for $99/$129 within 60 days of your iPhone purchase.
• Apple hardware coverage:
  • Provides repair or replacement coverage, both parts and labor, from Apple-authorized technicians. Service coverage includes the following:
    • Your iPhone
    • Battery (1)
    • Included earphones and accessories
• Coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage,(2) each subject to a $79 service fee for iPhone 6 and earlier and a $99 service fee for iPhone 6(S) and iPhone 6(S)+.
• Software support is included. Apple experts can help troubleshoot issues with your iPhone, iOS and iCloud, and Apple-branded apps, including:
  • Using iOS and iCloud
  • Questions about Apple-branded iPhone apps such as FaceTime, Mail, and Calendar
  • Connecting to wireless networks
• AppleCare Protection Plan or AppleCare+ is transferable. If you choose to sell or give away your Apple product, you can also transfer the ownership of the AppleCare Protection Plan or AppleCare+.
• Fine Print: http://www.apple.com/legal/sales-support/applecare/applecareplus/docs/applecareplusnaen.html

SQUARETRADE

• Protects your iPhone against everyday accidents, such as drops, spills and malfunctions, as well as common malfunctions after the manufacturer’s warranty expires.
• 24/7 zero-hassle claims and free two-way shipping: We'll overnight you a replacement when possible (may not be available for leased or financed devices). Or, we'll pay to have your device overnighted to us, fix it the day it arrives, and then overnight it back to you.
• Need it fixed now? Take your device to a local repair shop or Genius Bar, pay for any repairs, and we'll reimburse you. Great when traveling (SquareTrade covers you anywhere in the world) or when you just can’t wait.
• For any iPhone model purchased in the last 30 days or currently insured by AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, or T-Mobile
• Pricing:
  • 3-year plan = $4/mo. ($129)
  • 2-year plan = $5/mo. ($99)
  • Pay as you go = $8/mo ($8x24 = $192)
• $75 deductible for each claim
• Doesn't provide technical support
• Doesn’t cover loss or theft.
• Will typically only repair device/process claims up to the full retail cost of the device.
• Can cancel anytime with pro-rated reimbursement.
• Fine Print: http://www.squaretrade.com/iphone-warranty

AT&T ASURION

• Get comprehensive coverage to protect your eligible phone, tablet, or other mobile device against loss, theft, damage, and out-of-warranty malfunctions for $6.99 a month per enrolled number.

• Declining Deductibles:
  • Provides protection against loss, theft, physical and liquid damage and out-of-warranty malfunction for your AT&T eligible mobile device for $6.99/month per enrolled mobile number.
  • Coverage for up to 2 claims within any 12 consecutive months.
• AT&T Mobile Insurance offers an easy claim process with as soon as next-day
• You can file up to 2 claims within any consecutive 12 months, with a maximum device value of $1,500 per claim. You'll be required to pay a deductible when filing a claim. The standard deductible for iPhones is Tier 3: $199
• Declining deductibles: Continuously enrolled customers who remain claim-free for 6–12 consecutive months save 25% off the standard deductible, and at 12 consecutive months or more save 50% off the standard deductible.
• Claims may be fulfilled with new, AT&T Certified Like-New, or other models of like kind and quality. Colors, features, and accessory compatibility are not guaranteed.
• You must enroll within 30 days of new activation or device upgrade. If you are currently enrolled in any of our device protection programs, you can switch your already-enrolled number to a different program at any time if eligible.
• If you reach two claims in a 12-month period, your coverage automatically terminates, and you will be ineligible for AT&T Mobile Insurance for a period of 12 months starting from the date of your second covered loss.
• Fine Print: http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/features/mobile-insurance.html#Mobile_Insurance

VERIZON INSURANCES

1. Verizon Wireless Extended Warranty

• Extended Warranty provides protection against device defects after the manufacturer's warranty expires. You'll receive a new or Certified Like-New Replacement of the same or comparable model. The monthly cost is $3/device.
• Extended Warranty is part of Total Mobile Protection and Total Equipment Coverage, and it's also sold separately.

2. Asurion Wireless Phone Protection

• Asurion is a third-party licensed insurance agency who offers insurance coverage for your mobile device and certain standard accessories. If your device is lost, stolen or accidentally damaged (including liquid and physical damage), you can file your claim with Asurion within 60 days of the incident and the device will be replaced upon claim approval.
• Asurion Wireless Phone Protection is part of Total Mobile Protection and Total Equipment Coverage, and it's also sold separately.
• Smartphones
  • $7.15/month per covered device
  • $99-$199 non-refundable deductible per approved claim for devices lost, stolen or damaged
  • Two replacements in a 12-month period with an equipment maximum of $1500 per claim
• Asurion may fulfill claims with new or refurbished equipment. In general, claims are fulfilled with the same make and model you claim. If this isn't possible, a like-kind make and model will be substituted. Color, feature and accessory compatibility are not guaranteed. You may cancel your coverage at any time and receive a pro-rated refund of your unused premium.

3. Total Equipment Coverage

• Total Equipment Coverage combines the benefits of:
  • Asurion's Wireless Phone Protection
  • Verizon Wireless Extended Warranty
• If your device or covered accessories are lost, stolen or damaged, or your device experiences a mechanical or electrical defect after the manufacturer's warranty expires, you're protected.
• Smartphones
  • $9/month per covered device
  • $99-$199 non-refundable deductible per approved claim for devices lost, stolen, or damaged
  • Two replacements in a 12-month period with an equipment maximum of $1500 per claim
• Asurion may fulfill claims with new or refurbished equipment. In general, claims are fulfilled with the same make and model you claim. If this isn't possible, a like-kind make and model will be substituted. Color, feature and accessory compatibility are not guaranteed. You may cancel your coverage at any time and receive a pro-rated refund of your unused premium.

SPRINT ASURION
TEP (Total Equipment Protection) - Includes ERP (Equipment Replacement Program) and ESRP (Equipment Service and Repair Program). You cannot buy ERP or ESRP separately.

There is a $50/100/150/200 deductible depending on device. Your monthly payment can be either $8, $11, or $13, again depending on your device.

The latest iPhones are $13/month for the insurance with a $200 deposit for replacement.

https://protection.sprint.com/
https://protection.sprint.com/tep/en/faq.html


CREDIT CARD WARRANTY EXTENSIONS

• Every credit card is different, but many offer additional insurance coverage on purchases, such as electronics.
• Coverage is generally simply an extension of manufacturer's original warranty, though this may vary by card.

HOMEOWNER'S/RENTER'S INSURANCE

• Many homeowner's and renter's insurance policies include electronics (or have the option for riders). Some people of leery of filing claims for items such as phones for fear that the costs of possible rate hikes outweighing that of replacing a phone.

 

[DavidLynch]

I'm on Jump on Demand with T-Mobile and currently using their insurance. When I upgrade to 6S+ I'll cancel T-Mobile's insurance and go with AppleCare+ since I plan on buying out the phone at the end.

 

[willmtaylor]

I'm on Jump on Demand with T-Mobile and currently using their insurance. When I upgrade to 6S+ I'll cancel T-Mobile's insurance and go with AppleCare+ since I plan on buying out the phone at the end.

Sorry I neglected to include T-Mobile or Sprint. I've just seen far fewer inquiries about their offerings. Are they also through Asurion or another provider?

 

[DavidLynch]

Sorry I neglected to include T-Mobile or Sprint. I've just seen far fewer inquiries about their offerings. Are they also through Asurion or another provider?

They're through Assurant. I was going to go with AppleCare+ from the beginning but I was concerned about what would happen in a worst case scenario where I was returning a phone that had been replaced with a new IMEI and serial and the JOD program was too new for the TMobile rep to give me any solid answers. It's $8 a month with a $149 deductible to replace the phone but it does cover theft and loss.

 

[MikesGravity]

With all the carriers going to leasing these days, I wish apple would offer a 1 year Applecare + for $50. I think AC+ is the easiest insurance to use.

 

[willmtaylor]

With all the carriers going to leasing these days, I wish apple would offer a 1 year Applecare + for $50. I think AC+ is the easiest insurance to use.

I like it because it's both insurance and tech support (for both hardware and software).

 

[DavidLynch]

With all the carriers going to leasing these days, I wish apple would offer a 1 year Applecare + for $50. I think AC+ is the easiest insurance to use.

They'll refund you a prorated amount after a year if you want to go that route.

 

[willmtaylor]

I've updated some prices to reflect the AC+ increased rate for iPhone 6(S) and iPhone 6(S)+.

 

[Tapdawg]

Thank you so much for this. I was going to purchase Apple Care + until you mentioned credit card services. My barclay card has an amazing extended protection.

"What items are covered by Extended Protection? The Extended Protection Benefit automatically doubles the time period under the original manufacturer’s written U.S. warranty up to one (1) additional year on eligible warranties of three (3) years or less when an item is purchased entirely with your eligible card. As you read through the rest of this Guide to Benefit, you will find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the Benefit. If you should have any further questions, please call the Benefit Administrator at 1-800-848-8819 at any time of the day or night."

Now I get to save myself an extra $129! Thanks!

 

[Cuechick]

Thank you as well, I did not even think to check my credit card and mine both extends the coverage and covers loss or damage up to 500.00.

 

[SR71]

I've been with SquareTrade for every single one of my iPhone's. I've never actually had to use their warranty claims until three months ago. I cracked my iPhone 6's display and filed a claim to get it repaired at the Genius Bar so that I wouldn't have to wait a day for a new phone (they also offer free overnight shipping replacement). They approved the claim within 2-3 hours. I went to Apple and got my phone fixed, sent SquareTrade the receipt and within a day they reimbursed me through PayPal.

Now for the best part. This cost me... NOTHING. No deductible. Nada. For the past three months they've been running a promotion where any repair under $125 has no deductible. The iPhone 6 screen repair was $109. Love SquareTrade, can't say enough good things about them. The best part about it is that the warranty only costs me $5/month (they send out tons of 25-40% off coupon codes). $60/year for incredible coverage and much cheaper than AppleCare+.

 

[joefrank64k]

Thanks for this thread, OP. I never paid attention to Square Trade before. Looks like a nice deal. I've had the AT&T $6.99 insurance for a few years now, so I've got that 50% off deductible now. Cool!

 

[cbpelikan]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0041OYTJE/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza?tag=macrumors-20

$50 deductible with SquareTrade through Amazon.

 

[bhenny1]

I'm debating what to do with T-mobile.

Their insurance ($7x12) + deductible is $271.

The replacement outside of insurance is $250 per issue (cracked screen, water damage or won't turn on).

Apple care + with deductible is $229.

I think I'll just keep T-Mobiles insurance at $7/month and hope I don't have to use it.

 

[willmtaylor]

Thank you so much for this. I was going to purchase Apple Care + until you mentioned credit card services. My barclay card has an amazing extended protection.

"What items are covered by Extended Protection? The Extended Protection Benefit automatically doubles the time period under the original manufacturer’s written U.S. warranty up to one (1) additional year on eligible warranties of three (3) years or less when an item is purchased entirely with your eligible card. As you read through the rest of this Guide to Benefit, you will find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the Benefit. If you should have any further questions, please call the Benefit Administrator at 1-800-848-8819 at any time of the day or night."

Now I get to save myself an extra $129! Thanks!

Thank you as well, I did not even think to check my credit card and mine both extends the coverage and covers loss or damage up to 500.00.

Thanks for this thread, OP. I never paid attention to Square Trade before. Looks like a nice deal. I've had the AT&T $6.99 insurance for a few years now, so I've got that 50% off deductible now. Cool!

You bet. Happy it helped!

 

[SR71]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0041OYTJE/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza?tag=macrumors-20

$50 deductible with SquareTrade through Amazon.

Reading through some of those reviews on Amazon and people are saying SquareTrade isn't honoring it because in order for it to be honored you ALSO have to have bought your phone from Amazon. Numerous people reported the same thing. I wouldn't risk it. Just buy from SquareTrade's website (hint: sign up for their newsletter, they send out tons of coupon codes for 25-40% off bringing the monthly cost down to $5 or so).

 

[capitanbuzo]

Amex extension, it's free and I've never broken an iPhone starting with the original and not using cases until the 4 purely for resale scratches

 

[mookgiants]

For squaretrade does the deductible apply to just accidental damage or is it all claims? If something goes wrong with the phone internally that needs to be fixed do you have to pay deductible?

 

[willmtaylor]

For squaretrade does the deductible apply to just accidental damage or is it all claims? If something goes wrong with the phone internally that needs to be fixed do you have to pay deductible?

I don't know about ST's policy, but I do know that Apple will generally take care of those. They definitely will within a year of purchase, and there are many many reports in these forums of folks taking in old iPhones with issues and Apple repairing or, most often, just replacing them.

 

[sterl320]

With these upgrade programs letting me upgrade every year, I'll stick with the free limited warranty and a couple of good cases.

 

[Voodoofreak]

Amex extension, it's free and I've never broken an iPhone starting with the original and not using cases until the 4 purely for resale scratches

I have an Amex blue...how do I go about signing up for the extension and in an event I need to use it...do I just call their customer support?

 

[eyoungren]

Sorry I neglected to include T-Mobile or Sprint. I've just seen far fewer inquiries about their offerings. Are they also through Asurion or another provider?

Speaking for Sprint…

TEP (Total Equipment Protection). Includes ERP (Equipment Replacement Program) and ESRP (Equipment Service and Repair Program). You cannot buy ERP or ESRP separately.

TEP is covered by Asurion. There is a $50/100/150/200 deductible depending on device. Your monthly payment can be either $8, $11, or $13, again depending on your device.

The latest iPhones are $13/month for the insurance with a $200 deposit for replacement.

https://protection.sprint.com/
https://protection.sprint.com/tep/en/faq.html

 

[Steve686]

ATT Asurion lost/stolen replacement seals the deal for me.

 

[willmtaylor]

Speaking for Sprint…

TEP (Total Equipment Protection). Includes ERP (Equipment Replacement Program) and ESRP (Equipment Service and Repair Program). You cannot buy ERP or ESRP separately.

TEP is covered by Asurion. There is a $50/100/150/200 deductible depending on device. Your monthly payment can be either $8, $11, or $13, again depending on your device.

The latest iPhones are $13/month for the insurance with a $200 deposit for replacement.

https://protection.sprint.com/
https://protection.sprint.com/tep/en/faq.html

Thanks, I added it.

 

[eyoungren]

Thanks, I added it.

Just a comment that TEP's only real advantage over AC+ is that it covers loss and theft.

Given Asurion's shoddy refurbs, if I am ever in the position of being out of warranty with Apple and needing to replace my iPhone I will gladly fork over the OoW price to Apple. It's $30 more, but I know the quality I will get will be infinitely greater than the quality of an Asurion replacement. So, ultimately, I am really only paying TEP to protect myself from theft and loss.

That said, one point in Asurion's favor is that the company is far more likely to replace a phone with a NIB phone. Apple won't ever do that with a replacement unless you are buying one brand new - which would then not be the OoW price.

No need to add this, it's just my opinion on the matter (the Asurion replacement quality being poor is fact, however).