If you’re thinking about buying a new phone, you may already know that Apple has raised prices on most products, but your iPhone still costs the same (for now). Although iPhone prices have not yet increased, many suspect they will soon due to more expensive components. Either way, you’ll be walking around with a valuable but breakable item in your pocket. The first step is to put on a protective case, but there is more you can do to preserve your investment. AppleCare and many wireless carriers offer insurance plans that can help if something happens to your phone, but choosing the best deal between the two can be difficult and depends on your intended use of the phone.
Your phone may not be as expensive as your house or car, but cell phones are often exposed to many more situations that can cause damage. Whether you’re running to escape a surprise rainstorm, putting your phone on a dangerously high shelf, or accidentally leaving it on public transportation, having insurance can save you from the high price of repairs and replacement. AppleCare and carrier insurance are helpful in these types of scenarios, but coverage between the two varies. And of course, AppleCare applies exclusively to Apple products, while carrier insurance can be applied to other brands. If you own an iPhone, however, it’s worth learning more about the differences and which option is best for you so you can get the best possible value for money. You don’t want to end up paying too much for coverage you’ll never need or not getting protection for your most likely problems.
AppleCare coverage and pricing
For iPhone users, learning about and signing up for AppleCare is pretty simple. You can find information by simply opening your phone’s settings. There you will find an AppleCare and Warranty section where you can select a device and add coverage. AppleCare covers cracks and damage from drops and other accidents, liquid damage, battery replacement when capacity is below 80%, replacement of lost or stolen items, and all-day expert assistance. There are even more benefits you didn’t imagine with AppleCare+. However, theft and loss is only covered when the Theft and Loss option is added or when you use AppleCare One.
The price of AppleCare varies depending on your device, protection level and payment plan. AppleCare with theft and loss starts at $99.99 per year or $9.99 per month for the iPhone 17e, but more expensive phones increase the monthly insurance cost up to $139.99 per year, or $13.99 per month. AppleCare One includes theft and loss protection and covers three devices for $19.99 per month. Additional devices can be added to AppleCare One for $5.99 per month each.
By using AppleCare, you avoid many costs, but there is a $29 service fee for broken glass repairs, a $99 service fee for other accidental damage and fluid issues, and a $149 service fee for replacement if stolen or lost. Compared to the often price of at least $150 to repair a broken screen or back glass, up to $750 for other accidental repairs, and the cost of a new phone if lost or stolen, AppleCare can save accident-prone people hundreds of dollars.
Carrier Insurance Coverage and Rates
When it comes to carrier insurance, prices and coverage vary much more. AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile all offer some type of insurance for iPhones and other phones. You should check with your specific carrier for the latest accurate information on coverage, pricing, and customer service reviews, but you can get a rough idea by looking at some numbers.
Carrier insurance plans are generally quite similar. As an example of benefits, AT&T offers unlimited theft, loss and damage claims, unlimited $0 screen and back glass repairs, and unlimited battery replacements. It also offers 24-hour technical support and repairs at Asurion stores. Plans start at $16 per month and may have service fees or deductibles, depending on the exact repair needed and the plan. Both Verizon Mobile Protect and T-Mobile Protection 360 are quite similar, with Verizon even using Asurion, as does AT&T. T-Mobile uses Assurant and its monthly prices start at around $18 per month for iPhones.
Generally, AppleCare will be more affordable on a monthly basis, at almost half the price of carrier plans, in some cases. Going directly through Apple can make things simpler and also provide additional peace of mind. On the other hand, if there’s no Apple store near you, paying more for a carrier plan with an accessible location for repairs might be worth it. Overall, AppleCare seems like a good bet for most iPhone users, although you may want to learn more to find out if AppleCare+ is worth it for the iPhone 17 Pro before investing in your latest phone.
