Should You Insure Your New iPhone?

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I had 2 fraudulent claims done on my phone with assurion. I strongly advise against using this company. The same person used a different address. They seemed to only have access to my phone number and both times they were sent a new phone immediately. Then Assurion harrassed me to send in my "broken phone" and they placed a $250 penalty on my Verizon account. When I finally reached a live person they said they already documented that it was a fraudulent claim. I continued to get texts and calls from Assurion. I finally got rid of the insurance. It should have never happened a second time.

Debbie Simon of CT 9:31AM August 31, 2012

This is one of the better blogs i've seen for [topic of blog] with lots of information and tips

iphone 4s insurance of MO 5:16AM June 14, 2012

Good to know, thank you Jerome!

Kim Palmer of DC 10:12AM November 16, 2011

Kimberly, I think you missed the best insurance option available, AppleCare+ from Apple. You can purchase from apple for $100 at the time you buy the phone from apple or the carrier. It covers support or manufacture defect for 24 months and also covers up to 2 replacements for accidental damage for a $49 deductable.
As you pointed out a no contract replacement is about $600, so if you are prone to droping your phone in the toilet or other accidental damage this plan could be for you.

Jerome of NY 9:04AM November 16, 2011

You bought your phone with a credit card, didn't you? You should have.... many credit cards offer consumer protection warranties for loss or accidental damage, and even extend the manuf. warranty. Get one of those credit cards, buy all your electronic stuff on it, and pay off the card each month. No additional insurance/cost necessary!

Jaydub of IL 12:02PM November 15, 2011

Thanks for the additional info, Matt, Dennis, David, and "MOM"! Very helpful.

Kim Palmer of DC 11:19AM November 15, 2011

I think the hardest part of this decision is knowing yourself. While businesses can easily make the call based on job type, insuring devices for people that work in the field, but not for those in the office environment - we as consumers can make the insurance 'gamble' a better one by understanding whether we are more likely to destroy or lose our own phones. I washed an iPhone, but it was the first lost, destroyed or stolen phone I've ever had. Most would go buy insurance on their next device, but you have to look at the bigger picture and realize that insurance is for people that lose or destroy a phone once a year, not once in 12 years.
http://networkingexchangeblog.att.com/small-business/have-you-ever-washed-a-smartphone-2/
/I am an AT&T employee, my opinions are my own.

David Egger of IN 10:30AM November 15, 2011

Folks with renter's insurance, etc. might want to check their policies to see if a cell phone would be covered. Much cheaper than the carrier.

Mom of VA 10:02AM November 15, 2011

The Gizmodo comparison is very old and no longer relevant. Verizon offers iPhone insurance for $9.99 and AT&T now offers it for $6.99.

Matt Lincoln of GA 9:47AM November 15, 2011

Apple offers Apple Care for iPhone for $99 for 2yr coverage. This covers up to 2 accidental damage claims at only a $49 deductible. That's approx $4 a month with a much lower deductible on accidental damage.

Dennis R Hirschfelt of NY 3:36PM November 14, 2011