Phone Insurance: How It Works, Coverage & If It's Worth It

Guide to cell phone insurance and AT&T Protect AdvantageSM

Learn how phone insurance works to cover cell phone theft, loss, and accidental damage.

In this article, you’ll learn:

Find out how AT&T Protect Advantage—a device protection plan offered in partnership with Asurion—can save you money and give you peace of mind. Learn what’s covered, how much the plans cost, and more.

What is AT&T Protect Advantage?

AT&T Protect Advantage is AT&T’s protection program for cell phones, tablets, and smartwatches. The program is offered in partnership with Asurion. Sometimes called “phone insurance,” it offers much more than that. It protects your device before it’s ever lost, stolen, or broken. And, if you do need a repair or replacement device, AT&T Protect Advantage has you covered.

With Protect Advantage, you can choose to protect one device with the Protect Advantage plan, or you can choose Protect Advantage Multi-Device to protect the eligible devices on your account.

If you choose not to enroll in Protect Advantage or another device protection program, you won’t have any coverage if your device is accidentally damaged, lost, or stolen.

How does AT&T Protect Advantage work?

AT&T Protect Advantage covers you if your device is lost, stolen, or broken.

You can sign up for Protect Advantage at two times:

Each Protect Advantage plan includes an unlimited number of claims,1 $0 unlimited screen and back glass repairs,2 same-day replacement and setup,3 unlimited battery replacements,4 and ProTech expert support.

1Maximum device value of $3,500 per claim. 

2Unlimited Screen and Back Glass Repairs are available in select areas. Newly launched device models may not be eligible for repair. Visit https://www.asurion.com/claims/att/ or call 888.562.8662 to check current eligibility. Same-day repair option depends on claim approval time, parts and technician availability. Eligible devices and available areas are both subject to change at any time. Repairs will be available for certain devices, in select locations, which are subject to change at any time. 

3Available for select devices in select areas and is subject to parts and technician availability. Claims must be filed and approved by 4 p.m. (local time). Eligibility is determined at time of claim approval and is contingent on certain criteria. Claims may be fulfilled with new or AT&T Certified Pre-Owned equipment of the same model or other models of like kind and quality and may be previously opened, used, refurbished or remanufactured, and/or may contain original or nonoriginal replacement parts. Colors, features and accessory compatibility are not guaranteed. 

4Subject to eligible wireless phones outside of manufacturer's warranty period that power on but fail to hold an adequate charge after ProTech diagnostic testing. Available for select devices in select areas. Battery replacements come with a 60-day limited warranty. 

5Unlimited photo and video storage: Video size limitations may apply.

Is phone insurance worth it?

The cost of buying a new smartphone outright can easily be more than $1,000. If you have to replace your cell phone unexpectedly, the out-of-pocket cost can be a big burden. For many people, a device protection plan is worthwhile. If your phone gets lost, stolen, or broken, you’re covered (limitations apply).

Some people may feel they don’t need device protection. That may be the case if:

  • Your phone is paid off, and you have money saved for unexpected expenses.
  • You have a backup device, so being without a phone for a while would be okay.
  • You’re tech savvy and can manage a new device activation and data transfer on your own.
 

Even if you meet these criteria, you might still find device protection gives you peace of mind.

What does AT&T Protect Advantage include?

AT&T Protect Advantage—a protection program for cell phones, tablets and smartwatches—offers two plans. If your device is lost, stolen or broken, you’re covered.

Each Protect Advantage plan includes:

  • Unlimited claims¹
  • $0 unlimited screen and back glass repairs²
  • Same-day replacement and setup³
  • Unlimited battery replacements⁴
  • Access to ProTech expert support

With these benefits, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your devices are protected every step of the way.

1Maximum device value of $3,500 per claim. 

2Unlimited Screen and Back Glass Repairs are available in select areas. Newly launched device models may not be eligible for repair. Visit https://www.asurion.com/claims/att/ or call 888.562.8662 to check current eligibility. Same-day repair option depends on claim approval time, parts and technician availability. Eligible devices and available areas are both subject to change at any time. Repairs will be available for certain devices, in select locations, which are subject to change at any time. 

3Available for select devices in select areas and is subject to parts and technician availability. Claims must be filed and approved by 4 p.m. (local time). Eligibility is determined at time of claim approval and is contingent on certain criteria. Claims may be fulfilled with new or AT&T Certified Pre-Owned equipment of the same model or other models of like kind and quality and may be previously opened, used, refurbished or remanufactured, and/or may contain original or nonoriginal replacement parts. Colors, features and accessory compatibility are not guaranteed. 

4Subject to eligible wireless phones outside of manufacturer's warranty period that power on but fail to hold an adequate charge after ProTech diagnostic testing. Available for select devices in select areas. Battery replacements come with a 60-day limited warranty. 

5Unlimited photo and video storage: Video size limitations may apply.

How much does AT&T Protect Advantage cost?

AT&T offers two different device protection plans—Protect Advantage and Protect Advantage Multi-Device.

Does AT&T Protect Advantage cover a lost phone?

Yes, AT&T Protect Advantage provides coverage for your device in case of loss, theft, or accidental damage. You can think of it as a safety net that helps prevent having to pay the full amount for phone repairs or a replacement.

Does AT&T Protect Advantage cover theft?

Good news—AT&T Protect Advantage has you covered if your phone is stolen. If you’re already enrolled, file a claim to get a replacement device.

Does AT&T Protect Advantage cover phone damage from drops and falls?

Yes, AT&T Protect Advantage covers accidental damage to your device from drops and falls.

Does AT&T Protect Advantage cover water damage and spills?

Dropped your phone in the toilet? Don’t flush away your savings! With AT&T Protect Advantage, water damage and spills are covered, so you’re protected when accidents happen.

What’s not covered by AT&T Protect Advantage?

While AT&T Protect Advantage covers your device if it’s lost, stolen, or broken, there are some things it doesn’t cover. For complete coverage details, visit Asurion’s site.

What’s the difference between AT&T Protect Advantage and AT&T HomeTech Protection?

AT&T Protect Advantage is AT&T’s protection program for cell phones, tablets, and smartwatches. The program is provided in partnership with Asurion.

AT&T HomeTech Protection is another protection program provided by AT&T in partnership with Asurion. But, unlike AT&T Protect Advantage, HomeTech Protection covers only your home tech devices, no matter where you bought them.* It doesn’t cover devices with a dedicated phone number.

*This plan does not cover smartphones and most devices connected to a data plan. The plan excludes coverage for products that are not owned by you or that are leased or rented, including routers or modems leased from your internet service provider. PCs eligible for coverage under this plan are those equipped with a Windows Operating System version Windows 8 or newer or Android version 1.6 or newer and Apple computers which are equipped with an Apple operating system version OS X (10) or newer or Chrome OS. This plan does not cover loss or theft.

How to choose the best protection plans for you

Choosing the best plan to protect your cell phone and other devices can be confusing. Protect Advantage covers one device, while Protect Advantage Multi-Device offers protection for eligible devices on your account. Let’s break down some common scenarios:

A single person may benefit from signing up for the AT&T Protect Advantage if they have the following:

  1. An iPhone and a Wi-Fi-only iPad
  2. Several smart home devices in their home, including a thermostat and a laptop
 

They may also get the AT&T HomeTech Protection plan. The iPhone would be covered under the Protect Advantage plan, while all the other devices would be protected under the HomeTech Protection plan.

If you sign up for AT&T Protect Advantage, the protected device must be connected to AT&T’s wireless network and have an assigned phone number. If you sign up for Protect Advantage Multi-Device, as long as the first protected device is connected to AT&T’s wireless network, you can choose to protect tablets not connected to the AT&T wireless network.

A family of four would benefit from the AT&T Protect Advantage Multi-Device plan, along with the AT&T HomeTech Protection plan if they have the following:

  1. At least one smartphone
  2. At least one smartwatch with cellular connectivity
  3. At least one cellular-connected tablet
  4. Several home tech devices

When you sign up for AT&T Protect Advantage Multi-Device, you only need to identify the first covered device (and it needs to be connected to the AT&T Wireless network). You won’t be required to identify the other devices you want to cover until you need to make a claim. These devices can belong to anyone on your plan. Once you make a claim on a second device, that device will remain covered for twelve months, but you’ll still have the option to choose the remaining two devices you want to cover when it’s time to make another claim. This gives you flexibility to get the coverage you need on your account.

Learn more about how AT&T Protect Advantage and HomeTech Protection work together

How much is the insurance deductible for AT&T Protect Advantage?

The deductible for AT&T insurance can vary depending on the specific device and the selected AT&T protection plan. The deductible estimates are calculated based on the specific device and protection for a single line.

To determine the estimated deductible or claim service fee in advance, add your information in the tool's dedicated fields, as seen in the image. Note that you'll need to start a claim for a precise quote and confirm repair eligibility.

Remember, it's always a good idea to check the specific terms and conditions of your plan for the most accurate information.

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