Phone insurance might not seem very important, but with modern devices getting increasingly expensive, it makes a lot of sense. If you've ever had your smartphone get stolen, lost, or damaged, you probably already know paying out of pocket to get it repaired or buy a replacement can burn a serious hole in your wallet. With phone insurance, you can save at least some of that money.
If you use AT&T as your wireless service provider, you can use one of its two 'Protect Advantage' plans to safeguard your expensive device(s). The AT&T phone insurance plans not only cover hardware repairs but offer backup storage solutions as well. To help you out, we've detailed everything you need to know about the service. Read all about it and decide which one of these phone insurance plans best suits your needs.
What is it?
What exactly is AT&T's phone insurance?
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Offered under the 'AT&T Protect Advantage' brand, AT&T's phone insurance service is available with the carrier's postpaid wireless plans. Although it primarily involves smartphones, eligible devices can also include other connected and non-connected devices such as smartwatches, tablets, laptops, and home phones. These insurance plans cover screen and back glass repairs, battery replacements, and more. There are two plans to choose from and each requires you to pay a monthly charge (plus taxes) that's billed to your wireless account.
To be eligible for a repair or replacement, you have to enroll in one of the two phone insurance plans. Each protects your phone from loss, theft, accidental damage from handling, and out-of-warranty malfunctions. You must also pay a deductible amount, which is calculated based on the device you own and the tier it falls in.
Who can enroll?
Who can enroll in AT&T phone insurance?
As mentioned before, AT&T's phone insurance plans are available with its postpaid wireless plans. Customers can enroll in one of the plans as long as they do so within 30 days of activating or upgrading their new device. For the higher plan covering up to four devices, once you register the primary device (which must be connected to the AT&T wireless network and have a monthly postpaid data and voice plan), you can add the additional three devices anytime you want.
AT&T also opens up 'Open Enrollment' windows for easier registrations, and these are available in select areas for eligible devices. To know more about them, you need to speak with one of the carrier's sales representatives.
Insurance plans and their costs
How much do AT&T's phone insurance plans cost?
The base plan is called 'AT&T Protect Advantage for 1' and costs $14 or $17 a month. Under this, you can file unlimited number of claims, with a maximum device value of $3,500 per claim. A non-refundable deductible (or service fee) is charged and ranges from $25-275, based on the device. There are no repair fees, except for customers in New York, where a screen repair fee of $29 is charged.
The second plan is called 'AT&T Protect Advantage for 4' and as the name suggests, it lets you insure up to four devices, including even those that aren't connected to the carrier's wireless network. This plan costs $50 per month and also allows unlimited claims, with a maximum device value of $3,500 per claim. Again, based on device, a non-refundable service fee (or deductible) ranging from $25-275 is charged.
Both these phone insurance plans renew monthly until canceled, and you can easily cancel them anytime without any penalty, while also getting a prorated refund. Do note that replacement devices may be new or refurbished.
Benefits
What are the advantages of AT&T phone insurance?
AT&T Protect Advantage is easily the carrier's most comprehensive phone insurance plan, and it includes the following benefits:
- Coverage for one or (up to) four devices.
- Same-day device repairs, replacements, and setup.
- Unlimited claims for accidental damage from handling (ADH) and out-of-warranty malfunctions.
- Unlimited claims for loss, theft, and physical damage (excluding ADH).
- Unlimited screen and back glass repairs.
- Unlimited battery replacements.
- ProTech support (US-based technical support over phone, seven days a week).
- Unlimited photo and video storage (Video size limitations applicable) through AT&T's Photo Storage app.
- Periodic device checkups including in-person sessions to improve speed, signal, and battery performance.
- Cleaning and optimization services involving device sanitization, data transfers as well as restoration, and more.
Filing claims & things to note
How do I file a claim?
All AT&T phone insurance claims are handled by Asurion Protection Services, LLC. To get the process started (regardless of the insurance plan), you can head over to the link — ATT Claims | Asurion — and enter the required details like your registered number. You'll be asked some questions to find out what's wrong with your device, and on that basis, you'll be provided repair or replacement options. Once you make a selection, you can track the status of your claim via the same page, or by calling the number 888.562.8662.
Some important things to keep in mind
- Make sure you file the claim within 60 days of the incident but try to do it as soon as possible.
- If your device is lost or stolen, call AT&T to get your service temporarily suspend in order to prevent the device's unauthorized use.
- In case you're eligible for a replacement device, the old device must be returned using the prepaid shipping label provided with the former. If you don't do that, a non-return fee of $850 will be added to your next wireless bill.
- You'll need to provide certain information to support each claim you file.
- For each approved claim, a non-refundable deductible/service fee will be applicable.
Should you get it?
Is phone insurance worth it?
Whether or not (AT&T) phone insurance is right for you is largely a personal decision that depends on your owned device, as well as usage and handling habits. If you own one of the best Android phones such as the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, it might be well worth to pay an extra amount to keep it protected. On the other hand, if you regularly upgrade to newer devices, or keep your devices protected with some of the best cases and screen protectors, you might choose to forego this extra expense.
A plus point of the AT&T's Protect Advantage plans is that you benefit from unlimited screen and back glass repairs, which are the components most likely to get damaged if your phone slips out of your hand and lands on the ground. The deductible that is paid also gives you access to free cloud storage for storing your photos and videos. If you've ever had your digital camera stolen/get damaged in the past, you know how important it is to have a backup. Taking all these benefits into account, we certainly recommend taking a look at the carrier's phone insurance plans.
