The cost of unplanned cellphone repairs or replacements can leave you on the hook for hundreds of dollars, but the right cellphone insurance plan can make it more manageable. Customers who get cellphone insurance pay a monthly or annual fee, often between $5 and $20 per month. If their device is broken, stolen, or lost, they can repair or replace it by paying a deductible for a small portion of the market value.

While some service providers, such as Asurion, AKKO, and SquareTrade, are on this list, other insurance policies that might be more appropriate for your needs can cover your device from third parties. For instance, AppleCare+ at Apple may offer better protection for a clumsy iPhone user. Read on to find out which phone insurance is best.

Have a quick look at the best cellphone insurance in 2022

1. Best Overall: Asurion
2. Best for iPhones: AppleCare+
3. Best for Versatility: SquareTrade
4. Best for Samsung Phones: Samsung Care+
5. Best for policy budget: AKKO

The cellphone insurance plan or provider must match your device, whether you're an iPhone user or an Android owner. Here's a brief overview of what cellphone insurance providers offer to meet your needs.

Best Overall: Asurion

Users of Verizon, AT&T, USCellular, or Sprint have direct access to Asurion's coverage, and many cell phone companies allow customers to add insurance to their monthly cost. The cost of this coverage is reasonable, filing claims is straightforward, and consumers are generally happy with the results. Asurion is our top pick for cellphone insurance due to these factors.

If their device is lost, stolen, or destroyed, Asurion policyholders are covered (e.g., broken screens and liquid damage). Policies also cover some failures and issues related to regular wear and tear, such as dust buildup or internal heat and humidity problems.

Policyholders can often anticipate a replacement phone to arrive by mail in as little as 24 hours after submitting a claim using the Asurion online claims site. However, not all broken devices need to be replaced. If customers have a cracked screen or want to deal directly with a technician, they can bring their issue to one of the more than 650 uBreakiFix by Asurion locations, which were rebranded as Asurion Tech Repair & Solutions in September 2021. They can also arrange for an Asurion technician to visit them at their home or office for increased convenience. Customers can quickly identify the best repair choice because so many are available.

Best for iPhone: AppleCare+

AppleCare+ is undoubtedly a name you already know if you own an iPhone or another Apple product. One year of warranty coverage and three months of technical support are standard on all new iPhones, but you can extend this coverage by purchasing AppleCare+. If you have a history of accidents, it will cost you at least $80 and may even have a deductible.

AppleCare has two alternative insurance options: AppleCare+ and AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss. Both insurances provide coverage if a battery retains 80% or less of its original charging capacity and cover up to two incidences of unintentional damage protection per year. AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss offers additional protection if the device is lost or stolen.

Additionally, an AppleCare+ account provides mail-in repair options with prepaid shipping, onsite services (such as screen repairs), quick replacement services, and 24/7 priority access to Apple professionals through phone or chat. Customers with AppleCare+ can also take their device for in-person maintenance and troubleshooting to any Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider.

Best for Versatility: SquareTrade

One of the most affordable cellphone insurance options available is SquareTrade, which Allstate backs. Compared to many other insurance companies, it provides affordable multi-device policies with larger claim allowances. These elements work together to make SquareTrade our top pick for family-friendly smartphone insurance.

SquareTrade insurance covers all smartphone brands and models regardless of carrier or age. Plans include protection against cracked screens, touchscreen issues, liquid damage, speak/audio issues, battery issues, and charging port issues.

SquareTrade permits up to four claims per year per individual device plan, in contrast to many mobile insurance companies, which cap annual claims at two per plan. Families with various devices, both cellular and non-cellular, may find it helpful that family plans enable up to eight claims per year.

SquareTrade monthly premiums for a single device start at $8.99, but users can cover numerous devices for just $19.99. Deductibles range from $25 to $149.

A monthly upgrade from SquareTrade costs $12.99 and provides additional features, including premium tech support, Allstate Roadside Assistance, and identity theft recovery

Best for Samsung users: Samsung Care+

No wonder Samsung offers an insurance plan to cover its phones since it has been a mobile technology leader. Like AppleCare+, Samsung Care+ uses the skills of Samsung professionals to provide users with reasonably priced and trustworthy repairs. Because of this, Samsung Care+ is the top service for Samsung subscribers.

Accidental damage, liquid spills, and screen cracks are all covered by Samsung Care+ insurance policies. After the 12-month manufacturer warranty expires, policyholders also receive an extended warranty covering mechanical and electrical issues.

Customers of Samsung Care+ may benefit from 24/7 assistance and rest easy knowing that their phones will only be fixed by a Samsung technician using genuine Samsung parts.

Best for policy budget: AKKO

AKKO, a relatively new player on the market (founded in 2019), has drawn notice for continuously low-cost smartphone insurance policies. AKKO is one of the greatest carriers for someone on a tight budget, with coverage options starting at just $5 per month.

How AKKO handles claims is one element that differentiates them from other insurance companies. Customers will get cash from AKKO based on the replacement value of the item less the deductible, as opposed to automatically receiving a replacement device. Similarly, AKKO will either provide the monetary value of the repairs or directly pay the repair shop if they need to have their phone fixed.

Phone Only plan, and Everything Protected plan are the two plans that AKKO offers. Both plans provide minimal phone protection against accidental damage, theft, liquid damage, unintentional damage (such as drops), and cracked screens.

Bottom line

We reviewed the 5 best companies offering cellphone insurance and assessed each company based on aspects such as price, coverage, available policies, and customer reviews. First, we looked at the coverage provided by each insurance, focusing on those that covered theft, liquid spills/submersion, and unintentional damage at a very minimum. We next analyzed the rates and deductibles to find the most affordable and comprehensive coverage.