What's the difference between a cell phone warranty and cell phone insurance?
A cell phone warranty typically covers mechanical and electrical failures resulting from a manufacturer defect, whereas cell phone insurance covers accidental damage, theft, and more. For example, if your phone's screen were to suddenly stop working due to a defect, the manufacturer should pay to repair or replace your phone (assuming the warranty hasn't expired). If the screen cracked after dropping your phone, your warranty wouldn't cover the repairs, but your insurance plan might.
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What does a phone warranty cover?
A phone's warranty only covers electrical or mechanical failures resulting from a manufacturing defect. A warranty doesn't cover things like cracked screens, a broken camera lens, or damage from liquid spills.
How long does a phone warranty last?
According to phonecheck.com, typically, a manufacturer's warranty lasts one year, although there are ones that last as short as 90 days or as long as two years. You could opt for an extended warranty that lasts longer than a year, but these only cover manufacturer defects.
Is phone insurance the same as a warranty?
No, phone insurance provides coverage for accidental damage, and other losses, including theft and vandalism. If you accidentally damage your phone or if it's stolen, you can file a claim with your phone insurance provider, which can pay to repair or replace it (minus your plan's deductible) if your claim is approved.
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How long does cell phone insurance last?
You can purchase coverage for up to three years. Like most insurance programs, you may have the option to pay month-to-month depending on the selected term.
Cell phone warranty v. cell phone insurance
Here's a quick breakdown of what a phone warranty covers versus what a cell phone insurance plan covers:
| Cell phone warranty | Cell phone insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer defects (electrical, mechanical defects) | Cell phone warrantyYes | Cell phone insuranceNo |
| Accidental damage (dropped phone, cracked screens, water/liquid damage) | Cell phone warrantyNo | Cell phone insuranceYes |
| Theft and vandalism | Cell phone warrantyNo | Cell phone insuranceYes |
Should you have both phone insurance and a phone warranty?
If you're prone to accidents or concerned about repairing a cracked screen, you should consider buying a cell phone insurance plan regardless of your phone's warranty status. Remember, your phone's warranty won't cover accidental damage, only defects. Learn more about when cell phone insurance may be worth buying.
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