Smartphone_insurance_is_the_smartest_move_you_can_make

Smartphones are a new category of mobile phone devices that is squeezing the so-called dumbphone out of the marketplace. It is estimated that half way through 2012 more than half the cell phone users in the US were using a smartphone. In short, they were using their smartphone as a gateway to music, movies, photos, internet, e mail, interactivity with other devices, credit card payments and communication on practically every level one can think of.

A smartphone is indispensible once it integrates itself in your life. It goes everywhere with you, which means it is at high risk of being damaged in so many ways, lost or even stolen (high target item for thieves) or simply breakdown through mechanical failure. So a smartphone protection plan is a very smart thing to put on your shopping list. Here are some important facts when insuring your device:

1) Replacing a smartphone starts at $400 and can go north of $700. So it is an expensive item. Don’t let carrier subsidies of your contracted device lull you intio thinking it is less.

2) Damage, even slight damage, often requires a full replacement. They are sensitive technically and its often the safest bet.

3) Look for mobile phone insurance options that focus specifically on smartphones. This means high claim limits, fast replacement with like models, premiums and deductibles that make sense given the replacement cost.

We did some research:

• Asurion backed smartphone insurance at your carrier starts at monthly premiums of around $6 per month but goes much higher (depending on the carrier), with deductibles starting at $100 per month but going as high as $200 per claim.

• Where there is consistency is that most carriers offer 2 claims per year with a $1500 limit per claim for comprehensive cover (i.e. Accidental damage, mechanical failure, Lost & Stolen).

• Obtaining smartphone insurance through the Internet, where there are numerous reputable providers, will get you premiums averaging lower than $5 per month if you are prepared to pay once-off for a 1-Year or 2-Year. plan Deductibles are consistently lower than $100 in the $75 range

• Although claim limits on the Internet are around $1000 per claim (less than Asurion), this is not a disadvantage as it more than meets full replacement needs. Internet providers also offer at least 2 claims over a year and 3 claims over two years.

• Important advantage of Internet smartphone insurance versus carriers: The Internet providers will cover any device from any carrier, or no carrier connection. The carriers only insure devices bought from them. More and more smartphone owners buy their devices outright from independent retailers or even internationally. Carriers will not cover these so the Internet is left as the only option.

by Andy Harris via AndroidPIT Wiki – New article