Is Cell Phone Insurance Worth It? A Guide to Device Protection & Xfinity Mobile Care

We’ve all felt that split-second of panic—the slow-motion of your cellphone tumbling toward the sidewalk, or the sudden realization that you forgot your phone in a cab. Accidents are a part of life. And it pays to have a backup plan for when life throws you a curveball.

So, if you're weighing whether a device protection plan is worth it, the answer largely depends on how you use your phone, how expensive it was, and how costly a repair or replacement would be. For many people, the peace of mind and potential savings from avoiding large out-of-pocket repair costs make cellphone insurance worthwhile—especially if you can find a mobile plan that includes it at no extra cost (like the new Mobile Plus wireless plan from Xfinity).

What Is Device Protection?

A device protection plan, often referred to as phone insurance, is an optional coverage program that helps pay for the repair or replacement of your smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch if it is damaged, lost, or stolen.

Unlike a standard manufacturer warranty—which typically only covers factory defects for the first year—mobile device protection is meant to handle real-world risks for the life of your device. Most device protection plans are offered through mobile carriers and remain active for as long as you stay enrolled, protecting your device well beyond its first year.

Why Should I Get Device Protection?

You should get device protection if you rely heavily on your phone and will need a quick replacement, own a device that may be expensive to repair, or want to avoid the sudden financial shock of paying hundreds of dollars for a new phone.

Device protection is especially valuable because it offers:

• Predictable costs: It is easier to budget for a small monthly fee (or have it already included as part of your wireless plan) than a sudden replacement cost.
• Speed: Some plans offer next-business-day replacements for lost or stolen phones, or same-day repairs for cracked screens after the claim is approved. Service fees or deductible may apply.
• Extended lifespan: It allows you to keep your phone for multiple years without worrying about mechanical failures down the road.

How Much Does Cellphone Insurance Cost?

Carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile treat device protection as an expensive add-on. AT&T charges around $16 per month to protect a single phone. Verizon charges up to $19 per month per device, and T-Mobile charges up to $26 per month depending on your device type.

Over the course of a standard three-year phone cycle, those extra monthly fees add up fast before you even file a single claim:

Carrier	Monthly Device Protection Cost Before Deductibles	Estimated 3-Year Cost (Single Device)
Xfinity Mobile (with Mobile Plus)	Included at no extra cost	$0
AT&T	~$16 / month	~$576
Verizon	Up to $19 / month	Up to $684
T-Mobile	Up to $26 / month	Up to $936

Xfinity Mobile offers a better way: you can get comprehensive device protection built directly into your cellular service at no extra cost with our premium plan, or you can add it a la carte to any other plan. When you do file a claim, deductibles or service fees may vary depending on the device you own and the type of damage.

What Does Device Protection Typically Cover?

Most device protection plans cover accidental damage (like cracked screens and liquid spills), loss, theft, and mechanical or electrical failures that occur after the manufacturer's warranty expires.

While coverage varies by provider, a comprehensive plan usually protects against:

• Accidental damage: Drops, spills, and cracked screens.
• Mechanical and electrical failure: Device breakdowns that happen through no fault of your own.
• Loss and theft: Getting a replacement device if yours goes missing or is stolen.
• Battery degradation: Replacing batteries that no longer hold a charge.

Does phone insurance cover a lost phone?

Yes, most comprehensive cellphone insurance plans provide coverage if you lose your device. If you misplace your device, plans like Xfinity Mobile Care act as a safety net, allowing you to file a claim and get a replacement phone shipped to you—often as soon as the next business day (service fees or deductible apply).

Does phone insurance cover theft?

Yes, device protection plans typically cover stolen phones. If your phone is stolen, Xfinity Mobile Care has you covered. Just make sure to contact your carrier immediately to suspend your service and protect yourself against unauthorized use before filing your claim for a replacement device.

Does phone insurance cover cracked screens and drops?

Yes, accidental damage from drops and falls is covered by phone insurance device protection. In fact, cracked screens is one the most common reason people file claims. With Xfinity Mobile Care, you get $0 unlimited smartphone screen repairs.

Does phone insurance cover water damage and spills?

Yes, liquid damage is generally covered by device protection plans. Whether you dropped your phone in the pool, got caught in a rainstorm, or spilled coffee on your device, plans like Xfinity Mobile Care will cover the repair or replacement when accidents happen.

Does phone insurance cover battery replacements?

Yes, mechanical and electrical breakdowns, including severe battery degradation, are usually covered after the manufacturer's warranty expires. If your phone will no longer hold a charge, Xfinity Mobile Care Plus includes $0 same-day in-store battery replacements for certain phones where available.

What is NOT Covered by Device Protection?

While phone insurance covers most everyday accidents, it typically does not cover intentional abuse, cosmetic damage that doesn't affect functionality, or repairs performed by unauthorized technicians.

Common exclusions include:

• Intentional damage or misuse of the device.
• Pre-existing conditions that occurred before coverage began.
• Cosmetic scratches or dents that do not impact how the phone works.
• Issues covered by an active manufacturer’s recall.

Get Device Protection with Xfinity Mobile

Whether you want the ultimate all-inclusive plan or just want to add coverage to a specific device, Xfinity Mobile has an option for you.

Xfinity Mobile Care Plus (Included with the Mobile Plus wireless plan)

Only Xfinity includes device protection for life built directly into your plan. When you sign up for the Mobile Plus plan, you get Xfinity Mobile Care Plus included. You get comprehensive peace of mind that includes¹:

• Unlimited claims across all your covered devices.
• $0 smartsphone screen repair (unlimited)
• $0 same-day in-store battery replacement.
• $0 coverage for all mechanical breakdowns.
• Accidental damage, loss, and theft coverage (replacements delivered as soon as the next business day). 

Xfinity Mobile Care (Add-on for other plans)

Don't have a Mobile Plus wireless plan? No problem. You can still add standard Xfinity Mobile Care to your devices for just $9-$19/mo per device. It is available as a separate add-on for each phone, tablet, or smartwatch and includes unlimited mechanical breakdown claims, See more device protection details

How are Xfinity Mobile Care and Xfinity Mobile Care Plus different?

• Xfinity Mobile Care Plus: This premium benefit is included at no additional cost when you choose the Mobile Plus plan. It is designed to cover your primary phone as well as every eligible smartwatch and tablet connected to your account. It also gives you the ultimate peace of mind with unlimited claims across all of your covered devices.
• Xfinity Mobile Care: This is our standard protection option, available as a monthly add-on for those on our other plans. It provides essential coverage for a specific, single device. Additionally, while it covers mechanical failures infinitely, it limits accidental damage, loss, and theft claims to three per rolling 12-month period.
  
  PRO TIP: Unlike with Xfinity Mobile Care Plus, if you’re adding device protection a la carte to your devices, it’s a separate add-on for each phone, tablet, smartwatch — so do the math as it can pay to have the higher wireless plan.

Is Xfinity Mobile Care Plus available for my smartwatches and tablets?

Yes! To ensure a specific smartphone is protected, that individual line must be on a Mobile Plus plan. However, as long as at least one person in your household is on Mobile Plus, we extend that same high-quality protection to every eligible smartwatch and tablet on your account at no extra cost. Best of all, this applies whether you bought your devices from us or brought your own (BYOD).

What are the claim limits?

• Xfinity Mobile Care Plus: You can make unlimited claims across all of your covered devices (up to a $5,000 value per device in a 12-month period).
• Xfinity Mobile Care: You can make up to three covered accidental damage, loss, and theft claims within a rolling 12-month period. The maximum coverage per claim is the purchase price or replacement value of the device (whichever is lower), less any applicable deductibles.

Note: For either option, there is no limit to covered mechanical or electrical failure claims.

When does my coverage begin?

With Xfinity Mobile Care Plus, all coverage begins on day 1 when you purchase a device new from Xfinity. For all other devices (like BYOD), your accidental damage and loss coverage will begin on day 31.

Other Tips to Protect Your Cell Phone

Beyond having a great protection plan, you can protect your phone from accidental damage and theft by using a heavy-duty case, applying a tempered glass screen protector, and enabling location-tracking services.

• Invest in a good case: Look for cases with raised edges to protect the screen and camera lenses from drops. Shop phone cases
• Use a screen protector: A tempered glass screen protector can absorb the impact of a face-down drop, saving your actual screen.
• Turn on tracking: Enable "Find My" (Apple) or "Find My Device" (Android) so you can locate, lock, or erase your phone if it goes missing.

¹ Service fees and deductibles (as applicable) are based on the type of approved claim and device group. Taxes extra. See fastclaim.com/xfinitymobile for details. Service fees/deductibles apply per approved claim. Unlimited $0 screen-only and eligible back glass repair: at Assurant-authorized repair centers when and where available.