by Aidan Kang, CFA
Senior Writer
Insurance
UPDATED: October 26, 2022

Smartphones have become a necessity nowadays, and you probably understand how inconvenient it is when they break or you lose them. Not to mention, they are also pricey. 

If you have recently purchased an AT&T phone or are planning to do so, you might be wondering if getting insurance is worth it. 

To help you decide, we talk about AT&T phone insurance, what it covers, and what your options are. Let’s dive in!

What Does AT&T Phone Insurance Cover?

When you purchase a phone from AT&T, it comes with a warranty. It means that the manufacturer gives you assurance for the repair or replacement of your phone for a limited period. 

Even with a warranty, you might still want to consider signing up for AT&T phone insurance. It gives additional security and protection for your phone, even if the warranty expired. AT&T phone insurance offers protections that aren’t covered by a warranty.

AT&T phone insurance usually covers the following: 

  • Loss and theft
  • Storage and identity protection
  • Phone screen cracked and damaged
  • Out-of-warranty malfunctions

The insurance also covers repair and replacement of the following accessories:

  • Standard battery
  • Standard battery charger
  • Sim cards

However, AT&T phone insurance will not cover your device if the damage or loss is due to the following exclusions and limitations:

  • Intentional acts
  • Dishonest acts
  • Fraudulent acts
  • Criminal acts
  • Unauthorized repair and replacement
  • Cosmetic damage
  • Nonstandard software
  • Nonstandard media

What Are The AT&T Phone Insurance Plans?

AT&T offers three protection options with a maximum value of $2,500. They cover mechanical and electrical problems after the expiration of the manufacturer’s warranty. Here are the plans:

AT&T Protect Advantage for  4
• $15 per month per line covered
• 1 device covered
• 3 claims per year
• Same-day replacement set up
• 0 deductible battery replacement
• $29 deductible screen repair
• Can access protect app support (call text or chat)
• Streaming support
• Can access AT&T storage photo storage app for unlimited photo and videos storage
AT&T Protect Advantage for 1
• $15 per month per line covered
• 1 device covered
• 3 claims per year
• Same-day replacement set up
• 0 deductible battery replacement
• $29 deductible screen repair
• Can access protect app support (call text or chat)
• Streaming support
• Can access AT&T storage photo storage app for unlimited photo and videos storage
AT&T Mobile Insurance
• $8.99 per line per month covered
• 1 device covered
• 2 claims per consecutive 12-month period
• Next-day device replacement

AT&T Protect Advantage plans come with ProTech benefits. You can also purchase ProTech separately for $14.03 per month for New York customers and $9 a month for others.

• ProTech benefits provide the following coverage:
• Same-day replacement
• ProTech support
• Unlimited photo and video storage
• IDnotify 

How to Enroll in AT&T Phone Insurance?

To get AT&T phone insurance, you can go to https://www.att.com/offers/device-protection/ or ask your sales representative. You must enroll within 30 days after the activation or upgrade of your device.

How Do You File an AT&T Phone Insurance Claim?

It’s so frustrating and inconvenient to go a day without your phone, so it’s a good thing if you have insurance you can rely on for repair or replacement.

But before you file for a claim, there are steps you should take.

1. Find Your Lost/Stolen Device

When your device is lost or stolen, try to find it first. Use GPS or activated third-party locator apps and add-ons and try to find your device. 

Sign in to the activated AT&T account and follow the prompts to locate your device. You can call tech support to help you find your device.

2. Suspend Service and Block Your Device

When you can’t find your phone, block your device and suspend your service so that the thief or other person who found it could not use your device. 

If you have sensitive information saved on your device, such as credit card numbers, contact your credit card company to report it and protect your account. Change your passwords in all your emails and social media accounts too.

3. File Your Insurance Claim

Then you can start filing your insurance claim. You must file your claim within 60 days since your device has been damaged or lost.

You need the following details:

  • Device brand and model
  • Wireless security code or the last 4 digits of your tax ID or Social Security number

Ways to file a claim:

  • Go to phoneclaim.com/att 
  • Use AT&T Protect App (for Protect Advantage customers only)
  • Call 888.562.8662 Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m to 10 p.m. ET; Weekends from 9a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.

AT&T may ask for additional documentation, such as purchase receipts or billing statements. The more complete the documents and /information you give, the faster your application can be approved.

You also need to pay deductibles from $29 to $49, depending on your insurance plan and the type of damage. The list of eligible devices is updated regularly, so make sure you read the terms and conditions of your plans, which you can download here.

When Can You Get Your Replacement Phone?

Depending on your AT&T insurance plan, you may receive your replacement phone on the same day or the next day if your claim is approved. If you filed your claim during the weekends, it may take two to three days to receive the replacement. 

How Do You Cancel Your Existing AT&T Phone Insurance?

You may experience unforeseen situations that make you unable to pay your AT&T phone insurance or you may have changed your mind about the coverage. If you need to cancel your existing insurance plan, follow these steps:

OPTION 1 (Through Website):

  1. Go to AT&T Website
  2. Log in to your account, and go to My Wireless Page
  3. Select the My Devices  & Features
  4. Click on Manage Device & Features
  5. Expand AT&T Mobile Protection Plan 
  6. Click Remove at the bottom of AT&T Protection Pack
  7. Click on “Continue” to confirm cancellation

OPTION 2 (Through Phone):

  1. From your AT&T phone, you can call Customer Support at 1-800-331-0500, available 24/7 or dial 611.
  2. When prompted, say “cancel my mobile insurance plan.”
  3. The system will give you a guide through the needed process to cancel your plan.
  4. Confirm your cancellation and you’re all set.

Are There Alternative Insurance for AT&T Phones?

If you’re not satisfied with AT&T insurance, you can check out other options. According to Investopedia’s most recent review, some of the best ones in the market are:

Insurance NameDetails
Asurion– Starts at $12 to $15 a month
– Covers lost, stolen, or damaged device
– Device defects
– Failures and issues linked to normal wear and tear (i.e., dust accumulation or humidity) easy claims process
SquareTrade – Starts at $8.99 a month
– Covers all phones regardless of model, make, or age
– Covers cracked screens, touchscreen failures, liquid damage, etc.
– On-premise, same-day repairs
AppleCare+– Starts at $9.99 a month
– Best option for iPhone users
– Theft and loss policy
– Priority access to Apple experts
– Express replacement services
– Mail-in repair options
SamsungCare+– Starts at $3.99 to $19.99 a month
– Best for Samsung device users
– $0 deductible for mechanical breakdown claims
– Covers accidental damage, liquid spills, screen cracks
– Extended warranty for mechanical and electrical breakdowns

Conclusion

If you have an AT&T phone, having insurance can save your day. Aside from safety and protection, the add-ons give you confidence and peace of mind that you can lower your expenses if your phone is damaged, lost, or stolen. Consider the information above to help you decide which insurance plan is best for your needs.