Losing or breaking your cell phone can really set you back, both financially and in terms of convenience. Having it stolen is even worse, which is why cell phone insurance is appealing to many. With this coverage in place, you can obtain a replacement phone quickly or receive reimbursement for repairs.
An independent insurance agent can help you find the right kind of cell phone insurance for you. They'll ensure you get all the coverage you need for your handheld device. But for starters, here's a breakdown of cell phone insurance and where you can get it.
Key Takeaways - Cell Phone Insurance | Best Cell Phone Insurance Companies of 2026
- Cell phone insurance covers accidental damage, theft, and vandalism for smartphones.
- You might need cell phone insurance if your homeowners insurance policy doesn't provide enough coverage, has a high deductible, or your phone is particularly valuable.
- Cell phone insurance costs an average of $6-$20 per month for a single device, or approximately $72-$240 per year.
- Many cell phone insurance companies allow you to insure multiple devices, some for as little as an extra $2-$3 per phone.
- Working with an independent insurance agent is highly recommended, as they can compare quotes and policy options and tailor coverage to your unique cell phone.
What Is Cell Phone Insurance?
Cell phone insurance is a special type of personal property insurance designed to cover issues that arise with your cell phone. Coverage can pay to replace or repair your cell phone if it gets lost, damaged, destroyed, or stolen.
You'll pay a premium for your policy in exchange for this coverage. If you have to file a claim, you'll need to pay your deductible out of your own pocket before receiving reimbursement. Coverage limits and deductible amounts vary by insurance company.
What Does Cell Phone Insurance Cover?
Cell phone insurance can protect your phone against accidental damage, theft, or vandalism. Standard policies include the following coverage:
- Water or liquid damage
- Accidental damage, such as from dropping the phone, which can apply to:
- Cracked screens
- Broken camera lenses
- Theft
- Vandalism
Cell phone insurance provides coverage that differs from a warranty, which typically only covers manufacturer defects.
What's Not Covered by Cell Phone Insurance?
Cell phone insurance policies won't cover electrical or mechanical defects in the device. These risks are covered by cell phone warranties, not insurance policies. If you're concerned about manufacturer defects and accidental damage, theft, or vandalism, consider getting both a cell phone warranty and a cell phone insurance policy.
Cell Phone Loss Statistics
Many people have lost or damaged a cell phone at least once in their lives. Here are some statistics about U.S. cell phone ownership and incidents of damage:
- An estimated 4.3% of employee smartphones are lost or stolen every year.
- Only about 7% of stolen smartphones were recovered from those reported in a survey.
- About 60% of missing smartphones contain sensitive and confidential information.
- About 13% of employee smartphones are lost at work.
- About 29% of employee smartphones are lost while traveling.
- About 47% of employee smartphones are lost while working away from the office.
The loss of your cell phone is both inconvenient and expensive. If your phone would cost a small fortune to replace, you may want to consider cell phone insurance to protect you from loss, damage, destruction, or theft.
When Bad Things Happen to Good Cell Phones
Most cell phones come with manufacturer warranties that cover all damage caused by defects or mechanical failure. Manufacturer warranties usually cover defects for one year. However, a manufacturer’s warranty will not cover a replacement phone if you drop it and smash it, if you spill coffee or other liquids on it, or if your phone gets lost or stolen.
Cell phone insurance reimburses you for accidental damage or theft not covered under the warranty. With mobile phone insurance in place, you can typically get a similar replacement for your damaged or destroyed phone.
The deductibles for cell phone insurance are usually pretty affordable compared to the coverage provided. When it comes to a high-end smartphone that costs $1,000 or more to purchase new, paying a relatively small deductible in comparison can make a lot of sense.
A Manufacturer’s Warranty Is Not Mobile Phone Insurance
Unlike cell phone insurance, the manufacturer’s warranty usually lasts for one year and covers manufacturing defects or mechanical issues. As long as you have taken all possible precautions and used the phone properly, you can get a replacement for a malfunctioning phone with your manufacturer’s warranty.
However, cell phones can be stolen, lost, or damaged by accident, which isn’t covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. Mobile phone insurance policies fill in where your warranty ends. If you have a high-end model, coverage for loss and damage especially makes sense.
Does Your Homeowners Policy Include Cell Phone Insurance?
Any coverage for cell phones included in your homeowners insurance policy is probably not enough to replace your phone. A typical HO-3 homeowners policy insures all direct physical loss of all personal property listed in the policy. The only condition is that a covered peril must be the cause of the loss, such as fire or theft.
Therefore, if you specifically listed your mobile phone and insured it against theft, you would receive coverage for its theft. Your home insurance company may have required you to purchase extra coverage to insure a valuable electronic device, however.
If your theft coverage pays for the depreciated value of the phone, you'd still pay a considerable amount to buy a brand-new one. You also need to pay a deductible before your coverage kicks in. But adding your cell phone to your homeowners policy or getting a separate rider can ensure you’re covered if your phone is damaged or stolen.
When to get stand-alone cell phone coverage vs. relying on home insurance
To determine if home insurance is better than a stand-alone cell phone insurance policy, you'll need to consider your homeowners policy's deductible and how filing a claim might impact your premium rates. If filing a claim for a stolen or damaged phone would result in higher premiums for your home insurance, which is likely, it may not be worth it to you. The value of your stolen or damaged phone also may not be high enough to exceed your home insurance's personal property coverage deductible, meaning you wouldn't actually receive any reimbursement from filing a claim.
If you're concerned about your home insurance premiums going up after filing a claim for your cell phone, you might want to consider stand-alone cell phone insurance. This can also allow you to purchase enough coverage for the full replacement value of your smartphone.
What to Look for in Cell Phone Insurance
Insurance for mobile phones makes sense under certain circumstances, but you want to be sure you're getting the benefit and value you need. Here are some questions to ask:
- What is the coverage and scope of the insurance? Does the policy cover accidental damage, phone theft, and loss?
- How much does the coverage cost? Multiply your monthly premiums by the length of the policy and then add the deductible. If the price of a new cell phone is less than the amount you'd be paying, buying a new phone might be a more cost-effective option.
- How will the cell phone be replaced in the event of a loss? Will you get a similar model or a better one? Will the replacement be a new phone or a refurbished one?
An independent insurance agent can also advise you on coverage specifics to look out for when weighing cell phone insurance options.
More Considerations When Evaluating Cell Phone Insurance
Only you know whether cell phone insurance makes the most sense for you. When deciding whether to buy coverage, consider the value of the cell phone and your usage.
If you use your phone for everything from staying in touch with your family to managing your email, consider whether you can afford to be without it. Are you a very careful person, or do you tend to drop your phone?
Ask yourself these questions:
- What would it cost to replace your phone out of pocket?
- If you're considering insurance, how much is the deductible?
- Will the insurance cover the cost of calls a thief made after stealing your phone?
Your insurance coverage should fit your needs and provide the protection you're looking for. When you research your options, take the time to get a few quotes before you buy so you can feel confident that your coverage has high value and can adequately protect your investment.
The Best Cell Phone Insurance Companies of 2026
Cell phone insurance can be added to homeowners insurance policies by many different carriers. However, some insurance companies sell cell phone insurance as a special, separate product. When you're looking for the coverage you need, you want to skip straight ahead to the best options. That's why we've put together this list of the best cell phone insurance companies around.
- Best overall: Progressive
- Best for member savings: USAA
- Best for claims: Asurion
- Best for rates: AKKO
- Best for families: SquareTrade (by Allstate)
Best cell phone insurance company overall: Progressive
Progressive offers the cell phone insurance you need at highly affordable rates. They offer two-year policies with a $75 deductible and a premium of only $153.
Progressive's cell phone coverage can reimburse you for theft or vandalism of your cell phone, as well as for damage caused by fire, flood, natural disasters, drops, spills, and power surges. Most importantly for many folks, Progressive's coverage also pays to repair cracked screens.
Coverage highlights:
- Two-year premium of only $153
- Includes coverage for cracked screens
- Affordable deductible
- Includes coverage for drops, spills, and power surges
Best cell phone insurance company for member savings: USAA
USAA offers its members an average of 22% savings on cell phone coverage. The carrier offers one or two-year plan options.
But USAA also offers additional security features beyond its coverage, including a SafeStore app and the ability to lock and locate your phone remotely. A two-year prepaid plan from USAA costs about $7 per month.
Coverage highlights:
- Three payment plans available
- Members can save 22% on average on coverage
- SafeStore app included for additional security
- Estimated premiums of only $7 per month
Best cell phone insurance company for claims: Asurion
Asurion offers customers an extremely easy and user-friendly claims process. You can insure one cell phone or multiple devices with Asurion's coverage.
An average deductible ranges from $29 to $499, and average monthly coverage premiums are only about $12 to $15 per month for a single cell phone.
Coverage highlights:
- Single or multiple-device coverage available
- Low monthly premiums
- Multiple device premiums average just $45 per month
- Easy and fast claims process
Best cell phone insurance company for rates: AKKO
AKKO offers highly affordable monthly premiums with its cell phone coverage. An average monthly premium for a single cell phone ranges from $6 to $12, while insuring multiple devices will cost you an extra $2 to $3 per month. Deductibles range from $29 to $99.
Coverage highlights:
- Some of the most affordable rates available
- Can insure single or multiple devices
- Only $14 to $15 monthly premium to insure more than one cell phone
- Affordable deductibles
Best cell phone insurance company for families: SquareTrade (by Allstate)
Allstate's SquareTrade cell phone protection plans offer affordable coverage options for single cell phone owners and families alike. Average deductibles are $149, while monthly premiums range from $8.99 to $19.99. You can insure a single cell phone or multiple devices. Allstate's coverage also provides higher annual claim allowances than many other carriers.
Coverage highlights:
- Single and family plans available
- Higher annual claim allowances than most carriers
- Monthly premiums range from $8.99 to $19.99
- Deductible of just $149
Comparing the Best Cell Phone Insurance Providers of 2026
| Provider | Average Monthly Cost | Deductible | Multi-Device Coverage? | Perks | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $6 | $75 | Yes | Cracked Screen Coverage | Overall Coverage |
| USAA | $7 | Uncertain | Yes | Coverage for Military Members, Veterans, and Their Families | Member Savings |
| Asurion | $12–$15 (Single), $45 (Multiple) | $29–$499 | Yes | Easy and Fast Claims Process | Claims Satisfaction |
| AKKO | $6–$12 (Single), +$2–$3 per Additional Device | $29–$99 | Yes | Cheap Multi-Device Coverage | Low Premium Rates |
| SquareTrade | $8.99–$19.99 | $149 | Yes | Higher Annual Claim Allowance than Other Carriers | Family Coverage |
Methodology: How We Select the Best Cell Phone Insurance Companies
We evaluated cell phone insurance companies based on several criteria and applied a methodology to compile our list of top carriers across several categories. More than 10 cell phone insurance carriers were evaluated on pros and cons, including claims process, coverage options, discounts and benefits, coverage rates, online quote availability, financial strength, and history in the insurance industry. An assessment of combined carrier reputation and cell phone insurance options and prices was conducted to craft our list of top picks for providers in each category above.
An Independent Insurance Agent Can Help You Find the Best Cell Phone Insurance Quotes
Independent insurance agents are experts in finding you the right kind of cell phone insurance and any other type of coverage you need. They can shop and compare cell phone insurance quotes and policies from tons of different insurance companies for you, then present you with only the best results together in one place. Also, they're available down the road to help you file claims and update your coverage if you ever need to.
FAQs About Cell Phone Insurance
Is cell phone insurance worth it?
It depends. Cell phone insurance can be worth it if you own a particularly valuable smartphone and wouldn't have enough coverage under your existing homeowners or renters insurance policy.
Does homeowners insurance cover a lost or stolen phone?
Yes, home insurance can cover a lost or stolen phone. However, some policies may require you to specifically list your cell phone to have coverage.
How much does cell phone insurance cost per month?
Cell phone insurance premiums can range from about $6-$20 per month for a single device, depending on the type of phone you have and the carrier you buy coverage from. An independent insurance agent can help you find affordable cell phone insurance.
Is AKKO better than Asurion for multiple devices?
Yes, AKKO is better than Asurion for multiple devices. Premium rates for multiple cell phones average only $14-$15 monthly from AKKO, while Asurion's rates for multiple devices average $45 per month.
Sources
https://www.progressive.com/electronic-device-insurance/cell-phone-insurance/
https://www.usaa.com/inet/wc/cell-phone-protection?akredirect=true
https://www.mcafee.com/blogs/mobile-security/almost-5-of-smartphones-lost-every-year/
