What is iPhone insurance?
Key takeaways
Your iPhone may already be covered on your home contents insurance or the manufacturer’s warranty.
iPhone insurance can cover loss, theft, accidental damage, liquid damage, cracked screens and more.
The cost varies based on the iPhone model, cover level, payment frequency, and excess fees.
What is iPhone insurance?
iPhone insurance is mobile phone insurance designed specifically for iPhones and iPhone users. It offers the same cover as standard mobile phone insurance, such as for accidental damage or a cracked screen, while including additional cover related specifically to Apple products and services. iPhone insurance usually doesn't include tablets or laptops.
For Android users, there are equivalent insurance options tailored to their devices, including Samsung handsets, so no matter your phone model, there's a safety net available for your tech.
Do you need iPhone insurance?
Smartphones are prone to all sorts of mishaps, from the dreaded cracked screen to an unexpected swim in the pool or down the toilet, and replacing and repairing them, especially Apple iPhones, can be expensive.
For those of us who are a bit more accident-prone or who simply want peace of mind, iPhone insurance can be valuable.
However, you don’t want to over-insure yourself or pay out for unnecessary cover. Always check whether you’re getting mobile phone insurance as part of your home contents insurance first or as an additional feature of a bank account.
If you’re still within your warranty period, this may be enough to cover you for damage too. Most Apple products automatically include a year’s hardware cover through the limited warranty..
iPhone insurance vs AppleCare+
AppleCare+
AppleCare+ is Apple's own extended warranty and support service. The standard AppleCare warranty is free and covers your iPhone for manufacturing defects for one year and provides 90 days of phone support.
AppleCare+ goes a step further by extending the warranty and support for an additional year and covering two incidents of accidental damage, albeit with excess fees.
There's also AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss, which includes everything in AppleCare+ plus cover if your iPhone is lost or stolen.
The benefits of both are substantial, offering 24/7 technical support from Apple, accidental damage, battery depletion, hardware cover for your handset, battery, and accessories, as well as software troubleshooting. But there are limitations, and things like unauthorised usage of your phone won’t be covered.
The price of AppleCare+ and AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss depend on the make and model of your iPhone (or any other Apple product) but as an example, cover for an iPhone 14 is £129 or £6.49 a month for two years.
iPhone insurance
iPhone insurance covers a broader range of issues than Apple’s specific products. This can include:
Loss and theft.
Accidental damage.
Malicious damage.
Liquid damage.
Screen damage.
Mechanical breakdown.
Accessories.
Worldwide cover.
Family cover: if people in your family have iPhones you want covered.
E-Wallet misuse.
Unauthorised calls, messages, and downloads.
The most common claims tend to be for cracked screens, liquid damage, and theft or loss. If your iPhone is beyond repair, your insurance provider may provide a refurbished replacement iPhone, ensuring you're not left disconnected for long.
You can often submit insurance claims online, but be sure to read your policy documents so you know what you are covered for. Gadget insurance can cover a wider range of your devices includes Apple Products, headphones, tablets, and any other smartphones or smart watches you may have.
Are other Apple devices covered?
iPhone insurance covers mobile devices but some gadget insurance policies could extend to other Apple devices such as iPads, AirPods, Macs, and Apple Watches. However, this isn't a guarantee, and it's essential to check the specifics of any policy you consider.
If you have several devices, such as an iPhone, headphones, and an Apple Watch, covering them under one insurance policy might be cheaper. However, this all depends on things like the make and model of the devices.
Multi-device policies
For those with multiple gadgets or smartphones insurers may offer multi-device policies. These can be more cost-effective than insuring each device separately and can simplify the process of managing your insurance.
Common exclusions with iPhone insurance
When considering iPhone insurance, be aware of common exclusions. Insurers may not cover:
iPhones purchased outside the UK.
Second-hand iPhones.
Devices older than a specified number of months.
iPhones without an active SIM card.
iPhones used primarily for business purposes.
Pre-damaged iPhones.
Claims that exceed the cover level.
Immediate claims made right after the policy starts.
How much does iPhone insurance cost?
The cost of iPhone insurance can vary widely. Factors influencing the price include the model of your iPhone, the insurance provider, the level of cover you choose, how frequently you make payments, and the excess fees.
Monthly instalments might seem more manageable, but they can add up to more than an annual upfront payment, for example. Opting for a higher voluntary excess can reduce your premiums too, but it's important to weigh if the potential savings are worth the higher cost you need to claim.
How can I find quotes for iPhone insurance?
To find the right insurance for your iPhone, MoneySuperMarket offers a comparison tool powered by protectyourgadget.com. By entering details about your phone, you can receive tailored quotes and compare options.
Remember, it's not just about finding the cheapest policy; it's about balancing the level of cover with the price. The ideal policy should provide good value without leaving you over- or under-insured, and remember if it’s a new iPhone, you will be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty at first too.
Remember, that iPhone insurance is about safeguarding your investment and ensuring that a mishap doesn't lead to a significant financial setback.
Whether you opt for a dedicated iPhone insurance policy or rely on extended warranties like AppleCare, the right choice will depend on your individual needs and circumstances.
Stay informed, compare your options, and choose the protection that gives you peace of mind.
Author
David McDermottroe
Head of Commercial
Reviewer
Rebecca Goodman
Personal Finance & Insurance Expert
Rebecca is an award-winning financial journalist with over a decade of experience writing for print and online media. Her mission is to take the jargon out of personal finance and to help everyone...
