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Top 5 iPhone 5 Warranty Options Compared

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The iPhone 5 is an expensive gadget to replace with off contract pricing starting at $649. That’s the price users will need to pay if they break their iPhone 5 in the middle of a contract.

With the iPhone 5 on the way top buyers soon, that means users will be able to drop it in just a week. Last year I saw half a dozen iPhone 4S phones come into the local Apple Store broken just a week after release, so it’s important to look for a good iPhone 5 case or an iPhone 4S warranty, insurance or other protection plan.

Verizon, AT&T and Sprint discount the price of the iPhone 5 because you’ll cover it in paying for data and other charges, but this is only offered once every two years.

We’ve rounded up the top iPhone 5 warranty, insurance and protection plans to cut the cost of repairing or replacing a broken, lost or stolen iPhone 5.

Why You want iPhone 5 Insurance

Why you may want iPhone 5 Insurance.

The broken iPhone above shows why you might want to buy iPHone 5 insurance or a warranty. Despite the damage, this iPhone still works.

AppleCare+ – $99

AppleCare+ is one of the most popular iPhone 5 warranty options, and it is available direct from Apple and other retailers. AppleCare+ covers the iPhone 5 for two years and includes hardware and support issues.

AppleCare+ iPhone 5 Warranty

AppleCare+ is an iPhone 5 warranty direct from Apple.

The new version of AppleCare+, updated last year, includes two accidental damage claims. This means Apple will replace the iPhone 5 if it is dropped, submerged in water or otherwise broken for a $49 fee.

Users can buy AppleCare+ for iPhone up to 30 days after buying the iPhone 5, but it requires a Genius Bar appointment and inspection of the iPhone if not purchased with a new iPhone.

AppleCare+ does not cover loss or theft, so it isn’t the be-all end-all iPhone 5 protection plan.

SquareTrade – $99

SquareTrade sells iPhone 5 protection plans, similar to an iPhone 5 extended warranty. This plan lasts two years and is transferable for users that might sell their iPhone 5 to upgrade next year.

iPhone 5 warranty SquareTrade

SquareTrade Offers one of the best deals on an iPhone 5 warranty.

iPhone 5 owners can buy 2 years of iPhone 5 protection from SquareTrade for $99 and three years for $129. This includes up to 4 repairs or replacements, and an option for same-day service. Claims require a $50 deductible and include drops, waterdamage, broken pieces, failed touchscreens and pretty much any other broken iPhone issue you can think up.

One of the most appealing parts about the SquareTrade plan is the ability to take a damaged iPhone 5 to a local Apple Store and pay for a repair out-of-pocket, and get reimbursed by SquareTrade. With this option, users get their phone fixed in one day and avoid the $50 deductible.

SquareTrade does not cover loss or theft, so if you drop the iPhone 5 in a lake, you’ll need to go swimming for it if you want a replacement.

The SquareTrade warranty must be purchased within 30 days of buying the iPhone 5, or users can pay a higher price using the SquareTrade iPhone app.

MasterCard or American Express – Free

credit card iPhone 5Users looking to extend the iPhone 5 warranty without spending any money should put the iPhone 5 purchase on a MasterCard or American Express card.

Most of these cards offer Extended Warranty Protection. This free service doubles the warranty of the iPhone 5 up to two years. It’s best to call the 1-800 number on the back of your card to verify that it includes the Extended Warranty Protection.

To use this option, pay for the iPhone 5 in full with the credit card. Keep the receipt and a copy of the monthly statement it shows up on. If the iPhone 5 breaks, call the credit card company to start the process, and take the iPhone 5 to a repair shop to be fixed, usually an Apple Store.

You cannot cancel your credit card if you plan to use this option. This does not cover accidental damages, loss of theft. Be sure to pay off your monthly bill or interest will eat into any savings.

Carrier Insurance – up to $9.99 a Month

AT&T and Verizon offer standard smartphone insurance plans for the iPhone 5. The iPhone 5 insurance option from Verizon and AT&T includes loss, theft and damage protection. The first plans covered do not include replacement for lost and stolen devices.

The iPhone 5 insurance price on Verizon is $8.11 a month for insurance, and $9.99 a month for Total Equipment Coverage, which also extends the warranty.

iPhone 5 Insurance Verizon

Verizon offers several iPhone 5 insurance options.

Verizon TEC covers two claims in a 12 moth period, and requires a $199 deductible.

On AT&T’s Mobile Protection Pack includes iPhone 5 insurance for loss and theft, as well as “enhanced support” for $9.99 a month. In the past AT&T offered a $6.99 a month insurance only option, so check that out if you want to save $3 a month.

iPhone 5 insurance AT&T

AT&T sells iPhone 5 insurance with a $199 deductible.

AT&T is limited to two claims in a 12 month period, and charges a $199 deductible. Either of these options pushes the price for 24 months of payments and one claim up to almost $440.

Protect your Bubble – $143.99

If you want to skip the carriers and keep iPhone 5 insurance, you’ll want to look at a service like Protect Your Bubble. Protect Your Bubble sells iPhone insurance for $7.99 a month or a one time fe of $143.99.

iPhone 5 insurance loss theft

Protect Your Bubble sells iPhone 5 insurance that covers loss and theft.

Protect your Bubble’s Mobile Gadget insurance covers loss and theft as well as spills and damage with next day replacement offered. The plan requires a $100 deductible, but it’s still cheaper than using Verizon or AT&T for iPhone 5 insurance.

Users who insure multiple devices receive a 10% discount on additional policies.

iPhone 5 Warranty and Protection Options

When it comes to picking the best warranty, you’ll need to figure out what you need most. It’s easy to find an iPhone 5 protection plan with accidental coverage, but loss or theft is tougher to find.

Here’s a handy iPhone 5 warranty protection chart to help you make your decision.

iPhone 5 Protection Plans 2 Year Price Deductible # of Claims Accidental? Loss/Theft
AppleCare+ $99 $49 2 Yes No
SquareTrade $99 $50 on Drop Spill up 4 claims Yes No
Credit Card $0 $0 1 per purchase No No
AT&T or Verizon $168-$240 $199 2 per 12 months Yes Yes
Protect Your Bubble $143 $100 2 per 12 months Yes Yes

Best Value

The best value for iPhone 5 protection is from SquareTrade and the AppleCare+ Plans. Both of these plans are affordable and offer good value. They don’t cover loss or theft, so if that’s a concern I’d pick Protect Your Bubble.

The top value for me is SquareTrade. The ability to take the iPhone 5 into a Genius bar for same day replacement, just like with AppleCare, but without the $50 deductible is a big benefit. Users that don’t live near an Apple Store can send the device in to SquareTrade for a replacement.

The worst value is to buy carrier insurance, especially with the $199 deductible. At that point one replacement is $440 over two years, and its a better value to put money in savings.

An interesting option, when it arrives will be a CellHelmet for the iPhone 5, a case with a “safety net of accidental damage coverage” so you get a decent case and peace of mind.

[polldaddy poll=6534971]

Share why you picked the insurance you did, or why you pass on insurance in the comments?

50 Comments

50 Comments

  1. Jonathan

    09/14/2012 at 11:48 am

    I don’t understand what you mean by not paying deductible for SquareTrade when taking to apple store. On the SquareTrade site it states all claims are $50 deductible. Can you explain please?

    • Gunnar

      09/17/2012 at 8:37 am

      If the damages as listed occurs there is the deductible. However, during the coverage period and when the unit is out of warranty, you can simply take it into the store and get it fixed if there are issues with the unit (ie buttons failing to work, screen is not turning on but no damage was caused by you). If and when Apple charges you for the serviced performed, SquareTrade will reimburse you.

  2. iPhone 5 cases (@Swagmyiphone5)

    09/14/2012 at 1:47 pm

    You guys can avoid this by getting a case. Hit up the guys at Swagmyiphone5.com

  3. susan hoffman

    09/14/2012 at 6:19 pm

    sounds good to me. I have paid 50×2 for phone replacement in past 6 months

  4. Gordon Polovin

    09/15/2012 at 1:56 am

    There is far more available to protect your new iPhone 5 (or any wireless device) than the carriers in this review. Moreover there is an inaccuracy that affects the “Best Value” conclusion: Square Trade do have a $50 deductible on Damage. It is only excluded specifically on extended warranty (mechanical failure out of warranty). In addition, I believe that when making comparisons aggregate claim value should be considered over the warranty term. Square Trade has a capped claim value of $599 for damage (and may be used up in one claim quite easily) whereas others like Ensquared.com provide $1000 per claim coverage for $89.99 over two years, three claims and $50 deductible. When it comes to Lost & Stolen, again the review is over-simplistic. There are a few reputable competitive insurers that stand up extremely well against the carriers and the “Best Value Selection” Protect Your Bubble and should be considered. Ensquared and Worth Avenue are foremost entities with good offers in the comprehensive arena.

    • Susan D.

      01/15/2013 at 11:28 am

      esurranty.com covers more than any of the companies you used to compare. Claim coverage is more and allowances for damage is double compared to the company’s that paid to be reviewed on this site.

      • Caleb

        06/30/2015 at 1:53 pm

        This is not a company they scam people. Look for people that have dealt with them. Horrible.

  5. iPhone 5 cases (@Swagmyiphone5)

    09/15/2012 at 8:52 pm

    Yeah this is understandable. You gotta get a good case as well. Thats why We started our Website Swagmyiphone5.com. You guys should take a look at what we have. We are passionate about protection. https://swagmyiphone5.com/

  6. Michael Clark

    09/17/2012 at 12:03 pm

    I had gone for SquareTrade 2-Year iPhone Accident Protection Warranty (All iPhone Models).This is one of the best protection plan ,i got it from here

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008I6RVZU?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B008I6RVZU&linkCode=xm2&tag=neonsh-20

    • iPhoneFred

      10/10/2012 at 3:42 pm

      https://www.esurranty.com is by far the best. There deductibles are lower, they cover more and the price is less. They have been around for over 10 years and have an A+ BBB rating! The time I needed to make a claim it was handled within 2 days.

  7. Kelly carlberg

    09/24/2012 at 6:30 pm

    Protect your Bubble prices must have changed since iPhone 5 release. It is $7.99 / mo = $191 for two years and the deductible is $120 not $100.

    • David Anderson

      10/17/2012 at 10:31 am

      Kelly, thanks for your interest in Protectyourbubble.com. I work for them, and I just wanted to clarify for you. We have two payment options – a one time payment of $143 or a monthly payment option of $7.99 a month. You are correct that the deductible for iPhones is $120. It is $100 for other smartphones. Sorry for the late reply, and I hope that was helpful.

  8. Teresa

    09/28/2012 at 3:02 am

    The information for Protectyourbubble.com policy is inaccurate. For iPhones, deductible is $120 + $75 fee. Better off going with the carrier policy in my opinion.

    • Angelo Maimone

      10/04/2012 at 5:51 am

      http://www.esurranty.com is the best choice!

      • Caleb

        06/30/2015 at 1:56 pm

        They are not accredited. You are probably one of their few staffers that live of off taking people’s money.

    • iPhoneFred

      10/10/2012 at 3:41 pm

      https://www.esurranty.com is by far the best. There deductibles are lower, they cover more and the price is less. They have been around for over 10 years and have an A+ BBB rating! I have had them for 3 years and the time I needed to make a claim it was handled within 2 days.

    • David Anderson

      10/17/2012 at 10:39 am

      Teresa, thank you for your interest in Protectyourbubble.com as well. See my previous response to Kelly about our deductibles. Just wanted to clarify that there is no $75 fee in addition to our deductible. Sorry for the late reply, and I hope that was helpful.

      • dv8ed

        11/11/2012 at 2:02 pm

        Does ProtectYourBubble replace with refurbished or brand new iPhone?

        • David Anderson

          11/12/2012 at 8:54 am

          dv8ed, we have only fulfilled claims to date with new devices. If a new device is not in stock, we provide reimbursement to our insureds to get a new device. We do clearly disclose to all customers in our Plan Facts that refurbished devices can be used to fulfill claims, but we have not used any to date. Thanks for the question!

  9. Angelo Maimone

    10/04/2012 at 5:49 am

    I got my iPhone 5 insurance at http://www.esurranty.com. Their price is a lot less than AppleCare+, the deductibles are less and they offer more claims per year as well. Also, they replace phones with new one’s not refurbished like the other providers you listed. I had my 4s covered with them before I got the 5 and when I needed to make a claim it was handled within 1 day. They have an A+ BBB rating and have done good by me for over 2 years.

    • VERY UNHAPPY eSurranty Client

      12/18/2012 at 9:48 am

      And you work for the firm. Nice try!

      • Rick Lewis

        04/30/2013 at 6:06 am

        And this reply must be from the 1 of 5 former customers that tried to file a fraudulent claim in December 2012 and was caught. Next time wait more than a day to say your phone was stolen or lost. It raises red flags genius… And we monitor all IP addresses from our chat service as well as the chats themselves, so when you are asking questions about how our loss and theft procedures work and how fast you can get a replacement, then purchase coverage only to submit a claim within 24 hours later, we are definitely going to scrutinize your claim.

        • Caleb

          06/30/2015 at 2:00 pm

          I am another of those “clients” essuranty stole from. You sir, should be ashamed of taking people’s money. Get a real job. I documented everything you did in your scam.

    • VERY UNHAPPY eSurranty Client

      12/18/2012 at 9:51 am

      Post up the REAL client reviews on your site Angela. Let the prospective see the REAL stuff no only the happy stuff.

      • Rick Lewis

        04/30/2013 at 6:08 am

        All comments and ratings are posted on our site unless they are spam or advertising for other products.

  10. Angelo Maimone

    10/04/2012 at 5:55 am

    Even though I already posted, I just wanted to ask why this site hasn’t listed http://www.esurranty.com as a provider? They are always listed elsewhere as the the providers listed on this site. Perhaps the providers listed here, pay the site to rate them? All I know is esurranty.com has better prices, lower deductible, covers more, offers more for your money and I have had them for 2 years with no problems getting my claims resolved quickly and to my satisfaction!

    • VERY UNHAPPY eSurranty Client

      12/18/2012 at 9:50 am

      You work for the firm. Nice Try! You claimd dpt (Mr. Lewis) is a joke!!!

      • Rick Lewis

        04/30/2013 at 6:09 am

        Next time wait more than a day to say your phone was stolen or lost. It raises red flags genius… FYI we monitor all IP addresses from our chat service as well as the chats themselves, so when you are asking questions about how our loss and theft procedures work and how fast you can get a replacement, then purchase coverage only to submit a claim within 24 hours later, we are definitely going to scrutinize your claim.

    • Jacob

      09/15/2013 at 6:48 pm

      Then why are there horrible reviews and posts saying they never recieved there phone

  11. iPhoneFred

    10/10/2012 at 3:38 pm

    http://www.esurranty.com is by far the best. There deductibles are lower, they cover more and the price is less. They have been around for over 10 years and have an A+ BBB rating! I have had them for 3 years and the time I needed to make a claim it was handled within 2 days.

  12. iPhoneFreak

    11/05/2012 at 8:33 am

    https://www.snapbackcover.com/ is the best from a completely different perspective. SnapBack sells iPhone and iPad cases that come with a free warranty. Therefore, you simply buy the case for $25.50 and free glass coverage is automatically embedded in the product. You can also upgrade to accidental and liquid protection for $3.99/ month or theft protection for $4.99/ month. SnapBack offers a one stop shop for case + insurance. I just bought my case in September and it was great to be able to receive the insurance attached without any hassle. The cases aren’t bulky like an Otter Box either, so there is no issue when taking my phone in and out of my pocket. Efficient.

  13. Michael Zeke

    11/07/2012 at 8:25 am

    Applecare+ DOES NOT cover accidental damage to an iphone unless the phone is economically feasible to repair (ie: not destroyed). READ THE CONTRACT !!! I was just forced to buy, at full retail price, a second iphone 5 on the 4th day of my applecare+ contract. My iphone was run over by a car. Applecare+ is more of an extended warranty than insurance.

    • Susan

      11/08/2012 at 2:42 pm

      http://www.esurranty.com DOES cover accidental damage as well as loss, theft and a non-repairable accident. They replace phones with new one, not refurbished like all of these others.

    • Emily

      12/09/2012 at 7:23 am

      That is why I prefer my carrier coverage. What’s another 10 bucks a month on an $85 plan? I mean yeah sure if you have to replace it its $199, but I’m counting on not having to.

  14. tia

    11/12/2012 at 2:18 pm

    For the record I looked up Essuranty and they are not accredited with the BBB.

    • Tia

      11/12/2012 at 2:24 pm

      Worth Ave Group does not cover technical support . I am looking for insurance for my phone because Sprint does not cover insurance for the Iphone 5. Unfortunately I did not by the Applecare+ insurance because it seemed like a rip off to me. Especially since they don’t cover lost and stolen phones. I will just wait for Sprint to offer their insurance in a week and get it then.

      • Bub

        12/02/2012 at 3:36 pm

        You get it free for a year when you purchase the phone.

    • Susan

      01/15/2013 at 11:20 am

      They are rated A+ by the BBB even though they are NOT accredited! That shows how great their service is to get that and they didn’t even have to pay the annual fee to be accredited like the others do! To be accredited all you have to do is pay $595/year. To have an A+ rating you have to demonstrate great business procedure.

    • Rick Lewis

      04/30/2013 at 6:12 am

      We are not accredited by the BBB because there is no need to pay them $595 per year for the accreditation plus another $695 per year to use their logo on our site. We achieved our rating without ever paying them! That is how great our customer service is!!!! Purchase a policy from us and see the difference. If you are not happy cancel within the first 30 days and get a full refund. Cancel after 30 days and receive a pro-rated refund. It’s that simple!

  15. jeet

    11/16/2012 at 11:14 pm

    I broke iphone screen. bought screen and kit and replaced myself. Iphone home button stop working bought button for $2.99 already had previous kit to open it. I dont see what insurances do that i cant do. Ppl educated yourself and do it yourself its not rocket science.

  16. Doc.

    11/22/2012 at 9:52 am

    Keep in mind that phone support for the device is free for 90 days, but then becomes a paid option (fair enough) of $19 per issue. (Just reduced from $29 per issue a couple of months ago). AppleCare gets you unlimited phone support from Apple during the two years of coverage. Another plus for AppleCare IMO.

  17. Emily

    12/09/2012 at 7:18 am

    I prefer to just do it through Verizon. I have a great case and don’t plan on breaking it anytime soon, haven’t broke a phone in years, sure it’s $10 month but it also covers theft, which apple cannot.

  18. Rick Lewis

    04/30/2013 at 6:16 am

    https://www.esurranty.com DOES cover accidental damage like cracked screens and water damage as well as loss, theft and a non-repairable accidents. We replace phones with a new one, not refurbished like all of these others. Our policy terms state specifically that we DO NOT send out refurbished phone’s. The others say they do. Purchase a policy from us today and see the difference. All policies are fully refundable within the first 30 days if you are not completely satisfied!

  19. daphne

    05/04/2013 at 2:46 pm

    as someone who lives in a NYC co-op (groan), I have mandatory home insurance-

    so the plan that works for me:

    1) Apple Care, $99 = 4 year ‘extended warranty’.. includes 2 ‘instances’ (screen breakage, for ex) for $49 fee.

    4 years because I (deliberately purchased my iPhone 5 with an American Express, which doubles the length of the manufacturer’s warranty). I doubt I’ll be using an iPhone 5 for 4 years.. but.

    2) add to my apt. owner’s policy, $18/year = loss & theft coverage. $75 deductible.

  20. eddie

    05/08/2013 at 1:50 pm

    Bestbuy has the best. Unlimited repairs, accident damage coverage, and battery/charger replacment. 9.99 a month

  21. Marc raymond

    05/09/2013 at 8:15 pm

    There are a lot of good plans, but I use Insure Apple iPhone. They are reasonably priced and offer free tech support and many other Services that none of the above companies do. You can check them out at http://www.insureappleiphone.com

    Good luck!

  22. Anna W

    09/03/2013 at 10:25 pm

    I just purchased Protectyourbubble. Hope I never have to use it. My iPhone5 has a good case on it,and I am pretty careful so I am not too worried about damage. I am more worried about theft, as I am a teacher and often use my phone in the classroom. A student stole my iPhone 4, earlier this year, and it was uninsured. I like that the monthly fee is only $8, compared to Sprints $11. And the deductible is only $120, compared to Sprints $200

  23. Joe L

    09/19/2013 at 12:43 pm

    This a great article with very good information / recommendations, however it should be updated to include current information. For example, on Apple’s website, AppleCare+ claims are now subject to a $79 fee as opposed to the $49 mentioned above. Here is the link: https://store.apple.com/us/product/S4575LL/A/applecare-for-iphone

  24. elizabeth ansel

    11/02/2014 at 8:04 am

    IMPORTANT I CALLED PROTECT MY BUBBLE AND THEY STATED THAT THEY DO NOT COVER THEFT. AT ALL……SO BE CAREFUL BEFORE BUYING THERE.

    • Cus Serv

      11/02/2014 at 9:25 am

      eSURRANTY.com offer loss and theft coverage! We also have over 300+ locations for same day repair where the customer pays nothing out of pocket to the store. We offer next day loaner phones and replacements from the Apple store.

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