Phone Insurance Myths Debunked

A drop, a cracked screen, or a spill can quickly turn your phone into an expensive problem. Still, many people hesitate to get phone insurance because of common myths about cost, coverage, and claims. Some think insurance is pricey, others believe their warranty covers everything, and some assume accidents won’t happen to them. The truth is that skipping phone insurance could leave you paying hundreds out of pocket for something you didn’t expect.

Let’s clear things up. Here are the most common phone insurance myths, debunked.

Myth #1: Phone Insurance Is a Waste of Money

Many people avoid phone insurance because they think paying for coverage is just throwing money away.

The truth: Phone repairs or replacements are expensive without insurance protection. A cracked screen or a stolen phone can easily cost hundreds of dollars. Phone insurance covering accidental damage and theft can significantly reduce those unexpected costs, making it a smart way to protect your wallet, not a waste of money. Learn more about phone insurance.

Myth #2: I’m Careful, So I Don’t Need Phone Insurance

Some believe insurance is only for careless phone users or that accidents only happen to others.

The truth: Accidents can happen to anyone, no matter how careful you are. In just a second, a phone can slip out of your pocket, get knocked off a desk, or fall on the ground during daily use. Even the most careful users can’t prevent every accident, which is why having phone insurance can be so valuable. Insurance isn’t about being careless. It’s about being prepared.

Myth #3: Phone Insurance Is Too Expensive

Another common misconception is that phone insurance costs as much as repairing or replacing a device, making it feel like an unnecessary expense.

The truth: Phone insurance costs far less than a single repair or replacement. A cracked screen or water damage can quickly add up to hundreds of dollars, while phone insurance usually costs just a few dollars a month. And if your phone is stolen or severely damaged, insurance can save you from paying the full replacement price out of pocket.

Myth #4: My Warranty Already Covers Everything

It’s a common mistake to think your manufacturer’s warranty will protect you no matter what happens to your phone.

The truth: Standard manufacturer warranties usually cover defects and hardware failures, not accidental damage or theft. This means that cracked screens, liquid spills, and accidental drops are almost always excluded. See the types of phone damage your warranty doesn’t cover, but insurance does.

Myth #5: My Renters or Homeowners Insurance Covers My Phone

Many people assume their renters or homeowners insurance will fully cover their phone if it’s damaged or stolen.

The truth: While renters or homeowners insurance may offer some coverage, it’s often limited (everyday phone accidents are not covered) and comes with high deductibles. In many cases, you could end up paying more out of pocket than the cost of the phone itself, so filing a claim usually makes no sense and may even impact your policy.

Myth #6: Filing a Claim Is a Hassle

There’s a common belief that insurance claims are complicated, slow, and frustrating.

The truth: Reputable phone insurance providers make the claims process simple and fast. Many allow you to file a claim online in just a few steps, and repairs or replacements are often handled quickly. Instead of being a hassle, insurance can help you get back to using your phone sooner and with less stress.

Myth #7: Older Phones Aren’t Worth Insuring

It’s easy to assume that phone insurance only makes sense for brand-new phones, not for used or refurbished devices.

The truth: Older phones can still be expensive to repair or replace. A cracked screen or other accidents can cost a small fortune, even if you’ve had your device for a while or you bought a used/refurbished phone. Phone insurance can help make these costs manageable. See how you can benefit from insuring a used or refurbished phone.

If you’ve been on the fence about phone insurance, it’s time to rethink it. When you look past the myths, phone insurance can be a simple, affordable way to protect one of the most-used (and likely most expensive) electronic devices you own.