MobileProtect now officially ready to insure your iPhone 4 from everything*
By Darren Murph 
posted June 24th 2010 9:58AM
posted June 24th 2010 9:58AM
And just like that, it's confirmed. We'd heard through the grapevine that AT&T may be fixing to certify a third-party to sell an iPhone insurance program, and now it looks as if Asurion has been given the green light by Ma Bell, and not a moment too soon. According to the company, MobileProtect is the "only iPhone (and iPhone 4) insurance to protect against loss or theft (the reason for nearly 50% of phone claims), while also covering water or other liquid damage, accidental damage, and out-of-warranty failure." Of course, you'll have to shell out a borderline-ridiculous $11.99 per month for the coverage (and yeah, there's still a deductible), which is made even more outrageous by the fact that the iPhone 4 and its Gorilla Glass is nigh indestructible. Er, wait...*Claims of "everything" are subject to interpretation, as anyone who has ever dealt with an insurance company will attest.
P.S. - SquareTrade still works on the iPhone 4, and it's probably worth considering. Take a look at the price breakdown after the jump. Also, Worth Ave Group has an option that looks even more acceptable. The bottom line? You can insure everything.
- AT&T - $487
- SquareTrade - $149
- Difference = $338
Two device failures in two years:
- AT&T - $686
- SquareTrade – $199
- Difference = $487
iPhone(R) Customers Can Now Enroll in a Comprehensive Insurance Plan
MobileProtect™ is the first product to cover loss and theft in addition to water or other liquid damage, accidental damage, and out-of-warranty failure for your iPhone.
NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Asurion, the global leader in technology protection services, recently announced the launch of MobileProtect, the most comprehensive insurance program available for the iPhone -- including the iPhone 4. With Asurion MobileProtect, iPhone users who lose their phone, have it stolen or damaged -- including water or other liquid damage -- or who experience a failure after the warranty has expired can receive a replacement iPhone as quickly as the next day.
"Nearly 50 percent of claims we see are filed for lost and stolen phones," said Cindy Christy, Asurion President. "MobileProtect is the first product to include loss and theft coverage in addition to protection for damage and failures after the warranty expires. Plus, it provides the added convenience of next day replacement in most cases."
Consumers need a comprehensive solution when faced with a lost, stolen, damaged or failing iPhone. The cost of replacing their coveted iPhone can leave consumers responsible for paying the replacement price of up to $699 out of pocket. MobileProtect provides customers with a single point of contact for total peace of mind and total protection for their iPhone while helping customers avoid costly replacements.
iPhone customers may enroll in MobileProtect up to 30 days after activating their new iPhone. Enrollment is simple: Customers simply visit the App Store(SM), download the Asurion MobileProtect App on their iPhone, click "get started" and follow the guided process.
Filing a claim is just as easy. MobileProtect subscribers may visit www.MyMobileProtect.com 24 hours a day, seven days a week to report a lost, stolen, damaged or faulty iPhone.
"In our conversations with customers we often heard how valuable iPhone protection would be," said Mike Dolezal, Asurion Product Manager. "To a growing number of consumers, the iPhone is central to their work and home life. If something happens to their device, MobileProtect customers don't have to be without their iPhone, their direct connection to family and friends, for long."
Pricing and Availability
MobileProtect is now available for the iPhone, including the iPhone 4. To get started, consumers simply download the app from the App Store within 30 days of activating their new iPhone. Rather than large up-front fees, MobileProtect customers will be charged $11.99 monthly and there is a one-time deductible for each approved claim of $99, $149 or $199, depending on the iPhone model. To learn more, visit MyMobileProtect.com.
*Next Day Delivery not available in all areas.
About Asurion
Asurion is the global leader in Technology protection services. From lost, stolen and damaged wireless handsets to malfunctioning computers or HD-TVs, Asurion provides more than 90 million consumers worldwide with best-in-class, next day device replacement. The company can also protect user content and software. Asurion is the exclusive provider to many of the world's premier telecommunications and retail companies. Asurion is privately-held with more than 5,000 employees and operates in six countries across three continents.
For more information, visit www.asurion.com and MyMobileProtect.com
Oh the joys.
@InEvX I am waiting till the next iphone 4 generation. Too many problems with this one
@allenade
My sqauretrade warranty covers me up to $400 for two years with accidental coverage.
It cost me $75.
can you exchange your phone if it has the yellowish color on screen and/or it loses signal when you hold it on bottom left?
@InEvX
Oh these people are going to make so much money. Too many iPhone users are going to just "accept" that this is their only real option and roll with it because they just have to have it.
@allenade
Apple should cover glass shattering under their warranty.
If the phone can't survive a 1 foot drop, according to a post on gizmodo, there's a serious design flaw.
@InEvX If you own your home (or even rent) you should look into a personal articles policy through your home owners insurance. Mine covers "full REPLACEMENT cost" with a $50 deductible. Thank you Liberty Mutual!
@GriffinS
Definitely a * situation for you.
Insurance will not pay for being a moron. Especially not when you put proof of your own stupidity on the internet.
@dfreeindy
Be careful, though because if you turn in a claim, it can makes your rates go up for like 5 years. The rate increase can sometimes cost more than if you would have just bought a new phone out of pocket. I work as an agent in customer service for an insurance company, and I can't tell you the amount of ppl I've talked to that regret making a claim
@InEvX
$140+ a year? The obvious choice is to get a case. Sure this is a viable option for the wealthier who refuse to put a rubber on their iPhone.
@InEvX LOL almost $300 for a full 2 years wow thats ridiculous, i understand this is a possible phone but why is the insurance 3 times as expensive as normal insurance plans
@allenade
Get a DROID X, moto has best quality material, take a look in Google, and you will see, well thats if you are not a fanboy........
Got to get a case at www.MobileRiotGear.com
@InEvX Its not Gorilla Glass you fucks, I hope Corning sues engadget for being Ignorant fuckholes
Does the insurance protect from shoddy design? (screen, antenna, etc.)
No, in all seriousness, try other insurance companies like StateFarm or your home/valuables insurer, they are typically SO much cheaper. State Farm insured my friend's iPhone for $30/year ($2.50 a month) with no deductible and full coverage
@Accidental
I don't know about using statefarm. Insurance companies remotely involved with autos like them pull all kinds of crap. I could see them raising your premium if you file a claim. Or even better if your friend drops your phone they will tell you it's not covered since he's an uninsured phonerist (yes I made up that word).
no way... sorry but i dont trust an insurance company to just get me a new one if lost it, they will find a loop hole
How generous of Asurion
@bighap - Very!
@bighap Have you ever used Asurion there horrible, all they do is attempt to refurbish old broken phones that other people send in (and fail). They don't give you a new phone they just send you other peoples problems.
Wow. My renter's insurance doesn't even cost that much and it's covers $50,000.
@grayskul Yes but does it cover the theft of your house?
@grayskul
that's because you're not as likely to drop your house/apartment. There's much greater risk with the phone.
& if your iphone is a smoker, I hear the rates double.
@Exbloder You do make a great point hahaha
@ChristianTexan Most content insurance covers taking things out of the home, too.
get squaretrade. its $100 for 2 years or you can pay $6 a month. there's a $50 deductible but you only pay it if the damage was accidental. it doesnt cover theft or if its stolen but its a lot more affordable than alternative options.
MobileProtect last week: Yeah! We got the iPhone 4 account!
MobileProtect today: Fuck! We got the iPhone 4 account!
Why don't we as consumers start demanding products that can actually stand up to daily wear and tear instead of spending the money on insurance just so we can carry around a pretty object that spends 99% of its time in a pants pocket?
@jrm125
lol it's the iPhone, no one is going to demand anything. Everytime something "new" comes out the masses flock to it. All the issues presenting themselves today will most likely be shrugged off. A large number of people will buy this insurance too because it's the "iPhone" insurance instead of exploring other options. Apple will most likely make a killing off cases and rubber protectors for the signal issue too and it will just be accepted.
@jrm125 Would be nice to see in this lifetime but it seems like the average consumer these days want a fast and miniscule pc in their pocket instead of a "toughbook"
everything except GSM signals..................
iPhone insurance in the UK on O2 is £10 ($14.92) per month, and you'll hear conflicting information on weither they cover accidentally losing the phone.
I'd rather not be stung with having to shell out for a brand new phone though if something did happen to it, so it's an evil I live with.
Too late for this guy: http://jaredfranklin.com/post/729861012/broken-iphone-4
State Farm insures mine. It's like 40 bucks a year, with a $50 deductible. It also covers my laptop, Xbox, etc. Way better...
So unfartworthy.
Insuring your iPhone with a traditional insurance company is much cheaper. I had a 20 dollar a year plan on my 3GS from Metlife, and the phone was stolen. I'm using the insurance money from that to buy my new iPhone 4.
This is craaaaaaaaaaazy...144$ a year PLUS a deductible...wow....
@DoctarPeppar Insurance is made to steal from the scared
"Ever feel like you've been cheated?"
"...may be fixing to certify..."
And I thought 'fixing to' was only a southern term...? :)
The cost of insurance makes sense (to the extent that any insurance costs make sense) when you consider the fact that buying a replacement iPhone won't cost $199/$299; it'll be $599/$699 unless you've had it until you're eligible for an upgrade. Assuming upgrade eligibility happens in 18 months, then if you have a problem right at that point you've paid $216 in insurance to mitigate a $600 risk.
This is madnesssss!!!!
@FrankDTank Madness?? This is Spa.... I mean raping the iSheep.
what about 2012?
Wow AT&T customers are getting raped worse than verion customers when it comes to these fees...jeez!6
Silly price, you are better off saving that money and buying a new phone yourself if something happens. Most of the people I know take good care of their stuff and wont benefit from this.
If you on the other hand drop your iPhone in a bucket of water every other day then I guess this is for you.
I have always used the best buy insurance.. Theft is not something I look to insure a phone against.. I keep an eye on my gadgets...
But my wife has run hers over with the car, and even just dropped and shattered the glass. Best buy has replaced the phone every time.. No deductible... Its 13/mo
$12 a month with the standard smart phone deductible of $130. If the phone breaks or gets stolen in the first year alone would end up costing $274. what a scam.
Rip off, like all iphone stuff (accessories, att, phone, etc). Ins for my phone on sprint is only $7/month with no deductible.
@jonyah There is a deductible. $50 dumbphone. $100 smartphone.