So you buy an iPhone. It’s beautiful but terrifyingly delicate, so you might want to research the best insurance policy to protect it. On top of the basic warranties, users often like to get extended protection for things like screen replacement and accidental damage. However, iPhone users can purchase AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss coverage.
The Apple insurance feature, which adds around $4 per month, allows users to file two claims of theft and Loss every 12 months. However, there is a $149 deductible that comes when filing a claim.
Key Takeaways_
- Apple’s Theft and Loss coverage is an extension of the AppleCare+ package.
- Opting in for AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss coverage increases the monthly rate by close to $4/month and the fixed 2-year rate by $70.
- Theft and Loss provides a replacement for any phone so long as the claim is filed within 60 days of the incident.
- The plan stipulates that the owner is allowed to file two related claims every 12 months.
What to Know About AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss Coverage
There are several options when finding insurance for iPhones or any other Apple device. You can get insurance through your phone provider, like AT&T protection advantage, but you can also get it directly through Apple.
There are also tiers of coverage. For example, apple offers AppleCare+, a service that promises the manufacturer will replace or fix the device under certain conditions, like accidental damages or manufactural defects for screen repair or battery service.
insider tip
Using a larger, bulkier phone case makes it less likely that your iPhone will be stolen from your pocket or purse.
However, the most basic AppleCare+ coverage does not include replacement for theft or Loss.
As you can imagine, what Theft and Loss covers is straightforward. If your phone is stolen or lost, Apple will replace it. But it comes at a cost.
When comparing the two plans, the costs are (depending on the model of the phone):
- AppleCare+ Monthly Plan: $3.99 – $9.99
- AppleCare+ 2-Year Plan: $79 – $199
- AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss Monthly Plan: $7.49 – $13.49
- AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss 2-Year Plan: $149 – $269
By the numbers, it’s evident that there’s a specific cost consideration, especially depending on how long you plan on keeping coverage.
However, to make this decision, there are some essential details to understand before opting into theft/loss coverage.
It’s also important to know that AppleCare+ and the manufacturer’s warranty are separate and cover different instances. To learn more about the differences in these coverages, check out our page on warranties vs insurance.
warning
If your iPhone has been damaged before purchasing AppleCare+, Apple may assess it and not deem it eligible for insurance.
Deductibles
With any insurance contract, there are always deductibles. For AppleCare+, the deductibles are:
| Incident | Deductible |
|---|---|
| Damaged screen or back glass | $29 |
| Accidental Damage | $99 |
| Theft or Loss | $149 |
Rules
The main rule to ensure your Theft and Loss claim is valid is to keep the Find My iPhone setting on at all times. If the Find My iPhone setting is not on at the time of the incident, the contract is void, and Apple does not have to replace your phone.
Apple also states that the claim must be filed within 60 days of the incident. Otherwise, they aren’t responsible.
Number of Incidents
The stipulations of the AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss contract state that users only get to file two claims every 12 months. After two instances of replacement, Apple is no longer responsible for replacement.
Additionally, the same $149 deductible applies to every individual claim.
STAT: Around 70 million smartphones are lost every year. (source)
Claims Process
Policyholders can begin filing a claim in one of two ways. The first is to visit Apple Support or by calling AppleCare+ at 800-APL-CARE (800-275-2273). Before starting your claim, ensure that you have paperwork, proof of purchase, and information that confirms your coverage, as well as details about the circumstances of the incident.
And if you have a damaged screen, you can read more about that process with our page explaining AppleCare+ screen replacement.
Replacement Device
Apple states that the phone they will issue as a replacement will either be new, refurbished, or remanufactured. However, they claim that the replacement, if not new, will be equal in performance as the phone you lost or stolen.
