The iPhone has been available from AT&T since June 2007, but until now it has never had any standard insurance options from the carrier. It has been surprising, after all, since it’s a pretty popular smartphone and a relatively delicate one, too. Getting it lost, stolen or damaged has been a nightmare since the only other option was to buy another new or used.
Here are the details on the insurance plan:
- $4.99 Monthly Premium: Per mobile number enrolled and a non-refundable deductible for each approved claim
- Incidents Covered: Lost, stolen, accidental damage and mechanical or electrical failure after the manufacturer’s warranty period has expired
- Non-Refundable Deductible: $50/$125 per approved claim, depending on the device model
- Replacement Time: Next business day (in most cases)
- Claim Limits: Two claims within any consecutive 12 months, with a maximum device value of $1500 per claim
- Replacement Equipment: Claims may be fulfilled with a new or remanufactured device. Colors, features and accessory compatibility are not guaranteed.
- Cancellation Policy: Cancel anytime and receive a prorated refund of your unearned premium
- NOTE: Please keep a copy of your original purchase receipt and/or proof of purchase for your insured device which may be required to process your claim
The added note says, “Please Note: AT&T Mobile Insurance Update: Effective July 17, 2011, the Apple iPhone (all models) will be eligible for coverage with the AT&T Mobile Insurance program (formerly Wireless Phone Insurance). Enrollment restrictions apply. Customers can only enroll within 30 days of a new activation or upgrade, prior activations or upgrades outside of 30 days are not eligible.” (Emphasis ours.)
So if you’re going to purchase or activate an iPhone for AT&T soon, you’ll be able to get the standard, $5/month insurance option for your smartphone. So in the event you need to file a claim and get a refurbished phone from the carrier, you’ll only have to pay the deductible, which beats forking over several hundred dollars for a new device.
Anyone thinking of signing up?
[Via: AT&T]