Your Verizon phone wasn’t a cheap purchase and you worry about what would happen if you dropped it, cracked, or even lost it.
Verizon offers a plan called Verizon Mobile Protect that protects you in each of these situations, protecting your investment in your phone. But is the plan worth it and how does it work?
We uncover the truth about Verizon Protect below.
What Is Verizon Mobile Protect?
Verizon Protect is an insurance plan that covers your mobile phone. Whether you cracked your screen, drove over your phone, or lost it, Verizon Protect has your back. They’ll either give you a replacement phone (sometimes the same day) or repair your phone all for your deductible.
How Does it Work?
You can enroll in Verizon Protect when you buy your phone. This is the most common time to do it. If not, you have up to 30 days to add it to your plan after buying or upgrading your phone.
The premium is added to your monthly bill, which you must pay each month to have coverage. You pay the premium even if you don’t make a claim. If you don’t pay the premiums, you lose coverage.
You can cancel the coverage at any time too. If you decide it’s not worth it or you’ve used up your allowed claims, you can cancel the policy at any time.
Verizon Mobile Protect Features
Screen Repair
You can get unlimited screen repairs, which is where most people make out on this deal. If you are one to drop your phone and crack the screen often, this plan can be worth it. You’ll pay $29 every time you crack the screen, but it’s a saving off what they normally charge to repair a screen.
Battery Replacement
If your battery stops working, you can file a claim and get a battery replacement. You must bring your phone to an authorized Verizon store to have it repaired, though.
24/7 Tech and Security Advisor Services
If you have technical questions about your device or need security assistance, you get access to tech and security coaches 24/7. You can start by downloading the app to get help.
Device Refresh Services
You may not even realize what your phone goes through with constant use. A device refresh can make your phone act like new, much like when you refresh your computer. This service is offered to all plan participants and it’s unlimited.
Same Day Replacement
If you need a phone replacement, you can usually get a same-day replacement along with the setup. The availability of this service varies by location and inventory, though.
What’s the Cost?
To decide if Verizon Protect is right for you, it helps to know how much it costs. When you look at phone insurance, though, don’t just look at the cost of the premiums, but also the deductibles. Each issue has an assigned deductible.
Verizon offers two pricing options – $17 a month for one line or $50 a month for three lines on the same plan. So there’s a saving if you have more than one line on your account.
The deductibles vary by area and type of device, but on average you’ll pay $29 for cracked screens, and $229 for a replacement phone.
How to Enroll in Verizon Mobile Protect
You can enroll in Verizon Protect when you buy your phone. This is the easiest time to get it. The representative can explain how it works and you get coverage from day one.
If you don’t take the coverage then, you have 30 days from the day you bought it to get coverage. You can click here to enroll online.
How to File a Claim
To file a claim, you must first file it online. Don’t head to the store first because they’ll ask you to file the claim before they can touch your phone.
Once you have your claim, they’ll tell you how to proceed including where to go to get the phone fixed or how to receive your replacement phone if your phone was lost or stolen.
You get 3 claims per line for every 12 months unless you have a shared protection plan, then the entire plan shares 9 claims per 12 month period.
Pros and Cons Verizon Mobile Protect
Pros:
Helps with Frequently Cracked Screens
This is Verizon Protect’s largest benefit if you crack screens often. They don’t limit the number of claims you can make for a cracked screen. It can be good for children or even adults that often drop their phones. It costs $29 to repair the screen, which is less than what it would cost without the insurance, so the savings could be high in some situations.
The Shared Plan Offers more Claim Options
You can share a plan with up to 3 devices and have 9 claims total. One line can use up all 9 claims or you can share them anyway it becomes necessary. You’ll save money on the premiums and have enough claims to go around.
You can also increase the coverage on up to 7 lines at $11 per line added with 3 additional claims added per line.
You May Get a Replacement Phone the Same Day
If you have an approved claim for a lost or stolen phone, you may get a replacement the same day. The availability varies by area and by available inventory, though. But when it’s available, it’s a great feature.
Device Refresh Extends the Life of your Phone
Device refresh isn’t an option many phone companies offer, but it can extend the life of your phone. If you keep the Verizon Mobile Protect insurance for the long term, it makes sense to use the device refresh option to ensure you get the most life out of your phone and the insurance you pay for.
Cons:
Deductibles can be High
In addition to the $17 or $50 a month that you pay for insurance, you’ll also pay a deductible each time you make a claim. There’s a limit to the number of claims you can make, which limits your out-of-pocket costs, but if you lose your phone, you could pay $229+ for the replacement.
Limited Claims
You can only make 3 claims per line when you have an individual plan. If you have the shared plan, you get up to 9 claims, but it still works out to 3 claims per phone. While it’s nice that you can share the claims, if someone uses up the 9 claims, everyone else is left with nothing.
Replacement Phones aren’t always New
If you get a replacement phone, it may be a refurbished home versus a new phone. There’s no guarantee that you’ll get a new or refurbished phone, so always ask.
FAQs – Verizon Mobile Protect
Who is eligible for Verizon Mobile Protect?
Anyone who buys a new Verizon phone or upgrades their phone can get Verizon Mobile Protect. You can get the insurance when you buy the phone at the store or online, or you can add it to your account later by logging into your Verizon account.
How much is my deductible for Verizon Mobile Protect?
The deductible varies by device and area. You can ask your local Verizon store how much it would cost or you can find out here by entering your zip code and device type.
Can I enroll in Verizon Mobile Protect and any other Verizon protection plan?
You can only have your line enrolled in one protection plan at a time. If you have multiple lines on your account you can have each line enrolled in different plans, but each line can only have one plan.
How do I cancel Verizon Mobile Protect?
If you want to cancel your plan, log into your account and go to the Add-ons and apps page. Choose to cancel my plan and follow the prompts. If you’re canceling mid-month, you’ll receive a prorated refund.
Final Thoughts – Is Verizon Protect Worth It?
Verizon Mobile Protect is a bit on the expensive side compared to other insurance plans and it doesn’t cover mechanical issues with the phone. If you’re the type to crack your phone often or you replace batteries often, it might be worth it, but if not, you may want to look at other options.
Remember, you’re limited to 3 claims per phone unless you have the shared plan which gives you up to 9 claims per 12 month period. While it’s not a good idea to rely on insurance plans to take care of your phone, they can be nice to have if you are constantly breaking your phone and tired of paying the high cost to fix or replace them.
