Cracking your smartphone screen can happen in the blink of an eye – one clumsy drop and suddenly you‘re left with a web of unsightly (and inconvenient) cracks. If you‘re a T-Mobile customer, perhaps one of your first thoughts is whether your phone insurance will cover the damage. The good news is that yes, T-Mobile insurance does cover cracked screens in many cases. But there are some important details, limitations and costs to be aware of.
In this post, I‘ll walk through everything you need to know about T-Mobile‘s cracked screen coverage so you can get your device fixed and back in action ASAP. We‘ll look at:
- What T-Mobile insurance plans cover cracked screens
- The repair process, costs and deductibles
- Claim requirements and limitations
- Tips to make filing a claim easier
- How T-Mobile stacks up to other carriers
- The pros and cons of insuring for cracked screens
- Ways to prevent screen cracks in the first place
By the end, you‘ll have a clear picture of your options and be armed with expert tips to navigate the repair process. Let‘s dive in!
T-Mobile‘s Phone Insurance Plans for Cracked Screens
T-Mobile offers a few different insurance options through Assurant that include coverage for cracked screens:
- Protection<360> – The most comprehensive plan. Covers accidental damage including cracked screens and water damage, loss/theft, hardware malfunctions, and includes tech support. $12-15/month depending on device tier.
- Device Protection – Covers accidental damage including cracked screens, loss/theft, and malfunctions. $7-12/month based on device tier.
- Basic Device Protection – Entry level plan that only covers accidental damage like cracked screens and malfunctions. $7-9/month.
All three plans cover front screen cracks and shatters due to accidents or drops. However, intentional or cosmetic damage is not covered. This means if you or someone else purposely breaks the screen or scratches/scuffs it up, you‘re out of luck.
Back screen damage typically isn‘t covered either. So if your glass back panel shatters but the front screen is intact, you may need to pay for repairs out of pocket.
The good news is that as long as your front screen crack occurred accidentally and is impairing the function or safety of using your device, there‘s a good chance your T-Mobile insurance will cover the repair. Let‘s look at how that process works.
Getting Your Cracked Screen Fixed With T-Mobile Insurance
If you have an eligible T-Mobile insurance plan, getting a cracked screen repaired is fairly straightforward:
- File a claim online or over the phone with Assurant
- Pay the deductible fee
- Get your device fixed via a local repair partner or mail it in
- Receive your repaired device back
For the basic plans, the deductible for a cracked screen is just $29 per approved claim, which is much cheaper than typical out-of-pocket screen replacement costs of $150+. For the Protection<360> plan, you can get one $29 screen repair per year, then additional ones are charged the higher device tier deductible of $99-249.
In most cases, you‘ll be presented with the option to visit a local T-Mobile-authorized repair shop like Assurant Tech Repair & Solutions (formerly T-Mobile Device Service) to get a same-day fix. Some areas also have the option for an in-home repair visit. If those aren‘t available, you can mail your device to an Assurant repair center, but the turnaround time will be a bit longer.
One huge perk is that repairs through Assurant use official manufacturer parts, so you can trust the quality of your new screen. And repaired devices are shipped back via next-day air, so the process is pretty speedy overall. Some plans even include a free screen protector to help prevent future cracks!
Claim Requirements, Maximums and Limitations
Before you file that claim for your cracked screen, there are a few requirements and limitations to know about:
- You need to have your device active on your T-Mobile account
- File claims within 90 days of the damage occurring
- If filing a claim online, you‘ll need to have the device info, damage details, and your account PIN handy
- Basic plans allow 2 claims per 12-month period, while Protection<360> allows up to 5 claims
- You must return your damaged device if receiving a replacement (or pay a fee)
It‘s important to file claims ASAP because if you wait too long and your device suffers additional damage in the meantime, it may no longer be eligible for repairs. The sooner you start the process after a crack appears, the better.
Also keep in mind that while 2-5 claims per year may sound generous, screen repairs can eat those up quickly. If you tend to be accident-prone, springing for the higher claim allowance of the Protection<360> plan may offer more peace of mind.
Alternatives to Filing a Cracked Screen Claim
Getting a $29 screen repair through T-Mobile insurance is a great deal, but it‘s not your only option. In some cases, going a different route could make more sense.
For example, if you only have a single small crack that isn‘t impacting the screen functionality, you could apply a glass screen protector over it as a temporary fix. This will prevent the crack from spreading or cutting your finger and buy you some time to save up for a full screen replacement.
If you‘re close to being eligible for a free or discounted phone upgrade through T-Mobile, it may be worth waiting to replace your device rather than filing an insurance claim and paying the deductible (and risking a claim denial). Frequent upgraders should be cautious about filing claims.
Another possibility is visiting a local independent phone repair shop, as they can sometimes fix basic screen cracks for less than T-Mobile‘s deductible. Just be sure to go with a reputable shop to ensure the quality of the parts and labor. And know that getting repairs outside of T-Mobile‘s official process could void any manufacturer or insurance coverage.
Finally, if you have a high deductible, an older/cheaper phone, or have already used up your claim allowance for the year, it may be more economical to buy a new phone outright or finance one through T-Mobile than to file an insurance claim for a screen crack.
How T-Mobile Compares to Other Carriers
Among the major U.S. cell phone carriers, T-Mobile‘s insurance options and cracked screen coverage are fairly standard. Its $29 repair deductible is on par with (or better than) AT&T, Verizon and Sprint.
One standout is that T-Mobile‘s Protection plan offers in-home screen repairs in some areas and free screen protector replacements, which could add extra value. However, its monthly premiums tend to be a few bucks higher than competitors.
Ultimately, the "best" cracked screen insurance will depend on your specific phone model and risk tolerance. Deductible costs usually scale based on your device tier, so insuring the latest iPhone will be pricier than a basic Android. And if you‘re prone to oopsies, paying a higher monthly premium for more claims per year could be worthwhile.
The bottom line? Carefully review the terms of T-Mobile‘s insurance offerings and weigh them against your needs. Don‘t forget to factor in the cost of the plan over time too. Paying $15/month to insure a $200 phone for a year wouldn‘t make sense, for instance.
Tips to Prevent Screen Cracks
The simplest way to avoid the hassle and cost of cracked screen repairs? Prevent cracks from happening in the first place! Here are some tips to protect your phone screen:
- Always use a screen protector (tempered glass ones are best)
- Keep your phone in a case that has a raised lip around the screen
- Use a PopSocket or ring grip on the back for a more secure hold
- Never put your phone in your back pocket and sit down
- Be extra careful around hard surfaces like concrete or tile
- Avoid extreme temperatures which can weaken the screen material
I know it‘s not always possible to avoid accidents, but being mindful of how you handle your device can go a long way in preventing those dreaded spider web cracks from appearing!
Final Thoughts
To recap – T-Mobile insurance plans from Assurant do cover cracked screens for a $29 deductible fee in most cases, as long as the damage was accidental and is impacting the screen functionality. The repair process is pretty quick and easy, and official parts are used.
However, there are some coverage limitations and restrictions to be aware of in terms of the types of damage included, the number of claims allowed per year, and the requirements for filing a claim. In some cases, other repair options may make more sense than using your insurance.
At the end of the day, choosing whether to insure your T-Mobile phone against cracks is a personal decision that depends on your budget, your device, and your risk factors. Hopefully the information in this guide has given you a helpful starting point for weighing your options! Stay savvy with your smartphone.
