As a consumer expert and picky shopper, I know how important it is to protect your smartphone investment, especially with the sky-high prices of today‘s devices. When you‘re shelling out $1000 or more for a pocket-sized supercomputer, the last thing you want is an accident or theft to put your phone out of commission and your wallet in jeopardy.
That‘s why Verizon offers device protection plans through Asurion, giving you coverage for damage, loss, theft, and post-warranty malfunctions. But with multiple tiers and lots of fine print, it can be hard to determine what‘s actually covered, how much it costs, and if it‘s really worth it.
Never fear – I‘ve done the research and broken down all the details of Verizon Asurion claims so you can make an informed decision about protecting your precious device. I‘ll explain what‘s covered, how the claims process works, what it will cost you, and how it stacks up to other options on the market.
The Perils of Smartphone Ownership
First, let‘s look at some statistics that illustrate just how essential device protection is in this day and age:
- Americans break more than 50 million smartphone screens each year, and repairs cost over $3.4 billion annually (SquareTrade)
- 66% of Americans say they could only go one day without their phones before facing significant anxiety (Reviews.org)
- The average cost of replacing a smartphone is $500-700, a heavy hit for most people‘s budgets (WDS)
With how central our phones are to daily life, work, and leisure, any significant downtime can be a major disruption. And the financial impact of paying full price for a repair or replacement is not to be discounted either.
Enter device protection plans – for a modest monthly fee, you‘re covered for all the common smartphone catastrophes. It‘s an appealing concept, but the devil is in the details. Let‘s dive into those details for Verizon Asurion.
Verizon Asurion Coverage
Verizon offers a few different tiers of Asurion device protection:
| Plan | Cost | Deductible | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wireless Phone Protection | $7-11/month | $19-229 | Coverage for loss, theft, and damage |
| Total Equipment Coverage | $9-14/month | $9-229 | WPP + post-warranty malfunctions |
| Total Mobile Protection | $14-17/month | $9-229 | TEC + tech support + advanced security tools |
All plans cover new or refurbished replacements for lost, stolen, or damaged devices, including water damage and cracked screens. The higher-tier plans add on longer hardware warranty coverage for post-manufacturer defect protection.
However, the plans do have some notable exclusions:
- Intentional damage, misuse, or abuse
- Damage from illegal acts or fire
- Cosmetic damage that doesn‘t affect functionality
- Loss of data, battery, or other consumable parts
You‘re also required to pay a deductible for each approved claim, ranging from $9 for basic phones up to $229 for high-end models. The deductible schedule is based on your device‘s tier, determined by its original retail price.
Making an Asurion Claim
If and when you need to use your Asurion coverage, you have a few options to start the claims process:
-
Online: Log into your account at phoneclaim.com/verizon and provide details about what happened to your device. You can also check your claim status and deductible amount here.
-
My Verizon App: Open the app and navigate to the claims section to file right from your spare or borrowed phone.
-
Phone: Call Asurion directly at 888-881-2622 to speak with a representative who will take your claim information.
You‘ll need to provide your device make and model, what happened to it, contact and shipping information, and a payment method for your deductible. If approved, Asurion will ship a replacement within 1-2 business days in most cases.
Once you receive the replacement, you‘re required to send back your damaged device using their prepaid label within 10 days. Otherwise you could be charged a non-return fee up to the full retail value of the new device.
For cracked screen repairs, you also have the option to visit an authorized repair shop for same-day service, subject to parts availability. The $29 screen repair deductible is valid as long as there is no other damage to the device.
Asurion covers a generous 3 claims per year for damage/loss/theft, and unlimited cracked screen repairs for the $29 deductible each time. There‘s no waiting period after signing up or between claims either. Coverage is effective immediately and you can file whenever disaster strikes, up to 3 times per 12 month period.
Verizon Asurion Costs
Of course, the monthly premiums and deductibles do add up over time. You‘re looking at $7-17/month depending on your plan and device tier, which equates to $84-204 per year. Combined with the $19-229 deductible per claim, is it really a good deal?
Let‘s do some math, using a $1000 smartphone and the $17/month Total Mobile Protection plan with a $229 deductible as an example:
| Scenario | 1 Year | 2 Years |
|---|---|---|
| Asurion Premiums | $204 | $408 |
| 1 Claim Deductible | $229 | $229 |
| 2 Claims Deductible | $458 | $458 |
| Total with 1 Claim | $433 | $637 |
| Total with 2 Claims | $662 | $866 |
| Phone Retail Cost | $1000 | $1000-1200 |
| Savings with 1 Claim | $567 | $363-563 |
| Savings with 2 Claims | $338 | $334-534 |
As you can see, having the Asurion plan saves you a significant amount compared to paying retail price for a replacement phone, even after accounting for monthly premiums. The savings are even greater if you tend to keep your phone for two years or experience multiple incidents.
However, if you‘re the type that babies your phone, uses heavy-duty cases, and has never had an accident or loss, it may be harder to justify the ongoing monthly cost. It also depends on your specific device tier – for cheaper phones the cost-benefit is less substantial.
Ultimately, it‘s up to you to weigh the potential risks and rewards. For many people, the peace of mind alone is worth the reasonable premiums. Knowing a mishap won‘t break the bank or leave you phoneless can be hugely valuable.
Expert Tips
As someone who has researched and compared device protection extensively, here are my top tips for getting the most out of Verizon Asurion:
-
Consider your device cost. The more expensive your phone is, the more you stand to save with an Asurion plan vs. full retail replacement. Cheaper phones may not warrant the extra coverage.
-
Be honest in claims. Lying about the circumstances of your phone damage or loss is insurance fraud. Always file truthful claims to avoid denied coverage or even legal repercussions.
-
Keep up with monthly payments. If you fall behind on your Asurion premiums, your coverage could lapse right when you need it most. Consider setting up autopay to avoid unintentional missed payments.
-
Opt for repairs when possible. If you have a damaged screen or other issue that can be fixed without full replacement, choose the repair route. The $29 screen repair deductible is a fantastic deal.
-
Pair with a good case. Even with Asurion coverage, preventing damage in the first place is preferable. A quality protective case and screen protector can go a long way in minimizing risk.
-
Don‘t delay claims. If your phone is lost or stolen, time is of the essence to avoid unauthorized usage. Damaged devices also risk further damage if not addressed quickly. It‘s best to file your claim ASAP.
-
Consider multiple device benefits. For multi-line accounts, you may benefit from bundled coverage, especially for families with higher risk of kids or teens damaging their phones.
-
Take advantage of extra perks. Verizon‘s Total Mobile Protection plan includes valuable extras like expert tech support and advanced anti-theft and security tools. Be sure to activate and utilize those features.
What Customers are Saying
Don‘t just take my word for it – let‘s look at some real customer experiences with Asurion claims:
"The claims process was super easy and fast. I had my replacement phone in hand the next day. So glad I had the insurance." – Sarah K., San Diego CA
"I‘ve used Asurion twice now over the past few years – once for a broken screen and once when my phone got stolen at the gym. Both times the deductible was way less than I would‘ve paid to buy a new phone. It‘s been a great investment for me." – Jamal S., Brooklyn NY
"I was hesitant to add the extra monthly cost, but I‘m so relieved I did. My toddler dunked my phone in the toilet and I thought it was done for. Asurion overnighted me a replacement and saved the day. Worth every penny for the peace of mind." – Olivia P., Pittsburgh PA
Of course, no service is without complaints. Some Asurion customers have reported negative experiences like delayed claims, unresponsive service, or replacements that didn‘t match their original device. However, the vast majority of reviews are positive, especially considering the volume of claims Asurion processes.
The Bottom Line
All things considered, Verizon‘s Asurion device protection plans offer a compelling value proposition for most customers. Though the monthly premiums and deductibles aren‘t trivial, they‘re almost always less than paying hundreds or even $1000+ to replace a device out of pocket.
Asurion‘s coverage is comprehensive, the claims process is user-friendly, and replacements/repairs are processed quickly. Added benefits like tech support and anti-theft tools are a welcome bonus. When stacked up against other carrier insurance plans, Asurion is very competitive.
No one wants to think about their phone getting damaged, lost, or stolen, but it happens every day to thousands of Americans. Having a backup plan in place can make all the difference in minimizing stress and financial fallout. Verizon Asurion claims may require paying an ongoing monthly cost, but when that inevitable "oh no" moment happens, you‘ll be so glad you did.
){kind=link}