TLDR
-
Mobile device insurance helps to cover the cost of a repair or replacement if your mobile device is stolen, lost or damaged accidentally.
-
It differs from other forms of protection—such as a manufacturer’s warranty or purchase security on your credit card—and may offer broader coverage.
-
Each certificate of insurance is different, and it’s important to understand the details of your coverage.
For many of us, mobile devices provide a lifeline to family, friends and work. Losing access can be a major disruption, if only temporarily. At the same time, damaging, dropping or losing your device is nearly inevitable at some point. Having a plan to quickly replace your device if you need to is essential.
The peace of mind you need at that moment could come from your credit card. Certain cards offer mobile device insurance on mobile devices purchased using the card, which can make replacing your device a little less painful.
Read on to learn how mobile device insurance works with a credit card, and where to find a Canadian credit cards that offer this benefit.
What is mobile device insurance?
Mobile device insurance helps to cover the cost of repairing or replacing a lost, stolen or damaged device.
For example, if your phone has a mechanical failure—like a broken screen or faulty audio—that is not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, mobile device insurance could help cover the cost of a repair or replacement. And if you lose your device or it is stolen, mobile device insurance may reimburse you for some of your costs.
Mobile device insurance may protect a range of devices, including:
-
A new cellular phone
-
Smartphone or tablet (portable single-panel touchscreen computer) which has internet and/or wireless communication capabilities, and which has been purchased for personal use.
Mobile device insurance may be included with your Canadian credit card.
What does mobile device insurance cover?
Your specific coverage depends on the details in your certificate of insurance, so it’s important to read the terms and conditions to understand what’s covered.
Mobile device insurance generally offers protection against accidental damage (such as a cracked screen or liquid damage), as well as protection for stolen or lost mobile devices. Overall, this means you have a second line of protection beyond the manufacturer’s warranty.
How does mobile device insurance differ from purchase security?
Some credit card issuers offer purchase security, which protects eligible items bought and paid for in full on the card for a time period after purchase—often, 90 to 120 days. This differs from mobile device insurance, which offers extended coverage for your phone for a year or more.
How does mobile device insurance differ from a manufacturer’s warranty?
Mobile device insurance is provided by a third party, and may offer broader coverage than the manufacturer’s warranty. A warranty may cover most repairs, but if your device is lost, stolen or damaged in ways the warranty doesn’t cover, mobile device insurance steps in. Having access to both can cover all your bases.
How does mobile device insurance work?
When you submit an eligible claim, you’ll be reimbursed up to the amount outlined in your certificate of insurance, to help cover the cost of repairing or replacing the phone.
The amount you’ll receive depends on:
-
The purchase price of the device or the cost of repair
-
The length of time you’ve had the device
-
The coverage limit set out in your certificate of insurance.
Understanding your mobile device insurance coverage
As with any type of insurance, familiarize yourself with the details of your certificate of insurance. Spend a few moments evaluating your coverage in these areas:
Purchase conditions
Most of the time, mobile device insurance included with your credit card applies to devices purchased using the card.
What the certificate of insurance covers
Mobile device insurance usually protects against accidental damage, loss or theft.
What’s not covered?
Make sure you understand what counts as an eligible claim and what doesn’t. Intentional damage, or damage caused by misuse of the device, may not be covered.
How does reimbursement work?
Once the insurance provider approves your claim, you’ll need to pay for the repair or replacement up front, then the insurance provider will reimburse you for the eligible amount of your claim.
How long is the device covered?
Depending on the insurance coverage you have, this can vary from months to a year or two after you buy the phone.
What are the out-of-pocket costs?
You may need to pay a portion of the repair or replacement cost as a deductible. Often, this is a percentage of the benefit—for example, 10% of the estimated value of the phone, based on the make, model and purchase date.
If mobile device insurance is included with your credit card, you may not have to pay premiums for coverage. However, it’s always a good idea to read the details of your credit card agreement to make sure.
How to get a credit card with mobile device insurance
Simply pick a credit card that offers mobile device coverage (if you don’t have one already), and purchase your mobile device using the card.
Looking for a credit card?
Use our Credit Card Selector Tool to find the best credit card for you.
