What happens if you don't have insurance on your phone?

Asked by: Lamar Hills  |  Last update: July 4, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (35 votes)

Without insurance, if something happens and you still have a balance, you could end up paying for your old phone and a brand-new replacement. Most insurance deductibles, however, cost far less.

What happens if you lose your phone without insurance?

If You Don't Have Insurance

You still need to: Suspend your phone service and report your phone as lost or stolen to your mobile phone service provider. Remotely wipe your phone. Change all of your account passwords to secure your account information.

Is it worth having insurance on your cell phone?

As a general rule, phone protection plans are not a good investment. Exceptions could be if you can't afford a replacement or if you believe you have a far higher risk of receiving plan benefits than the average consumer.

What happens if you lose a contract phone with no insurance?

Contact your network as soon as your phone is lost or stolen. They will send you a replacement SIM card, free or charge. However, if you don't have insurance, you will still need to pay for a replacement phone. You can get a replacement phone from your network, or choose to obtain your own replacement phone.

What happens if you break your phone and you have insurance?

Contact your insurance company they will give a breakdown of your coverage Usually the insurance coverage will allow you to repair your device at no cost to you .

What happens if you don't claim on your insurance?

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What happens if I lose my phone and its insured?

Cell phone insurance covers you financially for the possible loss or damage of your cell phone. In other words, if you're worried someone will steal or drop your phone, you need this kind of insurance. The insurance provider agrees to replace your mobile phone if certain insured events occur.

How much does phone insurance cost?

Bundle-priced plans that include phone coverage, tech support, identity theft recovery and roadside assistance are just $12.99 per month for one phone. Or, choose a family plan that covers up to four lines for $24.99 per month. A $149 deductible applies to all smartphone claims.

Can I remove insurance from my phone?

You may cancel coverage from your account online at any time. By removing device protection, you will also lose these services: In the unfortunate event that your device is lost, stolen, or damaged, you are responsible for the full cost to repair or replace your device.

Can I use my phone without a plan?

As long as you don't use any carrier data, and don't tell them you're using a smartphone with a “dumb” SIM card, you can use a voice and text-only SIM card in whatever smartphone you want.

Can you track a phone that is off?

A phone that is turned off is difficult to track because it stops sending signals to cell towers. However, the service provider or internet provider can show the last location once it's switched back on.

What are the disadvantages of cellphone insurance?

Con: You Might Have to Pay a Small Deductible

For other damage, Upsie representatives will collect a small deductible before the repair to your phone can be made. Comparatively, the amount you pay is a small fraction compared to the typical cost for fixing a device without cell phone insurance.

Does phone insurance cover if you lose it?

Cell phone insurance plans cover repairs not covered by the manufacturer's warranty as well as theft. It's like any other insurance plan where you pay a premium for your coverage, and the insurer will pay out for repairs or replacement in the event of a covered loss.

Is it cheaper to buy insurance online or over the phone?

Buying insurance online can often result in lower customer costs due to the elimination of commission fees for the insurance agent. However, buying insurance through an agent can offer a more personalized experience and in-depth policy analysis, leading to finding the most cost-effective coverage options.

Will police recover a stolen phone?

File a police report

While the police may not do much to try and recover the phone, filing a report—which may require the device's serial or IMEA number—means they can trace it if the phone is ever recovered.

Can you use wifi if your IMEI is blocked?

The blacklisted phone should still be able to connect to Wi-Fi (and store internal files), allowing you to check email, listen to music, watch videos, play games and more.

Can I get a new phone without insurance?

Unfortunately, without insurance, networks won't replace your phone – and you'll typically have pay off the rest of your contract, either through your monthly tariff as normal or paying the remainder as one lump sum. Your network can send you a replacement SIM to continue using your plan in a different phone.

Who has the cheapest phone plans?

Among the best cheap cell phone plans, and from extensive testing, our top pick for most people is Mint Mobile's introductory three-month plans. This new customer promotion discounts each of our favorite MVNO's three-month prepaid options, including the "unlimited" plan (40GB/month), at $15/month.

Can I still use my phone without service?

When the cellular network is unavailable, you can't send and receive texts. However, you can if your phone is connected to the internet – assuming your internet is not based on cell service. If you have Wi-Fi, you can also use an internet-based message app like WhatsApp.

What does "unlocked phone" mean?

An unlocked cell phone is a cellular telephone that can be used with more than one service provider, allowing users the flexibility and freedom to switch between different networks. Staying mobile and connected is a precious commodity today, as is having flexibility with mobile devices.

What happens if I cancel my phone insurance?

You should get a refund of any premiums you have already paid. However, your insurer may take off a small amount to cover days when the policy was in force. They may also charge you a small administration fee. Some insurers may give you a longer cooling-off period.

What happens if my phone is insured and I lost it?

If you're insured

Contact your insurance provider to find out what cover you have and how they can get you a replacement. If your phone was stolen you'll need to give them the crime reference number.

How do I turn off insurance on my iPhone?

You can cancel your AppleCare plan in the account settings on your device. If you don't see your plan when you try to cancel it, finish setting up your account. If you finished setting up your account and you still don't see your plan, contact Apple Support.

What happens if you lose your phone and have insurance?

These insurance policies generally automatically cover your phone (and other stuff) for things like theft, vandalism, fire, and other damages ('perils,' in insurance speak). You generally won't be covered for accidental damage or just because you misplaced and lost your phone, though.

How much is a phone bill per month?

How much is the average cell phone bill per month? According to WhistleOut's report, the average American is spending $157 per month for their cell phone plan with a major carrier,* which adds up to almost $2k per year.

Can I get insurance on my phone after I bought it?

Compare cell phone insurance plans

Plus, you can make unlimited claims, and you can purchase a plan regardless of whether your iPhone or Android is new or refurbished.