If you’re interested in cellphone insurance, we’ve listed the major credit cards that provide it. Of course, you shouldn’t base your credit card decision solely on credit card insurance—cost, rewards, and benefits take priority—but if you’re deciding between two similar credit cards, the extra protection can be a tiebreaker.
Which Credit Cards Offer Cellphone Insurance?
While cellphone protection is uncommon, in our database of more than 300 credit cards that we track and monitor, more than a dozen cards offer some level of cellphone insurance. Coverage varies by credit card, and many limit the number of claims you can make each year. Deductibles vary by card but are reasonable. Also, most cellphone insurance is secondary to your existing insurance; if you can make a claim with your homeowner’s insurance, you need to pursue that option first. Unless otherwise noted, the credit cards in the table below do not charge an annual fee:
What These Credit Cards Don’t Cover
You can expect to receive coverage for common damages or phone theft, but some coverage limitations exist. Cellphone protection typically doesn’t cover:
Accessories, except the standard battery or antenna that came with your phonePhones you’ve purchased for resale or professional or commercial useLost phonesPhones under the care and control of a common carrier, like the U.S. Postal ServicePhones stolen from baggage that you aren’t carrying by handPhones rented, borrowed, or part of a prepaid planDamage or theft related to abuse, fraud, illegal activities, or normal wear and tearDamage or theft resulting from misdelivery or voluntary parting with the cellphoneTaxes, delivery and transportation charges, or fees associated with your service providerLosses covered under warrantyCosmetic damage that doesn’t affect how the phone operates
If your credit card’s cellphone insurance doesn’t cover your phone’s issue, you’ll have to explore other options, which may include paying out of pocket for a repair or replacement.
How To Make Sure Your Phone Is Covered
If you have an eligible credit card, getting coverage is fairly straightforward. You don’t have to enroll or pay an extra fee for coverage, but you do need to pay your full cellphone bill with your eligible credit card for insurance benefits. Coverage often begins on the first day of the month after you pay your bill with the eligible credit card. Make sure you pay each bill with your credit card to avoid losing coverage. If you skip a month, your coverage might lapse and won’t pick up again until the first day of the month after you resume payments.
The Bottom Line
Cellphone insurance can be a valuable benefit if you know how to use it. Check your credit card summary of benefits or contact your credit card issuer to ensure your card offers cellphone protection. Pay attention to the amount of coverage per claim and the number of claims you can make each year, especially if your cellphone plan includes more than one line. And be prepared to submit documentation that you pay your cellphone bill with your eligible credit card, and the phone listed in the claim is part of that phone bill.
