AT&T mobile insurance vs AT&T mobile protection pack

If you are buying a phone from AT&T online, you will likely be prompted to choose one of the following:

AT&T Insurance and Protection Plans

AT&T Insurance and Protection Plans

My question was: what exactly is the difference between “mobile insurance” and “mobile protection pack”. The answer is, not much.

Specifically, the “protection pack” adds: “personalized technical support; and an app to find your device.” The insurance is the exact same that you can get for $3 less if you choose only the insurance. What is surprising is that many phone manufacturers offer these features already!

You may end up paying for features that your device manufacturer already provides

You may end up paying for features that your device manufacturer already provides

So the insurance is a good idea, right?

Well, maybe. But be aware that there can be a pretty hefty deductible 🙁 If you have an iPhone 6 or a Galaxy S5 you are going to be in Tier 3 and it’s going to be $199 if you have to have your device replaced. You will also be spending $6.99 a month, or $167.76 over the course of a 2-year contract. Add that up and it comes out to $366.76.

Deductible list for AT&T phone insurance

Deductible list for AT&T phone insurance

Since screen damage is one of the most common issues with smartphones, one might consider just setting aside $100-$200 for screen repair if necessary and skipping the insurance. A nice screen protector and case also helps 🙂

Overall, I would definitely skip the “Mobile Protection Pack” and the Insurance is debatable. I wish a carrier would offer something similar to SquareTrade where you just pay a set amount and you are pretty much covered for repair or reimbursement (though I understand even SquareTrade has issues).

PS here are some more links on the same protection pack topic:

Caution for AT&T's Mobile Protection Plan

Caution for AT&T’s Mobile Protection Planhttp://mobiliaconsulting.com/caution-for-atts-mobile-protection-plan/It all boils down to this. At&t is making around 2.7 billion dollars a year from this little $3.00 feature, but nobody knows they have it, and you can bet that nobody knows they’re paying for it.

My favorite thing about blowing the whistle on this outrageous scam is that you don’t have to take my word for it, look at your bill, see MPP? I’d bet around 60% of you do.

Mobile Phone Insurance, 31 October 2013

Mobile Phone Insurance, 31 October 2013http://www.warrantyweek.com/archive/ww20131031.htmlMobile phones started out with at least their defects and malfunctions covered by manufacturer’s warranties. And then the retailers and carriers that sell the phones added service contracts that…

AT&T Mobile Protection Pack - AT&T Wireless

AT&T Mobile Protection Pack – AT&T Wirelesshttp://www.att.com/esupport/article.jsp?sid=KB410657&cv=820#fbid=VKnxKVYui4yFor just a few dollars more, get the additional support and security features of AT&T Mobile Protection Pack. Enroll today!
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One comment

  • cqqlgirl

    Whatever!
    I pay the $7.99 a month and the additional $3.

    I had some issues with my phone and the protech support specialist took care of everything by remotely overriding my device and had me up and running in about 30 minutes. That is just one of the things the $3 will do for me! I also mentioned I had a smart TV and my new car wasn’t utilizing my phone and was connected to another protech support specialist and they took care of everything AGAIN for me!
    I get monthly emails with monitoring info and also a dashboard type readouts!
    I added this to both my husband and daughter’s lines recently during their open enrollment because they were both having some issues and only carried the $3 xtra feature for about a week and then cancelled because I figured out that I can add it at anytime. takes about 30 days to set up notifications per line but I just wanted the reps help with remote override to fix the issues.
    Anyway, I don’t mind paying the $3 every month on my phone because I utilize it and I did call and ask and the $3 is an asurion insurance fee and not AT&Ts fee. They are billing on their behalf.
    Use the Protect Plus App just once and you’ll understand!

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