Considering the high price of iPhones, we can say that buying an iPhone is not merely a purchase but an investment. Therefore, leaving your investment without a protection plan will not make sense. You should check the following factors when you purchase an iPhone insurance plan.
- AppleCare+ or a third-party insurance plan
While purchasing an iPhone insurance, you will have two options: buy the cover from the manufacturer or a third-party insurer. AppleCare+, the cover from the manufacturer of the iPhone, works like an extended warranty for which you need to pay. And the cost depends upon the model you use. Usually, this amount is much higher than what you pay for third-party insurance. Further, AppleCare+ do not include theft or loss of the device outside the United States. At the same time, most third-party mobile insurance providers offer coverage for this. AppleCare+ provides global coverage for your device. If you’re planning to buy a third-party cover, check whether the insurer offers global coverage or not.
Here, do not get perplexed between an iPhone protection plan and AppleCare. AppleCare is a one-year limited manufacturer warranty that is free of cost and available for all new and refurbished products of Apple. While a third-party insurance plan or AppleCare+ is an additional layer of protection you purchase for your Apple product, it covers what the limited warranty doesn’t.
- Think beyond a basic cover
While buying an insurance cover for your iPhone, don’t settle for a basic cover. Your iPhone requires a comprehensive cover as it’s a technically advanced and high-end device. If you’re a frequent traveller or have the habit of keeping your mobile in your hands while going out, chances are high that you will drop your iPhone and break the screen or other parts. Hence, when you buy an iPhone insurance plan, ensure that it covers accidental damage to the device, screen damage, mobile theft, liquid damage, battery failure, electrical and mechanical breakdown, etc., along with regular wear and tear.
- Check the deductible cost
For all types of iPhone insurance plans, you need to pay a sum to the insurer called deductible when filing a claim. The deductible is an out-of-pocket amount you must pay before your insurer covers the rest.
The deductible varies from model to model and from one type of damage to the other. Before buying a protection plan, understand how much you should shed for minor and major damages. The deductible amount should be less than the parts’ actual repair/replacement cost.
- Check the claim settlement process
Check the claim settlement process of the iPhone insurance you’ve shortlisted. If you find it confusing, don’t go with that insurer and select another one that follows a simple process.
- Check the maximum claim incidents
Check how many claims you can raise for the cover you have decided to go for in a plan period. Suppose the insurer allows you two incidents of accidental cover in a year. If you approach them with a third complaint, you’ll be liable to pay full price for repair and replacement. In the case of an iPhone, paying the full amount for repair from your pocket may impact your monthly budget. Usually, AppleCare+ allows two incidents of accidental cover in 12 months. But several third-party insurers allow you to make more claims in a plan period.
- Know what is excluded from the plan
Just like knowing the benefits, you should also be aware of the exclusion of the insurance plan. It helps you to understand the terms and conditions of the plan and avoid confusion at the time of raising a claim.
Mobile Protection Plan for iPhone offers protection to all iPhone models. The main features of this iPhone insurance are:
- Accidental damage cover to the screen
- Accidental damage cover to the handset
- Provides liquid damage cover
- Temporary smartphone replacement service
- Fraud protection to your device. Under fraud protection and mobile theft insurance cover, you’ll get access to F-Secure SAFE Mobile App that has the following benefits:
- Protection against viruses and malware
- Fraudulent website protection
- Facility to lock your handset remotely.
- Remote data wipe
- Locks the device if the SIM card is removed
- SIM blocking
- IMEI registration
- Scream alarm
- Your mobile will automatically switch to the Game Mode while gaming or streaming to ensure data security.
- Remotely locating the phone using GPS.
You can buy Mobile Protection Plans for iPhone from Bajaj Finserv within 60 days of purchasing a new iPhone. The plan is valid for one year; you can raise two claims during one plan period. The premium of this plan varies from one model to another, and its maximum coverage is the same as the invoice value of the handset. The deductible of iPhone insurance from Bajaj Finserv ranges between Rs.750 and Rs.3,500. To raise a claim, you can either call the customer centre or send an email.