Does Mint Mobile Have Phone Insurance?

When you’re signing up for cell phone service, insurance against device damage or theft isn’t something you always think about. But accidents happen and phones get lost, so protection plans are worth considering. If you’re a Mint Mobile customer, you may be wondering – does Mint Mobile offer phone insurance?

The answer is yes, Mint Mobile does provide phone insurance. However, it is not part of your standard wireless plan. Device protection must be purchased separately through Mint’s partner company, Assurant.

Below we will explore Mint Mobile’s phone insurance plans, their features, cost, and how the claims process works if you need to repair or replace your phone.

Overview of Phone Insurance from Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile partners with Assurant to provide voluntary device insurance plans to customers. As a prepaid carrier, phone insurance is not bundled into Mint’s wireless plans. However, you can choose to add it on for an additional monthly fee.

There are two main protection plans available from Assurant:

• Device Protection – Covers loss, theft, and accidental damage like cracks and water damage. You can make up to two covered claims within a 12 month period.

• Extended Warranty – Extends the manufacturer’s warranty by one year. Covers mechanical breakdowns and defects after warranty expiration. Provides one covered claim during membership term.

The plans are month-to-month and can be cancelled anytime. You must enroll within 30 days of activating your phone with Mint. Certain eligibility requirements apply, which we’ll outline below.

What Phones Are Eligible?

To qualify for device protection with Assurant, your phone must be:

• Purchased directly from Mint Mobile or another certified retailer
• Currently active on the Mint Mobile network
• Free of any pre-existing damage that would otherwise be covered

The plans cannot be purchased separately for phones you already owned and brought to Mint Mobile. Also, Assurant currently only covers devices manufactured by Apple, Samsung, and Google that were bought new. Refurbished phones are not eligible.

Here are some examples of phones that can be insured through Assurant and Mint:

• Apple iPhone models from iPhone 8 and newer
• Samsung Galaxy models from Galaxy S8 and newer
• Google Pixel models from Pixel 3 and newer

If you have an older or different brand device not on this list, it likely won’t qualify for coverage. Check with an Assurant agent to confirm eligibility before signing up.

What Risks are Covered?

Assurant’s protection plans safeguard your phone from a wide range of mishaps and loss situations.

The Device Protection plan covers:

• Accidental damage, such as cracked screens and water damage
• Loss or theft
• Mechanical or electrical failure after the OEM warranty expires
• Defective buttons or ports
• Dust and internal heat damage
• Standard battery replacement when capacity diminishes

The Extended Warranty plan covers:

• Mechanical breakdown after OEM warranty ends
• Electrical malfunctions after OEM warranty ends
• Battery replacement if it proves defective during membership term
• Button and port failure due to defects in materials/workmanship
• Dust damage and overheating issues resulting from defects

Coverage is extensive, but be aware that cosmetic damage, unauthorized repairs, and intentional abuse are excluded. Read the full terms to see what is and isn’t covered.

How Much Does Phone Insurance Cost?

The cost of device protection varies depending on the make and model of your phone. Here are some example rates for popular models:

• Apple iPhone 13 – $15 per month for Device Protection, $8 per month for Extended Warranty

• Samsung Galaxy S22 – $12 per month for Device Protection, $6 per month for Extended Warranty

• Google Pixel 6 Pro – $9 per month for Device Protection, $4 per month for Extended Warranty

You’ll receive a customized quote during the enrollment process based on your specific device. Keep in mind taxes and fees apply, so the total monthly charge will be a bit higher than the base rate.

Compared to protection you might get through Apple or your credit card company, Assurant’s plans are reasonably priced. Just be sure to weigh the cost against how prone your phone is to damage.

What is the Claims Process?

Making a claim with Assurant is straightforward if your phone is damaged, lost or stolen:

1. Report the incident to Assurant within 60 days through their app or by calling Mint Mobile support.

2. Pay your deductible – $100 for Apple/Google, $175 for Samsung. Extended Warranty claims have no deductible.

3. You will receive a replacement device shipped overnight, reconditioned to a like-new state. For repairs, you can also visit an authorized repair center.

4. Return your damaged/non-functional device within 10 days using the prepaid label. This is required to complete the claim.

Assurant will walk you through filing the claim and send you a prepaid shipping label for device return. Claims are typically processed within 2 business days from report to replacement delivery.

Are There Any Key Limitations?

While Assurant protection is robust, some limitations on number of claims exist:

• Device Protection plans allow 2 covered claims within a rolling 12 month period. After that, your membership will be cancelled.

• Extended Warranty plans permit 1 covered claim during your entire membership term (which auto-renews monthly).

So while they replace your phone initially, keep in mind the plans are not designed to provide unlimited replacements long-term. Make sure to handle your phone with care.

Can You Purchase Insurance for Multiple Phones?

Yes, if you have a family plan with multiple lines through Mint Mobile, you can purchase protection for multiple phones on your account.

The coverage needs to be added for each line/device individually. You can have different plans for different phones if you choose. Just keep in mind that claims limits apply on a per-device basis.

To add protection for additional phones on your plan, register them with Assurant within 30 days of activation. Multi-line discounts may be available if you bundle protection.

How is Payment Handled?

Assurant protection plans are paid on a month to month basis. The fee is automatically charged to the credit card you have on file with Mint Mobile.

When you enroll, you pre-authorize Assurant to charge your card periodically to continue service. You can cancel anytime to avoid future charges.

Payment is handled through Mint for simplicity, but Assurant provides the actual coverage. Make sure to update your card details with Mint if the number changes to prevent any lapse.

Can You Purchase Insurance if Activating a Used Phone?

Unfortunately, you cannot purchase protection from Assurant for used devices that you bring to Mint Mobile. The insurance plans are only available when activating a new phone that was purchased through Mint or certain other certified channels.

This restriction is common among wireless carrier insurance programs, as it helps reduce fraud risk. If you have an older used phone, consider adding it to your homeowners or renters insurance for basic protection against theft or damage.

Are Deductibles Required for All Claims?

The Device Protection plan carries a deductible of $100 for Apple/Google devices and $175 for Samsung that must be paid per covered claim.

However, the Extended Warranty plan has no deductible. Repairs and replacements under the warranty coverage are completely free of charge. Just pay your monthly premiums and you’re covered in full.

Can You Purchase Insurance if Activating an Unlocked Phone?

Yes, you can still qualify for protection through Assurant even if you activate an unlocked phone on the Mint Mobile network. As long as the device is new and meets the eligibility criteria, insurance can be added.

One advantage of unlocked phones is that you may have the option to also purchase AppleCare+ or Samsung Care+ directly from the manufacturer in addition to or instead of Assurant coverage. This provides more flexibility in your insurance options.

What Happens if You Cancel Your Plan?

You can cancel your device protection plan anytime by contacting Mint Mobile. The cancellation will take effect at the end of your current billing period.

If you enrolled in a monthly Extended Warranty plan, coverage ends immediately upon cancellation. But if you purchased annual coverage, your policy will remain active until the paid year is complete.

No refunds are issued for the current or past months you were enrolled. But you will avoid being charged the monthly fee for insurance after cancellation.

Can You Purchase Insurance for Prepaid Phones?

Insurance is available for prepaid phones purchased through Mint Mobile. This includes prepaid devices you buy outright as well as prepaid phones financed over time through Affirm.

You’ll need to add the protection within 30 days of activation. Make sure the device matches those eligible as outlined above. As long as it’s new and supported, insurance can be added to a prepaid phone.

Is Insurance Available for Tablets or Smartwatches?

Assurant’s protection plans through Mint only cover cell phone devices at this time. Unfortunately coverage is not offered for tablets, smartwatches, or any other devices – only phones.

If you need protection for other devices activated