Device protection without paying twice.
Insurance for phones, laptops, tablets and other portable electronics against loss, theft, damage and breakdown, compared with the warranty and service plans you may already have.
Quick answer Whether phone insurance is worth it depends on the gap it fills: an extended warranty or service contract is a repair agreement, while device insurance can also respond to loss and theft, depending on its terms.
- A manufacturer's warranty comes with the device and is the maker's promise to fix covered defects.
- The FTC says an extended warranty may cover the same repairs for the same time as the original warranty, and isn't a good value if it adds no coverage.
- In California, sellers of device insurance must say buying it isn't required, it may duplicate insurance you already have, and you can cancel for a refund of unearned premium.
- A renters or homeowners policy may cover a phone, depending on what happened and the deductible.
- Beyond the monthly price, device plan costs can include deductibles or service fees per claim, shipping to a repair center, payout caps, and whether accidental damage is included.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Three products that sound alike
A manufacturer's warranty comes with the device. An extended warranty or service contract is a separate purchase that can repeat the same repairs for the same time, and it may be backed by a company you've never heard of rather than the manufacturer. Device insurance is a third thing: an insurance policy that can pay to repair or replace a device after loss, theft, damage, mechanical failure or malfunction, depending on its terms.
In California, device insurance sold by a store or phone company falls under the Department of Insurance's portable electronics rules, and the seller must tell you that buying it isn't required, that it may duplicate insurance you already have, and that you can cancel and get unearned premium back. Companies that sell or administer service contracts on consumer goods register with a separate state bureau. I start with what your renters or homeowners policy and your warranty already do, then shop device coverage only where a real gap is left.
- Manufacturer warrantyIncluded with the device; the maker's promise to fix covered defects.
- Extended warranty or service contractBought separately; may overlap the original warranty and may come from a third party.
- Device insuranceAn insurance policy for repair or replacement after loss, theft, damage, failure or malfunction, per its terms.
- Your home or renters policyCalifornia sellers of device insurance must warn that it may duplicate coverage you already carry.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Devices: type, make, model and roughly what each one cost.
- Purchase date: when you bought each device.
- Warranty: the manufacturer's warranty and any service plan already on it.
- Current policy: your renters or homeowners declarations page.
- Losses: any lost, stolen or damaged devices in recent years.
- Use: personal, school or business.
Device protection, answered
Is phone insurance the same as an extended warranty?
No. An extended warranty or service contract is a repair agreement sold separately from the product. Device insurance is an insurance policy that can also respond to loss and theft, depending on its terms. Read which one you're being offered before you sign.
Do I need an extended warranty if my device already has a warranty?
Compare them first. The FTC points out that an extended warranty may cover the same repairs for the same time as the warranty that came with the product, and that it isn't a good value if it doesn't add coverage.
Who backs an extended warranty?
Not necessarily the manufacturer. The FTC notes it may be a company you don't know, so check how long it has been in business and look for complaints before you buy.
Does my renters or homeowners insurance cover my phone?
It may, depending on what happened and your deductible. California requires sellers of device insurance to tell you it may duplicate coverage you already have, and that the store clerk isn't qualified to judge your existing insurance. Reviewing that is my job.
Can I cancel device insurance?
In California, yes. The disclosures required for portable electronics insurance say you may cancel at any time and unearned premium is refunded under applicable law. Service contracts have their own cancellation terms, so read the contract.
What costs should I look for besides the monthly price?
Deductibles or service fees each time you file, shipping to a repair center, caps on what's paid, and whether accidental damage is included. The FTC's advice for service contracts: if it isn't listed in the contract, assume it isn't covered.
Do you offer device protection insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Official sources
- California Department of Insurance: Portable electronics insurance (devices and causes of loss, Ins. Code 1758.6-1758.693)
- California Department of Insurance: Portable electronics required disclosures (Ins. Code 1758.66(b))
- Federal Trade Commission: Extended warranties and service contracts
- Federal Trade Commission: Warranties
- California Code of Regulations, Title 16, Section 2756: Registration of service contractors with the Bureau
List your devices. I'll check for overlap.
Device models and your renters or homeowners policy are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued.
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.