Everyday we see many people come in with cracked screens or soaking wet iPhones, wondering what their options are. Unfortunately, getting a replacement can be expensive if you’re not covered with some form of insurance. When you get your new phone at CityMac, we always recommend AppleCare+, but Verizon also offers a similar insurance option for protecting your phone. Let’s take a look at the differences between the two.
Price
AppleCare+ for iPhone or iPad is just $99 + tax.
Verizon's Total Mobile Protection (TMP) is $11/Month for iPhones, and $9/Month for iPads. Over the course of two years, Verizon TMP for iPhone will cost about $264 + tax.
Deductible
When an accident occurs, you’ll have to pay a deductible to get your replacement device. AppleCare+ has a flat rate “service fee” of $79 for iPhone and $49 for iPad.
Verizon TMP’s deductible is $149 for 16GB iPads & iPhones, and $199 for 32GB+ iPads & iPhones.
Hardware Coverage
Your iPhone and iPad comes with a standard one-year hardware warranty that covers any manufacturer defects on your iPhone, its buttons, the battery and included accessories like headphones and lightning cables. The standard warranty does not cover accidental damage. AppleCare+ extends this hardware coverage out to two years. There’s no charge for a hardware replacement caused by non-accidental damage.
Verizon TMP covers hardware post-manufacturerwarranty (after the 1-year), but will charge you the full deductible to get a replacement device.
Accidental Damage Coverage
Both plans cover accidental damage, like cracked screens, dents and water damage. As previously mentioned, you will have to pay the deductible for your replacement device. AppleCare+ covers up to 2 incidents of accidental damage. Verizon has no limit.
Loss and Theft
Apple offers the Find My iPhone feature to help locate lost or stolen devices, but they are not covered under AppleCare+. You have to return the old phone in order to get a replacement. Verizon TMP does cover lost or stolen devices, just file a claim and pay the deductible.
Tip:
It’s important to note that oftentimes homeowners or automotive insurance covers stolen items in the case of a break-in. Check with your insurance provider to see if you are covered.
Technical Support
AppleCare+ includes two-years of Apple's award-winning technical support. Just call 1-800-APL-CARE. You’ll be talking to a trained Apple expert to help you troubleshoot and solve problems.
Verizon TMP also includes phone support, but you’ll be speaking to a “U.S.-based Tech Coach” rather than someone who deals only with Apple products.
Timeline
AppleCare+ must be purchased within 60 days of the original purchase. Verizon TMP must be added within 30 days of original purchase.
Total Cost
As an example, let’s take a look at the total cost for each plan. Let’s say you have a 16GB iPhone 6 and you crack the screen in the first year and then accidentally take it swimming in the second year (two total incidents). With AppleCare+, you’ll have paid a total of $257 for two replacement phones. With Verizon TMP, you’ll have paid a total of $562. Of course, if you really damage your phone that often, it might be wise to invest in a LifeProof case.
Overview
As a resource, here’s a quick overview highlighting the differences between AppleCare+ and Verizon Total Mobile Protection for iPhone.