iPhone: insurance or AppleCare? Or both? Or neither? Advice please

TazCaz

Hello, I'm about to buy a new iPhone (likely outright as I'm heading to the States soon where they are much cheaper) and I am wondering about insurance. I've never had phone insurance before but have had to replace a cracked screen on my current phone a few times so feel like it might be worth it. As I very inexperienced in this area, I was wondering if you might have some advice for the cheapest, most reliable insurer out there with a nice balance of all-encompassing coverage and decent monthly/annual rates and excess fees. I don't have a bank account or credit that offers insurance (I have a Nationwide account, but not the monthly fee one that offers insurance as part of the deal), and I think going on a monthly plan through a carrier that includes insurance is going to probably work out more than buying the phone outright in the US and then tacking on insurance and/or AppleCare. It will obviously need to be an insurer that covers phones purchased outside the UK (the MSE recommended Insure2Go doesn't cover phones not purchased in the UK for example).

I would need worldwide insurance as I do some travelling and also spend time in my home country (Australia).

Finally, excuse my ignorance, but how does Apple's own one year warranty and the optional AppleCare compare/factor in? Would I need both AppleCare and insurance? I guess my biggest concerns would be coverage for loss, theft, accidental damage, including water, and smashed screen/back. Does AppleCare/insurers usually fix or replace phones? I know these are probably silly questions, but it's all very new to me.

Any suggestions or advice you can provide would be most appreciated. I don't buy phones very often as I'll use them until they no longer work, so it's all a bit overwhelming!

Thanks in advance.

cranford

I trust you have factored in the 20% VAT due on your purchase when you land back in the UK.

TazCaz

cranford said:

I trust you have factored in the 20% VAT due on your purchase when you land back in the UK.

I have, yes.

TazCaz

Just bumping these to see if there's any recommendations for good insurance, and how this compares to AppleCare. I am also researching extending our house insurance to see what that might offer (it doesn't offer phone insurance currently). Any advice would be very welcome. Thank you

Kingsd316

AppleCare doesn't cover you for loss of the phone so bare that in mind when deciding, mines insured through Nationwide flex plus and were excellent when i had to have it replaced

TazCaz

Kingsd316 said:

AppleCare doesn't cover you for loss of the phone so bare that in mind when deciding, mines insured through Nationwide flex plus and were excellent when i had to have it replaced

Thanks Kingsd316. I believe I could take out the loss and theft extra AppleCare they offer in the US, but from chatting with Apple they'd need to ship a replacement to a US address. I just spoke with Protect-Your-Bubble, which is mentioned on MSE, and they seem to be able to do everything for under £10 a month, though the excesses are move expensive than AppleCare for damage claims. I have a couple of Nationwide accounts, but not the Nationwide flex plus. I considered getting this account, but the only other thing I would need that they offer is travel insurance, and I already have an annual plan. Great option if you need roadside assistance and an overdraft etc.

jefaz07

I have NatWest Reward Platinum. It has worldwide travel insurance, breakdowns and I get phone insurance (that’s my biggest issue)
The excess is £100 and they replace your phone next working day. 2 claims per year. 

I have an iPhone 11 Pro Max..:to replace is £1500 so the £100 excess is fine by me. 

I’ve just had to use it after dropping my phone, had no issues at all. 

You currently get £175 to switch too!!