Let’s be honest for a second.

Buying an iPhone feels amazing.
Protecting an iPhone feels expensive.
Breaking an iPhone feels like emotional damage.

One minute your phone is shiny and perfect. The next minute it slips out of your hand, bounces off the pavement in slow motion, and your soul leaves your body before the screen cracks. If that moment sounds familiar, congratulations — you’re human.

That’s exactly why iPhone insurance exists. But here’s the problem: not all insurance plans are worth your money, and some are sneakier than a cracked screen hiding under a screen protector.

This guide walks you through the cheapest and most reliable iPhone insurance plans in the USA, explained in plain English, with a little humor to keep you sane.

Why iPhone Insurance Is Not Just “Extra” Anymore

Once upon a time, phones were cheap. If one broke, you sighed, complained, and bought another.

Those days are gone.

Today’s iPhones cost anywhere from “that hurts” to “why did I do this?” prices.

Here’s why insurance makes sense now

• iPhone screen repairs can cost $250–$400

• Water damage repairs? Often more than half the phone’s value

• Theft or loss? That’s a full replacement bill

• Repairs without insurance usually require tears and regret

Insurance doesn’t stop accidents — but it stops accidents from emptying your bank account.

What Makes an iPhone Insurance Plan “Cheap” (But Still Worth It)?

Cheap doesn’t mean bad. Cheap means smart spending.

A good affordable insurance plan should:

• Have low monthly premiums

• Offer reasonable deductibles

• Cover common disasters (drops, spills, theft)

• Avoid sneaky fine print

• Not make you feel like you’re arguing with a robot when filing a claim

Quick checklist before choosing a plan

AppleCare+ – The Famous (But Not Always Cheapest) Option

Let’s start with the elephant in the Apple Store.

What Is AppleCare+?

AppleCare+ is Apple’s official insurance plan. It feels safe, polished, and very… Apple.

What It Covers

• Accidental damage (drops, spills)

• Screen and back glass damage

• Hardware issues

• Battery replacement (if health drops below 80%)

• Optional theft & loss coverage

What It Costs (Approximate)

Deductibles

• Screen damage: ~$29

• Other damage: ~$99

• Theft/loss: ~$149

Pros

• Repairs done by Apple (peace of mind)

• Genuine Apple parts

• Easy setup

• No shady third parties

Cons

• Not the cheapest option

• Deductibles still hurt a little

• No monthly discounts for careful users (Apple assumes chaos)

Verdict:
Reliable, premium, but not the cheapest if you’re purely budget-focused.

Carrier Insurance: Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile Plans

Your carrier will happily insure your iPhone — and happily add the fee to your bill forever.

Typical Cost

Coverage Includes

• Accidental damage

• Theft & loss

• Mechanical breakdowns

• Sometimes identity theft protection (because why not)

Pros

• Convenient billing

• Walk-in store claims

• One-stop solution

Cons

• Higher monthly costs

• Deductibles can reach $250+

• Often use refurbished replacements

• Long-term cost adds up fast

Verdict:
Convenient but overpriced, especially for budget-conscious users.

Upsie – One of the Cheapest iPhone Insurance Plans in the USA

Now we’re getting into the good stuff.

Upsie is a third-party insurer that focuses on lower prices without nonsense.

Why Upsie Is Popular

• No middlemen

• Transparent pricing

• Low monthly premiums

• Works with certified repair shops

Cost Overview

Deductibles

• Screen repairs: ~$75

• Other damage: ~$99

• Theft/loss (optional add-on): ~$149

Pros

• One of the cheapest legit options

• No hidden fees

• Simple claims process

• Good customer reviews

Cons

• No Apple Store repairs

• Theft coverage costs extra

• Fewer physical locations

Verdict:
Excellent balance of price and protection. A top pick for savings.

SquareTrade (by Allstate) – Budget-Friendly and Reliable

SquareTrade has been around longer than most smartphones have existed.

What It Offers

• Accidental damage

• Mechanical failures

• Optional theft & loss

• Mail-in or local repairs

Pricing

Deductibles

• Screen repair: ~$89

• Replacement: ~$149

Pros

• Backed by Allstate

• Strong reputation

• Flexible repair options

Cons

• Claims can take longer

• No Apple Store repairs

• Theft coverage not included by default

Verdict:
Solid and affordable, especially for people who like established brands.

AKKO – Budget Insurance for Careful Users

AKKO works differently. Instead of insuring just your iPhone, it insures multiple devices.

How AKKO Works

• One flat monthly fee

• Covers phones, laptops, tablets, and more

• Best for people with multiple gadgets

Cost

Deductibles

• Screen repair: ~$29

• Replacement: ~$99

Pros

• Covers multiple devices

• Very low deductibles

• Theft included

Cons

• Not ideal if you only want phone coverage

• Must list devices in advance

Verdict:
Perfect if your house looks like a tech museum.

Comparing the Cheapest iPhone Insurance Plans (Quick Table)

When iPhone Insurance Is NOT Worth It

Yes, I’m being honest here.

Insurance may not be worth it if:

• Your iPhone is already 4–5 years old

• Repair costs are close to the phone’s value

• You upgrade every year anyway

• You keep your phone in a tank-like case and never leave home

In these cases, a repair fund (saving $10/month) might make more sense.

How to Choose the Cheapest Plan for YOU

Ask yourself:

• Do I drop my phone a lot? (Be honest)

• Do I travel often?

• Can I afford a sudden $400 repair?

• Do I want Apple repairs or any certified shop?

Simple rule of thumb

• Careful users: Upsie or SquareTrade

• Clumsy users: AppleCare+

• Many devices: AKKO

• Convenience lovers: Carrier insurance

Funny But True iPhone Insurance Facts

• Phones fall more when you’re late

• Cracks appear exactly one day after warranty ends

• Water damage happens near toilets more than pools

• Phones sense fear and slip harder when you panic

Insurance doesn’t stop these things — but it makes them less tragic.

Final Thoughts: Cheap Doesn’t Mean Risky

The cheapest iPhone insurance plans in the USA aren’t shady, sketchy, or useless. Many are better than overpriced carrier plans and just as reliable.

If you want:

• Lowest monthly cost: Upsie

• Best Apple experience: AppleCare+

• Multiple device protection: AKKO

• Trusted budget option: SquareTrade