AT&T introduces multi-device protection options

For some folks, insuring their handset is a must. There are a few different ways to do it, but the most common way is to use coverage that is offered by a given carrier. It is convenient, as the premium is paid as a part of the monthly bill, and the coverage, typically up to two device replacements per year, is usually adequate.

That deals with the phone though. What about other important gadgets you might use? There are sometimes insurance packages you can get when you buy a new laptop or tablet from your retailer, but managing multiple plans, never mind paying for them, with different terms, through different agents is not very effective use of your time.

Now AT&T has introduced Multi-Device Protection Pack. When you cover your smartphone, you will be eligible to cover an additional two devices, such as a laptop, or tablet, whether they are connected to your AT&T account or not.

For all three devices, the coverage works out to $30-per-month. With that, it is like getting AT&T’s “Mobile Protection Pack” on all three devices. In addition to the insurance coverage, you also get free tech support for your covered devices and, if the device is able, you can download a mobile locate app which may help you find a lost device or wipe the data off it remotely.

Like any insurance there are deductibles, the smartphone deductibles are the same, typically either $125 or $200. For your other devices, the deductible starts at $89 for a repair, and $200 for a replacement. If you go for 6 months without a claim, the deductibles decline across the board by 25%, and then by 50% if you go a year without a claim.

As for what you can cover, it can be a Wi-Fi only tablet, or a laptop, as long as it running Windows Vista, OS X or later. Android and iOS devices are covered too. You can cover additional smartphones if you want, but they have to be devices that AT&T sells, so that Google Nexus 5 would not be eligible, however, that Nexus tablet might be because it could be a non-connected device.

With Multi-Device Protection you can have up to six claims per year, across any combination of covered devices. That means if you happen to destroy your phone every two months, you can make a claim. Or, if your work bag gets stolen with your tablet and laptop inside, that would count as two claims. The maximum value per claim is $1,500.

The back-end underwriters are the usual players, CNA administered by Asurion, so if you have had previous experience with them, the process will be familiar. Replacement devices can be delivered in some cases overnight, and while deductibles are something to groan about, depending on your circumstance, insurance can be a invaluable when you consider the retail replacement cost of most of our favorite gadgets.



source: AT&T