Is cell phone insurance worth it?

[hornian]

I just started my own plan (my parents paid for my phone through college, that was the only thing they contributed financially to my college education), and got a new phone. I declined the $5/month charge for phone insurance offered by my provider. I've beaten the **** out of my phones in the past, but they have always worked pretty well even after all the abuse. And if I payed the $5 a month for the whole 2 year term, that would be $120 extra. The insurance only covers up to $150 for replacement, and the chances of me using it given my past history seems slim. It didn't seem like a good deal. Was I wrong

 

[dustin_c1]

It's a huge ripoff.

There are a couple more things to consider.

I've had digital cell phone service with the same company for 8 years now. I've never had to pay full retail price for a new phone. Cell companies always run deals like giving you a new phone or giving you a $150 discount towards a new phone for re-upping your plan.

Over the last year, cellphone prices have skyrocketed. They are now at the point where nobody buys a new phone retail. New phones come with new contracts, period. They are so expensive that a $150 phone is cheap-of-the-line right now at a retail store.

I know a few people who have had phones die and used the insurance replacement program. They always get cheap *** refurbished phones. Might as well buy from Ebay.

I think that the chance that the insurance is worth purchasing is very slim. If worse comes to worst, buy a phone off of Ebay for $50-$70.

 

[dustin_c1]

dp

 

[Luke Duke]

It is only worth it if you are an idiot.

 

[2002_Horn]

My insurance was $5 up front and then $50 to get a new phone (which is the same phone you have or a better model if they are OOS on your current phone). I broke my wife's phone and paid $50 for a better phone a couple of months ago.

I am thinking about "breaking" my phone and doing the same thing, that way I don't have to sign a two-year agreement. That way, when my provider pisses me off I can call 'em up and cancel and they can't make me pay ****.