Cell phone warranties or device protection plans are your best means of protection against damage or loss. A cracked screen can cost hundreds of dollars to get repaired, while replacing a lost iPhone, Galaxy phone, or Pixel device can easily exceed $1,500. That's why more Canadians are considering a device protection plan when they purchase a new smartphone.
But is a device protection plan actually worth it? And what's the difference between a phone warranty, insurance policy, and manufacturer coverage?
In this guide, we'll explain how phone warranties, insurance plans, and device protection plans work in Canada, compare the options available from carriers and manufacturers, and help you decide whether coverage makes sense for your situation.
Don't wait to enroll
Most carrier and manufacturer device protection plans require you to sign up within 30 days of buying your phone (or sooner in some provinces). If you're on the fence, it's worth deciding before that window closes.
Device protection plan vs. warranty: What's the difference?
A manufacturer's warranty covers defects caused by faulty materials or workmanship. Device protection plans expand coverage to include accidental damage and, in many cases, theft and loss protection.
Warranty vs. device protection plan coverage
| Coverage type | Covers manufacturing defects | Covers accidental damage | Covers theft/loss | Monthly fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard warranty | Yes | No | No | Included |
| Extended warranty | Yes | Sometimes | No | Usually |
| Device protection plan / insurance | Yes | Yes | Often | Yes |
Many Canadians mistakenly assume their phone warranty protects them against everything. Unfortunately, that's not the case. It won't help if you drop your phone, crack the display, spill water on it, or lose it altogether.
If you're exploring options that'll cover you for accidental damage, loss, or other issues not the manufacturer's fault, you'll have to purchase a device protection plan. Much like insurance on your home or car, coverage is maintained as long as you have an ongoing subscription or plan.
Best manufacturer device protection plans in Canada
Based on our analysis, AppleCare+ is the best manufacturer device protection plan for iPhone users as it includes unlimited repairs, express services, and battery coverage — particularly useful for premium devices like the iPhone 17 series. Similarly, Samsung Care+ is the best device protection plan option for those with a Galaxy device.
Manufacturer device protection plan comparison
| Manufacturer | Protection plan | Accidental damage | Theft and loss | Extended warranty | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | AppleCare+ | Yes | Available on select plans | Yes | $8.49/mo. |
| Samsung | Samsung Care+ | Yes | Yes | Yes | $99/2 years |
| Preferred Care | Yes | Available in select regions | Yes | $8/mo. |
AppleCare+
AppleCare+ remains one of the strongest protection programs available in Canada. It extends Apple's standard warranty and significantly lowers repair costs for accidental damage. Coverage starts at $8.49 each month until services are cancelled. Alternatively, Apple provides two-year coverage starting from $169.99.
AppleCare+ offers benefits like:
- Unlimited accidental damage incidents
- Express replacement service
- Battery coverage
- Apple-certified repairs
AppleCare+ is particularly valuable for users purchasing premium devices such as the iPhone 17 series, where out-of-warranty repairs can be expensive.
Apple's device coverage offers reduced service fees for repairs such as screen replacements, liquid damage, and other accidental damage. However, AppleCare+ does provide free battery replacement service.
Samsung Care+
Samsung Care+ plans start at $99 for two years of coverage on base Galaxy S devices. However, for Galaxy S Ultra smartphones, foldables, and other high-end Samsung devices, device protection reaches upwards of $349 for two years of coverage.
Samsung Care+ covers accidental damage, hardware failures, and theft or loss on eligible devices. Much like other extended warranty options, Samsung Care+ covers issues beyond the manufacturer's control.
Benefits include:
- Screen repair coverage
- Mechanical breakdown protection
- Theft and loss coverage on eligible plans
- Samsung-certified repairs
Samsung Care+ is especially useful for Galaxy S26 and Galaxy Z Fold owners due to the higher repair costs associated with premium and foldable devices.
Recently, Samsung introduced a new month-to-month Samsung Care+ payment plan on top of its 12- and 24-month options. Since the option is new, exact pricing hasn't been determined. You can add Samsung Care+ with a new Galaxy device within 60 days of purchase (or 30 days for Quebec residents).
Google Preferred Care
Google's Preferred Care starts at $8 for monthly coverage on Pixel devices like the Pixel 10a. For the core Pixel 10 series, pricing starts at $14 per month. Google also offers two-year plans with base pricing starting at $189. These Preferred Care plans extend warranty coverage and protect against accidental damage for Pixel devices.
Benefits include:
- Accidental damage protection
- Authorized repairs
- Extended manufacturer support
For Canadians buying a Pixel 10a, Pixel 10, or Pixel 10 Pro, Preferred Care offers peace of mind while maintaining access to Google's support network. With Google Preferred Care, you can get a screen replacement with a deductible of $39, far cheaper than having to pay outright for a repair.
In the U.S., Google offers Pixel Care+ as a revamped version of Preferred Care. The core differences of Pixel Care+ are $0 repair for screen and battery replacements, as well as $0 claims on post-warranty breakdowns. Unfortunately, this model hasn't hit Canada yet.
Carrier device protection plans in Canada
Most major Canadian carriers offer device protection plans through third-party insurance partners. If you're purchasing a device through a carrier rather than a manufacturer, this may be an option to consider when evaluating device protection.
Canadian carrier device protection plan comparison
| Carrier | Protection program | Loss and theft coverage | Accidental damage | Extended warranty | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rogers | Device Protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | $6.99/mo. |
| Bell | Smart/Device Care Protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | $13/mo. |
| TELUS | Device Care Complete | Yes | Yes | Yes | $15/mo. |
| Freedom Mobile | Device Protection | Varies by device | Yes | Yes | $11/mo. |
While carrier plans offer convenience, they often have higher monthly costs and deductibles than manufacturer-backed programs. So, carrier protection plans aren't recommended for those looking to protect their device while saving money in the long term.
Advantages:
- Easy enrollment when purchasing a phone
- Monthly billing through your carrier
- Loss and theft coverage
- Nationwide claims support
Potential drawbacks:
- Higher deductibles
- More claim restrictions
- Longer repair timelines compared to manufacturer programs
Bell
Bell offers cell phone insurance through Smart/Phone Care, with plans starting at $13/month. The program is underwritten by Liberty Mutual and administered by Asurion, providing coverage beyond a standard manufacturer's warranty. Smart/Phone Care covers:
- Defects in parts and workmanship
- Physical damage
- Electronic damage
- Liquid damage
- Loss or theft
- Normal wear and tear
There are a few important details to know before signing up:
- You must enroll within 30 days of activating your device.
- Coverage is limited to two approved claims during the life of the policy.
- A deductible applies and varies depending on your device model.
Bell's Smart/Phone Care is available with eligible Bell mobile plans. Virgin Plus, Bell's flanker brand, offers a similar protection option called Smartcare, with comparable coverage and pricing. Both options are designed for customers who want protection against accidental damage, loss, or theft that isn't covered by a standard phone warranty.
|
Bell
Select 100GB CA-US
$65.00/mth
(includes Autopay and promotional discount)
+ $40 Upfront
|
|
Bell
Select 100GB CA-US
$65.00/mth
(includes Autopay and promotional discount)
+ $40 Upfront
|
|
Virgin Plus (previously Virgin Mobile)
$45 Plan with 20GB Data and Unlimited Minutes
$45.00/mth
(includes $10/mo. Autopay)
+ $40 Upfront
|
|
Virgin Plus (previously Virgin Mobile)
$45 Plan with 20GB Data and Unlimited Minutes
$45.00/mth
(includes $10/mo. Autopay)
+ $40 Upfront
|
|
Bell
Ultra Unlimited Canada-International
$80.00/mth
(includes Autopay and promotional discount)
|
Rogers
Rogers offers Device Protection plans for both Apple and Android devices, starting at $6.99/month. The coverage differs depending on the type of phone you own.
For Apple devices, Rogers' protection option includes AppleCare+ coverage benefits, including unlimited repairs for accidental damage and coverage for loss or theft with replacement options. Android users receive coverage for up to three claims within a 12-month period, including accidental damage and loss or theft protection.
Unlike Bell, Rogers does not charge traditional deductibles, but customers are responsible for service fees. Screen repairs cost $39, while other repairs can cost up to $129. Replacement costs for lost or stolen devices vary depending on the model.
Rogers' Device Protection is available on phones purchased through Rogers and uses an open enrollment model, meaning customers can add coverage after purchasing a device. However, protection does not apply retroactively, so signing up after your phone is already damaged will not cover existing issues.
Rogers' flanker brand Fido also offers Device Protection starting at $6.99/month, giving customers another option for protecting eligible devices.
|
Rogers
Lite Plan
$65.00/mth
(after Auto-Pay discount)
|
|
Rogers
Lite Plan
$65.00/mth
(after Auto-Pay discount)
|
|
Rogers
Popular Plan
$85.00/mth
(after Auto-Pay discount)
|
|
Rogers
Popular Plan
$85.00/mth
(after Auto-Pay discount)
|
|
Rogers
Essentials Plan
$85.00/mth
(after Auto-pay discount)
|
Telus
Telus offers Device Care Complete, provided by Asurion, for $15/month. While it is one of the more expensive carrier protection plans in Canada, it includes broad coverage:
- Unlimited cracked screen repairs
- Same-day repairs through Mobile Klinik
- Physical damage
- Electronic damage
- Liquid damage
- Loss or theft
- Battery replacements
- Repairs for cameras, microphones, speakers, and charging ports
Like Rogers, TELUS does not charge a traditional deductible, but customers may still pay service fees for repairs or replacements depending on the device.
Telus also offers AppleCare+ starting at $7/month for eligible iPhones. AppleCare+ provides unlimited accidental damage repairs and replacement coverage for Apple devices, making it a strong option for iPhone owners who prefer Apple's repair network.
Telus Device Care Complete and AppleCare+ are available with eligible Telus plans. Koodo Mobile, Telus's flanker brand, also offers Device Care Complete for supported devices.
|
Telus
Nationwide Talk, Text & Data 35
$35.00
Per 30 Day Top-up
+ $15 Upfront
|
|
Telus
Complete - Unlimited 5G+ Can-US
$100.00/mth
(after $10/mo. credit)
|
|
Telus
Complete - Unlimited 5G+ Can-US
$100.00/mth
(after $10/mo. credit)
|
|
Telus
Nationwide Talk, Text & Data 45
$45.00
Per 30 Day Top-up
+ $15 Upfront
|
|
Telus
Complete - Unlimited 5G+ Explore
$115.00/mth
(after $10/mo. credit)
|
Freedom Mobile
Freedom Mobile offers device protection through its $11 monthly Freedom Phone Protection Plan, managed by Likewize. Under the plan, accidental repairs, like screen repairs, start at $39.
The plan covers accidental damage, including cracked screens, as well as liquid damage from spills. With the Freedom Phone Protection Plan, out-of-warranty malfunctions are also covered.
Freedom limits customers to two service requests within a 12-month period. Unlike some competing plans, customers are responsible for service fees, including charges for rear glass repairs, camera fixes, etc.
Freedom Phone Protection is available with eligible Freedom Mobile plans and is designed as a lower-cost alternative for customers who want coverage beyond a standard phone warranty.
|
Freedom Mobile
$35 5G+ Unlimited 10GB CA-US plan
$35.00/mth
(after Digital Discount)
|
|
Freedom Mobile
Prepaid By The Year 20GB + Nationwide Talk & Text plan
$129.00
Per 1 Year Top-up
+ $10 Upfront
|
|
Freedom Mobile
Prepaid By The Year 40GB + Nationwide Talk & Text plan
$159.00
Per 1 Year Top-up
+ $10 Upfront
|
|
Freedom Mobile
$60 5G+ Unlimited 250GB CA-US plan
$60.00/mth
(after Digital Discount)
|
|
Freedom Mobile
$40 5G+ Unlimited 70GB CA-US plan
$40.00/mth
(after Digital Discount)
|
Third-party device protection plans
Third-party providers have become increasingly popular among Canadians looking for flexible protection that isn't tied to a carrier. Third-party plans can be a smart choice if you have purchased a device outright, use a BYOD plan, or frequently switch carriers.
Unlike carrier protection plans, many independent insurers allow you to keep coverage even if you move between providers.
AKKO
AKKO stands out because it is designed for people protecting multiple devices, with annual coverage starting at around $80. Instead of only covering one phone, AKKO can bundle coverage for smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras, gaming devices, and other electronics under one plan.
AKKO is best for families, tech-heavy households, and people with many devices, as multiple electronics can be covered under one policy. For those who only want to protect a single device or go through a manufacturer, AKKO might not be the best option. If you only need coverage for a single iPhone or Android, a carrier plan or manufacturer protection may offer a simpler experience.
Worth Ave. Group
Worth Ave. Group specializes in electronics insurance, offering coverage for devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops, starting at around $11 per month. Unlike carrier plans that are built around mobile service, Worth Ave. Group focuses primarily on protecting the device itself.
People who purchase a phone outright or use unlocked devices can find some benefits in using Worth Ave. Group, as coverage works well for unlocked phones purchased outside a carrier contract. Coverage even extends if you change carriers. You can also add coverage for laptops and tablets, with costs ranging from $150 to $170 per year.
The downside to Worth Ave. Group is that, as a third-party option, it's completely separate from the manufacturer and carriers. So, you'll need to handle the repair or replacement process entirely on your own, dealing with the company. If ease is your main concern, you might want to consider other options.
SquareTrade by Allstate
SquareTrade has been a recognizable name in electronics protection for years and focuses on protecting devices purchased through traditional and non-traditional channels, with prices starting at $10 per month.
Budget-conscious users looking for standalone device coverage can find a lot of benefits with SquareTrade. The company provides options for devices outside traditional carrier channels. This can be especially useful for unlocked phones and second-hand purchases.
It's hard to determine coverage, as prices vary depending on the device and policy. That said, SquareTrade can make sense for users who buy refurbished phones, shop outside carrier stores, or want coverage without committing to a carrier's insurance plan.
Is a device protection plan worth it?
A device protection plan is generally worth considering if your phone costs more than $1,000 and you plan to keep it for more than two years. It's also incredibly important to consider how well you take care of your device post-purchase. If you're prone to tossing it on a table or dropping it frequently, you might want that added protection.
You may not need coverage if your device is a cheaper model, costing less than $1,000, as over time it may be more advantageous to purchase a new device. If you upgrade annually, there's less urgency to purchase an insurance plan for the device as well. Check out our guide to the best cell phone deals in Canada if you're weighing an upgrade instead of a protection plan.
For many Canadians purchasing flagship phones costing $1,500 or more, a device protection plan can provide valuable peace of mind.
FAQs
Does cell phone insurance cover a lost phone in Canada?
Many Canadian device protection plans cover lost or stolen phones, though coverage varies by provider. Most carrier protection programs and premium manufacturer plans include theft and loss protection, often subject to deductibles and claim limits.
Can I get cell phone insurance after I've already damaged my phone?
In most cases, no, you can't activate phone insurance once your device is damaged. Most providers require devices to be fully functional and free from existing damage before coverage begins. If your phone already has a cracked screen or water damage, it will likely be ineligible.
Is AppleCare+ worth it in Canada?
For many iPhone owners, yes. AppleCare+ provides manufacturer-backed repairs, accidental damage coverage, battery service, and streamlined support directly through Apple. It's particularly valuable for premium iPhone models where repair costs can be high.
What is the difference between a cell phone warranty and insurance?
A warranty covers manufacturer defects and hardware failures that occur under normal use. Insurance or a device protection plan covers accidental damage, and often loss or theft. Warranties are generally included with your phone purchase, while protection plans require an additional monthly fee.
Kevin Kearney
Deputy Editor
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