Residents of France, Italy, and Spain can now sign up for an updated AppleCare+ plan to get a replacement iPhone for a small fee if the device is lost or stolen.
- What is happening? Updated AppleCare+ coverage with theft and loss coverage launched in France, Italy and Spain. With this expansion, this additional warranty coverage is now available in eight countries around the world.
- Why care? If you’ve already signed up for AppleCare+ (which doesn’t cover theft or loss of your device) and you’re increasingly worried about losing your iPhone or having it stolen from you, then you should consider this updated Apple insurance offer for your next device.
- What to do? If you live in countries where AppleCare+ Theft and Loss is available, visit the Apple website and read the fine print to determine if you may need it in the future.
Where AppleCare+ with theft and loss protection is available
AppleCare+ with theft and loss, as it’s officially known, was available in the following eight countries around the world as of August 3, 2022.
- Australia
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Japan
- Spain
- United Kingdom
- United States
Regular AppleCare+ is available in more countries than AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss, which debuted in the US in 2016.
How AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss Protection works
AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss has all the benefits of regular AppleCare+ (which also covers device damage) with the added benefit of theft and loss insurance. It’s available separately from regular AppleCare+ and costs a bit more.
In return, you get the peace of mind knowing you can get one replacement phone every twelve months for much less than paying upfront for a new phone. You must purchase coverage within 60 days of purchasing the device. You can pay for it upfront or opt for rolling monthly coverage, whichever suits you.
During the claim process, you will mark the device as lost and clean it up before transferring ownership. Claims in all countries are processed by financial firm AIG and you need to file a claim on their website. Claims are limited to a maximum of two per year. If you have AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss and want to file a claim, be sure to read the Apple Support document explaining the process.
For more information and details on how AppleCare+ works with theft and loss, please read the Program Summary and Disclosure [ PDF document ].
How much does AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss Protection cost in the US?
The prices for these plans depend on your iPhone model and country. In the United States, for example, AppleCare+ with theft and loss for the iPhone 13 Pro costs $13.49 per month. For comparison, the same insurance for the third generation iPhone SE is $7.49 per month. Switching from regular AppleCare+ to Theft & Loss Protection will cost you an additional $60 upfront or up to $3 per month.
In the event of a theft, a replacement iPhone of the same model will cost you up to $149. As with regular AppleCare+, you also get coverage for screen or back glass damage ($29 service fee) and other accidental damage ($99 service fee).
How much does AppleCare+ with theft and loss protection cost in the EU?
In the European Union, AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss is up to €229 upfront or up to €11.49 per month if monthly coverage is selected, depending on your iPhone model. In other words, that’s an additional €60 upfront, or up to €3 per month, over Apple’s standard AppleCare+ offer. A service fee of EUR 129 will be charged for the replacement of the device. Damage to the screen or back glass will incur a €29 fine and other accidental damage €99.
For the flagship iPhone 13 Pro Max, paying €129 for a replacement phone will save you a lot of money compared to buying a new device for €1200. As a reminder, the service charge for this device/country is in addition to the cost of the insurance itself.
Is AppleCare+ worth theft and loss?
No insurance costs money until something happens to your insured item. So maybe you think you might be in danger of having your iPhone stolen because you live in an area where theft is common. Or maybe you’re afraid of losing your phone because you keep losing your house keys. Read: Windows to Mac: Get used to new keys, names and more
You are wholeheartedly encouraged to at least consider AppleCare+’s updated theft and loss insurance. This has an additional upfront or monthly cost over the standard AppleCare+ plan, but makes you eligible for additional theft or loss coverage every twelve months.