AppleCare+ Loss and Theft: What to Know

AppleCare+ now offers an optional Loss and Theft tier for iPhone in select countries, covering accidental damage plus theft or loss incidents. You pay a monthly or upfront fee, and if your iPhone is lost or stolen, you can file a claim and get a replacement after paying a deductible. Here is what you need to know before deciding if it is worth it for you.

Background: How AppleCare+ Has Changed

AppleCare+ has long been Apple’s extended warranty and accidental damage plan for devices. Originally, it covered only manufacturer defects and accidental damage like cracked screens or liquid spills, with a service fee per incident. In 2019, Apple introduced an optional Loss and Theft tier for iPhone in the United States, later expanding it to other countries. This tier adds coverage for theft and loss, which standard AppleCare+ does not include. The plan is available only for iPhone, not for iPads, Macs, or Apple Watches, and it must be purchased within 60 days of buying the iPhone. The cost varies by iPhone model and whether you pay upfront for two years or monthly until canceled.

How Loss and Theft Coverage Works

When you have AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss, you can file a claim if your iPhone is lost or stolen. The process requires that you have Find My iPhone enabled and that the device is in Lost Mode at the time of the claim. You must also provide proof of purchase and a police report in some countries. If approved, Apple sends you a replacement iPhone, and you pay a deductible (service fee) that is separate from the plan’s purchase price. The deductible is typically higher than the fee for accidental damage repairs. For example, as of 2025, the deductible for a lost or stolen iPhone is around $149 for most models, while a screen repair is $29. You can file up to two claims every 12 months for theft or loss, but the replacement device does not extend your coverage period.

Costs and What You Pay

The cost of AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss is higher than standard AppleCare+. For an iPhone 15 Pro, the two-year upfront payment is about $299, or $9.99 per month, compared to $199 upfront or $7.99 per month for standard AppleCare+. The deductible for theft or loss is $149, while accidental damage deductibles are $29 for screen or back glass, and $99 for other damage. These prices are as of 2025 and may vary by country and model. You also need to consider that if your iPhone is lost, you still owe the monthly payments until you cancel the plan, and the replacement device is covered for the remainder of the original plan term. There is no option to extend coverage beyond two years for theft and loss; it is only available for the initial two-year term or monthly until you cancel, but monthly payments continue until you cancel, and coverage can last beyond two years if you keep paying.

How to Choose: Is It Worth It?

Deciding whether to add Loss and Theft depends on your risk and financial situation. Consider these factors:

• Your phone’s value: Newer, more expensive iPhones cost more to replace, making the plan more attractive.
• Your loss history: If you have lost a phone before or frequently misplace items, the coverage may pay off.
• Your insurance: Some homeowners or renters insurance policies cover theft, but often with a high deductible.
• Carrier insurance: Many carriers offer similar protection, sometimes with lower deductibles but higher monthly fees.
• Your budget: The upfront cost and deductible may be more than you want to spend, especially if you are careful with your phone.

If you buy a new iPhone every year and trade in your old one, the plan may not be worth it because you only pay for a short time. But if you keep your phone for two years and are accident-prone, the coverage can save you hundreds of dollars in replacement costs.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that AppleCare+ covers loss automatically—it does not; you must specifically choose the Theft and Loss tier. Another is that you can file a claim immediately after buying the plan, but Apple requires a 30-day waiting period before you can file a theft or loss claim. Also, the plan does not cover cases of “mysterious disappearance� if you cannot prove the phone was lost or stolen; you must put the device in Lost Mode and provide a police report in some regions. Some users think the deductible is the only cost, but you also pay the plan fee upfront or monthly. Finally, the replacement phone is not a new retail unit; it is a refurbished or new equivalent, but it comes with a 90-day warranty or the remainder of your plan, whichever is longer.

Comparison: AppleCare+ vs. Carrier Insurance vs. Credit Card

Carrier insurance (e.g., from Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile) often covers loss, theft, and damage, but monthly premiums are typically $15–$20, and deductibles can be $200 or more. AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss is often cheaper for the plan fee, but the deductible is higher than some carriers. Credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Amex Platinum offer cell phone protection if you pay your monthly bill with the card, covering theft or damage up to $800 per claim with a $25–$50 deductible, but they do not cover loss. However, credit card protection usually requires you to have an eligible card and file a claim with the card issuer, not Apple. AppleCare+ has the advantage of Apple’s direct support and faster replacement, but it is limited to iPhones and does not cover accessories like AirPods unless you buy a separate plan. For most people, AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss is a good middle ground if you want Apple’s service and do not want to deal with carrier bureaucracy.

Safety and Security Features

Apple requires that you have Find My iPhone enabled and that the device is in Lost Mode when you file a theft or loss claim. This is to prevent fraud. If you do not enable Find My before the phone is lost, you cannot file a claim. Also, if you file a claim, Apple will lock the device to your Apple ID, so it cannot be reactivated by someone else. This is a security feature but also means you cannot sell the replacement phone easily if you later find the original. If you find your original phone after receiving a replacement, you must return the replacement to Apple or you will be charged the full replacement value. Always keep your Apple ID password secure and enable two-factor authentication to protect your account.

Alternatives to AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss

If you decide not to buy AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss, you have other options:

• Carrier insurance: Often includes loss and theft, but may have higher monthly costs.
• Credit card protection: Free if you already have a qualifying card, but limited to damage and theft (not loss) and has a cap.
• Homeowners/renters insurance: May cover theft, but you must pay a deductible and it may raise your premium.
• Self-insure: Put the money you would spend on the plan into a savings account for a future replacement.
• Buy a cheaper phone: If you cannot afford the coverage, consider a mid-range phone that is less costly to replace.

Each option has trade-offs in cost, convenience, and coverage limits. Weigh them based on your specific needs and risk tolerance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss cover accidental damage like cracked screens?

Yes, it includes all the benefits of standard AppleCare+, so accidental damage like a cracked screen or liquid spill is covered with the usual service fees ($29 for screen, $99 for other damage). The theft and loss coverage is an addition, not a replacement.

Can I add Theft and Loss to an existing AppleCare+ plan?

No, you cannot upgrade an existing standard AppleCare+ plan to include Theft and Loss. You must purchase the Theft and Loss tier at the time you buy AppleCare+, which is within 60 days of purchasing your iPhone. If you already have standard AppleCare+, you would need to cancel it and buy a new plan, but that is only possible if you are still within the 60-day window.

What happens if I lose my iPhone and never find it?

You file a claim through Apple’s website or phone support, and after verifying that Find My is enabled and the device is in Lost Mode, you pay the deductible and receive a replacement. The lost device is permanently locked to your Apple ID, so it is useless to anyone else. You must also cancel your cellular service for that device to avoid charges.

Can I file more than two claims for theft or loss in a year?

No, the plan limits you to two incidents of theft or loss per 12-month period. If you exceed that, you will not be covered for further theft or loss, though accidental damage claims are still covered up to two incidents as well.

Does the replacement iPhone come with a new warranty?

The replacement iPhone is covered by the remainder of your AppleCare+ plan, or a 90-day warranty if your plan has expired, whichever is longer. It does not extend your coverage period.

Is AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss available in all countries?

No, it is only available in select countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and a few others. Check Apple’s website for your country to see if it is offered.

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