Asurion vs Akko – Choosing the best phone insurance provider
Selecting the best warranty program or insurance program for your smartphone is enough to leave your head spinning with all the options available, such as Asurion and Akko.
Since smartphones and other devices such as laptops are expensive, some more than others, the last thing you want is to be caught in a situation where you have lost the device or breaking your smartphone and requiring to pay thousands to get a new replacement. Therefore, it always helps to have an insurer to back you up; and we will review two of these providers, Akko and Asurion, to help you make an informed decision on who to choose.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between Akko and Asurion?
Akko |
Asurion |
|
Price |
Between $6 and $12 monthly |
It depends on your specific carrier, whether it is Verizon, AT&T, or Sprint. Prices are not specified on Asurion’s website. |
Deductible fees for damaged devices |
Between $29 and $99 |
Depends on your specific carrier |
Deductible fees for stolen or lost devices |
Between $75 and $100 |
Depends on your specific carrier |
Number of claims allowed per year |
Unlimited |
Maximum of 2 |
Time to purchase the coverage |
At any time, as long as the device is in good condition |
Within 30 days of buying the device |
Akko vs. Asurion – How they compare
Time required to register the device
With Asurion, you are required to register your devices for coverage within 30 days of purchasing them, while Akko allows you to register for coverage at any time as long as the device is in good condition. Both platforms have similar terms for insuring a device, but there is more freedom with Akko in terms of the devices you can insure under one account, as well as activating or deactivating your insurance coverage with them, which Asurion does not offer.
Akko wins this category, as you can register devices at any time, put multiple devices under one account, and have the freedom to switch the coverage on and off depending on whether you are selling or upgrading devices.
Deductible fees
Akko offers two plan options when you are signing up for their coverage: the first costs between $6 and $12 monthly, also called the Phone Only plan, while the second costs between $12 and $15 monthly, also referred to as the Everything Protected plan. In both plans, the fee you will pay will depend on the specific device you are insuring. Additionally, you can choose to pay your plans on an annual basis, and therefore pay lower monthly fees; for the Phone Only plan, you will pay between $5 and $11 monthly, and $10 to $14 monthly on the Everything Protected plan.
These terms make them among the few phone insurers with affordable payment options, and they will also protect refurbished devices so you are able to insure multiple items at no extra cost. The deductibles are also affordable as well, as you can insure your devices and pay a claim of between $29 and $99 depending on the device.
On the other hand, Asurion does not specify the deductibles you need to pay for your devices, which is why you will not find any specifications on deductibles when checking their website. Instead, it entirely depends on your network provider, as the provider will use Asurion to provide their insurance services and it can be higher than you expect. Additionally, different devices will attract different deductible payments when you want to make claims or do repairs, and Asurion will specify these amounts when you make claims.
Since Akko has a clearer policy regarding the amounts you pay in deductibles and monthly insurance coverage, they are the better option between the two in this regard.
Number of claims you can make per year
The claims you can make on each platform are different, with Akko allowing you to make an unlimited number of claims per year, and Asurion only allowing a maximum of two claims per year. Considering the lower fees Akko places on deductibles and monthly payments, it is easier to apply for replacement devices and repairs through them, and their customer services go a long way to achieving this goal. On the other hand, Asurion may decline to fulfill your claims, depending on the device you want to repair or replace, and this can make it hectic to apply for one.
Akko wins in this category due to their smoother claim placement processes, as well as allowing their customers to file an unlimited number of claims per year.
Akko vs. Asurion – A comparison review
Akko review
Akko protects your personal items and phones through their affordable plans, which explains their immense popularity among users. The main advantage with their coverage is that they will allow you to add personal items other than your smartphone, and you can also switch your plan off or on when you purchase new devices or sell your phone.
Pros
- Do not have hidden fees
- They allow unlimited number of claims without increasing your monthly rates
- Offer additional discounts for annual payments, students, and families
- Very affordable
- Easy process of claims and sign up procedures
Cons
- Certain terms are confusing in wording
Asurion review
Asurion offers a wide range of protection for smartphones, as well as backup services such as backing up videos and photos. However, these terms are inconsistent because it depends on your service carrier; some may offer extra benefits, while others do not.
Pros
- Can back up your data
- Replacement of devices is fast
Cons
- Can improve on customer service
- Charge high deductibles and monthly payments compared to other insurers
- Process of making claims is challenging at times
Conclusion
In our opinion, Akko is the better insurance plan between the two as it will allow you to sign up for multiple device protections at a low cost, and predictable deductibles if you need repairs or a replacement for your device.
FAQs
Does Akko coverage extend to lost phones?
Yes, it does. Their protections will cater to replacing stolen items, although it is important to note that it will only handle what they term as ‘mysterious disappearance’ of phones if you join their annual plan. Depending on the model, you will pay a deductible between $99 and $249.
Is it possible to get my money back from Asurion?
Yes, although this is subject to you canceling the plan within 30 days by calling them on 1-866-551-5924, or emailing them at ambassador@asurion.com.