CELL PHONE PROTECTION 

What is Cell Phone Protection?

Cell Phone Protection provides coverage up to $500 per claim twice per 12-month period for repairs or replacement due to accidental damage or theft. Cell Phone Protection is subject to a $50 deductible per claim. The maximum benefit limit is $500 per claim and $1,000 per 12-month period. Please review the Cell Phone Protection Guide to Benefit for complete details of terms, conditions, and exclusions.

Who can file a claim?

The primary account holder can file a claim for any phones owned by them with a limit of up to 2 claims per consecutive 12 month period.  Each claim has a limit of $500 minus a $50 deductible.

What phones are covered?

All eligible Cellular Wireless Telephones owned by named account holders and active on their wireless phone bill are covered. Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephones are the primary line and an unlimited number of additional, or supplemental cellular telephone lines listed on your cellular provider’s monthly billing statement for the billing cycle preceding the month in which the theft or damage occurred.

What is the benefit amount of this coverage?

This benefit pays up to $500 minus a $50 deductible.

What is my coverage effective date?

Coverage for damage begins the first day of the month following the date you became entitled to the services. There is no waiting period for theft. Damage and theft are not covered if the incident occured prior to the date you became entitled to the services.

How long do I have to submit a claim?

Your claim must be submitted within 60 days following the date your phone was damaged or stolen. All documentation must be received within 90 days of the incident.

Do I need to register my cell phone in advance of a claim?

No, as long as you have an active Covered Account, you are eligible for reimbursement on all eligible Cellular Wireless Telephones you own now or in the future. You will need to provide information about your eligible phone only when filing a claim.

How do I file a claim?

1.  Contact your Program Sponsor, who will send you an online claim form to complete.

2.  Go to the online claims form within 60 days of the loss or damage of your covered device.

3.  Enter all the required information on the electronic claim form.

4.  Provide all required documentation to the Benefit Administrator within sixty (60) days from the date of damage or theft of your eligible cell phone or your claim may be denied. 

5.  Once all required documentation for your claim has been received, your claim will be reviewed. Upon approval, you should receive reimbursement within 5 to 10 business days.

How does the claim process work?  What happens after I enter my information on the online claim form and submit my claim?

Once you submit your claim, it will be reviewed by the Benefit Administrator.  If any additional information is needed to process your claim, the Benefit Administrator will contact you.

What documentation will I need to submit for a damaged phone claim? 

•  A copy of your Cellular Wireless Telephone provider’s monthly billing statement immediately preceding and/or during the time the damage occurred

•  A repair estimate documenting the damage to your phone and the costs for repair 

What documentation will I need to submit for a theft claim?  

You should notify the local police immediately upon discovery of the theft of your cell phone.  You will need to submit:

•  A copy of the police report

•  A  copy of your Cellular Wireless Telephone provider’s monthly billing statement immediately preceding and/or during the time of the theft

What if my phone can’t be repaired and needs to be replaced?

If your phone is deemed beyond economical repair, depending on the nature and circumstances of the damage, the Benefit Administrator, at its sole discretion, may choose to repair or replace your phone or reimburse you for the lesser of a) five hundred dollars ($500.00) less the fifty-dollar ($50.00) deductible; or b) the current suggested retail price of a replacement phone of like kind and quality, excluding taxes, delivery and transportation charge, and any fees associated with your Wireless service provider, less the fifty ($50.00) deductible.

If the cost to repair my phone is more than the value of the phone itself, how is the claim handled?

The repair of your phone is limited to the "current value" of the phone.  Reimbursement is determined for the current replacement value of a like kind and quality device (minus the deductible). The Benefit Administrator, at its sole discretion, may choose to repair or replace your phone or reimburse you for the lesser of a) five hundred dollars ($500.00) less the fifty-dollar ($50.00) deductible; or b) the current suggested retail price of a replacement phone of like kind and quality, excluding taxes, delivery and transportation charge, and any fees associated with your Wireless service provider, less the fifty ($50.00) deductible.

How quickly will I get reimbursed for repairs to my damaged phone?

Once you submit all required documentation for your claim, you should receive a reimbursement check from the administrator within 5 to 10 business days.

What happens if I don’t submit all the required documentation requested?

The claim will remain open for 6 months following your incident date giving you plenty of time to submit your documentation before the claim is closed.  

If my cell phone is still under the manufacturer's warranty may I file a claim?

Yes, you can file a claim for damage or theft if your phone is still under the original manufacturer's warranty.

What is not covered under this benefit?

The following are not covered:

•  Cellular Wireless Telephone accessories

•  Cellular Wireless Telephones purchased for resale, professional, or commercial use

•  Cellular Wireless Telephones that are lost or “mysteriously disappear”

•  Cellular Wireless Telephones under the care and control of a common carrier

•  Cellular Wireless Telephones stolen from baggage

•  Cellular Wireless Telephones stolen from a construction site

•  Cellular Wireless Telephones which have been rented, borrowed or part of a pre-paid or “pay as you go” plan

•  Cosmetic damage to the Cellular Wireless Telephone

•  Damage or theft resulting from abuse, intentional acts, fraud, hostilities, confiscation by the authorities, risks of contraband, illegal activities, normal wear and tear, flood, earthquake, radioactive contamination, or damage from inherent product defects or vermin

•  Damage or theft resulting from misdelivery or voluntary parting with the Cellular Wireless Telephone

•  Replacement Cellular Wireless Telephone not purchased from a cellular service providers retail or Internet store (or authorized retailer)

•  Taxes, delivery and transportation charges, and any fees associated with the cellular service provider    

Are cracked screens covered?

If the damage occurred from a covered incident, yes.

Are software related issues covered?

No, your coverage does not cover damage caused by software on your phone, including but not limited to, programs or software used for video games, DVDs, CDs, MP3 files, ringtones, contact lists, video screen savers, headphones, applications, programs, pictures, video files, audio files and data, and merchandise for sale. Programs are considered software.

When is theft from an unattended vehicle covered?

We will cover loss or damage that is caused by or resulting from theft from an unattended vehicle when it is securely locked, its windows are fully closed, and there is visible evidence that entry into the vehicle was forced.  A police report is required.

I have insurance through my wireless provider.  Will the Cell Phone Protection benefit still pay a claim for my phone if it is damaged or stolen?

In no event will your cell phone protection provide duplicate benefits to you; however, if you have insurance coverage through your wireless provider, you can file a claim for the amount of the deductible owed to your wireless provider. Documentation from your carrier showing the deductible amount for the specific damage or theft is required.  Once all required documentation for your claim has been received, you will be reimbursed for the wireless provider’s deductible (minus the $50 deductible for your cell phone protection).

How many claims can be filed?

Only 2 claims can be filed under the account per each consecutive 12 month period.

We have 3 account holders on the account.  Can we each file 2 claims?

No, only 2 claims can be filed under the account per each consecutive 12 month period. The primary account holder must file the claim.

Can I repair/replace my phone before submitting a claim?

You can move forward with repairs or replacement, or you can wait until after your claim is filed and reimbursement is received. But remember to submit your claim within 60 days of the incident and keep your receipt and the description of the damage to your phone provided by the repair facility - as a part of the claim process, you will need to submit your receipt and damage description for reimbursement.