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Buying Guide

Do You Really Need a Phone Protection Plan?

April 2026 Β· 6 min read

You just got a new phone. The sales rep asks: "Want to add protection?" You hesitate. Is it worth it? Or is it just another monthly fee you'll forget about?

As a repair tech who sees cracked screens and dead phones every day, here's my honest take.

The Math: Protection Plan vs. Paying Out of Pocket

Let's look at a real scenario:

Average screen repair cost$100–$150
AKKO Full plan (12 months)$132/year ($11/mo)
AKKO deductible (iPhone screen)$29
Total cost with plan (1 claim)$161

For a single screen repair, paying out of pocket is often cheaper. But protection plans really shine when you factor in bigger risks β€” loss, theft, liquid damage, or multiple incidents in a year.

When a Protection Plan IS Worth It

  • You have an expensive phone β€” Flagship phones ($800+) are expensive to repair and even more expensive to replace.
  • You're accident-prone β€” If you've cracked a screen before, odds are it'll happen again.
  • You want theft/loss coverage β€” This is the big one. Losing a $1,000 phone with no coverage is painful.
  • You have kids using devices β€” Kids + phones = inevitable damage. A family plan can save hundreds.

When You Might Skip It

  • Your phone is older or lower-cost (under $300)
  • You always use a case + screen protector and rarely drop your phone
  • You're comfortable paying for a repair if something happens

Speaking of screen protectors β€” read our Tempered Glass vs. Tuoli TPU comparison to pick the best one for your device.

What We Offer at iRepairThis

We carry two protection options:

Protection Pro Infinity

In-house coverage

  • β€’ Starting at $5.99/mo
  • β€’ $50 flat deductible
  • β€’ 2 claims per year
  • β€’ Serviced right here at our shop

AKKO

Nationwide coverage

  • β€’ Starting at $5/mo
  • β€’ Covers loss & theft (Full plan+)
  • β€’ $15/mo covers 25+ devices
  • β€’ Family plan available ($50/mo)

See full plan details, deductibles, and sign-up links on our Protection Plans page.

Don't Forget: DisplayShield Is Free

Every screen repair at iRepairThis includes DisplayShield β€” a free screen replacement within 1 year if your screen cracks again. It's not a protection plan, but it's a great safety net after a repair.

Our recommendation:

If you have a phone worth $500+, a protection plan is smart insurance. The AKKO Full plan ($11/mo) is our most popular because it covers everything β€” including loss and theft. For budget-conscious customers, Protection Pro Infinity at $5.99/mo is a solid choice.

Related Reading

Want to Protect Your Device?

Compare plans and sign up on our Protection Plans page β€” or ask us in person.