Woe be the case for those who have experienced any of the following (what feels like) catastrophes. Cracked smartphone screen from a fall? Tablet bit the dust last time you tried to read in the bathtub? Drone hit a tree? Laptop drank your venti iced mocha latte? It can feel like a punch to the gut when you realize your expensive electronics (and most prized possessions) may be in trouble.

With the exorbitant cost of smartphones and other electronic devices, it’s so important to make sure you have a plan if, or more likely when, the unthinkable happens. 

Our love for our devices is eternal...

Gadgets are hugely important to most people, and we depend on things like our phone, tablet, and laptops to make life easier, do business, entertain us, and everything in between. That’s never been truer than right now (pandemic, anyone?).

If you’re like other Americans, odds are you either just checked or are about to check your smartphone, smartwatch, or other smart electronic device. You could even be reading this article on one.

The average person spends an average of three hours and 15 minutes on their phone per day. With the plethora of apps available on both iOS and Android, there seems to be nothing that can’t be done on a smartphone. Banking apps, email, internet access, dating, online games, news and more make our electronic devices simply a way of life.

In a recent study by the Pew Research Center, it was found that 90% of people check their phone within an hour of waking up and again 42-86 times per day. If you fall into that category and you were to lose your device, damage it, or have it stolen, your life could be thrown into upheaval.

Smartphone usage at-a-glance

It’s difficult to underplay the role of smartphones in our lives. Consider these facts from the Pew Research Center:

So how do you protect something so vital to our everyday?

With the newest smartphone prices soaring above $1,000, the price of a replacement is simply not in most people’s budgets. You can be as cautious with your smart devices are possible, but mistakes still happen, and they tend to happen most in the form of cracked screens and thefts. That’s why it’s a smart idea to protect your devices with some kind of insurance or protection plan.

If you have mobile phone service through a major carrier, they probably offer mobile insurance. To replace a broken, stolen, or lost device, you’ll pay a monthly fee (around $15 or more) and, possibly, a hefty deductible.

With the price of electronics seeming to be going up every year, it’s imperative to protect your expensive valuables.

It may pay off in the long run to check beyond your mobile carrier. A quick search on the internet (on your phone or laptop, of course) will give you a good idea of the insurance and protection plans available in your market. Search “gadget insurance,” “device protection,” or "asset protection” to get a comprehensive look at a good protection plan.

Kasasa Care™ is a great option because it offers several types of protection at a super affordable price (like, just a couple of dollars a month). Covered devices include both new and used smartphones and smartwatches, tablets, laptops, gaming systems, cameras, and eReaders, in addition to your other valuable assets. Your devices will be protected from:

• Accidental damage, like the dreaded cracked screen.

• Device malfunction, mechanical failure, or manufacturer defect.

• Water damage from a spill or complete submersion. (Ever heard that doomed splash?)

• Damage from a natural disaster like a hurricane, flood, or tornado.

• Damage from a power surge or lightning.

• Theft or vandalism.

Depending on the provider you choose, you may even want to look at combining more of your valuables under your new plan. This will save you money and, with bundling, you could cover more of your devices and pay less. Possible assets that can be included are:

• Major appliances

• Furniture

• Televisions

• Computers

• Smartwatches

• Exercise equipment

• Patio furniture

• Drones

• Expensive camera lenses

When it comes to protecting your devices, you have options. Check your mobile carrier’s device protection and compare plans online before making a decision, so you can be sure to find the best protection for your budget. That way, you’ll sleep better at night knowing all your valuables are protected by a robust and affordable plan.