AT&T: iPhones Now Eligible For Standard Mobile Insurance

Starting July 17, iPhone owners who sign a new wireless contract with AT&T or upgrade an existing contract may now sign up for the carrier's standard mobile insurance plan.

According to AT&T, the plan applies to any iPhone model (old and new) and covers "Lost, stolen, accidental damage and mechanical or electrical failure after the manufacturer's warranty period has expired." The plan will cost $4.99 a month, plus a per-claim deductible fee that varies between $50 and $125 depending on the handset model--just as it does for non-iPhone owners.

Writes MacRumors, this is good news for AT&T customers (or potential customers) who balked at paying the previously pricier coverage of $11.99 per month with a $199 deductible, which the carrier made available through a third-party partner. The Next Web argues that this plan was "100% not worth it," since Apple replaces "accidentally damaged iPhones for a flat $199 fee." However, Apple's warranty doesn't cover lost or stolen devices, so AT&T's newer, cheaper plan for iPhones should put worried customers' minds more at ease.

The specifics of the new offer are as follows, according to AT&T's mobile insurance page:

Effective July 17, 2011, the Apple iPhone (all models) will be eligible for coverage with the AT&T Mobile Insurance program (formerly Wireless Phone Insurance). Enrollment restrictions apply. Customers can only enroll within 30 days of a new activation or upgrade, prior activations or upgrades outside of 30 days are not eligible.

Rumor has it that the next iPhone may debut later this year. Do you think that AT&T will makes this insurance plan available for users who purchase the new release or limit the offer to previous generations of the iPhone? Share your thoughts in the comments.