To maximize my cell phone protection, I product changed my Ink Business Cash® Credit Card to a Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. Even though the  Chase Ink Preferred has a $95 annual fee, it's a no-brainer card because of the cell phone insurance.

There are a few other card that have cell phone protection, but they're either cards I don't have, ones that I don't want, or ones that I can't get. To me, it doesn't make sense to apply for a card solely for cell phone protection.

Other cards that have cell phone protection are the Wells Fargo personal cards, US Bank Platinum Visa, and the FNBO Absolute Rewards card. The cards I can't get are the ones for the Navy Federal Credit Union.

What is cell phone protection?

Cell phone protection will reimburse the eligible cardholder for:

• damage
• theft
• or involuntary and accidental parting of the eligible cell phone

With the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, you're covered for damage and theft, but only for phones that are purchased brand new. This means that refurbished or used phones do not qualify. You're covered up to $600 per claim, with up to 3 claims per 12 months; this comes out to $1,800 (maximum) for 3 claims in 12 months. There's a $100 deductible for each claim.

Depending on the type of phone you purchase, it might make sense to go through the manufacture's insurance. For example, if you purchase an iPhone, Apple Care is a great option.

On the other hand, if you purchase a cheaper Android phone that's ~$600, then credit card protection might be the optimal route.

How it works

1. Pay your full phone bill with the  Chase Ink Preferred card
2. Coverage begins the day after you make the phone bill payment
3. As long as you keep paying your cell phone bill with the  Chase Ink card, you're covered

One thing to consider is the cell phone insurance is supplemental, so if you have homeowners insurance, renter's insurance, or employer's insurance, those have to be used first.

Once the primary insurance is exhausted, the  Chase Ink Preferred's cell phone protection will cover the damage to, theft of, or involuntary accidentally parting with the cell phone up to $600 per claim. You'll be responsible for the $100 deductible.

What is not covered?

• Cell phone accessories other than standard battery and/or standard antenna provided by the manufacturer
• Cell phone purChased for resale
• A cell phone that is lost or “mysteriously disappears.” “Mysterious disappearance” means the vanishing of an item in an unexplained manner where there is an absence of evidence of a wrongful act by a person or persons.
• Cell phone under the care and control of a common carrier (including, but not limited to, U.S. Postal Service, airplanes, or delivery service).
• A cell phone was stolen from baggage unless hand-carried and under Your personal supervision, or under the supervision of Your traveling companion who is previously known to You.
• A cell phone which has been rented, leased, borrowed or cell phone that is received as part of a pre-paid wireless service plan or “pay as you go” type service plans.
• Cosmetic damage to the cell phone or damage that does not impact the cellular wireless telephone’s capabilities and functionalities of the phone.
• Damage or theft resulting from abuse, intentional acts, fraud, hostilities of any kind (including, but not limited to, war, invasion, rebellion, or insurrection), confiscation by the authorities, risks of contraband, illegal activities, normal wear and tear, flood, earthquake, radioactive contamination, or damage from inherent product defects.
• Damage or theft resulting from misdelivery or voluntary parting with the cell phone.
• Replacement cell phone not purChased from a cellular service provider’s retail or Internet store, (for example: Verizon Wireless, Sprint Wireless, etc.) or from an authorized cellular phone retailer.
• Taxes, delivery and transportation charges, and any fees associated with the cellular service provider.

How to file a claim

1. Call the Benefits Administrator (call the number on the back of your card, and they'll transfer you) within 60 days of damage, theft, or involuntary and accidental parting.
2. Submit the completed and signed claim form
3. Send copies of your cell phone statement that shows you paid with the  Chase Ink Preferred
4. Send a proof that your phone statement is connected to your cell phone device
5. If your phone was stolen, you'll need a police report that was filed within 48 hours of occurrence
6. If the claim was due to damage, you'll need to get a repair quote from a local cell phone repair shop
7. Send any other documentation deemed necessary to help your claim

How will I be reimbursed for a claim?

The Benefits Administrator will choose to repair or replace the cell phone for the lesser amount up to $600.

Under normal circumstances, you'll be reimbursed within 10 business days of receipt and approval of the claim form and all required documents.

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