Comcast chooses Assurant for mobile phone protection plans

Securing the usual trappings of a real wireless company, Comcast has partnered with risk management solutions provider Assurant to offer mobile device protection plans for customers. 

The Xfinity Mobile Protection Plan will provide device replacement and repair for accidental damage, hardware malfunctions, loss and theft. Assurant already provides device protection plans offered by T-Mobile US. Verizon, AT&T and Sprint partner with competitor Asurion. 

The Assurant-backed Comcast device protection plan will also include unlimited customer support and access to specialists to resolve technical issues for not just mobile phones, but also TVs and home automation components like thermostats and lighting. 

RELATED: Comcast launches Xfinity Mobile in Chicago with kiosks in local stores

Customers will also have access to Pocket Geek, an Assurant app that provides a wide range of self-diagnostic tools and alerts, security features and troubleshooting tips. 

Xfinity Mobile customers who use iPhones will have access to AppleCare Services. 

Comcast is offering Assurant protection on a Samsung Galaxy and Apple iPhone devices for a hefty $12 a month. In addition to offering protection on accidental damage and loss to the device, as well as breakdowns not covered under manufacturer warranty, the plan also lets customers upgrade their phone every 12 months with no early-upgrade fee. 

For comparison, Sprint offers two tiers of entry-level Asurion device protection for $9 a month. The plans include device repair and replacement, along with automatic backup of data. Higher tiers run $13 a month and include various forms of tech support.