Buying a smartphone this holiday? Learn how to protect the device and the data.

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Asurion, the global leader in technology protection services, released holiday data showing that one in four people will have their phone lost, stolen or damaged by the end of the year. With smartphones topping the list of holiday gifts this year, it is vital that consumers take steps to protect their devices as they make plans to get or give a new phone this holiday season.

"The latest smartphones give users access to the most advanced technology yet, but not without a price. If you plan on giving a phone this holiday season, make sure you protect that investment with cell phone insurance, the most comprehensive coverage available, and give your loved ones peace of mind knowing their device and information are safe," said Bettie Colombo, Senior Director, Marketing Communications at Asurion.

Given that 80 percent of claims are filed on a phone within the first 12 months of ownership, it is important to safeguard your new device with insurance right away. Replacing your holiday gift can be time consuming and expensive, with the average retail price of a smartphone climbing over $460. Investing in insurance is a convenient way to replace your phone, since the replacement device is shipped right to your door, usually the next business day.  Insurance gives you peace of mind knowing your device is protected in the event of loss, theft, damage, including liquid damage, and malfunction.  

In addition to insurance, there are several ways to protect your holiday gift:

• Invest in a sturdy phone cover or carrying case
• Add a transparent film screen protector
• Plug the phone charger into a surge protector
• Visit GottaHaveMyMobile.com for more tips to keep your phone safe this holiday season

Asurion is the cell phone protection company chosen by every major wireless carrier. The company offers comprehensive insurance for the handsets of more than 95 million consumers, protecting their investments and quickly reconnecting them in the event of handset loss, theft of out-of-warranty damage, including liquid damage. When a claim is made by phone or online, replacement devices are shipped as soon as the next day, ensuring that customers are reconnected quickly. Asurion maintains an average post-claim consumer satisfaction rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

About Asurion
Asurion, a privately-held company operating across three continents, is the global leader in providing consumer technology protection services.  Asurion offers support to help customers derive optimum benefit from the usage of electronics; security to help ensure content privacy; and peace of mind through rapid replacement of lost, stolen, damaged or malfunctioning devices.  As the premier technology protection provider, Asurion's 5,000+ employees specialize in fulfilling the needs of more than 95 million consumers through strategic partnerships with the world's top wireless and cable brands. Asurion's constant commitment to meeting customer needs has earned the company an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and an average post-claim customer rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.  For more information about Asurion, including its customer service ratings and reviews that help drive continuous improvement, please visit www.asurion.com.   

SOURCE Asurion