Don't Get Burned by the Summertime Blues, Make Sure Your Cell Phone is Protected

NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Asurion, the global leader in technology protection services, announced today that more phones are lost, stolen or damaged in July than any other month, followed closely by June and August. In fact, the Fourth of July is the second most dangerous holiday of the year for cell phones, with a nearly 50 percent spike in claims filed after the holiday. After months of cold weather and being cooped up indoors, Asurion is reminding consumers to protect their cell phones to avoid any summer bummers.

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"Every summer we see a tremendous spike in the number of claims filed for lost, damaged or stolen phones," said Bettie Colombo, spokesperson for Asurion.  "People are outdoors, active and using their mobile phones to capture the summer enjoyment and stay connected with friends and family."

Asurion recently surveyed consumers to learn a little more about how they use their mobile devices, other than talking and texting.  The survey found that 30 percent of people use their phones to take their vacation photos. In addition, 72 percent of people use their device to listen to music while at the pool or beach. With consumers relying so heavily on their phones to provide entertainment and capture their most precious summer moments, not only will battery life deplete quicker, but their activities will keep them away from a phone charger.  A cell phone battery dying has caused 16 percent of people to experience a major travel disruption.

"Mobile phone protection purchased through your wireless provider protects the investment customers make in devices against loss, theft or damage, including liquid damage," said Colombo. "People don't usually think about the possibility of their phone taking an accidental dip in the pool, being pummeled by a rogue wave at the beach or being dropped on the trail, but those accidents happen all the time. Adding protection when they purchase a phone provides customers with peace of mind knowing their device is protected no matter where life takes them this summer, while saving them from the high retail cost they could be stuck paying when replacing a phone under contract."

With Asurion products, if a customer's phone is lost, stolen or damaged, Asurion will replace it, typically the next day, while saving the customer money.  Research shows that a majority of consumers think that replacing a device costs only $50 to $99, when in reality, replacing a brand new smartphone can cost on average $476. Asurion data also shows that 80 percent of all cell phone incidents occur within the first twelve months of purchase, so customers shouldn't think twice about protecting their most loved gadget.

In addition to protecting your mobile device, Asurion offers these other helpful tips to keep your phone safe while you're out and about this summer:

• Consider a waterproof case designed to protect phones when submerged in water for a short time.
• Use a good screen protector; it's an easy and inexpensive way to prevent scratching, cracks and other external damage.
• Password-protect your phone; in the event it is lost or stolen, it will be your first line of defense against identity theft.
• Back up your phone regularly to ensure your pictures and contacts are safe.

Survey Methodology                 
Asurion partnered with Survey Sampling International to examine cell phone trends, Asurion surveyed a total of 5,000 wireless subscribers between the ages of 16 and 65 years old.  Additionally, respondents were required to have a role in cell phone related decision-making within their household.  Asurion surveyed an equal mix of males and females.  The margin of error is +/- 1.4 percent.  Asurion claim data is from 2012. 

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 150 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