Frigid Winter Weather Got You Down? Feel Better Knowing Your Smartphone is Safer than Other Americans'

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Gray skies, plunging temperatures, snow and ice giving you the winter blues?  Take heart in knowing that according to statistics from Asurion, the global leader in technology protection services, your smartphone is safer than if you lived in a warmer climate.  

Asurion data reveals that in December, January and February, consumers in US cities with more mild winters are most likely to have their smartphones lost, stolen or damaged.   During those three months, the top 10 cities for smartphone incidents have an average daily low temperature of 47.4 degrees Fahrenheit¹, which for many means they can maintain their active lifestyle throughout some of the coldest winter months in other parts of the country.  The following, then, are the top 10 cities for smartphone loss, theft and damage during the winter season:

1. Miami
2. San Antonio
3. New Orleans
4. Houston
5. San Jose
6. Orlando
7. Los Angeles
8. Austin
9. Dallas
10. Las Vegas

"There are 80 million smartphones damaged, stolen or lost annually," said Bettie Colombo, Asurion spokesperson.  "Without protection through their wireless carrier, consumers will shell-out $485 on average to replace a smartphone, not to mention the loss of important information like contacts, photos, music and other content.  With mobile protection, not only does the consumer save money but they gain peace-of-mind. After filing a claim, Asurion customers will typically receive a replacement device overnight, reconnecting them with family, friends and colleagues."

Those smartphones that do make it through the winter season unscathed are unfortunately not completely out of the woods.  According to Asurion claims data, 80 percent of smartphone incidents (i.e. loss, theft or damage) happen within the first 12 months of ownership, putting phones at risk no matter where you live.

Asurion encourages consumers to protect their mobile devices with Asurion coverage as well as by taking the following steps:

• Download an application that allows you to remotely lock your device and wipe your data to protect the information on your phone.
• 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.
• Plug the phone charger into a surge protector to protect against a fried battery in the event of a power outage.
• Back up your phone's content regularly to a secure location so you can access your data in the event of an incident.

1. Based on data from Weather.com.

About Asurion
For two decades, Asurion has been the global leader in technology protection. Today, as everyday life becomes increasingly dependent on such technology, Asurion keeps 280 million consumers' lives up and running. The company provides premier support that enables users to fully utilize their digital devices and products; applications to protect privacy and provide security; and rapid replacement of lost, stolen, damaged, or malfunctioning devices. Asurion's global team of over 14,000 employees supports the top wireless companies, retailers and service providers, enabling those companies to focus on their core businesses. When a product is missing or simply doesn't work properly, Asurion solves the problem with a system that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, speaks six languages, and works across any device, platform, or provider. For more information about Asurion, including customer service ratings and reviews, please visit www.asurion.com.

SOURCE Asurion