Theft Deterrent Initiatives Still Leave Consumers Phoneless

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Cellphone theft is becoming more common. After reviewing millions of consumer claims, Asurion, the global leader in technology protection services, estimates that more than $5 billion worth of cellphones are lost or stolen annually.  From this claims data, Asurion found that iconic devices such as the Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy series are 35 percent more likely to be lost or stolen than other smartphones.

Manufacturers are taking note of the need for improved device protection. Apple's iOS 7 will include a new function called "Activation Lock," which has been dubbed the "kill switch" by many media outlets, and its iPhone 5S will feature a fingerprint scanner.  While this type of protection and theft deterrent may help curb mobile device thefts, when a customer's device is stolen, he or she is left without a phone, needing to replace the device on their own if they don't have insurance coverage. 

Nearly 50 percent of iPhone claims processed by Asurion are the result of a lost or stolen device, and while it remains to be seen if theft deterrent initiatives such as kill switches, fingerprint scanners and databases will curb crime, many consumers are left unprotected with hundreds of dollars in replacement costs looming overhead.

Consumers should also consider the sensitive data stored on their device and the consequences of that information getting in the wrong hands. According to a survey of 5,000 consumers, Asurion has found that 50 percent of Americans say they have information on their mobile devices they consider "irreplaceable." A full 43 percent never back-up that content and only 50 percent of all device owners password protect their phones.

"We live in an age where many of our personal keepsakes and so much of our private information lives in digital format on our mobile devices," said Bettie Colombo, spokesperson for Asurion.  "Just as we lock the door when leaving the house or put our most valuable possessions in a safe deposit box, so too should we care for our digital property.  By taking appropriate precautions, we can ensure our digital memories are always accessible; our private information secure; and our ability to stay connected with family, friends and colleagues maintained."

Asurion asked consumers about the ways in which they use their smartphones, the content they keep on those devices and the precautions they take to protect their data.  Among the findings:

• 76 percent use their smartphone to take photos
• 62 percent send and receive email
• 54 percent access social media
• 43 percent shop
• 40 percent bank

With more than 150 million customers, Asurion is the clear leader in mobile device protection, working closely with the leading carriers to provide the most comprehensive protection plans at a low monthly cost.  Asurion Mobile Protection allows customers to back-up content on their cellphones, as well as to remotely lock and locate a lost or stolen device.  And in the event the device cannot be recovered, customers can easily wipe their sensitive information, and Asurion will ship a replacement overnight, quickly restoring connectivity.

To learn more about Asurion, visit www.asurion.com.

Survey Methodology
Asurion partnered with SSI on survey results.  They are based on 5,000 respondents between the ages of 16 and 70 surveyed June 2013, who contribute to wireless phone purchasing decisions for their household. Margin of error +/- 1.4%.

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 110 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