Does Carrier Insurance Cover aWater-Damaged iPhone?
So, does your protection plan from Docomo, au, or SoftBank actually cover water damage? We'll break down the coverage, deductibles, and claim process for each.
Key Takeaways
- AppleCare+ covers water damage at $99 per incident with unlimited claims (since Sept 2022)
- Apple official repair: $99-$599 depending on model. Third-party: $50+ for component-level repair
- Check your coverage at Apple Support before deciding on repair vs replacement
Table of Contents
1. Does Carrier Insurance Even Cover Water Damage?
Long story short: yes, all three major carriers cover water damage. But here's the catch: you had to have signed up for their protection plan *before* the accident, and you'll still have to pay a deductible.
How Is This Different from AppleCare+?
The main difference comes down to speed. While AppleCare+ typically involves getting a refurbished replacement unit, carrier insurance often focuses on getting a "refreshed" (equivalent) device shipped to you — sometimes as fast as the next day. If you can't be without your phone, this is a huge plus.
2. Docomo: Mobile Phone Protection Service
The price depends on your device. For an iPhone 15 Pro, you're looking at ¥1,100 per month.
This is what you'll pay for each replacement. You can use this service up to twice a year.
Apply through My docomo or over the phone, and they'll ship an equivalent replacement in 1-2 days. You just send your broken one back.
3. au: Device Support
With the "Device Support with AppleCare Services & iCloud+" plan, water damage is handled through the AppleCare part of the plan.
Since it goes through AppleCare Services, it's ¥3,700 for just a screen repair, or ¥12,900 for other damage (like a full replacement).
Because au's plan bundles in AppleCare, you'll be dealing with Apple directly for the repair or replacement, either at an Apple Store or via mail.
4. SoftBank: Anshin Guarantee Pack
The "Anshin Guarantee Pack with AppleCare Services" is the plan that covers water damage repairs.
Just like au, it's handled via AppleCare Services. That means ¥3,700 for a screen fix and ¥12,900 for anything else.
You can start the process at a SoftBank shop, but the actual repair or swap happens through Apple's official channels.
5. The Bottom Line: All Three Carriers Compared
When you line them all up, the out-of-pocket costs for a water damage claim are pretty similar across the board.
How to Choose
• Cheapest Option → Plans with AppleCare Services (au/SoftBank) start at just ¥3,700 if it's only screen damage.
• Fastest Replacement → Docomo's Protection Service (next-day delivery).
• Forgot to Get Insurance? → Look into a local repair shop that can save your data.
• Minor Issue (Muffled Speaker)? → Try a free water eject with WaterKick first.
Important Things to Remember
You have to sign up for any of these plans *when you buy your phone*. You can't add it after you've already dropped it in the toilet. Also, none of these plans guarantee your data will be saved — they usually just give you a wiped phone. Backups are your best friend.
Before You File a Claim, Try This First
If it's just a muffled speaker, you might be able to fix it with WaterKick's 165Hz sound wave without even needing your insurance.
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6. Frequently Asked Questions
For au and SoftBank, their plans already include AppleCare Services, so you don't need to double-dip. Docomo's plan is separate from AppleCare+, so while you *could* get both, you'll need to decide if the extra cost is worth it for you.
Nope. Carrier insurance is tied to your contract with that carrier. If you cancel your plan or switch to another provider, your insurance coverage ends immediately. Make sure your phone is in good shape before you switch.
Yes, as long as you're within the annual limit (like Docomo's two-claims-per-year rule). Keep in mind, the coverage applies to the replacement device you received, not the original water-damaged one you sent back.