Is UQ Mobile's Breakdown and Loss Support Necessary? People Who Don't Need It and Alternative Options
To get straight to the point, UQ Mobile's Breakdown and Loss Support is not 'necessary for everyone'.However, there is one thing I want you to know before you dismiss it as 'unnecessary.' You can only sign up for this support at the exact moment you purchase your device. Even if you think 'I'm actually worried' later on, you won't be able to join. I hit a wall there once.
The time you spend worrying is the biggest waste. It's better to secure protection first and think about it carefully later. There is also an option (Mobile Insurance) that you can join later with 0 yen out-of-pocket expenses, so let's just keep that in mind for now.
>> Click here for the official Mobile Insurance website
What is UQ Mobile's Breakdown and Loss Support? What happens with the monthly fee and 'out-of-pocket expenses'?
Breakdown and Loss Support is a monthly subscription option that allows you to arrange for a replacement device or receive a discount on repair costs if a smartphone purchased from UQ Mobile breaks, is damaged, gets wet, is stolen, or is lost.
The cost is about 693 to 726 yen per month for Android, and 790 to 880 yen for au Certified (pre-owned iPhones). However, a point that is often misunderstood is that you must pay a separate 'out-of-pocket expense' when using the service.
By the way, there are options with a similar monthly fee where no out-of-pocket expense is incurred at all.
That would be 'Mobile Insurance,' a device insurance plan not tied to a specific carrier, which costs 700 yen per month with 0 yen out-of-pocket expenses, and is designed to cover the full cost of repairs up to a certain limit. If you are concerned about the two-tier structure of 'monthly fee + out-of-pocket expense when used,' it is easier to compare if you keep in mind that this type of option also exists.
>> See the official Mobile Insurance website
What many people overlook here is that paying the monthly fee does not mean repair costs are 0 yen. If you have a replacement phone delivered, the out-of-pocket expense for Android is 5,500 yen for the first time and 8,800 yen for the second time (4,400 yen / 7,700 yen if applying via the web and without a substitute device). You keep paying monthly, and then when it actually breaks, you pay 'even more' thousands of yen. This quietly adds up.
Is UQ Mobile's Breakdown and Loss Support necessary? People who don't need it vs. people who should join
Whether Breakdown and Loss Support is necessary depends on three things: the price of the device, how you handle it, and your plans for switching carriers. People who use devices in the 10,000 to 20,000 yen range carefully and change models every 2 to 3 years tend to fall into the 'don't need it' category.
People who use high-end devices around 100,000 yen, those who know they drop their phones often, and those who want to be prepared for loss or theft tend to fall into the 'should join' category. However, the restriction that you can only join at the time of purchase applies to everyone.
It is easy to decide that it is 'unnecessary' if, for example, you bought the device cheaply in a lump sum and the damage would be small even if you had to replace it as a last resort. Screen repairs for Android can sometimes be done for around 10,000 yen at non-official shops in town, so if you weigh that against the total cost of paying nearly 700 yen a month for two years (about 17,000 yen + out-of-pocket expenses when used), the calculation shows that you won't lose much even without insurance.
Conversely, those who 'should join' are people with high-priced devices where the actual repair cost skyrockets. For reference, if you repair an iPhone that is not covered by AppleCare+ or similar through official channels, a severe screen crack can cost over 100,000 yen (up to about 131,800 yen) depending on the model. Once it reaches this point, insurance costing a few hundred yen a month suddenly becomes meaningful.
What I want to highlight here is the compensation limit. Mobile Insurance covers up to 150,000 yen per year for the main device, so the 131,800 yen repair cost mentioned earlier falls within the limit. For 700 yen a month, you have 0 yen out-of-pocket expenses for repairs over 100,000 yen. The more expensive the device you use, the more this margin in the limit translates directly into peace of mind.
If you are aware that you carry a high-end device around without a case, it is worth calculating this once. It is a question of whether or not to spend 700 yen a month on a device that could potentially cost over 100,000 yen to repair in a single instance.
>> See options you can join later with 0 yen out-of-pocket cost
Disadvantages and Points to Note for UQ Mobile Breakdown and Loss Support
The biggest point to note about Breakdown and Loss Support is that you can only join at the time of device purchase. Furthermore, once you cancel, you cannot rejoin until you buy another device from UQ. There is an out-of-pocket cost when using the service, and a penalty (44,000 yen) is set if you borrow a replacement device and do not return the old one. It is not as simple as just joining because it is cheap.
The restriction that you can only join at the time of purchase is quite significant. The idea of "I'll leave it off for now and join later if I get worried" does not work. That is exactly what happened to me; the moment I opted out during the contract process, this option was closed. I realized it a few days later. It felt as if a door had quietly closed.
The fact that there is no such "timing restriction" is where Mobile Insurance quietly proves its worth. If the device is less than a year old, you can apply later whenever you decide to. Moreover, as long as the device is the same, the contract continues even if you switch your line from UQ to another carrier.
>> Mobile Insurance with no joining timing restrictions
Carrier warranties often end when you cancel or switch carriers, so not being tied to that is a big deal. People like me who "missed the chance to join" are helped by this system that allows you to join later.
Another thing is that if you use the replacement device delivery service, you must return the old device within 14 days, or a penalty will be incurred. It is difficult to manage things like "it's cracked but I can still use it, so I want to keep it." These are things you want to know before signing the contract.
This is the scariest part, even before considering whether to join or not: you cannot "take it back later." That is precisely why having one insurance policy you can join later makes a big difference in your peace of mind.
>> Mobile Insurance with no joining timing restrictions
Alternatives to UQ Mobile Breakdown and Loss Support (Comparison with Mobile Insurance)
An alternative for those who missed out on Breakdown and Loss Support or want to prepare with 0 yen out-of-pocket costs is "Mobile Insurance," a device insurance not tied to a specific line. It is a system with a 700 yen monthly fee and 0 yen out-of-pocket cost, where repair costs are fully covered up to the limit.
>> Click here for the official Mobile Insurance website
Moreover, even for devices bought at UQ, you can join later if you meet conditions such as the device being less than a year old. This is the biggest difference from Breakdown and Loss Support, which you can only join at the time of purchase.
To summarize, Breakdown and Loss Support is a two-tier system of "monthly fee + out-of-pocket cost when used." On the other hand, Mobile Insurance is a one-package deal of "700 yen per month, 0 yen out-of-pocket cost," and repair costs are covered up to 150,000 yen per year for the main device.
Furthermore, since one contract can cover up to 3 devices, being able to protect your smartphone, tablet, and earphones all together is a strength that the device-by-device Breakdown and Loss Support does not have.
However, to be honest, loss is covered by Breakdown and Loss Support, while Mobile Insurance does not cover it (theft is covered). It is easier to decide if you think of it as: "If you are most worried about losing it," choose Breakdown and Loss Support; "If you are worried about dropping, cracking, or water damage," choose Mobile Insurance.
>> Check the coverage details of Mobile Insurance on the official site
I actually registered for Mobile Insurance (procedure and screens)
From here on is the process of how I, who regretted opting out of Breakdown and Loss Support, actually registered for Mobile Insurance. In conclusion, it was all completed on my smartphone in about 20 minutes. It wasn't difficult, but I did stumble once when I had to retake a photo of the device.
First, go to the application screen from the official website. There is no hesitation when it comes to choosing an email address and plan. It proceeds smoothly.
Next is entering the device information. You need the serial number (IMEI), which can be displayed on Android by entering `*#06#` in the phone app. I mistook it for a similar number (MEID) once and had to re-enter it. It's nerve-wracking in a subtle way. Just stay calm and confirm the 15-digit number, and you'll be fine.
Then, upload a photo of the device. This was the part where I stumbled the most. I tried taking it with the case on at first, but had to redo it, so I took the case off and photographed the entire device. Since you also need to take a picture of the screen showing that the power is on and it's working normally, I truly realized how important it is to register before it breaks.
>> Click here for the official Mobile Insurance website
Once registration is complete, the target devices will be listed on your My Page. I registered my main device as the most expensive Android smartphone, and my secondary devices as wireless earphones and a tablet. If you want to prioritize the compensation limit for your main device, the trick is to select your main device in order of highest price.
My impression after trying it is that, unlike the Breakdown and Loss Support which you can only join at the time of purchase, being able to join "the day you decide to" is genuinely helpful. You can't join after it's broken, so I think the right answer is to at least secure a spot if you're on the fence.
>> Click here for the official Mobile Insurance website
Which one should you choose in the end? A conclusion by type
Finally, let's summarize. If you prioritize preparation for loss and it coincides with the timing of your device purchase, go with UQ's Breakdown and Loss Support.
For those who have already purchased and missed the chance to join, those who want zero out-of-pocket expenses, or those who want to protect multiple devices together, Mobile Insurance is an option you can join even after the fact.
The only thing both have in common is that "you cannot join after it is broken," so the deciding factor is "when and with how much out-of-pocket expense you want to prepare."
People like me who unchecked the box during the contract process can no longer join the Breakdown and Loss Support. However, that doesn't mean it's game over. If it's been less than a year since purchase, there is a safety net called Mobile Insurance.
For 700 yen a month with zero out-of-pocket expenses, you can even continue the coverage if you switch carriers as long as you keep the same device. Rather than leaving yourself unprotected, it's enough to just put up one umbrella first.
If it doesn't suit you, you can cancel from your My Page. It is much more reassuring to take action beforehand than to wait for the day you drop it while uninsured.
>> Apply on the official Mobile Insurance page
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Can I join UQ Mobile's Breakdown and Loss Support later?
In principle, no. Enrollment is limited to the time of device purchase, and once you cancel, you cannot rejoin until you purchase a device from UQ again. If you want to prepare after purchase, Mobile Insurance, which you can join later if you meet conditions like being within one year of purchase, serves as an alternative.
Q. Is the repair cost 0 yen if I am enrolled in the Breakdown and Loss Support?
It will not be 0 yen. In addition to the monthly fee, you will incur an out-of-pocket expense, such as 5,500 yen for the first time and 8,800 yen for the second time for Android when using the replacement device delivery service. There is also a system that limits repair costs for non-covered breakdowns to 5,500 yen (excluding water damage and total loss), but understand that it is a two-tiered structure of monthly fee + out-of-pocket expense.
Q. Can I enroll in both Breakdown and Loss Support and Mobile Insurance?
Technically, it is possible to use them together. However, since you would be paying double the monthly fee, many people choose just one based on whether they need loss coverage. It is practical to choose based on their roles: Breakdown and Loss Support if you want to prepare for loss, or Mobile Insurance if you prioritize zero out-of-pocket costs and coverage for multiple devices.
Q. What happens to my coverage if I switch from UQ to another carrier?
Whether Breakdown and Loss Support can be continued depends on the conditions of your plan change or cancellation. On the other hand, with Mobile Insurance, you can continue your contract regardless of which carrier you switch to, as long as you are using the same device. This is a significant factor for those considering switching carriers in the future.
Q. Can I enroll a smartphone bought used in Mobile Insurance?
You can enroll if it is a used device that comes with a warranty of at least 3 months from the retailer. However, devices obtained through private sales such as Mercari or Yahoo Auctions, as well as battery replacements due to aging, are not covered.
*The figures for fees, coverage amounts, out-of-pocket expenses, and repair costs in this article are based on official information confirmed at the time of writing. Since fees and coverage conditions are subject to change, please be sure to check the latest details on the official UQ Mobile and Mobile Insurance websites before applying.
>> Check the latest coverage details and fees for Mobile Insurance on the official website