84% Indians Aware Of Smartphone Protection Plans, But Only 6 To 8% Have Active Protection, Says Report

Smartphones have become a regular part of everyday life, with people using them for communication, payments, banking, shopping, entertainment and work. As dependence on these devices has grown, so has the risk of damage. However, a new study suggests that awareness about smartphone protection has not translated into widespread adoption.

According to a OneAssist-Hansa Research study of 1,260 smartphone owners aged 18 to 45, 84 per cent of respondents said they were aware that protection plans for smartphones exist. However, only 6 to 8 per cent currently have active protection for their devices.

The study also found that smartphone damage is common among Indian users. Around 82 per cent of respondents said they had dropped their smartphone at least once, while 72 per cent had experienced accidental damage.

Why Smartphone Protection Matters

Smartphone usage remains high across different groups. Around 77 per cent of women reported heavy daily smartphone use, compared with 68 per cent of men. In metros, 76 per cent reported heavy usage, compared with 64 per cent in non-metro areas.

Damage is also a major concern for users. Around 52 per cent of men and 60 per cent of women said their biggest fear was that their phone would break or stop working.

Smartphones Face Frequent Damage

The most common cause of accidental damage was relatively routine. Around 36 per cent of damage incidents occurred when phones fell from a pocket or bag. Water or liquid exposure accounted for 15 per cent of incidents, followed by damage while walking, running, exercising or driving at 13 per cent.

Among respondents who had experienced accidental damage, cracked screens or display problems were the most common outcome, reported by 70 per cent. Around 41 per cent said their phone stopped working completely after a drop. Battery issues, camera damage and charging-port problems were also reported by a significant share of consumers.

Protection Awareness Is High, But Adoption Remains Low

The report shows a gap between knowing about protection plans and actually using them.

While 84 per cent of respondents were aware of protection plans, 36 per cent said they had purchased or used one at some point during their smartphone ownership. However, the proportion with active protection at present is estimated at only 6-8 per cent.

Cost appears to be one of the biggest barriers. Among consumers who have not adopted protection plans, 44 per cent said they considered them too expensive. The study also identified a lack of understanding about what protection plans cover and concerns about the claims process as other barriers. Around four in 10 respondents expressed doubts about whether a claim would be honoured fairly and quickly.

Consumers Rely On Cases And Screen Protectors

Instead of formal protection plans, many consumers continue to rely on physical accessories. The study found that 73 per cent use a screen protector, while 66 per cent use a phone case.

Some consumers also turn to temporary solutions after damage. Around 29 per cent said they had used rice to deal with water damage, while others reported using tape or other temporary fixes to keep damaged phones together.

The study also found that smartphone damage can cause emotional distress. Around 35 per cent of respondents said they panicked after dropping their phone, while 15 per cent said they cancelled plans because of the damage.