<p>Key Messages</p><p> Theft deterrent options, like the “kill switch” Apple just announced with the iPhone 5S, may help curb mobile device thefts but when it happens, you are still left without a phone, needing to replace their device on your own if you don’t have insurance coverage. Cell phone thefts are becoming more and more common- Asurion estimates that over $5B of phones are lost or stolen every year. </p><p> Asurion Mobile Protection offers unique iPhone protection that covers not only drops and spills, but also loss and theft while conveniently getting customers reconnected quickly. The service is offered through the wireless carriers to provide rapid replacements in the event of a phone loss or theft so there’s no time wasted shopping for a new device and potentially paying full price (up to $850) for a replacement phone. </p><p> This is especially important for those purchasing the next wave of smartphones, as they are likely signing 2 year contracts in order to get the best price for the device – a device that is a target for thieves (iconic devices, like Apple and Galaxy devices are 35% more likely to be lost/stolen). Asurion’s products save customers money in the event their phone is lost, stolen or damaged. For example, a customer with an iPhone 5 (or 5S) would save over $500 even if their phone was lost or stolen 12 months into their contract. Without comprehensive coverage from Asurion, that customer would be stuck paying up to $850 for a new iPhone. </p><p>Additional Data Related to Loss/Theft:  Of claims filed with Asurion, 48% of those filed by iPhone users are due to loss and theft</p><p> $5B of stolen and lost phones need to be replaced every year</p><p> Iconic smartphones are 35% more likely to be stolen or lost</p><p> Cellphone theft makes up more than 30% of all robberies in major cities</p><p>User Data:  According to a recent Asurion study, 50% of Americans have information on their phones they’d consider irreplaceable. There are several steps consumers should take to help protect this data: 1. Password protect your phone, something only 50% of Americans do.</p><p>2. Back up the data on your phone frequently. 43% of Americans never do this. </p><p> 32% of Americans change their password less than once/year</p><p> 50% of Americans would rather be locked out of their car than have their phone lost, stolen or damaged.  40% would rather get in a fight with their best friend than have their phone lost, stolen or damaged.</p><p> We use our phones for everything. A lot of these activities include sensitive information that can be stored in our device but we would never want in the hands of a criminal. Asurion surveyed consumers on what activities they execute via their phone. Here is what we learned:  Taking Photos (76%)  Email (62%)  Social Media (54%)  Shopping (43%)  Banking (40%)</p><p> 50% of Americans would rather be locked out of their car than have their phone lost, stolen or damaged.</p><p> 40% would rather get in a fight with their best friend than have their phone lost, stolen or damaged.</p>