Did you know that two in five Americans have had their smartphones lost, stolen or damaged? Neither did I, but thanks to T-Mobile’s most recent press release I do now as they announce Monthly4G Handset Protection. Fun fact: 59% of Americans say they will reach into a toilet bowl to pick up a dropped smartphone? I know I’m a part of that, I’ve done it before and I’d do it again. It’s also why I always have insurance.

With all of that in mind, T-Mobile and Assurant solutions are now bringing smartphone protection against theft, damage or loss to all Monthly4G rate plans. T-Mobile customers will be able to enroll in the program for $7 per month when they buy a new T-Mobile phone with accompanying Monthly4G rate plan. You can take advantage of Monthly4G Handset Protection starting on July 1st.

Full Press Release:

T-Mobile USA and Assurant Solutions Introduce Monthly4G Handset Protection to America’s Largest 4G Network

New Survey Reveals 2 in 5 Americans Had Devices Lost, Stolen or Damaged; Affordable Solution Provides Peace of Mind

Atlanta, GA and Bellevue, WA – June 27, 2012 – Today, T-Mobile USA, Inc. and specialty insurer Assurant Solutions announced the availability of a new mobile device protection program for T-Mobile® Monthly4G™ customers in the United States. The program, called Monthly4G Handset Protection (MHP), includes coverage for accidental damage, water damage, loss, theft, and mechanical or electrical malfunction after the manufacturer’s warranty has expired.

“There has been increased consumer demand for no-annual contract wireless plans and our Monthly4G plans are being adopted in record numbers -– with our prepaid business doubling over the past year,” said Mike Katz, vice president of marketing and head of prepaid, T-Mobile USA.

“We want to provide these customers with security and protection options like we do our postpaid customers and are happy to launch MHP with Assurant Solutions. They have tremendous expertise in developing mobile protection solutions for global carriers, and we are confident that this program will add significant value to the T-Mobile customer experience.”

A recent smartphone protection survey* by Kelton Research showed two in five Americans have had their smartphone lost, stolen or damaged but only 35 percent insure their devices.

“T-Mobile is a global telecommunications leader, with America’s largest 4G network. They have a reputation for bringing innovative solutions to their customers,” said Manny Becerra, president of Assurant Solutions Mobile Services. “Keeping their customers connected to the people and interests that matter to them most is a top priority. We are pleased to support T-Mobile in this effort by providing comprehensive protection and peace of mind to their Monthly4G customers.”

T-Mobile customers can enroll in the program for $7 per month when they purchase a new T-Mobile phone with an accompanying Monthly4G rate plan, like the T-Mobile Monthly4G No Annual Contract $50/mo. unlimited plan which offers unlimited talk, text and Web with no overage charges, and the first 100 MB of data at up to 4G speeds all on America’s Largest 4G Network®. To learn more about MHP, see http://t-mo.co/MowJt2.

*Source: Kelton Research Smartphone Protection Survey, April/May 2012

About Assurant Solutions Assurant Solutions’ businesses develop, underwrite, market and administer specialty insurance, extended service contracts and other risk management solutions through collaborative relationships with leading financial institutions, retailers, wireless carriers, manufacturers and other entities. With operations in 25 locations, including executive offices in Atlanta, Ga., Assurant Solutions serves clients and their customers in countries throughout North America, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and Asia. www.assurantsolutions.com

Assurant Solutions is part of Assurant, a premier provider of specialized insurance products and related services in North America and select worldwide markets. Assurant, a Fortune 500 company and a member of the S&P 500, is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AIZ. Assurant has approximately $27 billion in assets and $8 billion in annual revenue. www.assurant.com