Well, I have insurance through Verizon on my 8830, and from what I remember when I signed up for it, Verizon doesn't promise a new phone or even the same device, either. Meaning, I could easily (and probably) just get a refurbuished 8830 if something happens to mine (I think that this might be the case once I've had the phone for 3 months). Also, if Verizon stops offering the 8830 a year from now or something, I may not be able to get a 8830 if something should happen to mine (I am less sure about this last point than I am about the first). So, it sounds like the 3rd party insurance isn't that far off.