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The best iPhone insurance providers in 2026 are AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss for most eligible owners, AppleCare One for multiple Apple devices, carrier plans for carrier convenience, and Worth Ave. Group for carrier-independent coverage. The right choice depends on damage, loss, theft, deductible, eligibility, service, and two-year cost.
This U.S. comparison reflects research completed on August 12, 2026. AppleCare+ and carrier protection plans combine different mixes of service contracts, warranty benefits, technical support, repair, replacement, and insurance-like coverage. Prices and eligibility can vary by iPhone model, storage tier, state, account type, enrollment date, and plan documents.
Key takeaways
- AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss is the best overall choice for most eligible U.S. iPhone owners who want Apple-authorized service, accidental-damage coverage, and protection for a lost or stolen phone.
- AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss includes unlimited accidental-damage incidents and up to two theft-or-loss incidents every 12 months; current iPhone service fees are $29 for screen or back-glass damage, $99 for other accidental damage, and $149 for theft or loss, according to Apple’s March 2026 plan disclosure.
- AppleCare One starts at $19.99 per month for up to three Apple devices and costs $5.99 per additional device, making AppleCare One more useful for households with several eligible Apple products than for a single iPhone.
- Verizon Mobile Protect and AT&T Protect Advantage are practical carrier choices when carrier billing, replacement delivery, setup, or multi-line coverage matter more than having the simplest deductible structure.
- Worth Ave. Group is the most relevant carrier-independent option in this comparison for eligible unlocked, used, refurbished, or internationally used iPhones, but policy and state-specific terms control coverage.
- Renters insurance, credit-card cell-phone protection, self-insurance, and a protective case can be better than buying a new policy when existing limits and deductibles fit the owner’s actual risks.
Best iPhone insurance providers in 2026: at a glance
The best iPhone insurance providers in 2026 do not offer identical products: AppleCare+ combines service and protection, carrier plans bundle insurance with warranty or support features, and Worth Ave. Group offers carrier-independent insurance. Compare the covered event, deductible, claim limit, replacement terms, and eligibility—not just the monthly premium.
| Provider or plan | Best for | Published price information | Loss and theft | Damage and malfunction | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss | Most eligible iPhone owners who want Apple service | $7.99–$13.99 per month for the listed iPhone groups; model-specific fixed-term and annual prices may also be available | Up to 2 incidents every 12 months; $149 service fee per theft-or-loss claim | Unlimited accidental-damage incidents; $29 screen/back-glass or $99 other-damage service fee | Eligibility, model, state, enrollment timing, and plan documents apply; two theft-or-loss incidents is a limit |
| AppleCare One | Households covering several Apple devices | $19.99 per month for up to 3 devices; $5.99 per additional device | Up to 3 theft-or-loss incidents every 12 months for eligible iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch devices under the plan summary | AppleCare+ benefits for eligible devices | Poor value for a household protecting only one iPhone unless the bundle price is lower |
| Verizon Mobile Protect | Verizon customers wanting carrier-account convenience | $16 or $19 per month for one device; $38 for 2 lines, $57 for 3 lines, or $68 for 4–20 lines; taxes and surcharges extra | Covered through the plan’s Wireless Phone Protection component; deductible varies by device and claim type | Advertised $0 cracked-glass repair, $99 damage replacement in the relevant plan structure, and post-warranty malfunction coverage | Some loss/theft deductibles can exceed AppleCare+’s $149 fee; exact terms are device-specific |
| AT&T Protect Advantage | AT&T postpaid customers wanting same-day service or multi-device coverage | Starts at $16 per month for one device; $50 per month for up to 4 eligible devices | Loss and theft are covered subject to plan terms and deductible | Advertised unlimited claims, $0 unlimited screen and back-glass repairs, wet-damage and malfunction coverage | Eligibility and billing are tied to AT&T service; same-day replacement is only available for qualifying claims and locations |
| T-Mobile Protection 360 | T-Mobile customers who want carrier billing and AppleCare Services integration | No single universal iPhone premium is published in the accessible support material; the offer is device- and enrollment-specific | Repair or replacement after covered loss or theft, subject to plan terms and deductible | Damage coverage and, for eligible Apple devices, AppleCare Services may be included | Removing Protection 360 eliminates the AppleCare Services provided through the program; verify the device-specific quote |
| Worth Ave. Group iPhone Insurance | Eligible unlocked, used, refurbished, or carrier-independent iPhones | Illustrative two-year example: $178 premium plus a $75 deductible for an $800 iPhone, listed June 8, 2026; not a universal quote | Advertised theft coverage and worldwide coverage, subject to the policy | Cracked screens, liquid submersion, accidental damage, fire, flood, natural disasters, lightning-related surges, and vandalism are listed coverage categories | Prices, eligibility, exclusions, and claim outcomes depend on state and policy terms |
Prices and benefits in the table reflect U.S. information researched on August 12, 2026. Prices, device lineups, deductibles, enrollment windows, taxes, and service availability can change, and a plan’s legal documents control when a summary page and policy page differ.
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What is the difference between iPhone insurance and a protection plan?
iPhone insurance generally refers to coverage for events such as theft, loss, accidental damage, or specified property risks, while a service contract or protection plan may focus on repairs, hardware failure, technical support, or replacement services. Retailers and carriers often use “protection” or “insurance” broadly, so the contract—not the label—determines what the plan actually covers.
| Coverage question | Why the question matters | Plans that illustrate the difference |
|---|---|---|
| Does the phone disappear? | Accidental-damage coverage does not automatically cover loss or theft. | AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss, carrier protection plans, and Worth Ave. Group list loss or theft protection; ordinary repair-only coverage may not. |
| Does the phone break? | Screen damage, liquid damage, other accidental damage, and mechanical failure may have separate rules and fees. | AppleCare+ publishes different service fees for screen/back-glass damage and other damage; Verizon and AT&T advertise repair and malfunction benefits under their bundled plans. |
| Who provides the service? | The service channel affects convenience, repair parts, replacement timing, setup, and whether an Apple-authorized technician is available. | AppleCare+ is designed around Apple support and authorized service; carrier plans may arrange replacement or setup; independent insurance may use local repair or reimbursement. |
| What happens after a claim? | A replacement may be new, refurbished, equivalent, or a reimbursement up to a stated amount. | Read the applicable disclosure or policy before assuming a replacement will be new. |
An iPhone plan that covers a cracked screen but excludes loss is not equivalent to full theft-and-loss protection. An iPhone plan that covers a post-warranty hardware malfunction but excludes accidental drops addresses a different risk from an insurance policy.
Why is AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss the best overall choice?
AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss is the best overall choice for an eligible iPhone owner who values Apple-authorized repairs, direct Apple technical support, predictable service fees, and protection against both accidental damage and disappearance. Apple describes the plan as providing unlimited accidental-damage incidents and up to two theft-or-loss incidents in each 12-month period.
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Current iPhone service fees under the plan are $29 for screen or back-glass damage, $99 for other accidental damage, and $149 for theft or loss, according to the AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss program disclosure dated March 1, 2026. Those fees are claim-service charges, not the full cost of the plan.
How much does AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss cost?
The current U.S. monthly schedule lists the following AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss prices for the specified iPhone groups:
| iPhone group | Monthly price | Listed theft/loss service fee | Listed screen or back-glass service fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE | $7.99 | $149 | $29 |
| iPhone 17e and iPhone 16e | $9.99 | $149 | $29 |
| iPhone 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 13 mini, 12, 12 mini, and 11 | $11.99 | $149 | $29 |
| Specified Plus models | $12.99 | $149 | $29 |
| iPhone Air and the listed Pro and Pro Max models | $13.99 | $149 | $29 |
The monthly prices and service fees come from Apple’s current plan disclosure and price schedule. Apple also offers fixed-term and annual pricing for many models, but the supplied schedule does not establish one universal fixed-term or annual price for every iPhone.
For a simple illustration, 24 months at $11.99 per month totals $287.76 before taxes or any plan changes. Adding one $149 theft-or-loss service fee produces $436.76, while adding one $29 screen or back-glass service fee produces $316.76. The illustration applies only to an iPhone in the $11.99 monthly tier and is not a quote for every model or state.
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AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss becomes less compelling when an older or inexpensive iPhone is worth little more than the accumulated premium plus the $149 theft-or-loss service fee. AppleCare+ also may not fit an owner who expects more than two theft-or-loss claims in a 12-month period, because the plan’s published theft-and-loss limit is two incidents during that period.
AppleCare+ is more defensible for a new, expensive, or frequently used iPhone when Apple Stores or Apple-authorized service providers are important. AppleCare+ is also useful for owners who prefer direct Apple support rather than a carrier or third-party claims process. Eligibility and enrollment timing still need to be checked for the specific phone.
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Is AppleCare One better than AppleCare+ for a household?
AppleCare One is better than separate individual plans when a household has at least two or three eligible Apple devices that need protection; AppleCare One is usually unnecessary for a single iPhone. AppleCare One starts at $19.99 per month for up to three Apple devices and allows additional devices at $5.99 per month each, according to Apple’s AppleCare product information.
AppleCare One includes AppleCare+ benefits and theft-and-loss protection for eligible iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch devices. Apple’s legal materials state that AppleCare One provides up to three theft-or-loss incidents for those device categories every 12 months; the applicable AppleCare legal terms and plan documents control eligibility and coverage.
AppleCare One should be compared against the combined price of individual plans, not against the price of AppleCare+ for one iPhone. A household protecting one iPhone and no other eligible device should first compare the $19.99 bundle price with the model-specific AppleCare+ price.
Which carrier plan is best for iPhone customers?
The best carrier plan depends primarily on the carrier relationship: Verizon Mobile Protect fits Verizon customers, AT&T Protect Advantage fits AT&T postpaid customers, and T-Mobile Protection 360 fits eligible T-Mobile customers. Carrier plans are convenient when billing, replacement, setup, and account support matter, but carrier eligibility can make switching providers more difficult.
What does Verizon Mobile Protect cover?
Verizon Mobile Protect is the best carrier option for a Verizon customer who wants account-level support, replacement or setup convenience, and coverage that extends beyond accidental damage. Verizon describes Mobile Protect as combining Wireless Phone Protection, Verizon Extended Warranty, and Mobile Secure.
Verizon’s current support information lists single-device pricing at $16 or $19 per month depending on the device. Verizon lists multi-device pricing at $38 per month for two lines, $57 for three lines, and $68 for four to 20 lines, with taxes and surcharges extra, in its Mobile Protect FAQs.
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Verizon Mobile Protect can be a practical household choice when multiple lines need coverage or when same-day or on-the-go replacement and setup are available in the customer’s location. Verizon Mobile Protect may be less attractive when the applicable loss or theft deductible is substantially higher than AppleCare+’s $149 fee.
What does AT&T Protect Advantage cover?
AT&T Protect Advantage is the best carrier option for an AT&T customer who values same-day replacement, unlimited advertised claims, or coverage for several devices on one plan. AT&T lists Protect Advantage at $16 per month for one device and $50 per month for Protect Advantage Multi-Device, which covers up to four eligible devices.
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AT&T says the plan covers damage, loss, theft, wet damage, accidental damage from handling, and out-of-warranty malfunctions. AT&T also advertises unlimited claims and $0 unlimited screen and back-glass repairs under the plan benefits on its device-protection page.
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Same-day replacement and setup are available only for qualifying claims and situations. AT&T service, device eligibility, claim fees, locations, and plan terms determine whether same-day service applies.
The research for this comparison reports an AT&T open-enrollment period through August 31, 2026, for eligible customers who have owned a phone longer than 30 days. The normal enrollment window is generally limited to a specified period after activation or upgrade. Because the August 31 window is temporary and volatile, verify the current offer on AT&T’s device-protection support information before relying on it.
AT&T Protect Advantage is less suitable for an unlocked iPhone owner who expects to switch carriers because eligibility and billing are connected to AT&T service.
What is T-Mobile Protection 360?
T-Mobile Protection 360 is a carrier-linked protection program administered through Assurant that may include AppleCare Services for eligible Apple devices. T-Mobile says Protection 360 can provide repair or replacement after covered loss, theft, or damage, subject to the applicable plan terms and deductible.
T-Mobile does not publish one universal iPhone premium in the accessible support material used for this comparison. T-Mobile pricing depends on the device and enrollment context, so a generic “starts at” price would be misleading. Check the device-specific offer and the current T-Mobile Protection 360 support page.
T-Mobile’s support materials state that removing Protection 360 eliminates the AppleCare Services provided through the program. T-Mobile customers who want carrier billing and Apple service integration can consider Protection 360, but customers who want the easiest model-by-model price comparison may find Apple’s direct AppleCare+ schedule clearer.
Is Worth Ave. Group the best carrier-independent iPhone insurance?
Worth Ave. Group is the strongest carrier-independent option in this comparison for an eligible unlocked, used, refurbished, or internationally used iPhone owner who wants broad purchase timing and worldwide coverage. Worth Ave. Group’s iPhone page lists cracked screens, liquid submersion, accidental damage, theft and vandalism, fire, flood, natural disasters, and lightning-related power surges among its coverage categories.
Worth Ave. Group advertises worldwide coverage, unlimited claims, purchase-anytime availability, local repair options, online claims, and replacement or reimbursement for a device that cannot be repaired. Those are advertised features, not a guarantee that every claim will be approved or that every replacement will be new. The applicable policy and state-specific terms control.
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Worth Ave. Group’s comparison page gives an illustrative two-year example for an $800 iPhone: a $178 premium and a $75 deductible. The example was listed as of June 8, 2026, and Worth Ave. Group notes that prices and terms may vary by state. The $253 combined amount applies only to that illustration and should not be treated as a universal quote.
A separate Progressive cell-phone insurance page identifies Worth Ave. Group in connection with phone and electronic-device insurance distribution. Distribution availability does not replace checking the actual policy, state eligibility, deductible, exclusions, or claims process.
Worth Ave. Group deserves particular attention when AppleCare+ is unavailable because the iPhone is used, refurbished, unlocked, or purchased outside a normal Apple enrollment window. Compare the policy’s replacement valuation, repair network, worldwide conditions, and exclusions with the convenience of Apple or a carrier.
How should you compare the real two-year cost?
The real two-year cost is the premiums paid over 24 months plus enrollment fees, taxes, and the deductible or service fee for the claim most likely to happen. A low monthly price can become expensive after a theft deductible, while a higher premium can be reasonable when the plan covers loss, unlimited claims, or a valuable repair channel.
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- Calculate the premium. Multiply the monthly premium by the period you expect to keep the phone, then add taxes and any enrollment or plan fees.
- Add the relevant claim fee. Use the screen, other-damage, theft, or loss deductible—not the deductible for a different claim type.
- Check claim limits. AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss publishes up to two theft-or-loss incidents per 12 months. Carrier and independent plans have their own limits or advertised unlimited-claim rules.
- Value the service channel. Apple Stores, Apple-authorized service providers, carrier replacement delivery, same-day setup, local repair, reimbursement, and online claims have different practical value.
- Check the replacement language. Determine whether the plan promises a new device, a refurbished device, an equivalent device, or reimbursement up to a stated amount. Never assume a replacement will always be new.
- Subtract coverage you already have. Check renters or homeowners insurance, credit-card benefits, and savings before paying for duplicate protection.
| Cost component | Question to ask | Example from the researched plans |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | What will the plan cost for the exact iPhone and billing period? | AppleCare+ monthly prices range from $7.99 for iPhone SE to $13.99 for iPhone Air and listed Pro/Pro Max models in the supplied U.S. schedule. |
| Claim fee | What will a screen, other-damage, theft, or loss claim cost? | AppleCare+ lists $29 for screen/back-glass damage, $99 for other accidental damage, and $149 for theft or loss. |
| Claim limit | How many claims are allowed in the relevant period? | AppleCare+ lists up to 2 theft-or-loss incidents per 12 months; several carrier or independent plans advertise unlimited claims but still operate under plan terms. |
| Existing coverage | Would another policy or benefit pay for the same event? | Renters insurance and some credit cards may cover certain theft or damage events, but exclusions, deductibles, limits, and payment conditions differ. |
What should you check before buying any iPhone plan?
Check the following details before enrollment because eligibility and claim results can depend on the phone’s condition, model, storage tier, state, account type, enrollment date, and carrier relationship.
- Purchase and enrollment window: Find out whether the iPhone must be newly purchased, recently activated, or inspected before coverage begins. Used and refurbished eligibility varies by provider.
- Device condition: Ask whether a phone with existing damage qualifies. A protection plan is not necessarily a way to repair pre-existing damage.
- Carrier status: Carrier plans may require an active postpaid account or a specific line. Carrier-independent coverage may fit an unlocked phone better.
- Loss requirements: Read the conditions for a lost or stolen claim, including any device, account, or security requirements stated in the legal documents.
- Repair source: Confirm whether repairs use Apple-authorized service, carrier-arranged repair, a local provider, or another network.
- Replacement type: Look for language describing new, refurbished, equivalent, or reimbursed replacements.
- International use: “Worldwide coverage” still has policy conditions, claim procedures, and possible geographic restrictions. Confirm how a claim works outside the United States.
- Cancellation and renewal: Check whether monthly, annual, or fixed-term coverage renews, ends, or changes price.
- Overlap: Read existing renters or homeowners policies and the exact credit-card benefit guide before buying duplicate coverage.
What alternatives should you consider before buying dedicated iPhone insurance?
A dedicated plan is not automatically the best answer. Existing insurance, card benefits, savings, and damage-prevention accessories can address part of the risk at a lower total cost, but each alternative has important limits.
| Alternative | Can help with | Important limitation | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renters or homeowners insurance | Theft or specified personal-property losses covered by the policy | Deductibles, personal-property limits, depreciation or replacement-cost rules, exclusions, and possible premium consequences may make a phone claim unattractive; accidental drops or isolated loss may not be covered | Someone who already has broad personal-property coverage and wants to avoid duplicate insurance |
| Credit-card cell-phone protection | Some theft or damage claims when the monthly wireless bill is paid with the eligible card | Issuer rules, benefit limits, deductibles, exclusions, and the number of claims allowed vary by card and network | Someone already paying the wireless bill with a card that has a suitable current benefit |
| Self-insurance | Any replacement or repair the owner can pay from savings | There is no insurer, claim payment, or dedicated theft/loss benefit; the owner bears the entire replacement cost | An owner with emergency savings, an older iPhone, or a low damage/loss history |
| Protective case and screen protector | Reducing the chance or severity of accidental drops and scratches | A case and screen protector do not cover theft or loss and cannot guarantee that accidental damage will be prevented | An owner who self-insures or wants to reduce damage risk alongside another coverage choice |
Does renters insurance cover an iPhone?
Renters insurance may cover an iPhone stolen in a covered event, but renters insurance is not automatically equivalent to dedicated phone insurance. The deductible, covered causes, personal-property limit, depreciation or replacement-cost provision, and possible effect on future premiums determine whether a claim is worthwhile. Consumer Reports’ renters-insurance guidance explains why the policy details matter.
Before buying a separate plan, review the personal-property section of the existing policy and ask whether accidental drops, liquid damage, loss outside the home, theft away from home, and replacement-cost coverage apply. The policy wording controls.
Can a credit card replace iPhone insurance?
Credit-card cell-phone protection can replace some dedicated coverage for an owner whose exact card covers the needed event and who satisfies the payment conditions, but credit-card benefits are not universal. Consumer Reports describes common benefit limits in the approximate range of $600 to $800 per incident, deductibles often ranging from $25 to $100, and a limited number of claims per year; the exact card’s current benefit guide controls. See Consumer Reports’ credit-card benefits guidance and verify the issuer’s terms.
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Credit-card protection often requires paying the monthly wireless bill with the eligible card. A card benefit can also have exclusions, claim deadlines, device-age rules, and limits that make the benefit unsuitable for a high-value iPhone. The benefit guide should be read before cancelling another plan or relying on the card alone.
When does self-insuring make sense?
Self-insuring can make sense when an owner has enough emergency savings to replace the iPhone, rarely damages devices, owns an older model, or would pay nearly as much in premiums and deductibles as the phone is worth. Self-insurance is a financial choice, not an insurance policy, so the owner accepts the full cost of theft, loss, or damage.
A protective iPhone case with screen protector can reduce accidental-damage risk while an owner self-insures or compares plans. A case and screen protector do not replace theft or loss coverage.
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Which iPhone insurance provider should you choose?
Use the following decision guide after checking the exact quote and policy terms:
- Choose AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss for a new or otherwise eligible iPhone when Apple service, predictable fees, and both damage and disappearance protection are the priorities.
- Choose AppleCare One when at least two or three eligible Apple devices need coverage and the $19.99 starting bundle is better than separate plans.
- Choose Verizon Mobile Protect when the owner is on Verizon and carrier billing, multi-line protection, replacement delivery, setup, or account support outweighs the possibility of higher loss or theft deductibles.
- Choose AT&T Protect Advantage when the owner is an AT&T postpaid customer who values same-day replacement for qualifying claims, $0 advertised screen and back-glass repairs, unlimited advertised claims, or coverage for up to four devices.
- Choose T-Mobile Protection 360 when a T-Mobile customer wants carrier billing and AppleCare Services integration, after checking the device-specific price and deductible.
- Choose Worth Ave. Group when an eligible unlocked, used, refurbished, or carrier-independent iPhone needs broader purchase timing or worldwide coverage and the policy’s terms are acceptable.
- Keep existing coverage or self-insure when renters insurance, a credit-card benefit, emergency savings, or a protective accessory already addresses the owner’s likely risk at a better total cost.
No provider should be presented as having been personally tested based on the available research. The comparison establishes published benefits and plan information, not guaranteed claim speed, guaranteed approval, or a promise that a replacement device will be new.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AppleCare+ cover a lost or stolen iPhone?
AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss covers a lost or stolen iPhone, while standard damage-only coverage does not. Apple’s current disclosure lists up to two theft-or-loss incidents every 12 months and a $149 service fee for each covered theft-or-loss claim.
Can I keep carrier iPhone insurance after switching carriers?
Carrier protection is generally tied to the carrier account and eligible line. AT&T Protect Advantage is connected to AT&T service, Verizon Mobile Protect is intended for Verizon customers, and T-Mobile Protection 360 is carrier-linked, so check the plan before switching carriers.
Can I insure an unlocked, used, or refurbished iPhone?
Worth Ave. Group is worth checking for an unlocked, used, or refurbished iPhone because the provider advertises purchase-anytime and carrier-independent coverage. Eligibility, price, worldwide conditions, exclusions, and deductible depend on the applicable state and policy.
Does an iPhone case replace insurance?
A protective case and screen protector can reduce accidental-damage risk, but they do not cover theft or loss and do not guarantee that a phone will avoid damage. Accessories are risk-reduction tools, not a replacement for insurance.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss is the best iPhone insurance choice for most eligible U.S. owners who want Apple service and transparent damage, theft, and loss fees. Choose AppleCare One for several Apple devices, a carrier plan for carrier convenience, Worth Ave. Group for carrier-independent coverage, or no new policy when existing insurance, card protection, or savings already provides acceptable protection.
