Apparatus and Method for Claim-Driven Device Lockout Managing Protection Claims by Remotely Locking a Device

This patent describes a system for managing claims under a device protection program by controlling an electronic lockout of the device involved. In plain terms, when someone files a claim on an insured phone or similar device, the system can decide whether to lock or unlock that device based on the data it receives. It comes from Assurant, Inc., a major provider of device protection and support programs.

The Problem

Device protection programs, the insurance-style plans that cover lost, stolen or damaged phones, are a frequent target for fraud. A claim might be filed on a device that is not actually lost, or a replacement might be claimed while the original keeps being used. Processing claims quickly to keep honest customers happy, while still guarding against abuse, is a constant balancing act. Providers need a way to verify claims and, where appropriate, restrict the use of a device tied to a claim, all handled automatically and in coordination with the manufacturers and carriers who can actually enforce a lock.

What This Invention Does

The patent describes an apparatus, method and computer program product that manages the electronic lockout of a client device associated with a claim, working through a device protection program management system together with a third-party provider. The system receives a device claim request and various pieces of associated data, then processes that information to decide whether to authorise the claim. Depending on the data received, or the absence of expected data, it can trigger the initiation or the termination of an electronic lockout of the device. This lets the provider lock a device when the circumstances of a claim warrant it, and lift the lock when appropriate, as an automated part of the claims workflow.

Key Features

• Claim-linked lockout. The electronic lock is tied directly to the device claim process.
• Data-driven decisions. Authorisation and locking depend on the data received with a claim.
• Third-party coordination. The system works with an external provider that can enforce the lock.
• Initiate or terminate. Locks can be both applied and removed based on the situation.
• Fraud mitigation. Locking a claimed device helps deter misuse of protection programs.

Who Is Behind It

The applicant is Assurant, Inc., a global provider of device protection, support and related programs for connected devices. The named inventors are Charles Daniel Cartwright, Gilberto Almonte and Maria Manduley.

Why It Matters

Hundreds of millions of devices are covered by protection plans, and the cost of fraudulent claims ultimately feeds into premiums for everyone. Automating the link between a claim and a device lock gives providers a faster, more consistent tool to authorise genuine claims and discourage abuse, while still allowing locks to be reversed when needed. Protecting the method in Australia supports the company’s device protection operations with local carriers and retailers.

Related Concepts

• Mobile device management – the broad technology for remotely controlling devices.
• Insurance fraud – the problem the lockout helps deter.
• Assurant – the company behind the device protection programs.
• Authentication – the verification step underpinning claim authorisation.
• Extended warranty – the kind of protection plan this system administers.

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AU 2026201925 was published in the Australian Official Journal of Patents on 2 April 2026 and is open for public inspection. Patent applications represent inventions that are sought to be protected and do not necessarily reflect commercially available products.