Identity Guard Review: All-Around ID Theft Protection
Identity Guard was a pioneering company that started in 1996 as one of a handful of entities defining the identity theft protection industry. While still a contender as one of the best identity theft protection companies, today’s Identity Guard reviews show that its role has changed somewhat since its acquisition by Aura in 2019.
About Identity Guard
Today, Identity Guard outshines much of its competition by offering three distinct plan options, all with family coverage availability. Available plans start with a very basic option featuring budget pricing and work up to a comprehensive program that rivals somewhat more expensive competitor offerings.
While you may recognize some of Aura’s influence among the plan choices, there are some important differences. Similarities between the two include a strong focus on financial and high-risk transaction protections. However, where Aura provides more comprehensive, three-bureau credit monitoring in its lowest-cost plan, an Identity Guard credit report includes monitoring just one bureau unless you opt for a higher-cost plan.
That said, Identity Guard offers customers a wider range of choices for its members and does so for less monthly cost than its parent company—Making it a contender with its own ID theft protection approach.
Pros
$1 million ID theft insurance in every plan
Lower-cost options than parent company Aura
More plan choices than Aura
Social media monitoring available in Ultra plan
High average consumer ratings
Cons
No money-back trial period
Most comprehensive features aren’t available in lowest-cost plans
Fraud resolution assistance only available in the Ultra plan
Identity Guard Features and Benefits
Identity Guard features and benefits rate well in our best identity theft protection companies review, and include all-around coverage starting with the basics and adding comprehensive and substantial protections in its higher-priced plan options.
- Competitive pricing with annual payment option discount
- Low-price plans available
- High overall consumer satisfaction ratings
- 3-bureau credit monitoring in top two plans
- $1 million ID theft insurance in all plans
- Data breach alerts in all plans
- Straightforward pricing for individuals and families
- Unlimited children coverages in all family plans
- No trial period available
- Child protections include SSN monitoring
- Credit card purchase monitoring includes debit cards
- Both criminal and sex offender monitoring included in Ultra plan
Identity Guard Editorial Rating
Trusted Company Reviews Rating Score for Identity Guard: 4.5
| Criteria | Total Points:Â |
| Satisfaction Guarantee | 0 |
| ID theft protection insurance amount | 6 |
| Credit monitoring | 10 |
| Family plan available | 10 |
| Monthly pricing | 5 |
| Dark web monitoring | 5 |
| Resolution services available | 10 |
| Alerts | 10 |
| Online privacy attributes | 15 |
| Expert opinion score | 19 |
Plans and Prices
Taking advantage of the annual payment option means plans start at just $6.67 per month or $10 monthly for an Identity Guard family plan.
| Plan Name | Value | Total | Ultra |
| Monthly / Family Annual Payment Prices | $8.99 / $14.99
$80.04 / $120.00 |
$19.99 / $29.99
$143.88 / $215.88 |
$29.99 / $39.99
$215.88 / $287.88 |
| Features
Family plans include same coverages for up to five adults and unlimited children |
Experian credit monitoring
$1 million ID theft insurance Data breach alerts Dark web protection Transaction alerts Limited web protections |
Everything in Value plan plus:Â
3-bureau credit score with monthly updates Bank account monitoring |
Everything in Total plan plus:
Fraud resolution Social media monitoring Credit card purchase monitoring 401K, and home title monitoring Sex offender and address change monitoring Experian credit lock abililty |
Identity Guard Reviews
Identity Guard rates well across many customer review platforms—The company scores 4.3 stars at Consumer Affairs and 4.4 stars at Trustpilot. Many of the positive reviews compliment Identity Guard customer service as competent and responsive when help is needed. Following is a numerical breakdown of average star ratings in Identity Guard reviews.
| Star Ratings | 5 stars | 4 stars | 3 stars | 2 stars | 1 star |
| Review Percentages | 57% | 19% | 11% | 5% | 8% |
Is Identity Guard Right for You?
Identity Guard may be the right identity theft protection company for you if you’re concerned about protecting your financial, online, and personal information safety but still want to keep an eye on your budget.
While Identity Guard provides excellent ID theft protections, helpful alerts, and $1 million in identity theft insurance, its parent company, Aura, may better suit those willing to spend a little extra to protect vital assets.
Identity Guard Vs.LifeLock
Although Identity Guard and LifeLock both offer identity theft protection services, the two couldn’t be much different from each other. Identity Guard’s three plans, each of which can become a family plan, pale in comparison to LifeLock’s nine plan choices and add-on coverages.
However, that’s not to say that Identity Guard isn’t as good as LifeLock. The companies offer similar services, but LifeLock appeals to persons seeking more robust ID protections than a typical Identity Guard customer. Both companies are excellent at providing the service they offer.
The main difference is price, and it’s why more budget-conscious consumers may benefit more from using Identity Guard. Where Identity Guard’s most expensive plan costs $39.99 monthly, LifeLock’s comparable plan will set you back $79.99 per month.
| Feature | Identity Guard | LifeLock |
| Trusted Company Review Score | 4.5 | 4.3 |
| Maximum Identity Theft Insurance Amount Per Adult | $1M | $3M |
| Trial Period | None | 30 days |
| Credit Monitoring Available in Lowest Cost Plan | 1 Bureau | 1 Bureau |
| Dark Web Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Available Number of Dependents Protected | No Limit | 5 |
| VPN Available | No | Add on |
| Lowest Monthly Cost | $8.99 | $11.99 |
| Highest Monthly Cost | $39.99 | $79.99 |
For a more detailed comparison of LifeLock vs. Identity Guard, check out this recent blog post we did on the two companies.Â
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Identity Guard legit?
What does Identity Guard cost?
Is Identity Guard worth it?
Are Aura and Identity Guard the same?
Who owns Aura Identity Guard?
How to cancel Identity Guard?
Does Identity Guard protect your social security number?
Does identity theft ruin your credit?
Source
Image Source:
https://www.identityguard.com/
Deane Biermeier
Editorial Reviews
Must Reads
What Happens If I Can’t Pay a Judgment?
If you can't pay a judgment, the creditor can take additional steps to collect the debt. Creditors may use enforcement tools such as wage garnishment, bank account levies, or property liens, depending on your state's laws. However, a judgment against you does not mean...
What Happens If I Can’t Pay My Mortgage? Your Options and Next Steps
If you can't pay your mortgage, the most important thing you can do is contact your mortgage servicer immediately, before you miss a payment, if possible, and as early as possible after if not. The foreclosure process doesn't happen overnight, and most lenders have...
What Happens If I Can’t Pay My Credit Card?
Falling behind on a credit card payment is stressful, but panicking won’t help. On the other hand, understanding the consequences will. Whether you’re short on cash this month or dealing with a longer stretch of financial hardship, knowing exactly what happens, and...
What Happens If You Can’t Pay Your Student Loans
Missing a student loan payment can lead to late fees, credit reporting, and other consequences if the debt remains unpaid. Federal student loans typically enter default after 270 days of missed payments, which may result in wage garnishment or tax refund offsets....
What Is a Home Equity Investment
A home equity investment (HEI) is a way to access the cash value of your home's equity without adding monthly payments to your budget. Instead of borrowing against your equity, you sell a share of your home's future value to an investment company in exchange for a...
Are Data Removal Services Worth It?
If you search your name online, the results can be unsettling. Home addresses, phone numbers, past residences, and even relatives can show up on data broker sites you’ve never heard of. That visibility isn’t random. Data brokers collect information from public...
What Happens If I Don’t Pay A Collections Agency?
Ignoring a debt collector can lead to collection calls and letters, damage your credit score, and, in some cases, result in a lawsuit. If a creditor or collector wins a court judgment, wage garnishment or bank account levies may also be possible. However, the...
Farmers Insurance vs State Farm
Farmers and State Farm are two of the most recognizable insurance companies in the country, and both offer competitive home and auto bundles, but compared side-by-side, they win on different fronts. This comparison breaks down where each carrier leads, where it falls...
Benefits of Bundling Home and Auto Insurance
Key Takeaways Bundling home and auto insurance typically saves policyholders between 10% and 25% on combined premiums. Having a single insurer simplifies billing, policy management, and claims for both home and auto. Some insurance providers offer a single combined...
Late Car Insurance Payment? What Happens and How to Avoid Cancellation
Key Takeaways Most auto insurers offer a grace period of 7 to 30 days for a late car insurance payment before canceling the policy. A canceled policy creates a coverage lapse, which often leads to higher rates when you reinstate or shop for new coverage. Driving...


