Identity Guard vs LifeLock

Identity theft is something everyone is susceptible to, but there are companies out there that can help protect your identity and keep you safe. Identity Guard® and LifeLock are two of the best identity theft protection services. Although they offer similar protective services, they have key differences. We put together this short yet comprehensive guide to help you understand the differences of each.

Overview: Identity Guard vs LifeLock

As far as protecting your identity is concerned, both Identity Guard and LifeLock are industry professionals that know how to keep you safe and help you when a criminal does get ahold of your information. They are similar, but both offer different packages and price points. Before delving into the details, take a quick look at the similarities and differences.

Similarities: Identity Guard vs LifeLock

Both Identity Guard and LifeLock work to protect your accounts from being used without your permission and watch to make sure your personal information is secure. They also have the capability of helping you resolve cases of identity theft. Other similarities include the following:

• Detects when your risk of fraud or theft increases
• Provides help when you lose your wallet
• Sends alerts of suspicious activities on your accounts
• Monitors the dark web

Differences: Identity Guard vs LifeLock

On the surface, people may assume Identity Guard and LifeLock are the same because they offer similar services. However, there are still differences:

• LifeLock has 24/7 customer service support via phones, while Identity Guard does not
• LifeLock sends alerts about sex offenders
• LifeLock has separate plans for children in your home
• LifeLock provides Norton Security with each package to protect your computer
• Identity Guard does not monitor your physical address usage
• Identity Guard does not alert credit bureaus of fraud

>> Related: Computer Security Tool

Identity Monitoring

In terms of monitoring and protecting your identity, Identity Guard watches your Social Security number, credit accounts and other financial accounts by using IBM® Watson™ technology to track your data and monitoring the dark web for any criminal activity. It also offers social media monitoring to make sure no one is impersonating you and to help with cyber-bullying.

LifeLock also keeps a close watch on the dark web, your Social Security number and your credit profiles to make sure your information is not being used for criminal or suspicious activities. In addition, it monitors the sex offender registry to ensure an offender is not using your name. If your name is found on this list, LifeLock will send you an alert.

Financial & Credit Monitoring

Both Identity Guard and LifeLock monitor your credit and other financial accounts. Identity Guard goes further to help to remove your information from pre-approved credit card mailing lists and from websites on the dark web whenever it is found there.

LifeLock monitors your accounts and notifies you if anything suspicious is noticed. The service can help alert credit bureaus and also provide you with access to monthly credit reports so you have a clear view of what your accounts look like if you choose the highest level of plan. It also monitors your 401k and investment accounts.

Identity Restoration & Insurance Coverage

The recovery and restoration process of identity theft can take a lot of time and financial resources, but both Identity Guard and LifeLock offer a maximum of $1 million in insurance coverage. Identity Guard also offers $2,000 for emergency spending if you need it during the time period when you cannot access your accounts.

LifeLock will also provide you with reimbursement for the personal expenses you must pay and anything that was stolen for you. These amounts range from $25,000 with the Standard plan to $100,000 with the Advantage plan and $1 million for the Ultimate Plus plan.

Pricing & Plans

The plans of the two companies have similar prices. Identity Guard offers plans for families and individuals at three tier levels: the Value plan, the Total plan and the Premier plan. For families, these plans cost $14.99 per month, $29.99 per month and $34.99 per month for each of the three tiers. The individual plans are priced at $8.99 per month, $19.99 per month and $24.99 per month for each tier.

LifeLock offers three plans. The LifeLock Standard plan is the basic package that costs $9.99 per month. The Norton 360 with LifeLock Advantage plan is the second option and costs $19.99 per month. Lastly, the Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus plan costs $29.99 and provides the highest level of protection. There is also the option of including children under your plan with the Junior plan that costs $5.99 each month for one minor in your home.

Summary: Identity Guard vs LifeLock

Both Identity Guard and LifeLock offer services that help keep your identity and financial accounts safe. They have features in common, but there are important differences. As such, it is up to you to decide which provider is right for you. Learn more in our Identity Guard review and our LifeLock review.

Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by the companies referenced in this article. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the companies mentioned. We may be compensated through advertiser affiliate programs.