My 2012 Verizon 4G cell phone died. What is a good cell phone to get? [View all]

I do not take it with me unless I think I might need it. I basically use it for emergencies (if the electricity goes out, etc) and to call long distance, no texting, no extra fancy stuff. What should I get....

1. A new phone for a few hundred $$$ and get a cell phone service separately through Verizon, Sprint, T Mobile, ...?
2. A phone that comes with a plan and is $0 bit costs $10 a month for 18 months?

Also, cam the people at the cell phone store switch my photos and contacts to a new phone if the old one is dead?