Here, we answer some of your common questions, from what’s covered to the price of a policy and things to consider – to help you decide if it’s right for you.
Insurance policies can vary, so it’s important to check what is and isn’t covered.
You may think you’re covered for something when you’re not, and only find out when you need to repair or replace your phone.
Mobile phone insurance can include:
A standard mobile phone insurance policy typically covers you for loss, theft and accidental damage. This means, if you accidentally crack your screen, your insurer may pay for it to be repaired or replaced. If it’s only cosmetic damage, such as a scratch, you may not be covered.
Keep in mind – if you suspect your phone has been stolen, you may need to report it to the police within 24 hours for the insurance to be valid. You’re unlikely to be covered, however, if there is no evidence of theft, or if you left your phone unattended.
If your device develops a fault outside of the manufacturer’s warranty, you may be covered under your mobile phone insurance.
Accidentally dropped your phone in the sink? Your phone insurance may cover you for damage caused by liquid and cover the cost of repairs. But not all do – so it’s important to check.
Standard mobile insurance is unlikely to cover you outside of the UK. However, some insurers may offer worldwide mobile phone insurance, which can cover you for a limited time if you travel abroad.
Some insurers offer ‘multi-phone’ cover, where all phones in your household are covered under the same policy. However, this may not include children’s devices.
From memory cards to phone covers, cases and chargers – the replacement of accessories that are damaged, lost or stolen at the same time as the device can sometimes be covered.
With instant cover, you’re covered as soon as you take out a policy – rather than having to wait a couple of weeks before making a claim, like with some policies.
If you ever lose your phone and someone makes unauthorised calls, texts or uses your mobile data, mobile phone insurance may cover the repayment of these costs.
Some people are more likely to need mobile phone insurance than others. Here are some questions to ask yourself, to help you decide:
Mobile phone contracts can last up to 3 years. If something happens to your phone, you’ll still be required to pay off the contract for the remaining term – even if your mobile is damaged or stolen. This can mean you end up paying for a phone you can’t use.
Prone to mishaps? You may want to consider insurance to cover you for accidental damage, so you’re covered in case it happens again.
Unfortunately, mobile phone theft does happen. Things that can increase your risk of theft include:
Having a mobile that’s out of action can cause problems if you rely heavily on your phone. If you need an instant replacement phone, mobile insurance may be worth considering. Just make sure your policy offers this service, as not all do.
Other types of insurance, such as home insurance can include mobile phones. However, it’s important to check if it contains the type of cover you need. For example, home insurance may not cover you for items outside the home or offer a replacement handset straight away.
The cost of a mobile insurance policy varies, depending on:
According to Defaqto1, mobile insurance premiums typically range from £5 a month £14.99 a month. However, value for money isn’t just about price. Always check what’s covered to make sure you have the right level of cover for your needs.
Mobile insurance isn’t something we offer at HSBC.
Phone suppliers typically ask you if you’re interested in mobile phone insurance when you take out a contract. You may be able to take out a policy with them at a later date.
You can also find policies through price comparison sites.
You may be able to get basic mobile phone insurance as part of a package bundle when you take out a current account or home insurance policy.
As with any insurance policy, always check the terms, conditions and exclusions before taking out cover.
1Source: Defaqto
