Coverage of Mobile Phones in Home Insurance
Most standard home contents insurance will include cover for mobile phones, like if your mobile phone is stolen during a house break-in or is damaged because of a house fire, flood, or burst water pipe. Your mobile phone may also be covered outside the home as part of a home contents personal possession cover for belongings lost or stolen outside the home.
Filing a Claim for Phone Insurance
- If your phone is lost or stolen, you can file a claim if you have insurance. Contact your provider, pay a deductible, and possibly get a refurbished phone as a replacement.
- Insurance for accidental phone damages can usually cover screen cracks or other issues, as an add-on to your policy.
Considerations for Mobile Phone Coverage
You should compare the benefits and drawbacks of covering your phones under your house insurance policy versus taking out a separate mobile phone insurance policy. A separate policy may offer more comprehensive and specific coverage for your phones, but it may also be more expensive and complicated to manage.
Necessary steps for Phone Insurance Claim
- Call your insurer, explain the situation, and complete any required forms.
- Keep in mind that filing a claim should be done promptly, but coverage may not start for 14 days after getting insurance. Damage in this waiting period may not be covered.
Replacement of Lost, Stolen, or Broken Phone
If your device is lost or stolen:
- Attempt to locate your device.
- Temporarily suspend your service to prevent unauthorized use.
- Replace your device through the appropriate channels.
Additional Note on Mobile Phone Insurance
When purchasing separate mobile phone insurance, consumers pay a monthly or yearly premium, typically $5-$20 a month. If the device is damaged, lost, or stolen, you can repair or replace it by paying a deductible.