If your phone gets damaged, you can try fixing it yourself using these Android cell phone repair kits. You can even sell it online for a good price if you’re willing to let go of it. However, if your phone is high-end and you can’t afford a replacement, and it’s too valuable for you, you might consider getting phone insurance. According to a statistics, around 95% of households in the UK use a mobile phone. Moreover, according to a report, on average people in UK spend more time online with an average of 24 hours a week. People are also becoming more dependent on mobile phones (78% of individuals owning a smartphone in 2018). This is especially true to younger people, those aging 35 and below. With these figures, it’s likely that more people will get mobile phone insurance in UK in the coming years. But the most fundamental question is: do you really need to insure your phone? Let’s find out.
What Consider When Getting a Mobile Phone Insurance
Before anything else, you should ask yourself if you need mobile phone insurance or not. Consider insuring your phone if the following factors are present:
You have previously lost or damaged your phone.Your smartphone is quite expensive and you can’t afford a replacement.Your smartphone is too valuable and you can’t simply replace it with a cheaper model.You rely too much on your smartphone.
If you decide to get mobile phone insurance, make sure that you get the right policy to cover your needs: what you need, how much you are willing to pay, and the like.
1. Find the policy that suits your needs
In finding the policy that suits your needs, it’s important to check out the following: coverage, amount of coverage, and excess. For example, it’s important that you know what you need, whether you need a purely accidental damage coverage or a policy that covers theft and loss too. Also, it is important that you consider how much your phone is worth. That way, you’ll have an idea of the amount of policy you’re willing to pay for the phone’s replacement. You should also watch out for excess. This is the amount that you’ll pay in case of loss or damage. In short, consider the amount you are willing to pay in case you exceed the coverage.
2. Watch out for exclusions
The exclusions are just as important as the coverage. You must know what is excluded from each policy. In general, policies exclude phones that are over 2 years old. Small aesthetic damage like mere dents and scratches are also excluded. It’s important that you check the policies before deciding because they may differ in some exclusions. Exclusions also vary depending on the insurance company.
3. Check the terms and conditions
No matter how trustworthy and reliable the insurance provider is, you must always check the terms and conditions. Everything must be clear to you (the coverage, the exclusion, the excess, the price, the dos and don’ts, etc.) before you get a policy for your mobile phone.
4. Get the best price
The cheapest is not always the best. As a rule, between the right coverage and the cheapest policy, choose the first. However, this does not mean that you won’t find ways to pay less. You can get discounts or better price if you get multi-gadget insurance. Many insurance providers also offer discounts if you pay in full annually.
Recommended Mobile Phone Insurance Providers in UK
If you are planning to get mobile phone insurance, it’s important that you know where to go and put your money on. With this, we have prepared a list of some of the best and most recommended mobile phone insurance providers in UK.
1. Protect Your Bubble
Protect Your Bubble offers a policy for 3 gadgets with a starting price of £14.99 a month. With such price, you get worldwide coverage for damage, theft and mechanical breakdown. You will also get unlimited repairs (for all 3 smartphones/gadgets) and 2 theft/loss claims per year, per smartphone or gadget. What’s covered:
TheftCracked screenBroken buttonsBroken headphone jackLiquid damageMechanical breakdowns
However, loss is not covered. If you need a loss cover, especially if you have a history of losing your phone, you must pay an extra of £1.50 per phone per month. Considering the price, this insurance provider is best for those who need multi-gadget insurance. Aside from mobile phones, they also have insurace for other gadgets like laptops and tablets. Learn more about Protect Your Bubble by visiting this website. Note: Excesses, limitations and exclusions apply. It’s important that you take reasonable precaution so that the damage or theft will be covered. Take note that cosmetic damage is excluded.
2. Gadget Cover Mobile Phone Insurance
Gadget Cover is a budget-friendly mobile insurance policy, with a starting price of £3.99 per month, depending on the model of your mobile phone or device. It covers the basics: worldwide cover for accidental and liquid damage, theft, and breakdown. However, it also covers more than the usual. What’s covered:
Accidental damage (including minor cracks)Liquid damageTheftBreakdownUnauthorized usage (up to £2,500)Unauthorized transactions (up to £500)Accessories (up to £150)Family cover
You’ll need to pay an additional premium for loss cover (optional). There’s also an excess depending on the worth of your phone or device. For example, there’s an excess of £75 if your phone is worth more than £500; if less, then the excess is £50. Gadget Cover is great for shared insurance. This is because of its Family Cover. This means that the insurance extends to your immediate family. It’s not only your phone that’s covered, but your immediate family member’s phone is also covered. Visit their website to get a quote or to learn more about their policies. Note: Excesses, limitations and exclusions apply.
3. Switched On Insurance Mobile Phone Insurance
Switched On Insurance 3 policies for mobile phone insurance. Depending on the coverage you need, you can choose between Standard, Premium and Ultimate Cover. Standard Cover is affordable, with a price of £3.75 per month (slightly cheaper than Gadget Cover). However, Standard does not include E-Wallet, Loss, Unauthorized Use and Theft. What’s covered (Standard):
Accidental damageLiquid damageCracked screenMechanical breakdownWorldwide cover (60 days)Accessory cover (£50 for repairs and replacements)
If you want a policy that covers those that are excluded in Standard Cover, you can choose Premium or Ultimate. Take note that Premium does not cover loss. Regardless of what policy you choose, you will get 1 month free if you pay annually instead of monthly. You also get 12-month warranty on replacements and no limits on claims. This makes Switched On Insurance as one of the best phone insurance providers in UK in terms of value. Aside from mobile phones, they also cover other gadgets such as digital cameras, laptops, tablets, game consoles, and sat-navs. Check out their website to learn more about their mobile and gadget insurance. Note: Excesses, limitations and exclusions apply.
4. simplesurance Mobile Phone Insurance
If you want a simpler mobile phone insurance, check out simplesurance. There’s no monthly fee. You’ll just pay a fixed price for 1 year, 2 years or 3 years, depending on the plan you choose. It’s also easier to apply and you’ll get quick assistance from simplesurance. An all-round protection for 1 year costs £34.95. The longer the term, the better the value. What’s covered:
Cracked screenLiquid damageFire damageDamage due to operating errorsDamage by vandalism or sabotage (by third party)
The policy does not cover theft. But you can add this for an extra fee if you want protection against theft. Visit their official website if you want to learn more about simplesurance.
5. Love It Cover It Mobile Phone Insurance
Love It Cover It has been providing gadget insurance for over 30 years. So if you are looking for something that has been in the business long, this would be it. Their mobile phone insurance covers popular brands like Samsung, as well as the least popular ones. They even cover older models. What’s covered as standard:
Worldwide coverAccessories coverLoss coverMechanical breakdownTheft
Protect your mobile phoneWhile the insurance providers included on the list don’t include loss in their standard policies, Love It Cover It offers loss cover as standard. However, accidental and liquid damage cover are only offered in their Premium, as well as cracked screen cover. Visit this website if you are interested to know more about this insurance provider.
6. So-Sure Mobile Phone Insurance
So-Sure is one of the few insurance providers in the UK that covers old phones (up to 3 years old). Most providers only cover phones and gadgets that are 2 years old or newer. This makes it the best option if you want to insure older phones. They even insure refurbished and secondhand devices. What’s covered:
Accessories (up to £100)Accidental damageOut-of-warranty breakdownsInternational cover (90 days)Phones up to 3 years old
So-Sure is also great at replacing or repairing your smartphone fast, with an average of 24 to 72 hours from the time the claim has been approved. They also have low excess of just £50. Head on to So-Sure’s website and learn more about their policies and coverage.
Get the right policy for your mobile phone
Not everyone needs mobile phone insurance. But if you think you need one, make sure that you get the right policy that suits your needs. As a rule, getting the cheapest policy does not always mean the best. It’s important that you know what you need insurance for. For instance, you won’t need to add extra protection for loss if you’re satisfied with the standard cover of damage and theft. Ultimately, what is the right and what is the best boil down to your personal needs and preferences. Rest assured that out of the many insurance providers in UK, the 6 featured here are among the most trusted. What do you think about mobile phone insurance? Let us know what you think and kindly leave a comment below. Featured Image