Look for insurers that insure several devices on a single policy. Covering all your family’s phones under one policy usually comes with a discounted premium, so could reduce the per-device cost of your cover.
Compare our best mobile phone insurance
Mobile phone insurance will protect your handset if the worst happens
Insurance will ensure your phone is covered against theft, accidental damage or loss
What is mobile phone insurance?
Mobile phone insurance pays for your mobile phone to be replaced or repaired if it’s lost, stolen or damaged.
Specialist mobile phone policies usually offer better protection than standard home contents insurance and come with a faster claims service – some will even send a replacement phone to you on the same day.
You can also get worldwide cover, meaning your phone's protected while you're on holiday, or due to mechanical breakdown if you're handset's out of warranty.
If you have an expensive smartphone, it could save you hundreds of pounds."
Do I need mobile phone insurance?
Consider taking out mobile phone insurance if any of the following apply:
You’re prone to losing or damaging your phone
You’d be liable to continue making payments on a long contract even if your phone went missing or was damaged
You need a fast replacement because you rely on your phone 24-7
You couldn’t afford the cost of replacing your current phone if it was lost, damaged or stolen
Mobile phone insurance gives you peace of mind that if something happens to your phone, you wouldn’t necessarily have to fund an expensive repair or replacement that might run into hundreds of pounds.
"The right policy will protect you from unauthorised network charges as well as handset problems."
How to choose the right mobile phone insurance
It’s important that you find the right cover for your needs, so here are three things to consider during the decision making process:
Cover options
Consider what you need to protect your mobile phone against, then find a policy that offers this sort of cover. You might have to pay extra for extras such as loss or theft cover.
Maximum cover
The maximum cover is the most an insurer will pay for any single item on your policy. Check how much your mobile phone costs and find a policy that’ll pay out enough for you to replace it if you need to claim.
Excess
The “excess” is how much you pay towards each claim you make. Your policy will set out how much excess you’d need to pay. For example, the cost of insuring a phone that would cost up to £1,000 to replace may come with a £100 excess.
What can mobile phone insurance cover?
Covered
Loss of handset
Accidental damage
Theft of phone
Lost apps and content downloads if your phone goes missing
Damage when travelling overseas
Malicious damage
Mechanical failure
Broken buttons
Water damage
Phone accessories
Damaged headphone sockets
Not covered
Theft due to carelessness – for example, leaving your home unlocked or your phone in plain view in your car
Intentional damage
Manufacturer’s defects
Everyday wear and tear including scratches and dents
Lost SIM cards
Older phones
How much cover do I need?
As with all insurance, it depends on several factors. Two key considerations are:
The amount of cover you choose
Your phone’s make and model
A range of deals are available from insurance providers, so it makes sense to shop around.
The table above allows you to compare mobile phone insurance to find out the different levels of cover available. When evaluating options, it's important not to automatically choose the cheapest option. Instead, make sure you look at policies that meet your needs, so you find the best level of protection at the lowest possible price.
How can I get cheap mobile phone insurance?
Get a multi-gadget discount
Look for insurers that insure several devices on a single policy. Covering all your family’s phones under one policy usually comes with a discounted premium, so could reduce the per-device cost of your cover.
Make an annual payment
Most companies charge interest if you choose to pay your insurance premiums monthly. You can make a substantial saving by opting to pay for your annual policy with a single upfront payment.
Choose a higher excess
You can often reduce premiums by setting a higher excess – the amount you must pay towards any claim you make. While you could save money on your premiums by doing this, make sure you can afford to pay the excess should you need to make a claim.
How can I get cheap mobile phone insurance?
Get a multi-gadget discount
Make an annual payment
Most companies charge interest if you choose to pay your insurance premiums monthly. You can make a substantial saving by opting to pay for your annual policy with a single upfront payment.
Choose a higher excess
You can often reduce premiums by setting a higher excess – the amount you must pay towards any claim you make. While you could save money on your premiums by doing this, make sure you can afford to pay the excess should you need to make a claim.
How can I make a claim on mobile phone insurance?
In order to male a successful claim, it's important to take a few steps before you contact your insurance provider.
If your phone has been stolen, or has been misplaced, contact your network provider to pause your service to prevent unauthorised use of your phone
Call you local police station and note down the incident number
Once you've taken those steps you can contact your insurance provider.
Call your insurer - let them know you need to make a claim.
Fill out a claims form - you may be asked to complete a claims form but some insurers can take details over the phone.
Provide supporting information - send your insurer any supporting documents they have asked for.
The Ofcom website has further information on how to safeguard your phone from unauthorised use if it is lost or stolen.
FAQs
Can I cover my mobile phone on my home contents insurance policy?
Yes, but claims may work out to be more expensive (for example, you have a high excess on your home policy). Find out if you need separate insurance with our guide to home insurance mobile cover.
Can I get cover for my children’s mobile phone?
Yes, but they must be aged 16 or over to buy their own insurance; otherwise, you can add your child’s phone to a multi-device policy.
Can I get a no-claims bonus?
Yes – contact your insurer at renewal time for details of what discount is offered if you’ve not made a claim.
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