iPhone, Samsung Owners and More Urged to Check Insurance Cover
Triple Increase in Mobile Phone Insurance Claims
Admiral Insurance has issued a warning to mobile phone owners to check their insurance coverage, as new data reveals a significant increase in claims over the past four years. According to the data from 1.58 million Admiral Home Insurance customers between January 2019 and December 2022, claims for stolen, damaged, or lost mobile devices have nearly tripled, with a staggering 123% increase.
iPhone and Samsung Dominate Insurance Claims
The research also highlighted that iPhones were the most likely to be mentioned in insurance claims, accounting for 73% of mobile claims made to Admiral Home Insurance. Samsung came in second place, representing 22% of claims. Meanwhile, Motorola was the least likely to be mentioned, with only 1 in 500 claims involving their devices.
The Need to Review Insurance Coverage
The surge in mobile phone claims has prompted Admiral Insurance to urge mobile phone owners to review their insurance coverage. It is essential for owners to understand whether their policy covers loss, theft, or damage to their devices, as well as any limitations of their policy.
Noel Summerfield, Head of Household at Admiral Insurance, emphasized the importance of checking cover: “With the launch of the new iPhone 15, many people are excited about staying up-to-date with the latest tech trends. However, the high price tag of these devices makes replacing them in the event of loss, damage, or theft a significant financial burden. Every home insurance policy is different, so it’s crucial to check your cover and understand what protection is offered.”
Protecting Your Mobile Phone
Alongside the advice to review insurance coverage, Noel Summerfield from Admiral Insurance has provided three top tips for mobile phone owners to protect their devices:
1. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Many claims for mobile phone damage come as a result of spilling drinks. Being more cautious and aware of your surroundings can help protect your phone. Admiral Insurance recommends being vigilant in public and avoiding texting while walking to prevent theft.
2. Use Security Features on Your Phone
Utilize the built-in security features of your device, such as setting a strong password, checking privacy settings, disabling message previews, and regularly backing up data. Additional anti-theft apps can also help track and identify stolen phones.
3. Ensure You Are Insured to the Correct Value
If the value of your phone exceeds £1,000, it should be listed on your Home Policy Schedule to ensure coverage. For unspecified mobile phones, having Personal Possessions Insurance is essential for coverage away from home. Review your policy details to confirm adequate coverage in case of emergencies.
By following these tips and reviewing insurance coverage, mobile phone owners can protect themselves against the financial burden of loss, damage, or theft and ensure peace of mind.
<< photo by Vitalii Khodzinskyi >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.