What Is Mobile Phone Insurance and What Does It Cover?

1. What Is Mobile Phone Insurance?

Mobile phone insurance steps in for damage that your phone’s warranty does not cover. The manufacturer’s warranty usually covers only manufacturing faults; damage caused by the user, such as dropping, cracking or water damage, is excluded. Phone insurance fills exactly this gap.

What are the benefits of mobile phone insurance?

• It protects your budget from expensive repairs and screen replacements.
• You can insure a new or second-hand phone.
• Depending on the insurer, it offers repair, device replacement or cash payment.
• You can choose between a narrow package covering only the screen and wide full protection.

How do you take out mobile phone insurance?

Your phone’s make, model and IMEI number are enough. You can find the IMEI by dialling *#06# or in the “About” section of your settings. With these details we compare insurers’ quotes and choose your package together.

2. Mobile Phone Insurance Covers

Phone insurance covers fall under five headings. Which covers are in your policy, and how many times you can use them, depend on the package and the insurer.

What is accidental damage cover?

If your phone is physically damaged in an accident not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, it pays the repair cost. Many policies apply no excess to these repairs, meaning the insurer pays the full cost. The number of repairs is usually limited; for example, some policies allow 2 repairs a year.

Are liquid and electrical damage covered?

Yes. If your phone breaks because of an electrical problem such as a power surge or short circuit, electrical damage cover applies; if it is damaged by contact with liquid such as sea water, a pool, humidity or damp, liquid damage cover applies. These count as accidental damage and are covered with the same claim allowance and limits. This matters especially in a place like Alanya, where people spend a lot of time by the sea and pool.

What is cracked screen cover?

If the screen cracks in an accident, or loses its display or touch function, it pays for repairing or replacing the screen. It can usually be used twice during the policy term, mostly with no excess. Screen cover can be part of a wider policy or bought on its own as a screen protection package. Some screen packages also offer a cash payment of a certain share of the screen’s value (for example up to 70%) if you do not want a repair or replacement and the insurer agrees.

Does mobile phone insurance cover theft?

Theft cover applies if your phone is stolen by force from your home, workplace or locked car. In that case, a set share of the sum insured (for example 30%) is usually taken from you as the excess, and you are given a phone of the same make and model; if that model is not available, a new device worth the sum insured is provided. If you prefer cash instead of a new phone and the insurer agrees, part of the sum insured (for example 50%) can be paid in cash.

What is extended warranty cover?

After the legal warranty from the manufacturer and importer ends, it covers labour and mechanical faults caused by manufacturing defects. In other words, the official warranty terms are extended for the period written in the policy. Some packages also include a one-time replacement of a faulty battery during the policy term. The extended warranty starts on the day the legal warranty ends, so it can only be bought for phones whose warranty has not yet expired.

3. Mobile Phone Insurance Packages

Insurers usually offer phone insurance as packages with different scopes. Which suits you depends on your phone’s value and age, and what worries you most.

Which package should you choose?

• If you have a new and expensive phone, the full protection package gives the widest cover.
• If your biggest worry is a cracked screen, the screen protection package is a cheaper solution.
• If your warranty is about to end, buy the extended warranty package before it does.
• When comparing quotes, look at the number of claims allowed, excess rates and cash payment options; we put these side by side for you.

4. What Does Mobile Phone Insurance Not Cover?

The most misunderstood parts of phone insurance are losing the phone and theft in public places.

Which situations are not covered?

• Losing the phone or leaving it somewhere
• Theft in open, public places such as buses, shared taxis, cafés, parks, shopping centres or concert venues
• Theft without signs of forced entry
• Extended warranty for phones whose warranty has already expired
• Damage beyond the claim allowance or limit in the policy

Since cover can differ between insurers, we check the exclusions together before you buy.

What should you do if your phone is damaged?

• Report the damage to the insurer or to us without delay.
• In case of theft, report it to the police at once and get a report; block your SIM and accounts.
• Take the phone to the authorised service the insurer directs you to; do not open it yourself or have it repaired elsewhere.

5. Frequently Asked Questions About Mobile Phone Insurance