Insurance for mobiles and tablets
Do you own a phone, smartphone or tablet? Did you know that there are mobile phone insurances that can protect you against accidental damage, screen breakage, theft or even loss?
Is it possible to insure used devices?
Yes, you can take out insurance for mobiles and tablets even if they are not brand new. However, not all insurers allow this option. Many people choose not to insure their device at the time of purchase to avoid additional expense, but by the time an incident occurs, it is too late. At that point, many shops and operators no longer offer the possibility of taking out insurance.
What does insurance cover for mobiles and tablets?
Electronic devices, such as phones and tablets, represent a considerable investment. While some home insurance policies may cover theft inside the home and even on the street under certain conditions, they do not usually cover accidental damage such as falls, spills or breakdowns. For that, there are specific insurances that offer a more complete protection against situations such as:
- Falls or blows.
- Damage from liquids or electrical surges.
- Theft or loss (depending on conditions).
Is it worth taking out mobile phone insurance?
The high rate of theft and damage to mobile devices justifies taking out insurance, especially if you are looking to protect an important investment. Although the premium may be higher if comprehensive coverage is desired, it is still a recommendable option against the risk of being left without a device and without the possibility of repair or replacement.
Some home insurance policies include some coverage for mobile phones, but these are often limited and do not cover cases such as theft or accidental loss. This is why taking out a specific insurance policy may be the only way to obtain comprehensive protection.
When is the best time to hire?
It is most common to insure the device at the time of purchase, especially if it is purchased through a phone operator. Some insurances can only be taken out within the first few days of purchase. However, there are also products that allow the device to be insured weeks or even months later, especially in the case of unlocked or non-brokered phones.
Options available depending on the operator
Orange mobile insurance
This insurance is brokered by Plus Ultra and AIG Europe. It can only be taken out within 30 days of purchase. It includes an excess for replacements, and breakdowns are covered at no additional cost. Full details can be found in their general conditions.
Vodafone mobile insurance
Vodafone offers several types of insurance, all managed by ACE European Group. In most cases, insurance must be taken out at the time of purchase of the device.
Movistar mobile insurance
Movistar allows the insurance to be taken out on the same day of purchase or during the first 15 days. Coverage is limited to one claim per warranty per year.
Phone House mobile phone insurance
Phone House offers two levels of cover: Geek Squad Essential and Geek Squad Total. Both products are backed by the insurance company Aviva. They allow you to insure your device with different coverage depending on the plan chosen.
What if I can no longer insure it with my operator?
This is not a problem. There are insurers that allow insurance even if the device is several months old or was not insured at the time of purchase. Some products on the market allow you to insure handsets that are less than 12 months old.
Key aspects when taking out mobile phone insurance
Before you decide, consider these essential factors:
- Number of claims covered per yearSome insurances cover one, others several or one for each type of damage.
- FranchisesMost include an excess which may vary according to the coverage.
- Start of coverageif the device is not new, a grace period may apply.
- Replacement or compensationThe usual situation is that a similar device in terms of features and age is offered, not financial compensation.
- AccessoriesAccessories are generally not covered.
- International coverageIf you are travelling, check whether the insurance is valid outside the country.
- Various devicesSome policies allow more than one terminal to be included, although this is not the most common.
