The day can’t get any better when your new smartphone arrives. It also means that from then on, there is a risk that something will happen to the smartphone. No one hopes this will happen, but a lot can happen during the 24-month period. Fortunately, one way to cover this risk is with insurance. This allows you to use the phone with peace of mind. In the event of damage, loss, or theft, the insurer will ensure that the device is repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
Insurance by providers
When taking out a subscription with a device, you can often opt for additional AT&T telephone insurance. These insurances are offered by the providers. A monthly amount is paid for the insurance. There is a deductible in case something happens. How high the deductible is differed per provider and often also per type of telephone.
Third-party insurance
It is not mandatory to take out insurance for the smartphone at the same time as the subscription. Taking out insurance can be done without the provider. In many cases, this option is even cheaper or with better conditions. If you’re not happy with what the provider’s insurance has to offer, these third-party insurance policies are a good option. The conditions and coverage differ per insurer, so it pays to compare. In general, third-party insurance covers all damage to the device that is not covered by the warranty. This also means damage by water and drops, mechanical problems, but also theft and loss can be insured.
Home insurance
If you already have home contents insurance, view the conditions. It is possible that electronic devices in the house are insured. If this is not yet the case, it is possible to extend the home contents insurance with cover for electronic products. This is often considerably cheaper than taking out smartphone insurance. There are home insurance policies that also insure loss or theft of the smartphone if the smartphone is not in the house.
WHAT TO DO IF THE PHONE IS STOLEN?
If your mobile phone is stolen, report the theft as soon as possible. Insurers often have the condition that the police must be informed about the theft within 48 hours. The insurer must also be informed as soon as possible. Locate the smartphone if an app is installed that allows this. Most modern smartphones can be quickly traced by means of an app. If the smartphone is located, contact the police. With the tracking app, it is often also possible to remotely wipe the phone. This prevents unauthorized access to the data on the smartphone. This is important as smartphones hold more information than an average wallet.
How can you improve smartphone security?
- Do not leave the smartphone unattended in public
- Do not put the smartphone in front of others
- Do not store passwords on the smartphone
- Activate the PIN or password on the smartphone
- Use the fingerprint scanner if it is present
- Don’t use mobile banking over free Wi-Fi
- Update the operating system and apps regularly
DO I NEED TELEPHONE INSURANCE?
The phone you get with a plan may be free, but that doesn’t mean it has no value. After all, the price of the phone is included in the subscription. If the phone is stolen or lost, it can cost hundreds of euros to buy the same phone separately. If you do not have this amount ready but still want to have a new telephone, telephone insurance is a solution. Phone insurance covers the risk of the cost of a new phone.
What will happen in the future?
The problem with taking out phone insurance is that you don’t know what will happen in the future. Nobody knows. If the phone breaks or is stolen in the first months of insurance, you’ll be glad you have insurance. If two years of phone insurance have passed and nothing has happened, then it has been a waste of money. This is the consideration that is made when taking out telephone insurance. Is it necessary? Some people like to have the peace of mind that if something happens to the phone, it is insured. Others prefer to save money for phone insurance and hope that nothing happens to the device.
What does it cost?
It is wise to look at what the telephone insurance costs exactly, not just per month, but over the entire term. Coverage and terms are just as important. There are different insurers, all with their own conditions. The coverage is often not the same. The following are generally covered by telephone insurance:
- Accident damage such as broken displays and water damage
- Loss
- Theft or burglary
- Mechanical issues not covered by warranty