Owning a smartphone opens up a world of entertainment, interaction and increased productivity possibilities. Let’s face it, could we even get through 24 hours without them? #ServerDown always trends on Twitter the minute people realise Whatsapp, Facebook and Instagram have been down for 30 seconds… how ever did we survive before?
As smartphones do provide us with limitless joy and we have become so reliant on them, it’s a major inconvenience if something goes wrong and we have to claim on our insurance.
Our insurance data experts here at SO-SURE took a deep dive into the most common causes of mobile insurance claims in 2022, so you can be better informed about the risks out there. And, here they are:
Accidental damage
Now, accidents happen, it’s life. Which is why a whopping 75% of people claim for accidental damage to our mobile phone devices every year, making it the most common reason to claim. Let’s take a closer look at the circumstances.
83% Dropped phones
Coming in at the top spot we have dropped phones. Whether it be an accidental fumble, getting up and forgetting it’s on your lap, or it falling out of your bag, there are countless scenarios in which a phone can go hurtling towards the ground. And when you try your best to save it, it’s almost like it’s happening in slow motion… You can give your phone a fighting chance of surviving falls with protective phone cases such as Mous or Otterbox’s Defender series.
12% Impact with another object
Similarly, 12% of claimants have claimed for damage to a mobile phone due to being impacted by another object. This could be anything from dropping it on a kitchen counter or on another device such as a laptop, the impact occurs and the damage has been done. Nightmare.
5% Liquid damage
Living in the UK, liquid damage could just as easily occur from heavy rain as it could from an accidental spill of a glass of pinot on a Friday night. Whatever the liquid, rushing to the kitchen in order to fill a container with rice to save it doesn’t always suffice. Unless you have a waterproof model such as the iPhone 13 Pro Max or the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, then you don’t need the rice.
1% Malicious damage
We are pleased to say that this one is rare but unfortunately, there are also cases where criminals get their hands on other people’s phones and cause damage, making this another reason to claim.
| Damage types by claim – what bits are at risk?! | |
| Screen damage | 81% |
| Casing damage | 33% |
| Camera damage | 23% |
| Other damage | 20% |
| Speaker damage | 8% |
| Charge port damage | 7% |
| Microphone damage | 6% |
Loss
Many of you would have experienced the mini heart attack of patting yourself down or searching your bag before realising that your phone isn’t there. Not only is it not on you but you know you definitely haven’t left it at home or at work and it should be here. 19% of us have claimed for a mobile that’s gone missing.
Theft
Now for the horrible bit, theft. Unfortunately, smartphones are an attractive prospect to criminals due to their high value, with an estimated 183 smartphones stolen in the UK every day. This is why 5% of claims are due to theft. Let’s investigate:
87% are taken from a person
Unfortunately in the UK, especially in the inner cities where it is busier, criminals often take advantage of the number of people travelling with mobile phones on their person. In congested places such as tubes or buses in rush hour or nightclubs, pickpockets seize the opportunity to steal handsets from unsuspecting victims, making this the most common claim scenario. Keeping your phone in a bag with the opening pressed against you or in a zipped/inside pocket can lower the risk of a pickpocket getting their hands on your device.
9% are taken from property
Mobile phones taken from properties is less common but sadly, it does still happen with 9% of claims being attributed to this. You can minimise the chance of falling victim to this crime by keeping your phone out of sight, away from places like windows and letter boxes.
4% are taken from a vehicle
Although the smallest percentage, mobile phones visibly left in cars is another situation that attracts criminals, with many often looking into cars as they walk down the street for opportunities. Always remember to take your phone with you when you leave your vehicle, it’s not worth the risk.
Breakdown
A small percentage of claims are made due to the phone breaking down with 1% of us claiming for that. Although we love our phones, no handset lasts forever…unlike many insurers we cover older phones up to 3 years old and refurbed phones too.
With our award-winning insurance, you will get a super-fast repair or replacement when you need to claim. Rest assured, you can be SO-SURE that we’ve got your mobile phone covered.
Did you know we give cashback to our careful customers?
At SO-SURE, community = cashback rewards. Think of it as a piggy bank for careful customers. The more friends and family you connect with, the more money goes into the piggy bank. And then, if no one needs it, you all get it back. You can learn more about our Reward Pot here.