Claiming damaged phone through Direct Line Home Insurance

KentishMaid

Hello,
My Samsung Galaxy S3 took a tumble down the toilet and, although, it worked fine after three days in a bag of rice in the airing cupboard, a week later an annoying vertical line intermittently appeared on the screen so I took it into Vodafone. They sent if off and today it came back, predictably with "water damage" and "beyond economical repair".
I was not insured with Vodafone, so thought I'd try claiming on my Home Insurance through Direct Line. They agreed to allow the claim.
I am now awaiting a call from Direct Validation Services.
Has anyone had any similar experiences with this company as I'm confused what will happen next.
Will I get a replacement phone immediately, or will they take it away to repair it? (I was told to have the £200 excess ready).
Also, if they do issue a replacement phone, do I get to keep the damaged phone (and hopefully flog it for spare parts on ebay to cover towards the excess)?
Any pointers would be appreciated.
Thanks

techspec

How much are these phones - £200 excess and home insurance doubled for 3-5 years - they must be expensive.

Think they give vouchers out for a new one.

bouncydog1

And salvage belongs to the insurers so they can get what they can to reduce what they have paid out. I wouldn't bother claiming for a phone tbh - that's why I have a basic payg that does the job of making/receiving calls and when it dies I buy another. No worries either if t falls down the toilet.

System

When I see threads about people dropping phones down the toilet my first thought is "Why are they playing with their phone when they are in a bathroom/toilet?"

Come on folks you don't need to have your phone in your hand for all your waking hours

KentishMaid

...erm, it was in the back pocket of my jeans.....

olly300

KentishMaid wrote: »

...erm, it was in the back pocket of my jeans.....

Which is also a great place for you to sit on it or have it stolen when your out and about in public.

BTW a new phone is under £400 so you would probably be better of paying for it yourself.

techspec

I look forward to reading your post this time next year - my insurance as doubled - what can i do.

Just hope you don't need to make a claim for damage to your house in the meantime - you may even struggle to get insurance then. Is it worth it for a phone you were daft enough to drop in the toilet.