What happens to a mobile phone contract when you die?

mickflynn39

Surely he can't just get himself (or some unscrupulous family member) an iphone and then die within a few weeks of taking out the contract and then the phone company just has to let the family keep the phone for free? If that is the state of affairs then it is ridiculous.

Quentin

If it makes you feel better you can return it after the funeral!

Herongull

mickflynn39 wrote: »

He's not trying to scam a phone. He genuinely believes he will live for years (he won't). I am trying to build the case for him not taking on a new contract. So far there doesn't seem to be any reason why he can't. It's just plain wrong that he gets a new phone and hasn't 'paid' for it. Surely the phone companies aren't stupid enough to let his family keep the phone at no charge? If I were running a phone company I would have a clause stating that there would be a charge due on the phone unless it was returned.

I can't see any reason why he should not take on a new contract if he wishes, particularly if he does not believe he is dying.

It is up to him to decide whether or not he wants one.

As long as he pays the bills when they are due while he is alive, the contract will naturally end when he dies with nothing more to pay by the estate.

Usually with phone contracts, the phone becomes his property on day 1 - check the T&Cs.

If this is the case, when he dies, the phone becomes part of his estate.

mickflynn39

Thanks everyone. I'll let him know.

diamonds

He's a dying man, if he wants to blow his life savings on a Ferrari let him, just let him.

d123

Quentin wrote: »

No. Debts don't die when you die.

But contracts do, which is more relevant to this thread.

Thank you Mr Pedant, next time please don't quote only a portion of my comment to change its basic meaning.

the debt dies with the debtor unless it is covered by adequate funds being realised from the estate.

If there is no estate to cover outstanding debts the debt becomes unenforceable and essentially no longer exists and would be written off by the creditor.

I forgot about the pedantic fanatics that prowl the Internet and will try and avoid brevity in future.

Quentin

d123 wrote: »

Thank you Mr Pedant......

Debts never die!

But this thread is asking about a contract (not a debt) when someone dies.

You are the one that introduced "debt" into the thread, so why get upset when your confusing post is corrected?