Mobile Insurance article discussion/feedback thread

scout1984

Ali123 wrote: »

Hey
Just had an unfortunate wake up call from CUSC Foneguard. Had my phone stolen whilst at school (i'm a teacher), but they will not pay up or replace the phone because there was no violence used during the theft. This clause is well hidden in the T&C's. Hagve put an appeal in against the decision but don'y hold out much hope!

I'm a teacher and so this post worried me slightly.... doesn't Martin say that both CUSC and TalkCover both cover you for unattended theft?! Is this not the case?
Thanks

robinr

I have a Graduate Additions account from Barclays that provides free mobile insurance, which is a useful alternative. Presumably there are other packages that have a similar deal.

I know that these packages are normally bad value (£14-odd a month extra) but it gives me a larger interest free overdraft so pays for itself in reduced interest costs. Sadly I can't move my overdraft to a better deal because it's too big

Do note though that you have to register your mobile in advance. Also they exclude "theft or loss of the phone and accessories where they have been left accidentally or deliberately in a public place or place to which others have access" which appears to exclude the phone being lost except in a tiny number of circumstances.

Presumably though you just need to be careful to ensure that you don't lose your phone and, if it does go missing, that you only have it stolen from your coat pocket while you were wearing it.

statla

I took out mobile phone insurance with CUSC and paid for the whole 12months up front. I recently had the unfortunate experience of being pickpocketed and phone stolen from my handbag, whilst I was carrying it.
CUSC declined my claim as people have mentioned before, the phone was not taken by actual or threatened force. Pickpocketers don't need to use force in order to steal from you. Companies like CUSC offer cheap insurance because they have so many clauses and don't offer a fair policy. I should have stuck with orange. For the sake of saving £30 a year, I am now worse off.

If you're looking for fair and decent cover, make sure you read the T&C's and how much excess they charge. CUSC would've also charged me £50 excess for a 3G replacement, so really I should've just stayed with orange. This has been a learning experience and if there's any advice I can give, don't go with CUSC! They're quick to take money, but when it come's to paying out, they'll find a way to get out. My friend lost her phone and they still didn't pay out!

snailrider

Unattended cover means - from a car if it is broken into. I was pickpocketed whilst on a busy train and this was not covered. In the small print (which they don't send out with the policy document) there is a clause: theft, loss or damage to telephone is not covered any place. property, premise or any form of public transport unless by threatend or actual force. So I don't really understand how loss is ever covered. I should have read the small print better but the website is still misleading. I agree pay a bit more stick with the phone provider insurance. Unless you are mugged this doesn't cover you for anything. Grrrrrr

ikx

Talkcover are CON ARTISTS - please avoid. I had my phone stolen and despite the fact that my case was clearly covered within the terms and conditions, they refused to pay out (they claimed that I had not taken "reasonable precautions" to safeguard my iPhone despite the fact that they themselves agreed that I had properly attended my items)
You think you are covered, but BE ASSURED that when you lose your phone, have it damaged or stolen, YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN and shall have to take them to court - as I am.

ikx

I took out an insurance policy with Supercover Insurance (trading as "Talkcover") for my brand new iPhone 3G.
http://www.talkcover.co.uk/apple/iphone3g/insurance.asp

Tragically(!) it was stolen. Typical. Good thing I was covered, right..? WRONG. Despite the fact that my case is explicitly covered within the terms and conditions, they have refused to pay out, rejecting the claim on the grounds that I did not take "reasonable precautions" for the item's safety. This is a blatant falsehood. THEY WILL DO ANYTHING TO AVOID PAYING OUT and started inventing spurious "reasons" unsupported by the facts.
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1242007

What should I do next? Can I sue them? I certainly have had to shell out for a new phone in the interim at a cost of £360. Can I get them for lost productivity or loss of earnings? AVOID THIS COMPANY - YOU TAKE OUT A POLICY WITH THEM AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Thanks.

alisont

Im a bit confused over this phone insurance Ive just got a new phone a Sony Erricson C905 from CPW and their insurance is £8.99 a month:eek: Ive never had phone insurance and have never lost a phone, but I do work In a College. I did take CPW Geek Squad insurance out when I brought the phone - not the best idea I realise but I did read the booklet and you can cancel within 14 days which is what Im doing then finding cheaper insurance.

I have never had anything more expensive than a SE walkman phone before and have never list a phone or had one stolen.

Im undecided about the insurance due to the price but think Il have to get some as cant risk losing this expensive phone when Its a £30 pm contract for 18 months.

Id say my biggest risk is getting it stolen at work - but would it be insured with the 2 policies mentioned on here?

Il have a good read of the small print but Its so hard trying to decide what to do for the best!

Nataliejane

Hiya,

I'm in the same boat as alisont - I've never had mobile insurance before and have just taken out a 2 year contract on a Blackberry. Phones4U charge £9.99 per month for insurance - I've taken it out with the intention to cancel it once I've found a better deal but after reading this thread I'm wondering if there are any companies who will offer decent cover??

I only have 14 days to make my mind up too so am hoping someone on here knows of someone!!

Meant to say "Hi" to everyone BTW as I've been a follower of this site for ages but have never posted!!

claire6hy

if you call up the phones4u insurance and say you wanna cancel as you get it for £4.99 from the bank, they will match this!!

alisont

Ive cancelled my CPW geeksquad insurance as the 14 days were up - whoever I spoke to said he didnt blame me!!!

So no insurance now - Im in 2 minds over it as never lost/had one nicked in over 10 years but equally not had a top end phone before.

Il be so upset if I lose it but the idea of £8.99 a month with £50 excess as 3g does not appeal. If Im unlucky I guess Id have to buy a cheaper handset as replacement:rolleyes:

If I find a good deal Id go for it but working in a college I just dont know if Id be covered as a couple of teachers have said they have had problems claiming.