Planet Technology

Ever thought of buying insurance for your mobile? You might not think it's worth it, but it can be. After all, over 1.3 million mobile phones have been stolen in the UK, more than 1.6 million lost, and many more damaged.

All told, more than a million phones met their end from being dropped in the toilet, having a drink spilled on them, or left in a pocket and run through the wash. That's why having good insurance cover on your phone is a smart idea.

Those with high end mobiles that would cost a lot to replace are the best candidates for mobile phone insurance. If you have a relatively cheap phone, you're probably better off replacing it out of pocket. However, if yours is an expensive model filled with all the latest features, insurance could be a lifesaver.

Parents may also consider taking out a policy - the majority of stolen phones belong to teenagers, who tend to favour trendy, top of the line mobiles. Over ten thousand phones are stolen every month in the UK.

However, buying your mobile phone insurance can be tricky. You want to make sure you have enough cover for any circumstances, but you don't want to pay over the odds. The recent increase in theft of mobiles and other gadgets make it important to find affordable, high quality mobile phone insurance.

When buying a policy, there are a few things you should look for. Check the details of the cover, and try to find out what exactly your policy will cover before you pay. Find out if and under what circumstances your phone will be replaced, and how long it will take. In many cases, replacement by an insurer will take longer than having the same phone replaced by your network. It's good to know how long you'll be without a phone.

Some insurers will simply reimburse you for the amount of your phone. Find out how much you're likely to get - it could be the current market rate for your phone, or it could be the cost to have your network replace the phone. If it's the market rate, find out how the rate is calculated - is it according to the value of the phone used, or the market rate new.

Find out if you'll have to pay an excess on the reclaim, too. Most networks require an excess of fifteen to twenty-five pounds, but independent insurers may ask for more. Another place you might look for cover is fraudulent calls. While most insurers don't offer this, some do - insuring against these will allow you to be reimbursed if someone steals your phone and makes calls from it.

For those with mobile phones which will be expensive and difficult to replace, insurance is an excellent option. It allows you to feel secure, knowing you'll be covered