The mobile insurance is probably one of the strangest insurance polices. Twenty years ago mobile phones were expensive but today it is a different story. New models are appearing every year, with the technology which can only be matched by PCs, laptops and iPads. Yet the price tag of the decent mobile phone handset seldom exceeds $300. The question is - do I need the mobile insurance?
Most major mobile network providers include the mobile insurance in their contract plan. Others, offer the mobile insurance as an additional option. Vodaphone, Optus, Telstra and Three are major Australian mobile network providers, which also offer mobile insurances. However, if you have a very expensive and rare handset you may opt for specialised mobile insurance policy. Companies such as PhoneInsure deliver extra options, which main stream operators do not.
Vodafone mobile insurance covers:
Optus mobile insurance has two plans:
The first option costs $8.95 and the latter $13.95 per month. Both mobile insurances offer:
The Telstra mobile insurance, same as Optus, offers 2 plans. These are slightly more expensive than the Optus insurance polices. The Basic Cover costs $9.99. The Smart Cover sells for $14.95 The Basic Cover is for standard phones. The Smart Cover is for the iPhones and Android devices. As with Optus and Vodafone, the Telstra mobile insurance also covers for theft, damage and the accidental loss. Some options are even more extended. For example, annual handset health checks are done once for the Basic and twice for the Smart Cover.
If you decide to purchase the mobile insurance then read the contract carefully. For example, if you leave your phone accidently on the desk and forgot to take it, most insurers will not cover for this loss. There are also clauses to the accidental damages. What's more, some insurers may insists on protective phone covers (which is really nasty, because this leads to additional expenses).