If you’ve ever been the victim of a theft, you know how frustrating it can be when your phone is gone and you can’t access your personal information or photos. In some cases, insurance may cover the cost of a new phone, but what if your phone was stolen?
What is Coverage for Stolen Phone?
Insurance coverage for stolen phone can vary from company to company, but typically, most policies will cover the cost of a new phone or the cost of a replacement phone if your old one is no longer usable. Some companies may also offer reimbursement for expenses like data usage and lost productivity while your phone is out of commission.
What are the Limits of Insurance Coverage?
If you have property stolen, your insurance may not cover the full cost of replacing that property. The limits of coverage vary by insurance company, but generally a policy will only cover what is termed “physical damage.” This means that the insurance company won’t pay for things like the loss of data or sentimental value.
Generally, the maximum amount an insurer will pay out for a stolen phone is $500. If your phone has a valuable data storage or application such as an iPhone with Siri or Maps installed, the insurer may offer a higher limit. If your phone is worth more than $500, you’ll likely be responsible for paying the full cost out yourself.
If you’re interested in filing a claim, it’s important to know your policy’s limits and to speak to an insurance representative about what would be covered in a particular case.
How to File a Claim for a Stolen Phone
If you’ve lost your phone, whether it was stolen or misplaced, there are steps you can take to file a claim. The first step is to determine if your insurance policy covers theft. If it does, follow the instructions your insurer provides. If not, you’ll need to find a full replacement cost for your phone and deal with the insurance company directly.
Conclusion
Depending on the insurance company, stolen phone coverage may or may not be available. Each policy has its own specific exclusions and limitations, so it is important to contact your insurer before you file a claim in order to determine what is covered and what is not. In general, though, most insurance companies will cover theft of electronics (phones included) if the device has been registered with the carrier and was useable at the time of theft.
