A shocking 76% of Brits are currently walking around with unprotected phones¹. Even for the 24% who are covered by mobile phone insurance, many could be breaching T&Cs on a regular basis, putting themselves at risk of not being able to claim when they need to.

A leading mobile phone insurance brand, Insurance2go , reveals 10 ways Brits could be invalidating their claims without even knowing it:

Going on strikes or participating in riots 

Recently, millions around the globe have taken part in protests. While you might be taking steps to ensure you’re not being tracked by the police, you might also want to make sure your insurance will cover you in the event of an accident at a protest.

Loss, destruction or damage contributed to or arising from riots, strikes, civil commotion or any act of terrorism can void your claim.

Letting someone else use your phone

Be careful who you let use your mobile phone. Any damage or loss of the device caused by someone outside your immediate family, even with your permission² will mean you might not be covered by your provider.

Delays in reporting your phone missing or stolen

 If your phone has been stolen in the UK or abroad, you must report your phone as being stolen to the police. You can do this online or at a local police station. Some insurers will also require the crime reference number in order to process the claim.

 If you don’t complete this step, it’s likely your claim will be declined. Delays in reporting your loss, to both the police and your insurer, can sometimes mean that you’re not covered. Check with your provider or review the terms of your insurance policy to understand what will be required of you if this happens.

You’re under 16 years old 

Generally, you must be 18 years or older to purchase and claim on mobile phone insurance. With Insurance2go, if your child permanently resides with you and you purchased the device, you can make a claim so long as all other terms and conditions have been complied with. You will also be asked to provide proof of purchase if you need to make a claim⁴. Other providers may have different requirements so be sure to check the age constraints when you first sign up to a new policy.

Jailbreaking or rooting your phone

Jailbreaking is the process by which Apple users can remove software restrictions imposed on iOS and Apple products. Jailbreaking allows root access to iOS and lets users install applications, extensions, and other software applications that are not authorised by Apple’s App Store. Rooting refers to the same process on Android smartphones⁵.

Jailbreaking/rooting could invalidate your insurance as it allows hackers to remotely plant malware onto a user’s device. Make sure you declare that your phone has been subject to jailbreaking or rooting when signing up for insurance. Not doing so could lead to the insurer not honouring your policy due to fraudulent activity.

You cannot provide proof of usage 

For some insurers, you won’t be able to claim for theft or loss, if you cannot prove the device has been used. Proof of usage is evidence that the device has been in use since the inception of the policy, which can be obtained from your network provider. If this cannot be provided or evidenced, your claim may be declined. Proof of usage must show the IMEI (your device serial number) for the device you have taken the policy out on⁶.

If your device is stolen and you haven’t taken reasonable precautions 

If you leave your device in your car in plain sight, then you risk invalidating your claim. If your phone is stolen, insurance providers may check that your device was out of view, the vehicle’s windows and doors were closed and locked, and that all security systems were activated⁶.

In the event of the theft of your device from a vehicle, some insurers will require sight of a repair invoice in relation to any damage caused to the vehicle, which must be supplied with your claim.

This also extends to when you’re out and about. If you leave your phone unattended in a restaurant and discover it has been stolen, insurers will most likely not pay out as the theft took place as a result of your own carelessness.

Any unauthorised repairs 

Most of the time, repairs carried out by third party centres that are not authorised can prevent you from being able to claim against your insurance cover. If you have insurance for your handset and need a repair, be sure to get authorisation from your insurer before taking matters into your own hands.

Making too many claims 

Insurers can reject your claim if you have made so many in a certain period of time. This is often the case when taking out insurance directly with network providers. For example, Three will not cover you if you have made three claims within a 12-month period.

For new policies, it’s always worth comparing different providers before buying directly from a network, as they are often more expensive and are more likely to limit the number of claims which can be made on the policy.

Not paying your premium

It may seem obvious, but if you have not paid the insurance premium or you miss the set payment date, then your insurer cannot go ahead with any claims you make. If you are unsure, please check with your insurance provider.

Provided your insurer hasn’t cancelled your policy for non-payment, they can process your claim if you settle the outstanding amount, which can mount up if you haven’t paid in a while.

Commenting on the findings, Richard Gray, Head of Digital Marketing says: “Having a smartphone is the norm for many, but so many leave them unprotected, either willingly by not taking out a policy or simply by inadvertently invalidating their claim.

“It’s really important to thoroughly read and understand the terms and conditions of your mobile phone insurance policy. You should fully understand what is required of you if your phone is stolen and what everyday activities could mean your claim is invalid”.

“We hope sharing these tips can help make sure mobile phone owners don’t get caught out by a simple mistake.”

For more information on how mobile phone insurance works, please visit: https://www.Insurance2go .co.uk/help-support/insurance-guides/how-does-phone-insurance-work