Dropping your phone is, unfortunately, something that happens all too often. But what do you do next? Put some sticky tape on the cracked screen to prevent it from cracking any further or do you have it repaired? And if you do have it repaired, will you have to pay for it out of your own pocket? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about insurance for damage to your smartphone.
Your smartphone is covered as standard in your home if it is stolen in a burglary, for example. However, your phone is not covered if you accidentally drop it or knock it against something, regardless of whether you have basic or all-risks cover. But you can take out additional cover for mobile devices, which is additional all-risks cover. Your smartphone will then be insured both at home and elsewhere when you accidentally drop it or knock it against something.
Getting your smartphone insured is easy. The additional cover for mobile devices makes it simple. Your mobile phone, tablet, laptop and smartwatch are insured against falls, impact or theft in the Netherlands, both within and outside your home. Up to €7,500 per event. Cover is subject to an excess of €100 per claim for damage under all-risks insurance, such as falls or impact. The payout will be capped to the value of your smartphone at that time. See the depreciation list for the average service life and annual depreciation rate of various products.
If you want your mobile devices to be covered while travelling abroad as well, take a look at our travel insurance range.
If you have taken out additional cover for mobile devices, this additional cover is subject to an excess of €100 when claiming for damage covered by the all-risks insurance, such as falls or impact. Dropped your phone and cracked your screen? If you have the screen replaced and it costs €80, this will come under the excess and you will not be reimbursed. If the repair costs €200, you will get €100 reimbursed.
If you drop your smartphone and do not have mobile device cover, the damage is not covered by your personal liability insurance. With personal liability insurance, you are insured against any loss or damage to others and their possessions that you are legally liable for. There are situations where you are not covered, such as when you cause the loss or damage on purpose, or when you damage the possessions of someone who lives at the same address as you.
First check the points listed above, including whether it would make sense to claim given the excess. If you have checked everything and want to submit a claim, you can do that easily online. Do not dispose of your damaged smartphone before you have received confirmation from your insurer about your claim. In some cases, the insurer may want to have an expert inspect the phone to assess the damage properly. Or the insurer may grant your claim by having the phone repaired by their own repair shop.
If your smartphone has been stolen, you must also report this to the police and enclose a copy of the official police report with your claim.
