It’s a sad but true fact of life that every day thousands of mobile phones are stolen or damaged. The cost of replacing your phone may be several hundred pounds which can be a nasty sting unless you’re protected. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Lloyd’s of London underwriters to provide you with an insurance package that covers all the nasties from theft to damage, at a price that’s affordable and realistic.

When Bad Things Happen:
Here are a few of the reasons why mobile phone insurance makes sense:

The Facts of Theft
• Theft of mobile phones in the UK rose by 40% in 2005 and is still rising.
• The chances of a stolen mobile phone being returned to its owner are less than 1%.
• The average value of a new handset is £325.
• A brand new handset is more likely to be stolen.
-Stolen phones may be used to make premium rate and international calls which can cost in excess of £3.00 per minute.
• Household policies tend to have larger excesses of £100 or more and often take many weeks or longer to process claims.

Damage Facts
• Repairs to the latest high resolution and touch screens can cost in excess of £200.
• Nearly all mobile phones damaged by liquid cannot be repaired and are not covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
• If the main board in the phone is damaged the phone cannot be repaired.

The Good News:

Repairs and replacement
In the event that your phone is stolen you will receive a new replacement phone of the nearest available specification.
If your phone is damaged or breaks down and is beyond economic repair you will receive a new phone of the nearest available specification.

Misuse of airtime
If your phone is stolen and the thief uses it before disconnection the insurers will cover the cost of the unauthorised calls made up to £250 providing you notify us of the theft within 24 hours.

Extended warranty
If your phone breaks down after the manufacturer’s warranty the insurance will also cover you for the cost of repair including parts.
The cost of repairing your phone could easily be in excess of £100 and due to the way mobile phones are manufactured it is not always cost effective to repair it either.

International Cover
Your phone will automatically be covered for worldwide trips of up to 90 days at no additional cost.

Repairs and replacement
In the event that your phone is stolen you will receive a new replacement phone of the nearest available specification.
If your phone is damaged or breaks down and is beyond economic repair you will receive a new phone of the nearest available specification

Schedule of Insurance
Please contact the Administrator on the number shown overleaf if you have not received your Schedule of Insurance within 14 days of applying for cover.

Mobile phone insurance policy summary

The information shown here is only a summary of what is covered. It does not form part of the contract between you and us. Please read your policy for full details of all terms and conditions and the excesses that apply to you. This policy is underwritten by certain underwriters at Lloyd’s of London and will run for a minimum of twelve months. It is administered by Warranty & Creditor Services. It is a mobile phone insurance policy and covers theft, damage to the mobile phone and misuse of airtime.

Theft and damage
• If the phone is stolen, then a replacement of the nearest available specification will be provided.
• If the phone is damaged or breaks down after the manufacturer’s warranty expires then you are covered for the cost of repair including parts.
• If the phone is damaged or breaks down after the manufacturer’s warranty and is beyond economic repair then you will receive a phone of the nearest available specification.
• There is an excess of £25 for all claims (exclusion 5).
• The policy does not cover the cost of repair or replacement of SIM cards, car kits, batteries, chargers, aerials or accessories (exclusion 8).
• The policy does not cover some instances of theft where the phone has not been properly secured (exclusions 2 and 3).

Misuse of airtime
• If the phone is stolen and is then used before disconnection, the policy covers all unauthorised calls made on the phone up to a value of £250.
• The policy does not cover the cost of any unauthorised calls if the theft is not notified to your airtime provider as soon as theft becomes apparent.

Duration
• The policy lasts indefinitely. If you make a claim you must keep the policy in force for at least 12 months.
• If the policy is cancelled within the first twelve months and a claim has been paid, all unpaid premiums for the first twelve months will become due immediately (condition 1).
• If the policy lasts for more than one year, it may be necessary for you to review and update your cover periodically, so that it remains adequate for your needs.

Making a claim
• To make a claim please phone us on (01256) 471387 or go to www.wcsinsurance.eu
• For theft claims you will need to provide a completed claim form, a crime reference and evidence of any forced entry (where appropriate). For misuse of airtime claims you will need to send your original airtime bill showing the calls that were made following theft.
• For damage claims you will need to send your handset to our authorised repairer. We will reimburse the cost of postage by Royal Mail Special Delivery.

Cancellation
• You will have the right to cancel this policy within 14 days of start of the cover by providing written notice to the Administrator at the address shown below. If you do not exercise your right to cancel this policy will continue in force indefinitely until termination by you or the Underwriters.

Dispute
• In the event of dispute write to the Customer Service Manager at Warranty & Creditor Services, 6 Faraday Office Park, Faraday Road, Basingstoke RG24 8QQ stating the nature of your complaint and the policy number in the first instance.
• If you are not satisfied, you may subsequently write to The Complaints and Advisory Department, Lloyd’s of London, 1 Lime Street, London EC3M 7HA.
• If still not satisfied, you may contact The Financial Ombudsman Service, South Quay Plaza, 183 Marsh Wall, London E14 9SR.

 

 

Compensation
Warranty & Creditor Services are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme which may be triggered when an authorised firm goes out of business. In this unlikely situation you may be entitled to compensation from the scheme. Compensation under the scheme for insurance advising and arranging is covered for 100% of the first £2,000 and 90% of the remainder of the cost, without any upper limit. Further information about compensation scheme arrangements is available from the FSCS

Initial Disclosure Document
1. We are fonehouse of 3B Imperial Imperial Road, London SW6 2AG.
2. We are an appointed representative of Warranty & Creditor Services of 6 Faraday Office Park, Faraday Road, Basingstoke, RG24 8UA who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Warranty & Creditor Services’s permitted business is advising on, arranging and dealing (as agent) in non investment insurance contracts (broadly simple insurance contracts with no element of investment involved). You can check this on the FSA’s Register by visiting the FSA’s website: http://www.fsa.gov.uk/register or by contacting the FSA on 0845 606 1234.
3. We do not provide any advice or information on mobile phone insurance. We only offer mobile phone insurance from one insurer, Lloyd’s of London.
4. We will not charge a fee for our service.
5. If you wish to register a complaint, please write to fonehouse, 3A Imperial Studios, Imperial Road, London SW6 2AG stating the nature of your complaint and the policy number in the first instance.
If you are not satisfied, you may subsequently write to The Complaints and Advisory Department, Lloyd’s of London, 1 Lime Street, London EC3M 7HA. If still not satisfied, you may contact Financial Ombudsman Service, South Quay Plaza, 183 Marsh Wall, London E14 9SR.

Statement of price
Premiums are £7.99 per month and include Insurance Premium Tax at the rate of 5%. The premium is separate from the cost or purchasing your mobile phone or paying for your airtime.

Statement of Demands and Needs
This insurance product meets the demands and needs of a mobile phone owner who wishes to protect their handset from the costs of theft or damage. It has not been personally recommended by fonehouse.

THEFT, DAMAGE & EXTENDED WARRANTY INSURANCE TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This is to certify that in accordance with the authorisation granted to the undersigned under Contract Number BO500H1222009 by certain underwriters at Lloyd’s whose names and proportions written by them, which will be supplied on application, can be ascertained by reference to the said Contract which bears the seal of the Lloyd’s Policy Signing Office it is hereby agreed that, subject to the Terms, Definitions, Exclusions and Conditions contained herein or endorsed hereon or contained in or endorsed on the Schedule hereto, the Underwriters each for his own part and not for one another, their Heirs Executors and Administrators, will indemnify the Insured against Theft, Accidental Damage or Breakdown occurring during the Period of Insurance in respect of the Equipment specified in the Schedule attached hereto. In witness whereof this Certificate has been signed by For and on behalf of the Administrator

Territorial Limits
Great Britain, Northern Ireland, The Isle of Man, the Channel Islands and worldwide trips of up to ninety days at any one time.

Exclusions
The Insurance does not cover:-
1. Breakdown of the Equipment within the manufacturer’s warranty period.
2. Theft or damage to the Equipment:-

(a) whilst left in an unattended motor vehicle unless the Equipment is concealed from view and all doors, windows and other openings of the vehicle have been left closed, securely locked and properly fastened and such door, window, opening, or fastener has been smashed whenever entry or access to the vehicle has been gained.

(b) whilst left on any motor vehicle roof, bonnet or boot.

(c) from any property, place or premises unless such theft or damage has occurred through forced and violent entry or exit.

3. Theft of the Equipment from You unless the Equipment is physically on Your person or concealed in a closed bag being carried by You.
4. Theft or damage to the Equipment whilst on hire or loan to any third party
5. The first £25 of each and every claim.
6. Consequential loss or damage of any nature resulting from loss of use of the Equipment.
7. Damage or breakdown through negligence, abuse or misuse of the Equipment.
8. The cost of repair or replacement of SIM cards, car kits, batteries, chargers, aerials or accessories to Your Equipment.
9. The cost of any repairs or replacement of Your Equipment carried out by a repairer not approved by the Underwriters.
10. Theft, Damage or Breakdown caused by or arising from war, terrorism, radioactivity or sonic bang.
11. The cost of any claim whatsoever relating to software or any date changes.
12. Wear and tear or cosmetic damage where the Equipment still functions normally.

Misuse of Equipment following Theft
If you have a valid claim for theft of your Equipment the Underwriters will pay You for the cost of any calls up to a maximum of £250 made by another person using Your Equipment without Your permission. Misuse of Equipment following Theft condition You must notify the telephone service provider to bar your Equipment from further use immediately theft becomes apparent and the Administrator and the police within 24 hours of the theft of Your Equipment.

Conditions
1. The minimum term of this insurance is 12 months which will be applied if a claim is made. In the event that a claim is paid by the Underwriters and the policy is cancelled by You before 12 months premiums have been paid all remaining premiums will become due immediately.
2. If Your Equipment is subject to Theft, Damage or Breakdown the Underwriters will pay for the cost of repairs by a qualified engineer authorised by the Underwriters or replace Your Equipment with an item of the nearest available specification.
3. Your application and declaration forms the basis of Your insurance.
4. Cover is only available if premiums are paid in advance.
5. The Underwriters may alter the premiums by giving You thirty days notice.
6. The Underwriters may take legal action against any third party responsible for a loss, only pay a proportionate amount of any claim where the Equipment is also insured elsewhere and refer any disputed claims to an arbitrator (full wording available on request).
7. You must take all reasonable steps to protect and preserve Your Equipment and minimise the Underwriters liability.
8. In the event of theft of the Equipment You must immediately notify your telephone service provider to bar your equipment from further use the police and obtain a crime reference the Administrator on (01256) 471387 to obtain a claim form. You must fully complete the claim form and return it to the Administrator together with details of the crime reference and proof of any forced entry (where applicable) For misuse of airtime claims You must provide your original airtime bill showing the calls that were made following Theft.
9. In the event of damage or breakdown outside of the manufacturer’s warranty You must notify the Administrator on (01256) 471387 to obtain a claim form.You must fully complete the claim form and return it to the Administrator and send the Equipment by Royal Mail Special Delivery to our authorised repairer whose address is shown on the claim form. You may deduct the cost of Royal Mail Special Delivery postage from the policy excess.
10. You must supply the Administrator with any receipts or documentation requested in the event of a claim.
11. This insurance shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English Law. In relation to any legal action or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this insurance policy Warranty & Creditor Services and you irrevocably submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

Cancellation
You may cancel this policy within the first 14 days of cover by sending written notice to Warranty & Creditor Services at 6 Faraday Office Park, Faraday Road, Basingstoke RG24 8QQ. If You do not exercise your right to cancel this policy will continue in force indefinitely until termination by You or the Underwriters.

Definitions

Administrator	Warranty & Creditor Services of 6 Faraday Office Park, Faraday Road, Basingstoke RG24 8QQ Tel (01256) 471387
You(r)	The customer named in the Schedule or an immediate family member
Equipment	A cellular telephone specified in the Schedule
Breakdown	Electrical or mechanical breakdown of Your Equipment that does not arise from any external cause
Theft	Dishonest removal of the Equipment from Your possession by a third party
Underwriters	Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s of London
Period of Insurance	Theft and damage - each calendar month for which a premium has been paid
Extended warranty	Each calendar month for which a premium has been paid and commencing not less than 12 months after the date of purchase of Your Equipment
Schedule	The schedule shown on the certificate

Dispute
In case of dispute please write to the Customer Service Manager at Warranty and Creditor Services, 6 Faraday Office Park, Faraday Road, Basingstoke RG24 8QQ stating the nature of your complaint and policy number in the first instance.
If You are not satisfied with the outcome You may subsequently approach The Complaints and Advisory Department, Lloyd’s of London, 1 Lime Street, London EC3M 7HA. If you are still not satisfied after this You should contact The Financial Ombudsman Service, South Key Plaza, 183 Marsh Wall, London E14 9SR

Compensation
Warranty & Creditor Services are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme which may be triggered when an authorised firm goes out of business. In this unlikely situation you may be entitled to compensation from the scheme. Compensation under the scheme for insurance advising and arranging is covered for 100% of the first £2,000 and 90% of the remainder of the cost, without any upper limit. Further information about compensation scheme arrangements is available from the FSCS.