Can I Insure a Refurbished, Used or SIM‑Free Phone?
Can refurbished, used or SIM‑free phones be insured in the UK? Learn what’s covered, eligibility rules and when phone insurance is worth it.
Mobile phone insurance helps protect your phone if it’s accidentally damaged, stolen, lost or stops working unexpectedly. For many people in the UK, it’s worth it because repairing or replacing a phone can cost far more than the cover itself.
At Insurance2go, we see thousands of everyday phone mishaps each year from cracked screens to unexpected breakdowns which is why mobile phone insurance remains a practical option for people who rely on their devices daily.
If you already know you want protection, you can start with our mobile-insurance and get a quote in minutes.
What Is Mobile Phone Insurance?
Mobile phone insurance is designed to protect your phone against the things most likely to happen during everyday use such as drops, damage, theft or faults.
Rather than paying a large, unexpected bill, you pay a small monthly amount. If something goes wrong that’s covered, your insurer repairs or replaces your phone, usually after an excess is paid.
Insurance2go focuses on clear, straightforward cover, which means you can insure:
- New phones
- Used or refurbished phones*
- SIM‑free phones
- Phones bought outright or on contract
* You can insure a refurbished phone ‘as long as it comes with a 12 month warranty from a UK registered business.
What Does Mobile Phone Insurance Usually Cover?
Mobile phone insurance is designed to protect you against common, real‑life accidents. One of the most common areas of cover is accidental damage, which typically includes:
- Dropping your phone
- Cracked or shattered screens
- Liquid damage (such as spills or accidental immersion)
Accidental damage
This is one of the most common claims handled by Insurance2go, which is why it’s included as standard in our mobile phone cover.
Theft
If your phone is stolen, cover usually applies as long as reasonable care was taken. You’ll normally need a police crime reference number.
Mechanical Breakdown
Once your manufacturer’s warranty has ended, insurance can cover unexpected faults, something many people don’t realise until their phone suddenly stops working.
Cover outside the UK
Many mobile phone insurance policies include cover when you travel. Insurance2go policies are designed to protect your phone abroad too, not just at home.
What Mobile Phone Insurance Doesn’t Cover
To keep premiums affordable and fair, exclusions apply. These usually include:
- Cosmetic damage that doesn’t affect functionality
- Deliberate damage
- Loss or theft caused by lack of reasonable care
- Accessories, unless stated
- Existing faults before cover starts
Insurance2go explains exclusions clearly, so you know exactly where you stand before you buy.
How Much Does Mobile Phone Insurance Cost?
The cost depends on:
- The make and model of your phone
- Your level of cover
- The excess you choose
For many Insurance2go customers, the annual cost is less than a single screen repair, helping avoid large, unexpected bills later.
Is Mobile Phone Insurance Worth It?
For most people, it’s about avoiding stress and disruption, not just cost.
Insurance is often worth considering if:
- Your phone is essential for work** or life admin
- You own a high‑value device
- Replacing it would be inconvenient or expensive
- You’ve damaged or lost phones before
**Customers using their phones for business purposes may want to consider an insurance2go Business policy, depending on their demands and needs for the cover.
Many Insurance2go customers choose cover simply because they want peace of mind that one accident won’t cause a major setback.
Mobile Phone Insurance vs Other Types of Cover
Home insurance
Home insurance may include phones under personal possessions, but:
- Cover may only apply at home
- Accidental damage cover may be limited
- Excesses may be higher
It is important to check the cover you may have elsewhere against the cover offered by a specialist policy such as insurance2go.
Bank or network‑provided insurance
Bundled insurance can:
- Cost more overall
- Include extras you don’t need
- Be less flexible
Insurance2go focuses solely on phones and gadgets, keeping cover simple and competitively priced.
Can You Insure a Used or Refurbished Phone?
Yes. Insurance2go allows used or refurbished phones as long as:
- They’re in good working order
- There’s no existing damage
- Eligibility criteria are met
This means you can still protect your phone even if it wasn’t bought brand new.
Why Choose Specialist Mobile Phone Insurance?
Specialist cover focuses on what really matters when something goes wrong.
Insurance2go:
- Designs cover around everyday phone use
- Keeps policies clear and easy to understand
- Offers affordable single‑ and multi‑device options
- Provides a straightforward claims process
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need mobile phone insurance in the UK?
No, it’s optional but many people choose it to avoid unexpected costs.
Can I claim straight away?
Yes, provided the incident happens after your policy starts. An early excess may apply to your policy for the initial period of your policy, it is important to check your excess.
Does a manufacturer warranty replace insurance?
No. Warranties don’t cover accidental damage, loss or theft.
What is an excess?
It’s the amount you pay towards a claim and is specified within your insurance documents.
Is screen damage covered?
Yes it is
Is Mobile Phone Insurance the Right Choice for You?
Mobile phone insurance isn’t about expecting problems, it’s about being prepared for the most common ones.
If replacing or repairing your phone would be costly or stressful, specialist insurance gives you a simple, affordable safety net.
