Admiral Insurance has urged mobile phone owners to check their insurance coverage as new data reveals that claims have rocketed over the past four years.

Four years of data have shown that mobile phone claims for stolen, damaged or lost devices have almost tripled in recent years - up to a staggering 123%.

The research is based on data from 1.58 million Admiral Home Insurance customers between January 2019 and December 2022.

The warning comes amid the launch of Apple's highly anticipated new range- which starts out with an eye-watering price tag of £999 for the iPhone 15 Pro and £1199 for the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

iPhones most likely to be mentioned in insurance claims, new research says

iPhones were most likely to be mentioned when making an insurance claim, accounting for seven in ten (73%) of Admiral Home Insurance mobile claims.

Samsung made up the second most mentioned phone brand in insurance claims with two in ten (22%) of claims. 

Meanwhile, Motorola is the least likely to be mentioned, with just 1 in 500 claims involving these devices.

As a result, Admiral Insurance has urged mobile phone owners to check what their coverage actually includes.

Hampshire Chronicle: iPhones and Samsung devices make up the most mobile insurance claims according to Admiral Insurance. (Getty Images)iPhones and Samsung devices make up the most mobile insurance claims according to Admiral Insurance. (Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)

For instance, whether they are protected if their device is lost, stolen or damaged as well as the policy's other limitations.

Noel Summerfield, Head of Household at Admiral Insurance says: “Many of us rely on our phones for so much day-to-day, so being without one can be a scary thought.

"The launch of the new iPhone 15 is exciting, especially for those who want to stay up-to-date with the latest tech trends.

"However, with a starting price tag of £999 for the iPhone 15 Pro or £1,199 for the iPhone 15 Pro Max3, if a device was lost, damaged or stolen, replacing it would cost a hefty sum - making a stressful situation even more difficult.

“Every home insurance policy is different, so check your cover.

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"With Admiral, Personal Possessions Cover means a phone will be covered away from the home, and in the unfortunate event it is damaged at home, such as dropping it in the loo or putting it through the washing machine, owners will be protected from loss if they’ve selected Accidental Damage cover.

"Like most insurers, phone owners are covered for the value of the model they have and wouldn’t be able to just replace a lost, damaged or stolen device with the latest model of phone, if they did have to make a claim. 

"If a phone costs over £1,000, most insurers will need to be informed, so that it can be covered up to the correct amount away from home.

"Whether a phone is damaged or lost due to accidental spillages, having fun at Freshers Week, or because of theft, adding mobile devices to a home insurance policy or considering Personal Possessions Insurance is essential to ensure protection if the worst does happen".

In addition to the advice, Noel Summerfield has also rounded up his top tips to help protect your mobile phone regardless of whether you're a sucker for a Samsung or you're an iPhone enthusiast.

3 top tips to protect your mobile phone

1. Be aware of your surroundings

The Head of Household at Admiral Insurance has urged mobile phone owners to be aware of their surroundings. 

Many claims for mobile phones come as a result of spilling drinks, according to the insurance expert.

"Being more cautious and aware of your surroundings can help protect your phone," the insurer recommends.

"We’ve been made aware of phone thefts by criminals using bikes and mopeds to snatch mobile phones, so before using your phone in public, look around at your surroundings and assess your situation.

"For your own personal safety and to protect your phone - don’t text while walking!

2. Use security features on your phone

Mr Summerfield also suggests making use of the security features that are already available on your device.

Anyone with a mobile should make sure that they have a strong password on their phone so a thief will not be able to access it immediately.

He also recommends strengthening security measures by checking the privacy settings, turning off message previews and regularly backing up your data.

Hampshire Chronicle: The Head of Household at Admiral Insurance has urged mobile phone owners to be aware of their surroundings. ( Canva)The Head of Household at Admiral Insurance has urged mobile phone owners to be aware of their surroundings. ( Canva) (Image: Getty Images)

The insurance expert added: "You can also install anti-theft apps to help police trace your phone and identify the thief.

"Many phones come with built-in security features: iPhones come with the preinstalled Find My iPhone app which allows you to track your phone if it is lost.

"Android models also have some options that you can install such as android.com/find - whichever one you pick, make sure you keep the details safely remembered or stored.

3. Make sure you are insured to the correct value

If the value of your phone is over £1,000 it must be listed on your Home Policy Schedule to be covered, according to Mr Summerfield.

He added: "For unspecified mobile phones, you are only covered away from home if you have Personal Possessions Insurance.

"It is worth checking your policy details to make sure you are covered in case of an emergency".