Comments on: Insuring against the ‘curse’ of the SMS Text News contributor [updated]

By: jguldahl

jguldahl — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:11:15 +0000

Any change two years later?

By: individual health insurance,

individual health insurance, — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 07:34:12 +0000

Great post

By: individual health insurance,

individual health insurance, — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:34:12 +0000

Great post

By: Ricky C

Ricky C — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 12:11:18 +0000

Yup I think I shall have to strat doing that as well ben!

By: Ben Smith

Ben Smith — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 11:33:32 +0000

@Ricky: So far so good here, but I do now have specific pockets allocated for each handset and check as I leave meetings / trains etc. Any casual observer would think I’ve got some sort of nervous tick…

By: Ben Smith

Ben Smith — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 11:31:11 +0000

@Krystal: Can’t comment about handbags but yes I know that sick feeling…!

By: Krystal

Krystal — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 18:55:04 +0000

I thought I had lost my N95 the other day, but found it again after realizing I had left it at home. Doesn't it always seem that the day you can't find it, start panicking, try dialing it to see if it's actually in the bottom of your handbag, is the day you've left it on silent and wouldn't be able to hear it wherever it was? Always the way! Krystal's last blog post..A tale of two grannies

By: Ricky C

Ricky C — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 18:27:35 +0000

There really is a curse, I left my phone in a pub today. Luckily I realised and managed to get it back! I blame whatley and Ewan for the curse!

By: Ben Smith

Ben Smith — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:19:51 +0000

@Rob: The multi policy you offer is certainly attractive, but unfortunately doesn't suit me... it excludes one of my phones (too old) and my car (soft-top). Appreciate this is very specific to me, but it would be nice to be able to choose a policy that did cover those things (possibly at higher cost or with other exceptions). Ben Smith's last blog post..Insuring against the ?curse? of the SMS Text News contributor [updated]

By: Pen granger

Pen granger — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 19:46:25 +0000

Hi. With the NatWest, Ulster Bank, LloydsTSB and Barclays added value accout, they all cover unauthorised calls. The mobile phone insurance is also an inclusive benefit of the bank accounts, so for some customers it can be a great deal.If you have a joint account, you can normally cover 2 phones. The LloydsTSB policy also now provides “over the air” backup of contacts, calendar, tasks etc., all inclusive in the price. The 3 policy is the only one that doesn’t cover unauthorised calls.

By: Rob Malvisi

Rob Malvisi — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 11:45:51 +0000

The multi-phone policies cetainly do bring the cost per handset down. You could insure 2 iPhones and a E61 for less than

By: Ben Smith

Ben Smith — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 09:44:20 +0000

@Ric: You’re right – apologies. The Lloyds one isn’t the ‘standard’ LSG policy text. I’ll check the details and amend the post ASAP.

@Ewan: The ‘network operator factor’ is something else to consider I guess – they want to retain your business so have an additional motivation to sort it out promptly and be generous (possibly) in the grey areas in the event claims are escalated to them (like Whatley’s). Otherwise it’s just an insurance company who will be looking to avoid payment if possible.

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 09:36:23 +0000

…or failing a Bluetooth app (why doesn’t someone port the Proximity PC lock/unlock app to the iPhone?) you could get this:

http://www.tech.co.uk/gadgets/phones/mobile-phones/news/alarming-bluetooth-watch-pairs-with-phone?articleid=1787699498

Lots of ideas all over the web on this, but no-one’s picked up the ball yet….the economist’s hypothetical

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 09:24:55 +0000

Where’s the Bluetooth tether app?

Especially if you are carrying more than one device.

Bluetooth is in everything. Pair the two (or more) devices, and if they ever part, both start screeching at an increasing volume. Maybe set the Bluetooth signal strength so that it has several modes: ‘Taxi/Train’, where if it detects even a small drop it goes off, or a ‘home/office’ where you can drop your bag/coat in the hall but take your phone into the kitchen without being bugged.

Maybe pair them with a Bluetooth dongle on your keys or attached to your bag too.

If I could be arsed I’d set up a small firm and build it, but my dayjob is enough for now. Any takers?

By: Ric

Ric — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 21:44:30 +0000

The Lloyds policy (& probably other LSG ones) definitely do cover unauthorised calls. There’s a summary table of the cover here: http://www.lloydstsb.com/current_accounts/added_value_accounts/mobile_phone_breakdown2.asp
Good article Ben!

Ric’s last blog post..Spamalot

By: Ewan

Ewan — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 21:23:28 +0000

Or get a holster. I think holsters are real draws to robbers and vagabonds.

I reckon maybe consider one of the multiple device polices… ? It depends. A while ago I posted a note saying that I never bother with insurance. I’m never that stupid to leave my expensive handsets in cabs and limos. Er… yes. So I’m not sold on the concept. It’s made it nice and simple. One call to Vodafone and the new device and sim card arrive next day with just a 25 pound excess fee = wicked. So something like that, I think?