I broke my phone on holiday — am I covered?

Do these first

Photograph the damage and keep the handset — insurers often want it. If it was stolen, report it to the local police and get a written report; a claim without one is usually refused.

Check claim deadlines. Some gadget and travel policies require notification within 48 hours, and almost all within 28–31 days.

The order to try

1. Gadget or mobile insurance — worldwide accidental damage, low excess, handset repaired or replaced.

2. Bank packaged account benefits — often mirrors gadget cover with an age limit on the device.

3. Travel insurance — pays under baggage/personal effects, but the single-item limit may be well below the handset value and excess is higher.

4. Contents personal possessions — worldwide cover if you have it, though phones are often excluded.

What can stop a claim

Leaving the phone unattended, including on a beach towel or a table. Damage while under the influence of alcohol. Liquid damage on policies that exclude it. No police report for theft. Claiming after the deadline.

Check these on your own policy

• Photos of the damage and the receipt or proof of ownership
• Police report for theft, within 24 hours where possible
• List every policy that might respond before you pick one
• Note each policy's excess, single-item limit and claim deadline

Common follow-up questions