UK Ferry Tickets

We all know just how expensive it is to call home when we are abroad on holiday – been there, done that, got the huge phone bill to prove it! Although the mobile networks say that prices are coming down, it really doesn’t seem like they are but then if you lose your mobile whilst on holiday you’ll probably find that you have bigger problems than paying for the calls you have made.

Did you know that the majority of mobile phone insurances and approximately half of travel insurances would not cover lost or stolen mobile phones if you were away from your home country? Those that do cover it also cut their losses because many stipulate that they will not pay costs if the person that stole it in the first place uses it and charges the calls to your bill. Bear in mind, if you’re abroad then you’re paying the roaming charges too… ouch!

There is help at hand though, as long as you follow the hints and tips outlined here.

Firstly, check your mobile phone insurance and travel insurance documents. Both will outline exactly what you are covered for and how much you are covered for. If they cover your mobile, they will also outline any stipulations that they have should you lose it or have it stolen and individuals makes calls on it. Pay attention to the small print here because there may be clauses, such as if you do not report your phone right away then you are fully liable for the calls. If you are not covered under either then contact your provider of mobile phone insurance because they will often offer an add on you can select to cover you when abroad.

After making sure that you are covered under at least one of the insurances, you need to write down two things on a piece of paper, which you should then keep entirely separate from your mobile phone at all times. The first is the customer service phone number of your network provider. The second is the mobile serial number. It is commonly called the IMEI number and can be found underneath the battery of your phone. If you don’t know your mobile phone number off by heart then you should also write that down too!

If your phone does get lost or stolen when you are abroad then you should call the network provider straight away and give he information outlined above. They can then block the phone and the SIM card right way so no more phone calls can be made with immediate effect. If any more calls are made after the time that you call then they are liable for the costs, not you. As such, you should always endeavour to call from your hotel room or on a family member or friend’s mobile phone so that there is an easily accessible record of it should it ever be queried.

Doing all of the above will protect you to a certain degree. If you can’t do the above, for whatever reason, then I have one piece of advice for you – leave your mobile at home!

Guest Article by Louise Crowley

Monday, October 13th, 2008