Phone theft highlights need for travel insurance

← Back

Wed, 17 May 2006

Mobile phone thefts are on the increase and anyone planning a holiday is reminded to make sure they have appropriate Travel Insurance cover.

Even if only taking a trip within the UK, holidaymakers should be aware that over two million phones are stolen each year, with the annual cost of mobile phone theft reaching around £390 million per annum.

The popularity of mobile phones means that around 37 million users could be at risk and there has been a rise in the number of victims of so-called "phone-jacking" – where phones are stolen directly from people's hands.

Vicky Emmott, Halifax spokeswoman, said: "Mobile phones are constantly getting lighter and more compact which makes them easier for opportunistic thieves to swipe.

"Phone users should avoid ‘walking and talking’ and keep their mobiles out of sight whenever possible."

Mobile users are also reminded to make sure they have copies of any vital information stored on their phones and report the phone stolen as soon as possible.

Travel Insurance can help to protect against theft as well as providing cover for holiday cancellation or emergency medical treatment.


© 1998-2005 DeHavilland Information Services plc. All rights reserved.

Endsleigh Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. This can be checked on the FSA Register by visiting its web site at www.fsa.gov.uk/register.
Endsleigh Insurance Services Limited. Company No: 856706 registered in England at Shurdington Road, Cheltenham Spa, Gloucestershire GL51 4UE.