If your cell phone is stolen, the first step is to suspend your
account so people cannot make expensive calls or texts to others using
your phone. Depending upon the type of service you use, you may either
need to call the service or use their Internet reporting service to stop
the line from working. Most believe that this should be done as soon
as possible, since people can immediately begin to make expensive calls
from your phone. Failure to report promptly if your cell phone is
stolen could mean you are responsible for some of the calls made by the
thief.
Many cell phone companies also sell additional insurance
that can help one cover these costs if your cell phone is stolen. Some cell phone insurance
also can cover the cost of replacing the phone. If you purchased your
phone and contracted with a service at the same time, you may have to
spend significantly more to replace the phone. Cell phone companies
often offer excellent deals to new customers, but for established
customers, a brand new cell phone can come at a high price, especially
if is replacing an elaborate or expensive phone.
Cell phone insurance may also be purchased from private companies and
help to protect call costs and materials if your cell phone is stolen.
However, be certain not to pay for double insurance. For example, some
home and renter’s insurance, and some auto insurance may cover
replacement of a cell phone. If your cell phone is stolen from your
vehicle or home, you may be eligible for replacement under one of these
plans. However, if your cell phone is stolen when you are outside, you
may not have coverage under these plans.
If your cell phone is stolen and is a prepaid phone, you can still
request that service be stopped to the phone. However, your cell phone
will stop working the moment the thief runs out of pre-purchased
minutes. In these cases, you might want to risk the minutes for a day
or two, to see if anyone has merely found your cell phone and wishes to
return it to you. It’s a good idea to keep your home number listed in
your call list, so that someone who finds a lost phone has the chance to
return it to you.
With many prepaid services, replacing the cellphone is less
expensive, provided the model you use is fairly simple. It may not be
worth it to purchase cell phone insurance. More expensive phone models
may make insurance well worth the cost. The cost of replacing your phone
may not be worth the insurance expense if your cell phone is stolen.
However, you should still report the theft to both your cell phone service provider
and your local police department if your cell phone is stolen, at least
within a few days, since the company can then make it impossible for
someone to have your number, receive your calls, and purchase new
minutes on the phone.
About one in four cell phones are lost, damaged or stolen. Cell
phone insurance often covers you not only if your cell phone is stolen,
but also if it is lost or damaged. You should treat a lost phone as if
your cell phone is stolen. Report the loss and hope for the best. It is
often possible to reinstate the line if your phone is returned to you,
or if you find it on your own.
