Are you a loser?

Am I a loser? is one of the most important questions to ask yourself when thinking about mobile or iPhone insurance, closely followed by Am I a klutz? advises online insurance provider, Protectyourbubble.com.

"People thinking about taking out cover should work out what's the realistic risk that they'll lose or damage their phone," recommends Stephen Ebbett at Protectyourbubble.com. "Some 55,000 were left in the back of black cabs last year*, 600,000 dropped down the loo** and 200,000 ended their life in the washing machine** so insurance is probably a sensible option for many of us!"

However, Ebbett advises mobile users that it might pay to shop around for cover rather than automatically taking out insurance through their network provider or mobile distributor.

"Take the iPhone 3G-S for example, which is set to become the iconic handset. O2 charges £10.00 a month for its insurance while if you order through Carphone Warehouse you're looking at £13.99 a month. Insurance from Protectyourbubble.com for the top of the range iPhone 3G-S 32GB costs just £7.99 a month, and provides worldwide cover for theft, accidental damage, accidental loss and breakdown. We also guarantee a 48-hour replacement service for successful claims."

The loser/klutz question also applies to other gadgets like laptops, digital cameras, MP3 players and satnavs. Protectyourbubble.com cover for three items starts from £9.99 - so less than the cost of one iPhone insurance policy from O2

Ebbett concludes: "Gadgets are part of our everyday lives but most of don't give much thought to the practicalities of what would happen if they were damaged, lost or stolen let alone the financial implications of having to replace them. Gadget insurance can be a real lifeline and doesn't have to cost the earth."

Protectyourbubble.com is an ethical insurance provider, committed to having a positive impact on the wider community. For every policy sold or renewed, the company donates £1 to the Children's Adventure Farm Trust, which provides residential activity breaks for terminally ill, chronically sick, disabled and disadvantaged children.

* Source: Credant Technologies survey of 300 taxi drivers September 2008

** Source: The Register