Hi all..

I've just got a brand new phone, and am thinking about going back on Vodafone's PhoneInsure plan. It seems as though they have changed the coverage conditions since I was last on it.

I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with getting lost phones replaced? I'm a bit guilty of losing phones, so this is my primary reason for getting coverage.

On the front of their brochure (http://www.vodafone.co.nz/services/phone_insure.pdf), they state:

Whether it’s lost, stolen or damaged, not having your mobile is a big hassle.
With phoneInsure you can relax. Your mobile is completely covered, so if it’s lost, stolen or damaged* you’ll get a replacement in next to no time, for just $125 excess.

Sounds good so far, right?

But in the conditions, the relevant clauses for theft or loss include:

4 We do not provide you with any insurance cover for:
a) the Mobile Phone if left unattended in the open air or in any public place;
...
c) not taking all reasonable precautions to prevent loss, or damage to the Mobile
Phone;
...
e) theft or attempted theft of the unattended Mobile Phone from any premises
unless there is evidence of forcible and violent entry to the premises;
...
g) any loss where the Mobile Phone has been left behind in an unknown location
or you have forgotten its whereabouts.

Now, to me it seems that if my phone gets lost or stolen, they can make a pretty good case I didn't take 'reasonable precautions' to prevent it, right?

And clause 4g) is almost the definition of 'lost'! Left behind in an unknown location or forgotten its whereabouts?

Seems to me they are going a long way out of their way to make sure you won't get a replacement phone from them.

I thought I would ask people here if they have had any bad/good experiences with the new policy?

My previous phone (bought in Hong Kong, not a model supplied here) broke, and they happily replaced it. However, since I've got 12 months warranty on my new phone, I'm more concerned with losing it.

Any comments would be much appreciated!

Cheers,
Hugo