Travel insurance claim for damaged phone

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tchart

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#242767 13-Nov-2018 14:50

Just returned from an overseas holiday. While away my 14 yo decided he'd forget about the iPhone in his pocket and go snorkeling. While the phone still turns on it has intermittent screen issues - flashing, unresponsive to touches etc.

I'd like to claim on my travel insurance.

Firstly has anybody dealt with anything like this before? Obviously just replacing the screen isn't an option as I expect the situation will get worse as the salt water will corrode the internals.

Secondly the insurance claim page is asking for a receipt. The phone was actually given to my wife (brand new) from her mother. So we don't have a receipt per se.

Any help appreciated.

Oblivian

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#2124786 13-Nov-2018 15:02

Unless you called up and reported it while away. That's a likely an out for them.

Whats to say a glass of water wasn't later put on it to get a replacement...

Check your policy wording. Usually you need to report immediately. And also look to see if it doesn't require a named device over $1000. It may not be covered anyway. I have to specify camera and lenses due to the individual high values

eracode

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#2124802 13-Nov-2018 15:16

Over the years I have seen various products where they will say something like “waterproof up to two meters” and I’ve often wondered what happens if you swim further than that.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

wellygary

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#2124816 13-Nov-2018 15:38

eracode: Over the years I have seen various products where they will say something like “waterproof up to two meters” and I’ve often wondered what happens if you swim further than that.

What it means is they have tested the seals on the phone to that depth, it might be OK deeper, but then again it might not)

The deeper you go the more pressure on the seals pushing the water in (1m of water is 1.4 psi. so 2m is 2.8 psi),

In regard to the OP, claiming it on you home and contents might be easier than travel insurance...?

SpartanVXL

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#2124825 13-Nov-2018 15:50

Yea, unless you reported immediately and with receipt you usually have to declare the item before you leave.

eracode

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#2124826 13-Nov-2018 15:50

wellygary:
eracode: Over the years I have seen various products where they will say something like “waterproof up to two meters” and I’ve often wondered what happens if you swim further than that.

What it means is they have tested the seals on the phone to that depth, it might be OK deeper, but then again it might not)

The deeper you go the more pressure on the seals pushing the water in (1m of water is 1.4 psi. so 2m is 2.8 psi),

In regard to the OP, claiming it on you home and contents might be easier than travel insurance...?

It was meant to be a joke. Clearly a poor one but a joke nonetheless. Seems I’m out of my depth.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

trig42

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#2124830 13-Nov-2018 15:59

We claimed on a Bracelet that we bought in Dubai on the way to Europe, that fell off in London or went walkies from our hotel room in London.

I did not have a receipt. I did have the Credit Card charge on my statement.

I claimed when we got back to NZ (about 5 days after it went missing). I explained in my claim that I did not have the receipt, but attached a screenshot of the line on the CC statement, and a picture of the bracelet that my wife had taken to show a friend on Facebook. I also explained that I had contacted the Hotel, even though I was not 100% sure that was where it went missing, and they hadn't found it.

It was approved within about 5 days, and the money less a small excess was in our account a couple of days after that. A really good experience.

Samsung

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tchart

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#2124873 13-Nov-2018 17:48

Oblivian:
Unless you called up and reported it while away. That's a likely an out for them.

Whats to say a glass of water wasn't later put on it to get a replacement...

Check your policy wording. Usually you need to report immediately. And also look to see if it doesn't require a named device over $1000. It may not be covered anyway. I have to specify camera and lenses due to the individual high values

The welcome home email doesn't say anything about claiming while you are away. Given I tried to call their 24/7 emergency line for another unrelated matter and couldn't get through for 4 hours I don't think making a claim from overseas is a given. When I couldn't get hold of them I emailed them and only got a response 2 days later.

Get the point about the glass of water but if I was pulling a fast one I'd probably got for a iPhone X - further to that you don't have to specify items unless they are over $3000 as far as I can see.

So I've submitted a claim. Will see how we go.

BlinkyBill

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#2124982 13-Nov-2018 19:38

I love it when people make up stuff and decide they are 'facts'. Of course you can claim when you get back from holiday. Good grief.

Oblivian

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#2125088 13-Nov-2018 21:58

If referring to mine, I didn't read nor intend on it appearing as a clear YES/NO fact.

Sure, I mentioned a potential non existent out (insurance companies aren't generally in the giving money out business if they don't have to? :) ) but also gave an experienced itemization requirement example and the suggestion to check the particular policy for the answers since mileage can vary

I know I've read my various ones in the past much like many kiwis recently to see how much it comes down to fine wording.

With lots of requirements under each category type, Some requiring reports to authorities, or parties goods were in possession of (including tour operators) for a full report and notify them ASAP before it will be actioned in a claim. Or obtaining pre-approval for costs and so forth. Doubt it would be so easy to obtain/report if fell into those similar clauses some weeks after being back. But that's the last particular policy I had.

Please note we may not be liable for any losses
that arise as a result of you, or someone acting
on your behalf, not contacting Emergency Assistance
for prior approval as soon
as practicable.