Many people automatically take out insurance when they buy a mobile phone and the average annual cost is £48 (€61). Consumer Choice, the monthly magazine of the Consumers' Association of Ireland, examined three mobile phone insurance contracts and came up with the following advice.

Before signing up to a policy, the customer should find out what risks are not covered and the excess to be paid on each claim. Many risks that you may assume are covered are listed under exclusions.

Water damage is not covered by most policies and if the phone is stolen from an unattended motor vehicle, it must be concealed in a closed glove compartment or locked boot to be covered. Phones left unattended are not covered and the owner must inform the provider and Garda immediately after they become aware of the loss or damage. In general you can make a maximum of two claims per year and must pay the first £25 of any claim. With this in mind, you should find out the replacement cost of your phone and assess your need for insurance. It's also possible that someone might already have a policy that covers their phone, such as all-contents home insurance.