How important is mobile phone insurance?

[Dudley]

When renewing my mobile phone contract, the salesman tried very hard to sell me insurance. I fully realise the risk of losing the handset but he warned me about how someone could use the phone for expensive calls which I could have to pay for. Surely, I am only liable for phone usage before I report the phone lost as following that the number should then be blocked from usage?

[rov1200]

Why not use this website to add details of not only your phone but other valuable items to a database. If your phone is stolen its a simple matter to immobilise it to stop others using it.

http://www.met.police.uk/mobilephone/immobilis e.htm

[rov1200]

Once you have reported the loss your phone is rendered useless to anyone else

phone [phone] for details

[Hymie]

It's very important - to the insurance salesman.

[chazza]

It depends on how long the gap is between it being stolen and you realising and reporting it. Even half an hour would be enough to rack up a high value of international calls which you would be liable for.

In saying that though I've never taken the insurance out and have never lost or broken a phone so I doubt I ever will!