Before you claim
Before starting a claim, check exactly what your policy covers — theft, accidental damage, liquid damage and loss are often covered at different tiers, and claiming under the wrong category is a common reason claims get delayed or rejected. If your phone was stolen, report it to the police first and get a crime reference number; most insurers require this for theft claims.
What you'll typically need
- Your policy number and personal details
- Proof of purchase or ownership of the device
- A clear description of what happened, including the date
- A crime reference number, if the claim involves theft
- Photos of the damage, for accidental damage or liquid damage claims
The claims process, step by step
- Report the incident — to the police if it involves theft, and to your insurer as soon as possible after the incident
- Submit your claim — most UK insurers, including Bimpy, allow this online or over the phone, with the documentation above
- Provide any additional evidence requested — this might include your device's IMEI number or evidence of the device's condition before the incident
- Wait for assessment — straightforward claims with full documentation are often resolved within a few working days
- Receive your outcome — approved claims typically result in a repair, replacement or cash settlement, depending on your policy
How to avoid a rejected claim
Most rejections come down to avoidable issues: claiming for something outside your cover level, missing a required crime reference number, or a gap between when the damage happened and when you reported it. Report incidents promptly, keep your policy documents on hand, and be accurate about what happened — insurers can and do investigate inconsistent claims.
Excess and what you'll actually receive
Most gadget insurance policies include an excess — an amount you pay towards the claim yourself, with the insurer covering the rest. Check your excess amount before you claim, since for older or lower-value devices, the excess can sometimes make a claim not worth pursuing compared to the cost of a private repair.