Peter Staddon, head of technical services at the British insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba), said that mobile phone insurance is “very important”, given the number of handsets that are stolen in the UK.

However, consumers ought to be aware of what a specific insurance policy will offer and the deals that retailers are selling, Mr Staddon advised.

“Look at the alternatives as well. Don’t buy at the point of sale, shop around … Don’t be hoodwinked,” he warned.

Mr Staddon also advised people to check whether their mobile phones are covered by the existing home contents insurance policy.

A survey carried out by Bright Grey last year revealed that the majority of mobile phone owners do not think they need insurance for their handset.

The company found that one per cent of respondents would consider ensuring the devices.

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