Cell phone broken - does the insurance now pay?

Smartphones have become a key part of our daily lives, which is why it's that much harder if your cell phone is broken. And it often becomes quite expensive too.

A broken cell phone is annoying but mainly costly,  as a new device normally costs a few hundred francs. And the cost of repairing a damaged display, for instance, can also quickly mount up. The best approach is to have a display protector and phone case for your phone, as these can often prevent a smartphone from being damaged if dropped or hit.

Fragile components of a smartphone

Modern smartphones are an absolute technical miracle, as they are now more akin to a portable computer than a classic telephone. However, this technological progress comes to some extent at the expense of robustness. A broken cell phone - this was almost unheard of in the days of the first Nokia mobile phones. The following components are particularly susceptible to damage from daily use:

• Display: the display is susceptible to breaks and cracks if dropped or knocked.
• Glass back: the back of many modern smartphones is made of glass which makes it vulnerable to damage.
• Camera lens: the camera lens on the back of a cell phone can be easily scratched or damaged, affecting the picture quality.
• Charging and headphone sockets: the charging socket that connects the cell phone and charging cable is used almost every day. This can quickly lead to wear and tear. And the headphone socket doesn't usually last forever either.
• Waterproofness: if a cell phone isn't waterproof, it can easily suffer water damage.
• Electronic components: there are delicate electronic components inside the cell phone which can be damaged if the phone is knocked, dropped or exposed to humidity.

How can cell phone damage be avoided?

You can take preventive measures to minimize damage and avoid expensive repairs.

• Use protective covers: a high-quality protective cover protects your cell phone against drops and knocks. These are available in various designs, from shock-absorbing to water-resistant covers.
• Protective display cover: a protective cover protects the fragile display against scratches and cracks. High-quality protective covers are easy to use and don't affect the touch screen's usability.
• Take care when handling your smartphone: handle your cell phone with care, particularly during outdoor activities or in environments where there is an increased risk of damage.
• Take care with liquids: keep your call phone away from water, liquids and humidity. Fit waterproof covers if you use your device in a humid environment.
• Regular maintenance: check the condition of your cell phone regularly and carry out routine cleaning to remove any dust and dirt.
• Safe storage place: store your cell phone in a safe place to protect it against theft.

Cell phone broken  – what should you do?

Not all damage can be avoided. An everyday item such as a smartphone will have a fault at some stage, either due to completely normal wear and tear or because you've dropped it.  Find out here what you yourself can do if your cell phone is damaged and when it's best to contact a professional repair service:

• Water damage: immediate action is crucial! Turn off the phone, remove the battery (if possible) and dry it carefully. Do not use a hairdryer to dry the device, as this can make the damage worse. Place your phone in a bowl of rice to absorb the moisture or use special drying packs. Let the device dry out for at least 24 hours before turning it on again.
• Battery problems: if your battery runs down quickly or won't charge any more, it could be worn out, which means that you may have to replace it. However, it's not as easy to replace a battery as it used to be a few years ago, especially those for modern smartphones. If in doubt, consult an expert.
• Charging problems: check the charging cable and the port to your cell phone for dirt or damage. Clean the port carefully with compressed air or a cotton bud. Avoid using anything sharp so as not to cause damage.
• Software problems: if your cell phone crashes or is slow, try and restart it or do a factory reset. Update your phone's software to the latest version to fix potential software problems.
• Camera or microphone damage: if the camera or microphone aren't working properly, check the app settings to ensure they're configured properly. Blurred pictures can also be simply caused by dirt on the lens. Clean the lens thoroughly and check for smudges or scratches.

You can fix some damage to an apparently broken cell phone yourself with a little bit of care and maintenance. Other issues are part of the normal wear and tear of technical devices. This includes the battery, for instance, which will start to lose capacity after a couple of years. However, only professionals can repair more serious damage.