Jane Dotson
Optus offers mobile insurance for premium-priced smartphones and tablets, covering device issues in Australia and internationally. Optus' insurance, called Device Protect, also covers accessories provided with devices, such as chargers and earbuds. The insurance is not available to new customers, and existing customers must have valid insurance at the time of the claim. The claim process takes around 10 minutes to complete, and damaged device claims are typically processed within five to seven business days. Optus Upgrade and Protect is another option, where customers pay an additional $15 per month to upgrade their device early. If a phone is damaged beyond repair, Optus will charge $249 for an upgrade, which is more affordable than buying a new phone outright.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Optus mobile insurance availability for new customers | Not available |
| Optus mobile insurance availability for existing customers | Available |
| Optus Device Protect Insurance claim process | Inform Optus within 30 days of accidental damage, theft or loss of an eligible device. Provide a statement with details of the incident and the IMEI number. |
| Optus Device Protect Insurance coverage | Premium devices and their accessories, including chargers, headphones, hands-free kits, and booster kits |
| Optus Upgrade and Protect | Option to upgrade a device purchased on a plan where the add-on wasn't initially purchased within 30 days of starting the device payment plan |
| Optus Warranty | Not recommended by some users due to perceived lack of value and similarity to extended life warranties |
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What You'll Learn
Optus Device Protect Insurance claims process
Optus Device Protect Insurance covers device issues in Australia and internationally, including accessories that came with the device, such as chargers and earbuds. Standard devices are covered up to $2,000 of liability, while premium devices are covered up to $3,000.
The first step to making an Optus Device Protect Insurance claim is to ensure you have valid insurance at the time of the claim. If you are unsure, contact Optus on 133 937. If you have valid coverage, you must notify Optus within 30 days of the incident by calling 1800 501 971. The claim process takes around 10 minutes to complete. Make sure to provide details of the incident, including the time and date, as Optus requires a statement.
Regardless of the type of claim, you will need to provide your specific International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. You can find this by calling Optus customer service, checking your original device packaging or proof of purchase, or checking the back of your phone or beneath the battery.
For damaged devices, you will need to hand in your smartphone at an Optus store, so be sure to back up any sensitive information. Discuss a temporary loan phone with the Optus store representative to see if you are eligible. Damaged device claims are usually processed within five to seven business days, but this may be extended if the device has a damaged battery.
Lost and stolen device claims take around 48 hours to be approved, and then a replacement device will be sent to your nominated store. Stolen or lost devices are covered for unauthorised use of service (up to $600) in the 48 hours before you notify Optus. Additionally, purchased devices are covered month-to-month, while leased devices are covered for 24 months, with a maximum of two loss or theft claims.
In terms of excess fees, Optus customers with Device Protection Insurance pay $100 for accidental damage and $200 for lost or stolen standard devices. For premium devices, customers pay $175 for accidental damage and $350 for lost or stolen smartphones.
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Optus Upgrade and Protect
The benefit of Optus Upgrade and Protect is that it offers peace of mind for those who want to protect their devices. Smartphones are an expensive investment, and Optus Upgrade and Protect can provide a level of financial protection in case of accidental damage, theft, or loss. Additionally, Optus waives the usual $99 early upgrade fee if your device is damaged beyond repair, and you can upgrade with 12 months or more left on your device plan.
However, it's important to consider the total cost of ownership when opting for Optus Upgrade and Protect. Over 20 months, you would have paid $300 for Optus Upgrade and Protect on top of your device and plan costs. This amount could potentially be used to purchase a new device outright, which may offer more flexibility and ownership. Additionally, there are alternative protection options, such as warranties and other telco subscriptions, that may provide similar benefits at a lower cost.
To make an Optus Device Protect Insurance claim, ensure you have valid insurance at the time of the claim. Contact Optus within 30 days of accidental damage, theft, or loss of your eligible device, and provide a detailed statement and your International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. Damaged device claims typically take five to seven business days to process, while lost and stolen device claims take around 48 hours for a replacement device to be sent to your nominated store once approved.
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Optus Warranty
Optus offers a single insurance option, Optus Device Protect Insurance, for premium-priced smartphones and tablets. Optus Device Protect Insurance covers device issues in Australia and internationally and extends to accessories provided with the device, such as chargers and earbuds. Optus also notes that any accessories provided with a device are also covered, including chargers, headphones, hands-free kits, and/or booster kits.
Optus mobile insurance is not available to new customers, but existing customers can find everything they need to know about Optus insurance. The first step to making an Optus Device Protect Insurance claim is to ensure you have valid insurance at the time of the claim. If you're unsure about this, contact Optus on 133 937. Assuming you have valid coverage, let Optus know within 30 days of the occurrence of accidental damage, theft, or loss of an eligible device. Make note of the details surrounding the incident because Optus requires a statement that includes an explanation as well as the time and date of the occurrence. Regardless of the type of claim, you'll need to provide your specific International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, which you can source in a few different ways. You can call Optus customer service on 133 937 or find it on your original device packaging or proof of purchase. For damaged devices, you can find it on the back of your phone or beneath the battery.
Optus also offers Optus Upgrade and Protect, which is an option for customers to add on to a device purchased on a plan where the add-on wasn't initially purchased. This must be done within 30 days of starting your device payment plan with Optus, and you will need to contact Optus directly to organise this. If your phone or tablet is damaged beyond repair, based on Optus' device assessment standards, you will be charged $249 on your next invoice if you choose to upgrade. Compared to buying a new phone outright, $249 isn't a large amount for a new device, especially when you've already been paying $15 per month on top of that. It's also worth noting that the usual $99 early upgrade fee will be waived in this instance, even if you upgrade with 12 months or more left on your device plan.
While Optus doesn't offer a standard warranty for devices, they do offer Optus Upgrade and Protect, which can be added on to a device plan within 30 days of starting the plan. This option provides some protection for devices and can be a more affordable alternative to ongoing insurance subscriptions or purchasing a new device.
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Optus insurance availability
Optus offers a single insurance option, Device Protect, for premium-priced smartphones and tablets. This insurance covers device issues in Australia and internationally and extends to accessories provided with the device, such as chargers and earbuds. Optus also covers any accessories provided with a device, including chargers, headphones, hands-free kits, and/or booster kits.
Optus mobile insurance is not available to new customers, but existing customers can avail of this insurance. Customers can add Optus Upgrade and Protect to a device purchased on a plan where the add-on wasn't initially purchased. However, this must be done within 30 days of starting the device payment plan with Optus.
To make a claim, Optus requires a statement that includes an explanation as well as the time and date of the occurrence. Additionally, you will need to provide your specific International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. The first step is to ensure that you have valid insurance at the time of the claim. If you are unsure, contact Optus.
Optus also offers a warranty claim service, although some customers have reported issues with this in the past.
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Optus insurance alternatives
Optus mobile insurance offers protection for premium devices and their accessories, including chargers, headphones, and hands-free kits. However, it is not available to new customers, and existing customers must undergo a compulsory credit check. Additionally, Optus does not allow customers to keep their devices after making insurance claims.
Telstra StayConnected
Telstra's StayConnected program offers extra protection for phone buyers, including data backup, technical support, and phone repair or replacement. It costs $15 per month and allows up to two handset replacements or repairs within a year. Service charges vary per device, with a maximum screen repair charge of $99. Customers must be on a valid plan with no overdue fees to request a replacement.
Virgin Mobile Insurance
Virgin Mobile offers phone insurance through Holland Insurance Company Pty Ltd. For a monthly premium of $13, it covers repairs or replacements for lost, stolen, or damaged phones, with a maximum coverage of $5,000 per claim. It also provides reimbursement for unauthorised calls and temporary replacement phone rentals if the insured phone is lost or stolen while overseas. The excess fees vary depending on the replacement or repair costs.
Vodafone Insurance
Vodafone offers a subscription similar to Optus' insurance, covering mobile phones and tablets. Their monthly add-on subscription costs $14.99 or $15 per month.
Third-Party Insurance Providers
Consider purchasing insurance from third-party providers specialising in device protection. These companies often offer comprehensive coverage for various devices, including smartphones and tablets.
Protective Cases and Screen Protectors
Instead of insurance, invest in a high-quality protective case and screen protector to prevent damage to your device. Many of these products come with warranties and can provide excellent protection at a fraction of the cost of insurance.
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Frequently asked questions
Optus offers a single insurance option for premium-priced smartphones and tablets. Optus Device Protect covers device issues in Australia and internationally, and extends to accessories provided with your phone or tablet, such as chargers and earbuds.
Optus mobile insurance provides peace of mind for accidental damage, theft, or loss of an eligible device. It covers the device and its accessories, which can be costly to replace. However, it is not available to new customers, and there are mixed reviews about Optus' handling of warranty claims.
The monthly premium for Optus Device Protect is $15.00. This is comparable to Telstra's StayConnected program, which also costs $15 per month.
To make a claim, ensure you have valid insurance at the time of the incident. Contact Optus within 30 days of accidental damage, theft, or loss, providing details of the occurrence and your specific International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. You can call Optus customer service on 133 937 or fill out an online claim form.
Alternatives to Optus mobile insurance include Virgin Mobile's insurance, offered through Holland Insurance Company Pty Ltd, and Telstra's StayConnected program. Virgin Mobile insurance costs $13.00 per month and covers repairs or replacements for lost, stolen, or damaged phones, providing comprehensive coverage. Telstra's StayConnected offers similar benefits, including data backup, technical support, and device repairs or replacements, for $15.00 per month.
