CUSC Mobile Phone Insurance is known as FoneGuard, and has been around for some time. It was probably the best policy before the 2u policy entered the market.
CUSC is a reputable company, based in Chichester, West Sussex. Their FoneGuard policy's key failing is that their Terms & Conditions are hard to find on their website, which leaves many questions unanswered for the customer.
Why is the CUSC policy rated so highly?
CUSC is well priced at £49.99 for the year and does give good cover protection and CUSC is a sound policy.
Similar to 2U, the company behind the FoneGuard policy has proved reliable and ethical.
Water Damage
Yes, CUSC cover you against water damage.
Theft and Loss
Of course, you're covered for theft and loss but not mysterious disappearance, with an excess of £25 per claim or £50 for 3G phones. The theft or loss must be reported to the police within 24 hours.
Fraudulent Calls
CUSC cover you for fraudulent calls that someone wracks up after they have stolen your phone. You must report your phone as stolen to the police within 24 hours. This does not cover any calls made between the phone theft and the theft being reported (as 2u do), so it is minimum value.
International Insurance Cover
From the CUSC Frequently Asked Questions page - "FoneGuard is valid world-wide and you may therefore take your mobile with you when you travel abroad." Which is better than most policies, which either don't offer international cover, or charge through the roof each month for it.
Extended Warrantee
FoneGuard covers you for general breakdown of the mobile, not mechanical or electrical breakdown.
Accidental Damage
CUSC will repair your phone for you or arrange for a replacement phone if it is beyond repair.
Other key factor to consider
- The cost of the policy – At £49.99 for the year it is good value.
- The underwriting company - The company behind FoneGuard, CUSC, has been established for over 20 years, and are well respected in the industry.
- The speed of the claims procedure - They send you a claims form when you call them. This means that the speed of the claims process is not great - they post the form to you, you fill it in, and post it back to them. You have already lost a couple of days at least.
- Any no-claims bonuses? Yes, but no informationavailable on their site.
- Different payment methods? They have online ordering, and postal ordering.
- Monthly or annual installments? Both are offered, minimum of 3 months to be paid with order.
- Excess Payable? £25 on all claims, rising to £50 for 3G enabled phones.
Summary
CUSC's website is clear, the policy is sound, as is the company's reputation. The key failing is that they do not protect you against all forms of loss. For this you will need the 2u policy.
An overall good policy, with good value for money.
You can order the FoneGuard insurance online at CUSC.co.uk