Article Summary
You've searched everywhere to no avail. Now what?
- Call your mobile provider and let them know that you've lost your phone
- Contact your phone's maker and report your device lost/stolen - you can get your phone's data from your wireless bill
- Change all of your passwords
- Let your insurance company know and initiate a replacement or get a cheap replacement
Assuming that Find My iPhone or Find My Android has failed you (or you failed to use it) and everyone in the entire bar swears that they didn't see it in the stall and you're not accidentally using it as a flashlight as you search the ugly underbelly of your carseats - it's time to admit that your phone is gone forever. Now what? Read on to find out which steps you should take with your provider, right away.
Lost Phone, With Insurance
If you have an insurance plan that covers the loss or theft of your phone, you're in luck! But you still need to take some pretty important steps, right now.
With Insurance
- Call your mobile provider or visit a physical store to suspend your service and report your phone as lost or stolen
- If you cannot track your phone down, try to remotely wipe it via your manufacturer's site
- Change all of your passwords, regardless if you think no one will ever be able to get into your lost device
- If you have renters or homeowners insurance, weigh the deductible of that insurance against your mobile provider's insurance - then decide which company you want to file the loss with
- File your insurance claim to begin the replacement process, ask your provider if you qualify for next day replacement
Lost Phone, Without Insurance
If you didn't get the mobile protection plan offered from your mobile carrier when you bought your device, then there are still steps you can take to minimize your losses.
Lost Phone, Without Insurance
- Call your mobile provider to suspend your service and report your phone as lost or stolen
- If you cannot track your phone down, try to remotely wipe it via your manufacturer's site
- Change all of your passwords, regardless if you think no one will ever be able to get into your device
- Check with your renters or homeowners insurance policy - your phone might be covered
- If you are close to a payoff for your missing device, you will want to weigh that amount next to the amount it would be to get a replacement phone and make a decision from there
How to Never Lose Your Phone Again
If you've just lost your phone, the last thing you want to think about is "what you should have done"—but this is actually the best time to read about how to set yourself up for loss—so you can ensure that this doesn't ever happen to you again.
Protect Your Phone
- Insure your phone - make sure it includes theft or loss
- Activate your remote lock via your manufacturer's account: Find My iPhone, Samsung, or Windows
- Protect your device with a strong password, SIM lock (which can be set up via your carrier), and use your device's inbuilt biometric security
- Configure your accounts via iTunes and Google Play, so that you can quickly remove the device's access to your valuable apps and data from a trusted computer
- Use a password manager so that nothing is stored locally on your device
- Use an inexpensive accessory like a Tile Mate, which you attach to your keychain and will alert you when you've left your phone behind
Best Plans for Loss Protection
The perfect time to sign up for coverage on your next phone is when you're replacing your lost or stolen device. Whether you choose to use the insurance offered by your cell phone provider or if you'd rather add it to your current renters or homeowners insurance, we'll show you the options that cover loss and theft.
Insurance Plans That Cover Loss/Theft
All plans offered by mobile providers should offer next day replacement options and reward you with lower deductibles for going more time with fewer claims, but—all of them do require you to sign up within a given timeframe as well.
Once you miss that window, your best bet is going to be your homeowners or renters insurance. For example, if you live alone without much to cover, you can get a policy that costs just $19/month and offers you a $250 deductible – which is well worth it if you've lost your $1,200 cell phone.
If you'd prefer to go with mobile insurance, you can easily find a plan that protects you from theft and loss today! Take a look below to switch to a carrier that'll cover you!
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#1
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T-Mobile
$15 Connect by TMO 5GB
$15.00
Per 1 Month Refill
Taxes & Fees NOT included
+ $10 Upfront
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#2
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AT&T
Prepaid Unlimited Talk, Text, and Data Plan
$25.00
Per 1 Month Refill
+ $0.99 Upfront
|
|
#3
|
T-Mobile
$25 Connect by TMO 8GB
$25.00
Per 1 Month Refill
Taxes & Fees NOT included
+ $10 Upfront
|
|
#4
|
AT&T
Prepaid Unlimited Saver℠ Plan
$35.00
Per 1 Month Refill
+ $0.99 Upfront
|
|
#5
|
Verizon
15GB Prepaid Phone Plan
$35.00/mo
$45 without AutoPay | AutoPay discount applies after 1st month
|
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#6
|
T-Mobile
$35 Connect by TMO 12GB
$35.00
Per 1 Month Refill
Taxes & Fees NOT included
+ $10 Upfront
|
|
#7
|
T-Mobile
Prepaid Starter Plan
$40.00
Per 1 Month Refill
with AutoPay - Taxes & Fees NOT included
+ $10 Upfront
|
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#8
|
AT&T
Prepaid Unlimited Enhanced Plus℠ Plan
$45.00
Per 1 Month Refill
+ $0.99 Upfront
|
|
#9
|
T-Mobile
Prepaid Unlimited Plan
$45.00
Per 1 Month Refill
with AutoPay - Taxes & Fees NOT included
+ $10 Upfront
|
|
#10
|
T-Mobile
Essentials Saver
$50.00/mo
with Auto-Pay - Taxes & Fees NOT included
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Lauren Hannula
Managing Editor
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