More than two fifths (42 percent) of Apple iPhone owners are continuing to use their handset despite it having a broken screen, says MyVoucherCodes.co.uk.
Brits are reluctant to claim for damage on insurance
Research by the comparison site of 1, 112 owners of Apple's smartphone revealed more than half (51 percent) said the phone worked fine despite the broken screen, while nearly a third (32 percent) admitted they didn't want to 'claim on insurance' for the damage.
In total, 57 percent admitted they'd broken their iPhone at some point in the past. Of these, 27 percent had caused the damage within one month of first getting the device. The majority admitted they'd broken the iPhone within three months of first getting their hands on it.
More than two in five (41 percent) of iPhone owners also revealed they do nothing to protect their handset, in terms of using cases or screen protectors.
"As gadgets and technology have advanced, so have the price tags that come with them. Unfortunately, more expensive gadgets inevitably mean more expensive fixes when they are broken, so we really wanted to look into how people take care of their expensive consumer gadgets; particularly iPhones, given their current popularity," said Mark Pearson, Chairman of MyVoucherCodes.co.uk.
"To see that as many as two fifths of iPhone owners are currently using a phone with a broken screen is surprising, but it's even more surprising that so many haven't bothered to fix them because they still work fine! Whatever your reason for not fixing, it's important to make sure you insure your gadgets to protect you against breakages; otherwise, if you ever decide to fix your handset, you may be looking at a hefty price-tag to boot."
Comments
Guest said: My insurance company want £100 excess before fixing the glass on my 4s. I would rather use it broken or pay £30 off ebay and have someone else fix it.
Allan Dawes said: Phone makers seriously need to make smartphones and tablets more robust. They are now a vital part of our busy lives and yet they are as fragile as a Porcilin Doll. They need to make them so they can easily survive a fall onto concrete or other hard floors. The iPhone has become so thin, it's hard to hold it comfortably without fear of it poping out of your hand. I use a cheap silicone skin to protect against scratches and to have something to grip, but even this doesn't stay on. Smartphones are becoming more bling each year.
Hans Pedersen said: So this is why my monthly phone insurance fee on my Galaxy S2 went up from €5 to €10 last summer??? I'm paying for their crappy hardware to be replaced every month???
Allan Dawes said: I broke my iPhone 4 screen about a year ago, and ended up forking out £130 for a new screen. The replacement glass, which was an early part from apple, included a faulty Proxy sensor. I then had to go to Cambridge and have it replaced at the Apple store. They first tried to fob me off by saying I had too much running, but I insisted they test it properly. Once it was clear it wouldn't turn the display off when placed by an ear, they switched it happily.
Jdholgate said: I recently went to the apple store in Manchester with my friend who had the same problem. Apple were very understanding and they replaced his iPhone with a reconditioned and guaranteed unit for £99 + VAT. Cheaper than the excess on the insurance policy he has and less hassle. I was really impressed with Apple on this matter and I hope I never have to do it myself. But all the same it is good of them to offer this service.