Statistics tell us that around 88% or people don’t leave home these days without their mobile phones. Reliance on these incredibly popular and useful devices means that losing one can result in some serious headaches.

As mobile phones have become increasingly small and lightweight they’ve become easier to lose, drop or misplace. In 2008 around 200,000 mobile phones went into washing machines, around 600,000 were dropped down the loo and 55,000 were left in the back of taxis.

There is also the growing and worrying risk of theft. There are over 2 million mobile phones stolen in the UK every year. This means that 1 mobile phone is stolen around every 12 seconds and this worrying trend is on the increase.

If a mobile phone is lost there is the initial financial headache of replacement. There may be significant call charges amassed during the time between when a phone is stolen and when it eventually gets disabled. Then there is the impact of lost data, especially contacts.

It is estimated that fewer than 2 in 10 mobile phone users keep their phone SIM card data backed up to a separate device. Although most phones come with software that makes it easy to backup data from the phone to a computer few people take advantage of this.

So what steps can we take to help keep hold of our mobile phones?

1. The first thing is to make it difficult for a thief to actually steal your mobile phone. Never ever leave your phone unattended in your car and always store it securely.
2. Make certain you record the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number of your phone. This is a unique number associated with every mobile phone that can be used to disable the phone if it has been lost or stolen.
3. You can set your mobile phone to only operate after a configured PIN has been entered. This can be a bit of a nuisance but it will prevent a thief from running up substantial bills on your account.
4. Another simple suggestion is to switch your phone to silent alert or vibrate mode when in busy public places so that no one is alerted if your phone rings.
5. You may like to engrave your name and maybe your car registration details onto your phone and its battery. Alternatively you might like to use a system for attaching unique serial number stickers to your phone (as provided by trackitback.com) to your phone which will help identify your phone if it is lost or stolen.
6. It is worthwhile getting into the habit of backing up your SIM card data frequently. As a general rule you should back up your phone data as often as possible which should be every day if you are updating your contacts or appointments every day.
7. Finally, make certain that you have some mobile phone insurance that provides the protection that you need. Remember that not all mobile phone insurance policies are the same so be certain to read the details and ensure that you get the cover that you want.

By following these steps hopefully you and your phone will not become part of future lost or stolen mobile phone statistics.

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You may also like to protect your income with income protection and don’t overlook the need to protect other devices with some useful gadget insurance.