Metropol

well, after much research i decided to swallow the extra couple of quid and just go with the service provider's own offering (3).

it seems after reading reviews and forums that the 3rd party providers (which as protect my bubble) seem to drag their heels and take an excessive amount of time to settle claims or provide repairs.

although i've never been with 3, the service from vodafones insurance was very good. on the two or three occasions i've claimed on it i've had a new handset within a couple of days.

Well, I have to take it all back.

Chatting to the lass in the office today who had her iPhone stolen in New York the other week. She made her claim with Halifax Bank of Scotland Ultimate Rewards account claims, and they called her this morning to say they were, "having difficulty sourcing a replacement".

Assuming this was going to go very badly, my colleague harrumphed and sighed, "yes...and?"

"So..." they said, "if its ok with you we will go ahead and put at credit of £359 directly to your account today".

Cor blimey. Full fat cash back. Not bad at all.

She's given me the direct number to register my phone against my account, which I'll go ahead and do today I think.