When you insure your phone, there’s one important detail your insurer may ask you to provide: Your IMEI number. It might sound technical, but it’s actually a simple and important part of making sure your phone is properly recorded on your policy. Your IMEI number helps identify your specific mobile device and confirms that the phone you want to insure exists. It also plays a key role if you ever need to claim.
| Quick answer An IMEI number is a unique 15-digit code that identifies a mobile device.Your insurer needs it to record the exact phone you’ve insured.You can usually find it by dialling *#06#, checking your phone settings or looking on the box, SIM tray or back of some phones.Once you find it, take a screenshot and send it to your insurer through their preferred channel.You’re only covered if the IMEI number of the phone you claim for matches the IMEI number on your policy schedule. |
What is an IMEI number?
An IMEI number is a unique 15-digit code used to identify a mobile device. IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. In plain English, it’s your phone’s identity number, much like a VIN identifies a car.
Every insured phone needs to be identified clearly. Brand, model and colour help, but they don’t prove which exact device is being insured. The IMEI number does.
Why does your insurer need your IMEI number?
Your insurer needs your IMEI number because it links your phone to your policy schedule. When you insure a phone, your insurer needs a record of the specific device covered under your policy. The IMEI number helps prove that the phone exists and helps avoid confusion later.
This matters most at claim stage. If you claim for a lost, stolen or damaged phone, your insurer needs to check that the phone you’re claiming for is the same phone listed on your policy schedule.
If the numbers don’t match, your claim may be delayed or even denied.
How to find your IMEI number
Finding your IMEI number is quick and easy. There are a few different ways to do it, depending on your phone and what you have available.
Option 1: Dial *#06# on your phone
Open your phone’s keypad as if you’re going to make a call. Type *#06# and your phone should display the IMEI number on the screen.
Once it appears, take a screenshot. This is the easiest way to make sure your insurer gets the number exactly as your phone shows it.
Option 2: Check your phone’s settings
You can also find your IMEI number in your phone’s settings.
For iPhone, go to:
Settings > General > About
For an Android phone, go to:
Settings > About/About phone
The exact wording may differ slightly depending on your device, but your IMEI number should be listed in the phone information section.
Option 3: Check the box, SIM tray or back of the phone
Your IMEI number may also appear on your phone’s original box, the SIM card tray, or the back of some phones. This can help if your phone won’t switch on or you can’t get into the settings.
What to do once you’ve found your IMEI number
Once you’ve found your IMEI number, take a screenshot or make sure you have a clear record of it.
Then send it to your insurer using their preferred communication channel. This may include WhatsApp, email, or another method your insurer provides. Follow the prompts or instructions they give you so that your IMEI number can be added to your policy correctly.
When sending your IMEI number, make sure the digits are clear and complete. Since it is a 15-digit number, even one incorrect digit could cause a mismatch later.
Why a screenshot is helpful
Taking a screenshot is one of the easiest ways to avoid mistakes.
Typing out a 15-digit number manually can lead to errors, especially if you’re in a hurry. A screenshot gives your insurer a clear, reliable view of the number displayed by your phone.
Because the way you take a screenshot differs from phone to phone, use the method that works for your device. Once you have it saved, send the screenshot to your insurer as instructed.
Common mistakes people make with IMEI numbers
Sending the model number instead of the IMEI number
A model number tells your insurer what type of phone you have. The IMEI number identifies your exact device. They aren’t the same thing.
Typing the number manually and missing a digit
An IMEI number has 15 digits. That’s a lot of room for one tiny mistake. A screenshot is safer than typing it out from memory.
Forgetting to update the IMEI after upgrading
If you replace your phone, your policy details need to change too. The IMEI for your old phone won’t identify your new one.
Assuming the box is always correct
The original box can help, but only if it belongs to the phone you’re insuring. We’ve all got that one cupboard full of mystery cables and old boxes, so check before you send it.
Not checking the policy schedule afterwards
Sending your IMEI number is step 1. Checking that it appears correctly on your policy schedule is step 2. Don’t skip step 2.
Tips for sending your IMEI number correctly
- Use *#06# if your phone is working.
- Take a screenshot of the IMEI number.
- Make sure all 15 digits are visible.
- Send it through the channel your insurer asks you to use.
- Avoid cropping the screenshot too tightly.
- Keep a copy for your own records.
- Check your policy schedule once it has been updated.
- Tell your insurer if you change phones later.
When should you update your IMEI number?
Update your IMEI number whenever the insured phone changes. That includes upgrading, replacing a damaged phone, switching to a different device, or adding a new phone to your policy.
You should also check your details when your policy renews or when you review your cover. Insurance admin is much easier before a claim than during one, especially when your phone is missing.
Real world example
Say you insure a phone and send your insurer the IMEI number from your old device. A few months later, you upgrade and start using a new phone, but you forget to update the policy schedule.
Then the new phone is stolen. When you claim, the IMEI number of the stolen phone doesn’t match the number on the schedule. Your insurer now needs to investigate the mismatch, and your claim could be delayed or affected.
Now compare that with the better version: You upgrade, find the new IMEI number, send it to your insurer, and check your updated schedule. If you need to claim later, the insured phone and policy schedule match, causing fewer headaches, less admin, and more peace.
Frequently asked questions
What does IMEI stand for?
IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It’s a unique 15-digit code that identifies a mobile device.
Why does my insurer need my IMEI number?
Your insurer needs your IMEI number to record the exact phone covered on your policy. It helps prove that the phone exists and helps match the phone you’re claiming for to the phone listed on your policy schedule.
How do I find my phone’s IMEI number?
You can usually find it by dialling *#06# on your phone keypad. You can also check your iPhone settings under Settings > General > About, or your Android settings under Settings > About/About phone.
Can I find my IMEI number if my phone won’t switch on?
Yes, you may still be able to find it on the original phone box, the SIM card tray, or the back of some phones. Make sure the number belongs to the phone you insured.
What happens if my IMEI number doesn’t match my policy schedule?
Your insurer may not be able to confirm that the phone you’re claiming for is the same phone listed on your policy. This can delay or affect a claim, so check your schedule after sending your IMEI number.
