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Replacing stolen iPhone 5C

sweetoxic

I had my phone stolen yesterday, and I don't have insurance on it. I was wondering what I would have to do to have it replaced. Keep in mind that I also have autism, ADHD, developmental delays, etc. I can't live without my phone due to routine. I'll most likely suffer severe meltdowns without one. We can't pay an arm and a leg to get a brand new one either. I was wondering what I would have to do to make sure I get one.

Comments

flutterfly8497

If you have an upgrade available (whether on the line affected or another line you could use the upgrade for), you can sign a new contract and upgrade at a discount. Otherwise, you can purchase a gently used phone, borrow a Verizon phone from a friend/family member who has a working spare, or pay full price. If you have homeowners or renters insurance, and this type of theft is covered, you could file a claim toward that. You can also start a new line and use the discounted phone for that line, but honestly I think I would do ANYTHING other than starting a new line. I hope you're able to get your phone replaced without too much trouble!

MiiHere

You're very high functioning to have autism; very outstanding. Are you able to locate your device using a locator like find my iPhone? That would be your only option, other than trying to find one used online. Or really any phone used online that you can activate to the line.

Make sure you mark your phone as lost or stolen with Verizon; they will help lock out service so that whoever has your phone doesn't use up minutes/text/data.

MiiHere

If you're able to file a claim with renters/home owners, I would check what the deductible is before you tell them anything about the situation. I want to say the lowest deductible I was able to get was $500 - which is around the cost of buying a phone outright. If that's the case I wouldn't bother going through insurance because it will increase your monthly premium.

flutterfly8497

That's true. I used to have a $50 deductible on my renter's insurance but I was insuring A LOT less than I am now on my homeowners insurance, and paying less in my premium as well. Still, I would pay $250 to replace a $799 phone now, and I would definitely prefer to do that. Also, there is a rider that has to be added to the insurance to cover things like cell phones, tablets, laptops, etc. I had to request that specifically.

MiiHere

Wow! $50 deductible? Those were the days huh? $250 is a much better deductible, however you can still get a decent used phone for that; even if it's only to use temporarily until you're eligible for an upgrade. If you keep it in decent condition you can re-sell it and cover some of the cost of the upgrade and never have an insurance premium increase.

sweetoxic

Sorry, but don't you think that's a tad bit ignorant? I know people who are more severe and can communicate just as well as I can. I know you mean well, and I'm not trying to be rude or anything here... really trying not to be. I'm just a self-advocate for people with autism. I get that some might communicate as well as I do, but I do know some that do and still have it severely.

flutterfly8497 I think that's what I will try to do. I told my dad, and I think we might be able get one used. I don't really mind that since it's better than not having a phone at all too... way better.

MiiHere

I commented on it because I have a brother who is severely autistic. He's quite the little tech guru, but can't hold a conversation, so I was literally saying how outstanding it is that you're able to do things on your own; he can't even tie his shoes. So to answer your question, it was not out of ignorance, but out of admiration that I made my comment; I would love to be able to have a back and forth conversation with him, much as I am having one with you.

flutterfly8497

Last winter I bought a phone for my son on eBay, since Verizon no longer had the specific phone he had and really liked. I found it for $20, said it was never used, and the seller readily gave me the ESN to check. That's the biggest thing...get the ESN, and you can either call Verizon and just have them run it to see if it is clean and not activated, or you can type "ESN check" into a browser and there are several sites you can use. If you buy one that was stolen, or someone found but was reported lost or stolen by the original owner, you will probably not be able to get your money back, and an iPhone is probably going to cost more than my son's little basic phone.

I hope you can get one quickly to get things back on track for you. I have an 11 year old niece with childhood apraxia and autism and I do know she is completely lost when there is a disturbance in her life or routine, and sometimes it can be a real struggle to get back on track, particularly when you have to replace a costly item like that on a budget. Best of luck to you!