Vi Rolls Out India’s First Recharge-linked Handset Theft & Loss Insurance Plan
Vi, India’s leading telecom operator, today announced the launch of industry-first handset theft & loss insurance plans, specifically for prepaid customers across both iOS and Android devices. This unique offering is available with select prepaid recharge packs to address a key customer concern of losing a smartphone that remains largely uncovered by traditional damage-only insurance policies.
As per a report published by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) in May 2025, about 85.5 percent of households own at least one smartphone. As per an industry report, the handset insurance market is projected to reach $2.6 billion this year, growing at nearly 14 percent annually, while the cost of replacing a mid-range phone typically falls between ₹20,000–₹25,000.
The handset theft & loss insurance recharge from Vi is the most economical choice for handset protection, available across 3 packs priced at ₹61 (30 days), ₹201 (180 days), and ₹251 (365 days), offering insurance up to ₹25,000 as handset loss or theft protection alongside data benefits.
By integrating insurance coverage into everyday prepaid packs, Vi aims to address market gaps related to high premiums, convenience, and accessibility. This offering combats the high premium of traditional insurance by embedding the expense into manageable, incremental recharge payments, making protection affordable for a wider customer base.
Furthermore, it replaces complicated claim process with a simplified, digital-first journey, leveraging existing customer data to minimize paperwork and accelerate resolution times. By bundling handset protection with recharge packs, Vi extends crucial insurance offerings beyond traditional channels, eliminating the hassle of separate purchases and expanding accessibility.
Handset Loss Insurance Plans by Vi:
| Product MRP | Sum Insured | Telco Benefit | Handset Insurance Validity |
| Rs 61 | Up to Rs 25,000 | 2GB for 15 days | 30 days |
| Rs 201 | 10GB for 30 days | 180 days | |
| Rs 251 | 10GB for 30 days | 365 days |
The handset theft & loss insurance offering is another example of how Vi is creating value-added, reliable, and resilient digital experiences for its customers. Some of its other innovative customer offerings in the prepaid segment include the Hero Unlimited suite offering unlimited high-speed night data, weekend data rollover and on-demand extra data. Vi has also expanded this offering by launching Super Hero plans offering unmatched 12-hour unlimited data and NonStop Hero plans offering 24-hour Unlimited Data with no daily quota.