ABOUT 25 million Brits are forking out £1.5bn a year on mobile phone insurance when their phones could already be covered under their home and contents insurance policy, it has been claimed.

With mobile phone cover often costing more than the handset itself, Age Concern Insurance Services in Swindon is urging people to check their existing home and contents insurance policies before forking out up to £100 for specialist cover.

Sara Winslow, of Age Concern Swindon, said: "Mobile phone insurance has become big business in the space of just a few years, but millions of people are actually paying twice to insure their mobile phones once through their home and contents insurance and again for mobile phone insurance."

She said this is an increasing problem for older people across Britain as more purchase mobile phones.

New research conducted by Age Concern reveals that nearly three quarters of over 50s now own a mobile.

However, many are new to the market and more than 80 per cent spend less than £10 per month on calls and texts.

Sara said: "These findings show that many older people are actually paying more for their mobile phone insurance than for making calls and texts.

"We are concerned that older people, who have only recently bought a mobile phone, may fork out for expensive cover when there is a better and significantly cheaper option available to them."