Bupa Reveals the Most Common Cause of Smartphone Damage

Back glass damage tops the list of smartphone insurance claims, according to a recent analysis by insurance company Bupa.

The Leading Cause: Back Glass Damage

Bupa has released a list of the most frequent causes of mobile phone damage, based on its analysis of insurance claims. The most common issue reported is back glass damage, followed by a range of other screen and hardware problems.

Top Causes for Smartphone Insurance Claims

1. Back glass damage
2. Display bleed / panel damage
3. Touch / screen unresponsive
4. Front screen crack
5. Device no power
6. Device bent / structural damage
7. Camera damage
8. Charging / USB port failure
9. Water damage

Context and Potential Bias

The report was released alongside the announcement of a new insurance subscription, which may introduce some bias. However, the data is drawn from actual insurance claims.

Why Is Back Glass So Fragile?

Glass back panels are primarily aesthetic, adding scratch resistance and a premium feel to devices. They are often more fragile than screen glass and typically require a protective case to prevent damage.

The Risks of Cracked Back Glass

• Cracks can worsen over time, spreading across the panel.
• Water and dust resistance may be compromised once the glass is damaged.

Alternatives to Glass Backs

Phone manufacturers are exploring other materials:

• Aluminum frames with small glass sections (e.g., iPhone 17 Pro)
• Plastic backs (e.g., Motorola, Google Pixel 10a)

Current High-End Models with Glass Backs

For consumers, the findings underscore the importance of protective cases—especially for premium glass-backed devices that can be costly to repair.