Cell C has entered the insurance market with the launch of C Surance that provides its 10m customers with cover if their phone is stolen, lost or damaged or if the SIM card is used illegally.

Cell C said C Surance would offer customers insurance cover of up to R12,500 at "cost effective premiums" and would be available to both new and existing contract and top-up customers.

C Surance will also cover any outstanding amounts on a customer's account in the event of death, disability or retrenchment.

It will offer an extended warranty of up to 24 months on devices that have manufacturer's warranty of less than 24 months and SIM card cover if the SIM card is stolen or unlawfully used.

The new insurance product will be underwritten by Etana Insurance Company.