The reason thieves steal your phone is no longer the price: they are after this personal data.

Criminals no longer steal just for the value of the phone itself, but for access to the content stored inside . Smartphones contain addresses, phone numbers, confidential data, credit cards, health apps, as well as photos, videos, and other emotionally valuable items; sensitive personal information that can cause serious damage if it falls into the wrong hands.

It is estimated that around 250,000 cell phones are stolen annually in Spain , according to data from the Spanish authorities, and the volume of thefts increases during the summer months with the proliferation of mass outdoor events, such as music festivals.

64 percent of consumers feel they would be disconnected from people and information without their device. And while nearly 60 percent of users say they are constantly vigilant to prevent theft of their mobile devices , only 20 percent have insurance to protect them.

Among the barriers to acquiring such services, almost half (43%) mention uncertainty about what is covered and not knowing where to start or who to turn to.

"Our research shows that the majority of victims remain dangerously unprotected , unaware of their vulnerability and the catastrophic impact the loss of these devices can have on their digital lives and security," said Kevin Gillan, managing director of SquareTrade Europe.