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Tens of thousands of families in Britain could be invalidating their home insurance if they have a Galaxy Note 7 smartphone.

That is the warning from UK insurance companies after Samsung was forced to issue a product recall for its device which had been linked to a string of fires.

The world’s largest smartphone maker initially recalled 2.5 million Note 7 devices in early September after users reported flames and explosions caused by overheating batteries.

Samsung initially insisted replacement phones were safe but after reports that they were catching fire as well it announced a fortnight ago that it would scrap the model entirely.

Samsung says 45,000 Note 7s had been sold in Europe, the majority in the UK.

(Image: Getty Images)

A spokeswoman for the Association of British Insurers (ABI) told the Mirror: “Customers should always follow product recall instructions issued by manufacturers.

“We would expect insurers to allow a reasonable amount of time for people to act but if an item is kept or used against a manufacturer’s advice and causes damage, there is a risk of insurance cover being invalidated.

“Anyone with questions should speak to their insurer.”

It comes after concerns that faulty tumble dryers subject to Whirlpool’s product safety alert could invalidate home insurance claims if continued to be used.

Samsung announced on October 10 that all Note 7 users should stop using the device, back up all data and switch the phone off.

A day later it announced sales and production of the Note 7 were being permanently halted.

Owners of the Note 7 can claim a full refund or have the price knocked off the purchase of its S7 or S7 Edge devices.

A spokesman for AXA Insurance said: “If the customer ignored the safety warnings that they had been made aware of, then that could be considered reckless behaviour and may affect the claim being paid.

“If a customer follows all the safety instructions issued by the manufacturer then we would pay any claims that may arise from the faulty good.

“We consider all claims on a case by case basis.”

(Image: REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji)

Airlines around the world have banned the exploding smartphone amid fears it could bring down a plane.

Pam Quinn, spokeswoman for the British Insurance Brokers Association, said: “It could be argued that if you are using a phone or any appliance that you should have understood to be dangerous because of publicity it could be considered that you didn’t take reasonable precautions to avoid loss.

“However because home insurance is designed to cover loss of damage caused by fire, that is usually understood to mean you are covered however the fire was caused.

“We would expect that in the case of fires caused by Galaxy Note 7s to be considered on their own merit.

“If you have someone who is elderly they might not have heard the publicity surrounding the phone.

“Some people might be able to argue they didn’t realise they had that model of phone.”

Samsung claims only 96 handsets have been found to have caused damage or injury due to the faulty battery problem.

Of those 13 caused injuries and burns to people while 47 damaged property.

A Samsung spokeswoman said: “Customer safety is our absolute priority

“Everyone with a Galaxy Note7 should back-up their data, switch off their device and take advantage of the remedies available at their original point of purchase. “Customers can exchange their Note7 for a Galaxy S7 or S7 edge (with a refund of the price difference) or receive a full refund.”