Generally speaking, almost all consumer electronics are covered under renters insurance. Items like Joyce's TV, Joyce's refrigerator, and of course, her phone are covered by the personal property provisions of her renters insurance policy. Insurance company will cover the cost of the damage up to your policy's limits. However, it's important to keep in mind that the cost of the damage must exceed the deductible of the plan.
A deductible is the amount you pay for lost or broken items before your renters insurance begins to pay. If Joyce's plan's deductible is $500, she'll pay 100 percent of expenses until the bills total $500. The basic rotary phone back in the 1980s probably doesn't cost Joyce $50 and she may not want to file a claim if the phone was the only broken item.
The information in this answer is general in nature and is not legal or insurance advice for your specific situation. Policy language varies carrier by carrier; your declarations page is the final word. If you're unsure, call your agent before you need to file.