What is gadget insurance?

Gadget insurance helps protect your everyday tech, like your phone, tablet, laptop or camera. These items can be expensive to fix or replace, so gadget cover gives you peace of mind in case the unexpected happens.

You might already get basic protection for your gadgets through other policies, like home contents insurance, but that often only applies while the device is in your home. Gadget cover, whether standalone or bundled with other home insurance, can extend protection beyond that, including when you’re out and about or travelling.

Gadgets are such a huge part of how we live, work and play. The right insurance is definitely worth considering, making sure broken or stolen tech doesn’t leave you staring at a big bill for repair or replacement. Some policies even include your kids’ devices - ideal when you want cover for their natural clumsiness!

What do I get with gadget cover?

Typically covered

What’s included can vary between insurers, but gadget cover is generally designed to protect your tech if it’s lost, stolen or damaged, including those heart-sinking liquid spills.

As an example, one leading insurer offers gadget cover that includes:

  • Everyday gadgets: Unspecified items covered up to £200 each.

  • Higher-value tech: Named gadgets covered from £201 up to £2,500 per item.

  • Multiple devices: Total cover of up to £10,000 across your gadgets.

  • Protection against various mishaps: Everything from a smartphone taking an unexpected dive into water to a cracked screen or theft of your device.

  • Phone theft costs: If your mobile phone gets stolen, you’ll also be covered for the cost of calls, texts and downloads made in the first 24 hours.

Policies vary, so always check what counts as a gadget and how much each plan will pay out for different devices. And remember, if you take out a policy and then treat yourself to a shiny new gadget, don’t forget to let your insurer know. Updating your policy means your new tech gets the protection it deserves.

What isn’t covered?

While gadget cover protects a lot, there are some things it doesn’t tend to include. Here are examples from one gadget insurer:

Devices and purchases

  • Drones - sometimes partly covered by gadget insurance, but specialist cover is typically needed.

  • Any gadgets already covered by a standalone policy you bought with your laptop or smartphone.

Damage and wear

  • Wear and tear from everyday use.

  • Cosmetic damage that doesn’t affect how your gadget works.

Digital content and fees

  • Downloaded material or software.

  • Personalised ringtones or graphics.

  • Any reconnection costs or subscription fees.

It’s always a good idea to check what other cover you already have for your gadgets before making a claim, so you know exactly what’s included and what’s not.

What counts as a gadget?

Gadget cover add-on protects a wide range of devices. Depending on these insurer, these may include:

  • Computing and mobile devices: Laptops, smartphones and mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, smartwatches.

  • Mobile phone usage costs: For stolen mobiles, cover for the cost of any calls, texts or downloads made within the first 24 hours.

  • Photography and video: Digital cameras and camera lenses, video cameras.

  • Audio and entertainment: Headphones and earphones, portable audio equipment and speakers, portable games consoles.

  • Navigation: Sat navs and GPS devices.

  • Accessories: Chargers and other accessories for the gadgets listed above.

To make a claim, expect to provide proof of purchase and details of where or when the gadget (or accessory) was stolen, lost or damaged.

How much does gadget insurance cost?

There’s no one-size-fits-all price for gadget insurance. What you pay depends on a few key details about your tech and the level of cover you choose, including:

  • The type of gadget: Bigger, pricier items like smartphones and laptops usually cost more to insure than smaller gadgets like headphones.

  • The value of your device: The newer or more high-end the gadget, the higher the cover cost is likely to be. A brand-new, top-of-the-range phone will usually cost more to insure than an older or budget model.

  • The level of cover: More protection means a higher price. Choosing cover for loss, theft and accidental damage will cost more than basic protection, so it’s worth thinking about what you really need.

  • Payment frequency: Policies can usually be paid monthly or annually, which can affect the overall price.

  • Voluntary excess: Adding a voluntary excess can reduce your premium, but you’ll pay more out of pocket if you make a claim.

Getting the right balance can help keep your gadgets protected without paying for extras you may never use.

Could my gadgets already be covered by another policy?

Before you rush into buying gadget cover, check whether your devices are already protected. Your home contents insurance policy is likely to include cover for the tech you have in your home. It may help cover the cost of repairing or replacing tech if it’s damaged or stolen, as long as it happens while the item is at home.

The catch is that contents cover usually only applies while you’re at home. It may not cover accidental damage to your gadgets, and making a claim could affect your no-claims bonus.

You should also keep an eye on limits with home contents insurance. Policies usually have a single item limit, which is the maximum you can claim for one device. This matters most for pricier gadgets, like high-end cameras, laptops and the latest smartphones.

Also, check your home policy excess. If it’s the same as or higher than the gadget’s value, making a claim might not be worth it.

Home insurance isn’t the only way your gadgets might be covered. Don’t forget to check other financial products you have. Some gadgets could be covered under:

Doing a quick check first can save you money and avoid overlapping cover, so you only pay for the protection you really need.

Answering your questions about accidental damage cover

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