Best insurance for gadgets

Gadgets that can be insured

Most personal electronic devices can be insured by gadget cover, including:

• Smartphones
• Laptops and tablets
• Digital cameras
• Smartwatches and fitness trackers
• Wireless earbuds
• Games consoles
• Satnavs

Note that this isn’t an exhaustive list, and all insurers will be different in terms of the gadgets they will and won’t cover. It’s important to compare policies thoroughly so you can be sure your particular device will be financially protected.

What does gadget insurance cover?

Every policy is different, but typically speaking, the best gadget insurance will cover the cost of repair, replacement or reimbursement of your device against the following:

• Loss or theft
• Accidental damage, including cracked screens and liquid damage
• Mechanical failure or breakdown (if your device is out of warranty)

You’ll want to make sure that your policy includes cover when outside the home, and the very best gadget insurance policies will include worldwide cover as well, which can be ideal if you travel a lot. If you’re specifically looking for mobile phone cover, check that the policy includes cover for unauthorised phone calls as well.

However, note that some insurers will charge extra for certain types of cover – some basic policies won’t cover loss as standard, for example – while others will let you create a package that’s tailored to your needs. This is why performing a thorough gadget insurance comparison is essential before you make your decision, ensuring you’ve got the level of cover that’s right for you.

What isn’t covered?

As with all kinds of insurance, there will be certain things that are excluded from your policy. The specifics will depend on the insurer, though some common exclusions are:

• Cosmetic damage
• Damage that’s already covered by the manufacturer’s warranty
• Loss or damage where you didn’t take proper care of your device
• The contents of your device (such as photos or software)

Bear in mind that some providers won’t insure a phone that’s over six months old, and others won’t insure models with a screen that’s over a certain size. Nearly all will require proof of purchase for any device you’re looking to insure as well, so make sure to have it to hand.

Are my gadgets already covered?

You may already have a certain amount of protection through other financial products, such as your home insurance or even your current account. Some packaged current accounts include gadget or mobile phone insurance as an additional perk, though make sure to check the level of cover, excess and claims rules (some will only allow you to make one claim in a year, for example). 

Bear in mind that most electronic devices will come with some form of warranty as well, though this will usually only be for a short space of time, and will typically only cover mechanical breakdown. Things like accidental damage and loss/theft won’t normally be covered, so it may be worth investing in a basic gadget insurance policy if your device would cost a lot to repair or replace. 

How much is gadget insurance?

The cost of gadget insurance in the UK will depend on a number of factors, including:

• The value of the gadget you’re looking to insure.
• The number of gadgets you want covered. You may only want to insure a single device, or you could have two or more devices that you’d like to include. While this will increase the cost overall, there may be discounts available for those who insure several gadgets under a single policy.
• The level of cover. Some insurers will offer a basic level of cover and will charge for optional extras, whereas others will offer a more comprehensive package as standard, but usually at a higher price.
• The excess. Typically speaking, the higher the excess, the cheaper the policy, but make sure it isn’t too high. If it is, you could end up spending a lot in the event of a claim anyway, which could make the policy far less beneficial. Find out more by reading our guide to insurance excess.

As a ballpark figure, electronic device insurance can cost anywhere from £1.50 per month to £15+, though this will vary depending on the provider. You may want to see if you can get a discount for paying annually rather than monthly, and always shop around to make sure you’re getting the best deal. You can use our chart to start your gadget insurance comparison and see the kind of prices on offer.