Gadget insurance

Why gadget cover matters right now

Gadget insurance is designed to protect everyday tech like smartphones, tablets, wearables and laptops against risks such as accidental damage, theft and liquid damage. For many UK households these devices are now essential for work, banking, schooling and staying in touch. With prices rising, the financial hit from a broken or stolen device can be significant, and repair delays can disrupt daily life.

Across the UK, more people are choosing to insure their tech. Policies reached a record 8.46 million in 2024, up from 7.87 million the year before. Premium income also increased, reflecting higher device values and recalibrated pricing. At the same time, claims frequency has fallen and payout ratios have stabilised, which suggests insurers are managing risk more fairly and consumers are using cover more sustainably. This is a useful backdrop if you are weighing up whether protection is worth it.

Insurance can offer real financial protection, but only when you understand what is covered - and what is not.

This guide sets out the facts in plain English. We will explain the key features, typical exclusions and how claims usually work. We will also outline who benefits most, where cover may be unnecessary, and practical steps to compare policies safely. Our aim is to help you decide with confidence, not to sell you a product. UK gadget insurance is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, which supports fair value and clear information. Even so, terms vary by provider, so careful reading is essential.

What is covered and what is not

Most policies focus on accidental damage, liquid damage, and theft. Some extend to loss, breakdown outside warranty, accessories and unauthorised calls or data use following theft. A typical claim might involve a cracked smartphone screen after a drop, or theft from a locked rucksack on public transport. For higher-value devices, insurers may offer repair via authorised centres or a replacement of similar age and specification.

Limitations are important. Cosmetic wear and tear, manufacturer defects within warranty, unattended loss where reasonable care was not taken, and theft from an unlocked car are commonly excluded. Evidence is often required, such as proof of purchase, IMEI numbers and a crime reference for theft. If a device is second-hand or refurbished, check eligibility and value limits carefully, as some insurers restrict cover or apply higher excesses. Attachment rates for refurbished devices have fallen sharply in the UK, indicating fewer people choose to insure them - often due to perceived lower replacement cost.

Claims are generally straightforward when the documentation is in order. You report the incident, provide requested evidence, pay the excess and the insurer arranges repair or replacement. Pricing has increased in line with device inflation, but claims payout amounts have also risen because more premium flagship smartphones and 5G models are being insured. Lower claims frequency since 2022 points to more sustainable use of cover overall.

Who is likely to benefit

This cover suits people who rely on their devices daily and would struggle to pay for a repair or replacement at short notice. That includes commuters using mobiles for travel and payments, students carrying laptops and tablets between classes, freelancers who need devices for work, and families managing shared devices at home. Younger users often insure because devices are central to their lifestyle and they value fast repairs.

If your device is older, low value, or already protected by a manufacturer warranty, retailer care plan or a packaged bank account, separate gadget insurance may be unnecessary. Those who can comfortably self-fund a repair or replacement might also choose to save the premium and accept the risk. The right choice depends on your budget, device value and tolerance for unexpected costs.

Picking a level of protection

1. Basic - essentials only

   • Covers accidental damage and liquid damage for a single device with a set excess and modest claim limits. No theft or loss. Suitable if you mainly worry about drops and spills and can keep the device secure.

2. Standard - damage plus theft

   • Includes accidental and liquid damage, theft, accessory cover and worldwide travel protection for short trips. May exclude loss. Good for daily commuters and students who carry devices outside the home.

3. Comprehensive - widest protection

   • Adds loss cover, breakdown after warranty expiry, and enhanced travel and accessory limits. Often includes rapid repair or courier swap services. Intended for premium devices where downtime is costly.

4. Multi-gadget plans - households and couples

   • One policy for several devices, sometimes at discounted bundle rates. Useful where multiple smartphones, tablets and wearables need protection under consistent terms.

5. Optional add-ons - tailor to need

   • Choices may include accidental loss, unauthorised use after theft, extended overseas cover beyond 90 days, and higher accessory limits. Subscription models can allow on-off cover or monthly changes without long commitments.

Tip: balance the excess with the likely repair cost. A very high excess can make small claims poor value.

What affects the price you pay

Prices vary between providers and are not guaranteed. Expect higher costs for top-tier smartphones, premium accessories and loss cover.

Who can apply and what to prepare

Insurers typically require you to be a UK resident aged 18 or over, applying for devices that are yours, in good working order and within a maximum age threshold, often 6 to 12 months from purchase for loss or theft cover. You will usually need proof of purchase, the device serial or IMEI number, and evidence that the device was not previously damaged. For theft claims, a police crime reference is standard and must be obtained promptly.

Common reasons for decline include uncertain proof of ownership, devices reported as blacklisted, repeated recent claims, or applications for devices beyond age or value limits. If your device is refurbished, check whether it must have a minimum warranty or be purchased from an approved UK retailer.

From quote to claim - simple steps

1. Get a quote online and confirm your device make, model and value.
2. Choose cover level, excess, and any optional add-ons you genuinely need.
3. Review key exclusions and limits, then read the Insurance Product Information Document.
4. Provide proof of purchase and device identifiers such as IMEI or serial number.
5. Pay monthly or annually and store your documents in a safe, accessible place.
6. If an incident occurs, secure your data and report theft to the police promptly.
7. Start your claim online, upload evidence, and pay the applicable excess.
8. Arrange repair or replacement through the insurer’s approved process.

Balanced view - strengths and trade-offs

Key checks before you buy

Start with the basics: what is the excess per claim and how does it vary by device type or claim category. Confirm the maximum claim value, any single-item limits and total annual claim caps. Review exclusions carefully, especially unattended theft, intentional damage, jailbreaking or unauthorised repairs, and delays in reporting loss or theft. Check any waiting periods before cover starts and whether loss is included or optional. Look at renewal pricing and how previous claims may affect it. Ensure you can provide acceptable proof of purchase and device identifiers. If you travel, confirm the length of overseas cover and repair arrangements.

Other ways to protect your tech

1. Contents insurance add-on

   • Some home policies offer gadget or personal possessions cover outside the home. This can be cost-effective but may come with higher excesses and impact your home claims record.

2. Retailer care plans and extended warranties

   • Useful for mechanical or electrical breakdown after the manufacturer warranty ends. Typically exclude theft and loss.

3. Packaged bank accounts

   • Certain accounts include mobile phone insurance. Check device and value limits, excesses, and whether your specific model is covered.

4. Self-insurance

   • Set aside savings to cover repair or replacement. Works best for lower-value or older devices.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Do I need gadget insurance if I have contents insurance? A: Possibly not. Home policies may cover devices at home, and add-ons can extend cover away from home. Excesses can be higher and claims may affect your home premium. Compare terms carefully.

Q: Is loss automatically included? A: Not always. Many policies include accidental damage and theft as standard, with loss available as an optional add-on. Check definitions of loss and proof requirements before deciding.

Q: Are refurbished phones covered? A: Some insurers cover refurbished devices bought from approved retailers with valid proof of purchase. Others restrict value or exclude them. Attachment rates have dropped, so check eligibility and limits.

Q: How quickly will my device be repaired or replaced? A: Timeframes vary by insurer, stock and repair centre capacity. Many aim for swift turnaround on popular models. Using approved centres helps maintain warranties and claim validity.

Q: Will making a claim raise my premium? A: It can. A claim may affect renewal pricing or acceptance, particularly with multiple recent claims. Keeping evidence organised and using cover responsibly supports fair outcomes.

Q: Does travel abroad affect cover? A: Many policies include short-term worldwide cover, often up to 60 or 90 days. Confirm limits, regional exclusions and how repairs are handled while overseas.

Ready to compare your options

Take a moment to list your devices, their values and the risks you care about most. Compare a few quotes side by side, focusing on exclusions, excesses and claim limits rather than price alone. Choose the level of protection that fits your budget and your day-to-day use.

Important note

This guide provides general information, not personal financial advice. Policy terms, exclusions and prices vary by insurer. Always read the Insurance Product Information Document and full policy wording before you buy.