Gadget insurance — is it worth it?
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Quick answer: Gadget insurance covers phones and laptops against theft and damage — compare excess, single-claim limits and whether home contents or credit card cover already protects you.
Mobile networks and banks push gadget cover aggressively at checkout, but you may already be protected elsewhere. The FCA regulates standalone policies. This guide helps you decide whether a premium policy beats self-insuring or using existing cover.
Overlapping cover
Home contents insurance with personal possessions away from home can cover gadgets if you add that extension, usually with a limit of £1,000 to £2,500 per item. Check your policy before buying separate gadget cover.
Section 75 and chargeback protect you against faulty goods on credit card purchases, but they do not cover accidental damage or theft. Gadget insurance addresses a different risk.
Network policies
Network-provided insurance is convenient but often expensive compared with standalone policies. Cancel it when you leave the network or upgrade your phone, as it usually stops when your contract ends.
AppleCare and manufacturer plans typically cover breakdown and mechanical failure but not theft. Read the scope carefully before assuming you have full protection.
Making claims
Report theft to the police immediately and obtain a crime reference number, as insurers require prompt notification and proof of the incident. Delay can give the insurer grounds to reject your claim.
Refurbished or second-hand phones need proof of purchase and the IMEI number. Keep receipts and register your device so you can evidence ownership if it is stolen.
Common questions
Is gadget insurance worth the cost?
Often not if you already have home contents cover with away-from-home protection and can afford to self-insure minor repairs. Compare the annual premium plus excess against the cost of a typical screen repair.
Does insurance cover cracked screens?
Usually yes, subject to the policy excess. Compare a local repair shop quote against your excess plus the annual premium before you decide whether claiming makes financial sense.
Can I insure a second-hand phone?
Yes, with proof of ownership. Some insurers refuse devices over two years old or require you to buy cover within a short window after purchase.