Gadget insurance

Gadget insurance offers protection for a huge range of electronic, portable items. It covers the cost of repair or replacement if your gadget is accidentally damaged. You can find cover for your phone laptop, tablet, game console and more.

You can also take out additional cover for loss and theft. Gadgets such as iPhones and Samsung phones can be extremely expensive, so having cover in place can help save you paying for a replacement if one of yours is damaged.

Before buying gadget insurance you should check if you’re already covered by your home contents insurance policy. Home contents insurance often covers personal possessions or accidental damage to gadgets. Your policy details should say if you’re covered or not. You may also have cover provided by your bank, or credit card company, so it’s worth checking these policies too.

Your gadgets’ manufacturer warranties will also cover for mechanical failure, although you won’t be covered for accidental damage.

Accidental damage is included in all policies offered through the Idol.com. This means if your gadget is damaged following an accident, the policy should cover its repair or replacement.

Each insurance policy differs slightly depending on which company you choose. So be sure to check the policy details to find out more about what is and isn’t covered by accidental damage.

Most policies include:

• Accidental damage cover for damage caused by you or any other person which wasn’t deliberate
• Liquid damage cover against spillages or water damage
• Breakdown cover if your gadget simply stops working with no obvious damage caused
• Cracked screen cover for damage to the screen that affects the normal use of your gadget
• Accessory cover for replacement of any accessories damaged, stolen or lost at the same time as your gadget
• Malicious damage cover against intentional or deliberate damage caused by someone, not including you or your immediate family

Theft or loss is an optional extra you can choose when getting your quote.

It depends on the insurer and policy you choose, so it’s best to check the individual policy exclusions before you go ahead and buy a policy. Generally, most policies don’t cover:

Theft or loss (unless you include this as additional cover)



Gadgets over 3 years old



Items valued over £1,500



Cosmetic damage that doesn’t affect the functionality of the gadget



Damage caused by a third party



Gadgets without proof of purchase

Before you buy gadget insurance you should check if you’re already covered. Home contents insurance often covers personal possessions or accidental damage to gadgets. Your policy details should say if you’re covered or not.

Manufacturer warranties will pay for repairs or replacements if your gadget stops working. This could save you money if you’re not worried about accidental damage, theft or loss. 

Some bank accounts include cover for mobile phones and other gadgets, so it's also worth checking this before you buy.

Gadget warranties only cover for mechanical failure, you won’t be covered for accidental damage.

Yes. You’ll need to provide proof of purchase for your gadgets if you make a claim.

Yes, your gadgets must be no more than 3 years old at the start of your policy. Some insurers will only cover gadgets up to 1 year old.

You can insure second-hand gadgets if they are less than 3 years old at the start of your policy. You must be able to provide proof of purchase.

Each insurer has different criteria for refurbished or used gadgets, so make sure you read the policy details by clicking ‘more info’ on the results page.

Your gadgets must be undamaged and in full working order before you purchase a policy.