Gadget Insurance
Gadget Insurance
These days we all spend so much money purchasing all manner of gadgets and mobile devices from cameras and mobile phones to sat nav’s and mp3 players. It can be extremely annoying not to mention financially damaging when these devices are stolen or broken accidentally. Gadget Insurance provides a bit of peace of mind knowing that your important devices are covered for all kinds of unexpected occurrences. Don’t be mistaken by thinking that your gadgets are covered by your home insurance as many policies do not automatically cover your items ‘out of the home’.
Gadget Insurance – The Facts
Many of us often take the gadgets we carry for granted and it’s not until we have to replace one do we realise how important they are. According to insurance provider, Zurich, the average person carries over £800 worth of gadgets with them at any one time.
The BBC has also produced recent findings stating that mobile device theft has risen by almost 40% in some areas. It is suggested that these findings are a direct result of the rise in the number of portable gadgets carried by today’s public. Alarming as these stats may be, it just goes to show how important protecting your valuable gadgets can be.
What Devices can usually be Insured?
Depending on the insurance company that you choose, all kinds of mobile devices can be covered by Gadget Insurance. The majority of people are likely to possess more than one gadget they consider to be worth insuring so most insurance providers will allow you to cover multiple gadgets under a single policy. This also reflects the comments above. The types of devices that can be covered will often include:
- Mobile Phones
- PDA’s
- Blackberries
- Laptops
- Sat Nav Devices
- MP3 Players
- Digital Cameras
- Camcorders
- Portable Games Consoles
Types of Gadget Insurance Cover
As with other insurance policies, the cover for your gadgets may differ from insurer to insurer.
Repair or Replace – Many of the gadget insurance companies will offer ‘repair or replace’ cover, often with swift turnaround times. Some companies will even guarantee that you will have a new device on its way the same day of the claim. If it is possible to repair your device then this will often be the first choice of the insurer but if your gadget is damaged beyond reasonable economic levels then a replacement device will be supplied.
Loss and Theft Cover – It’s not only malicious activity that threatens your treasured gadgets. Many of us have mislaid our MP3 player or have left our phone on the train so many insurers will provide cover on accidental loss. This type of cover can be vitally important in today’s hectic lifestyles as, unfortunately, accidents do happen. Theft cover will often come as standard, as with many other types of insurance, theft claims will usually need to be backed by a crime reference number from your local police.
Accidental Damage – Another piece of cover that features highly among different providers will be accidental damage. This cover usually includes many different types of damage. You will often even be covered if you spill coffee on your laptop with the inclusion of liquid damage cover, making computer insurance essential. With so much rain in this country threatening all kinds of gadgets this kind of cover can sometimes be invaluable! Accidental breakages are becoming more commonplace these days so this kind of damage cover really does provide you with excellent peace of mind.
Worldwide Cover – If you are travelling abroad then gadget insurance can often be even more important. The usual cover will be extended for your foreign stay but replacement devices can obviously take somewhat longer to arrive. In recent years there have been sharp rises in the number of people who are subject to crime whilst abroad. Some holiday insurance companies will provide cover for certain devices such as digital cameras but it can sometimes be difficult to decipher the policy. With dedicated gadget cover you can be sure you are getting the cover that you require. Worldwide cover policies will usually only provide full cover for your gadgets for limited periods of time so be sure to enquire about the policy details before you sign on the dotted line.
Instant Cover – If you are in a hurry and need cover for your devices as soon as possible then the instant cover provided by most insurance companies will help a great deal. There will be no need to wait around for cover notes to arrive; sign up with an online provider and you are covered as soon as the application is completed. This is perhaps essential for work related gadgets such as laptops, mobile phones or your blackberry.
So how much will Gadget Insurance cost me?
With more and more companies these days providing this type of cover the market is quite competitive so you are likely to find acceptable deals from most insurers. Be sure to shop around to get the best deals and prices though. Most entry level policies will start at around £5 which will often provide cover for 3 gadgets up to the value of around £300 each. These policies can then be extended depending on the number and value of the devices you wish to cover. Most insurers will be able to provide you with a tailored quote to cover your specific requirements.
Get a Gadget Insurance quote.
Making a Claim
In most cases making a claim on your gadget insurance can be extremely easy. The process will be different from insurer to insurer but many will complete any claims within a few days. You will often be required to make your official claim in writing but you can get the ball rolling with either a call or an email to your insurer.
One website we found whilst researching this article is Laptop Insurance, who specialise solely in insuring laptops.
Alternatively, try Gadget Cover for an instant quote.
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