What is laptop insurance?

Key takeaways

• Laptop insurance is typically part of a gadget insurance policy where you can also protect tablets, iPads, smartwatches and Kindles

• Home contents insurance or the manufacturer’s warranty might provide a basic level of cover for laptops

• Most laptop insurance policies come with an excess fee, which is the amount you will need to pay towards a claim

Do I need laptop insurance?

There’s no requirement to buy laptop insurance but it can cover your laptop if it’s damaged or stolen. It is usually included in a gadget insurance policy and you can cover other devices too, such as iPads and Kindles.

Laptop insurance provides peace of mind, knowing you can swiftly get your laptop repaired or replaced without significant loss of time or money. However, if you rarely lose your devices, or damage them, it can be cheaper and less hassle to pay upfront yourself for the cost of repairs if there is ever damage.

Before you start looking at laptop insurance policies, it’s important to check you’re not already covered, too.

Your home contents insurance, for example, will probably include devices like laptops and tablets and may provide cover out of the home too if you pay for the personal possessions add-on. However, most insurance providers set a single item limit on insurance policies, so if your laptop is more expensive you may need a standalone policy.

If you have a new laptop, you could also be covered on a 12-month warranty - although this won’t provide as much cover as insurance and may not include accidental damage or theft cover.

What does laptop insurance cover?

Laptop insurance is usually part of a gadget insurance policy and it can cover:

• Accidental damage

• Mechanical breakdown

• Cracked screens

• Liquid damage

• Theft cover

• Loss

What is not covered by laptop insurance?

There may be some exclusions with your gadget insurance, but you will need to check the small print of the insurance company's policy to find out. Here are some common exclusions:

• Deliberate damage

• Unreported theft

• Loss of information or data

• Unauthorised use

• Cosmetic damage

• Unnotified network providers

• Worldwide cover (usually does not come as standard)

How many devices are covered on laptop insurance?

A standard gadget insurance policy can cover multiple devices, often up to 10. This can be particularly useful for families, ensuring that everyone's laptops and other gadgets are protected under one policy. You can usually include the following devices:

• Tablets

• Mobile phones

• Digital cameras

• PC monitors

• MP3 players

• CD/DVD players

• Games consoles

• Video cameras

• Bluetooth headsets

• Satellite navigation devices

• PDAs/E-readers

• Head/Earphones

• Smart watches

• Wearable technology, such as fitness trackers

Can my laptop insurance claim be rejected?

Yes, there are scenarios where your claim might not be accepted. These include:

• No signs of forced entry when a laptop is stolen from your property

• Laptop malfunctions while still under the manufacturer's warranty

• Claims related to general wear and tear

• If you don’t have proof of ownership

• Claims made within a cooling-off period, typically 14 days after taking out the policy

• Failure to maintain adequate anti-virus protection leading to a cyber incident

• Laptops over a certain age, or second-hand laptops

How much does laptop insurance cost?

The cost of insuring your laptop on a gadget insurance policy varies. It depends on lots of different factors, including the make, model and age of your laptop, your postcode, and the level of cover you choose.

This is why it’s important to compare laptop insurance quotes - not just looking at the price but checking the small print of the insurance company too.

Most insurance policies come with an excess fee, which is the amount of money you pay towards a claim. If you choose a higher excess, this can lower your laptop insurance premiums, but if you do make an insurance claim you will need to pay it.

In some situations, if there is very minor damage for example, it might be cheaper for you to pay for the cost of repairs, instead of making an insurance claim and paying the excess.

Compare laptop insurance

When considering laptop insurance, it's vital to weigh your options. A partner site like protectyourgadget.com can be an invaluable resource, matching your details with policy deals that align with your needs. By comparing different offers, you can find a policy that provides the right level of protection at a price that fits your budget.