Tablet insurance

What is tablet insurance?

Tablet insurance is a type of gadget insurance you can take out to cover your iPad, Kindle, or other tablet in the event that it becomes damaged or stolen.

Do I need insurance for my iPad or tablet?

If you have a tablet, insuring it can save you a lot of hassle and give you peace of mind that you won’t have to pay through the nose if your expensive gadget breaks or gets stolen. However you may already be getting cover from another source, which means you won’t need to spend money on extra insurance you don’t need.

You should check beforehand to see if your tablet is covered by:

• A warranty: When you buy a tablet brand new it usually comes with a warranty guarantee – this can last anywhere from a few months to two years
• A bank account incentive: Some bank accounts offer extra incentives to attract customers, such as cover for your tablet or other gadgets
• A contents insurance policy: Your home contents insurance policy usually also includes cover for gadgets, though there may be a limit on the value of single items covered by the policy

These are all alternative ways of taking out an insurance policy for your tablet, but if you purchase insurance this way it’s worth checking for any gaps in your coverage. You might find that taking out a separate gadget insurance policy for your tablet offers a better level of cover for your devices.

Do I need tablet insurance if I’m a student living in halls?

If you’re a student living in halls, it’s likely you’ll have gadgets that need protecting. You should check to see if you’re covered by your home contents insurance, which can sometimes include students in communal living. If not, taking out a policy for yourself could be the easiest and cheapest way to get cover.

What does tablet insurance cover?

The exact level of cover you’ll get for your tablet will depend on the policies you take out and the provider you go to. You should ideally aim for tablet insurance that covers you for the following:

• Loss: If you lose your tablet while out and about
• Theft: If your tablet is stolen
• Accidental damage: If for example your screen gets cracked
• Malicious damage: If someone deliberately damages your tablet
• Liquid damage: If your tablet is damaged as a result of exposure to liquids such as water
• Overseas cover: If something happens to your tablet while you’re abroad
• Accessory cover: If anything happens to any accessories you have such as a case or hands free kit. There is usually a value limit on this policy
• Unauthorised usage: If someone uses your tablet to send messages or make calls at a cost
• Family cover: If someone in your family needs to claim for a tablet
• E-wallet cover: If someone access funds in your e-wallet through your tablet
• Mechanical breakdown: If there is a mechanical fault in your tablet that causes it to break
• Electrical breakdown: If your tablet fails as a result of a short circuit or another electrical issue
• Software breakdown: If there is an operating error with your tablet’s software

What isn’t covered by tablet insurance?

Depending on the policy you take out, you might not be able to find cover for the following:

• Previous damage: If your tablet was damaged or not in full working order before you took out the policy, you may be excluded from cover
• Cosmetic damage: It’s likely that you won’t be covered for any purely cosmetic damage, as most policies only apply if your tablet loses functionality. For example, you probably won’t be able to claim for scratches, dents, or general wear and tear
• Viruses and malware: You might also find that if your tablet is damaged by a virus or malware you won’t be covered – which is why it’s important to have up-to-date anti-virus software
• Older tablets: Some insurers are likely to have a limit on the age of tablets that can be insured, which can often be in the region of six months to a year
• Second-hand tablets: You might also not be able to cover a tablet you bought second hand unless it’s been refurbished to the standard approved by the manufacturer
• Tablets bought abroad: Insurers may only offer cover for devices purchased in the UK
• Early claims: Your policy might prevent you from making a claim on your policy immediately – the waiting period could be around two weeks
• Too many claims: There may also be a limit on the number of claims you can make in a year, and any extra claims you make therefore probably won’t be covered

How much does it cost to insure my iPad or tablet?

The cost of insuring your iPad or tablet will depend on the following:

The make and model of tablet

You can generally expect to pay more to cover newer or more expensive tablets, as the cost of repairing or replacing them is likely to be higher.

The level of cover you take out

Adding extras to your policy that aren’t covered as standard can also raise the cost. You should consider whether you really need extra levels of cover, as stripping away unnecessary policies could save you money.

How often you make payments

Some insurers charge different amounts depending on whether you pay annually or monthly, but it isn’t always certain which way this swings. You may pay less for monthly premiums with some insurers, while others will prefer annual payments – which makes it all the more important to compare policies before buying.

How much excess you pay

The excess payment on an insurance policy is the amount you put towards a claim before your insurer will cover the rest of the cost, and it’s usually compulsory. However many insurers will also have a voluntary excess option, and the more you choose to pay the lower your premiums are likely to be.

Compare gadget insurance quotes

If you’re looking to insure your tablet, comparing your options with MoneySuperMarket and our preferred partner Protect Your Gadget is the easiest way to get a cheap quote. Just tell us a little about yourself and the tablet you want to protect, and we’ll give you a list of quotes tailored to your needs.

Then you’ll be able to compare quotes by the annual and monthly premiums, the number or maximum value of claims in the policy term, and any extra policies included as standard. Once you’ve found the deal you want, just click through to the provider to finalise the deal.

However you should remember that the cheapest available policies aren’t always the best, as they may not offer the right level of cover you need. Try to aim for a balance between cost and coverage to ensure you have the best possible policy.

To help you compare cheap gadget insurance we have teamed up with protectyourgadget.com