Mobile electronic devices can be easily lost, damaged or stolen. Insurance can be a good way to help cover the cost of repair or replacement. However, make sure you're not paying more for the insurance than the device is worth.
Insurance for mobile devices is often called portable cover, personal effects cover, personal valuables cover or single item insurance.
It generally covers you against theft or damage in or away from your home. Some policies don’t cover loss or mechanical damage.
How to insure your mobile devices
Your device may already be insured, or you may choose to pay for separate cover.
Check if your device is already insured
Home contents insurance
Check if your home contents insurance policy includes portable items.
If not, most policies have an option to include them. This will increase your premium, but it's generally cheaper than paying for separate insurance.
Phone plan insurance
When you buy a new mobile phone, you can usually pay to add insurance to your phone plan.
From 5 October 2021, salespeople must wait four days before selling you insurance as an 'extra' to your main purchase. This gives you time to consider if you need it.
If they don’t wait before selling it to you, you have the right to cancel the insurance and get a full refund.
Credit card purchase protection
If you purchased your device using your credit card, you may have purchase protection insurance. This will cover your device for a short period of time (usually up to 90 days).
Buy a separate policy
You can buy separate insurance for your device from an insurance company. You can select which items you want to insure.
Some insurers offer on-demand insurance when you buy a separate policy. It only covers your mobile devices when they're in use. Using an online app, you can switch the insurance on when you leave your house. Then switch it off when you return. This is usually cheaper than full cover.
Specifically list expensive items
Most insurance has limits on how much you can claim for each item. It may also limit the total amount you can claim.
It may be worth listing your more valuable devices separately and insuring them for an agreed amount. This will increase your premium, but it means you won't be out of pocket if something happens to these items.
Check the exclusions
All insurance policies have exclusions. Check what isn't covered:
- accidents, such as dropping your phone or water damage
- devices stolen from an unlocked car or when left unattended in a public place
- wear and tear, gradual deterioration (for example, battery life) or flaws
- damage from fire or rain
- restoring lost electronic records or files
- devices used for your business, profession or trade
Comparing mobile device insurance
Get quotes from more than one insurer to find the best value and a policy that suits your needs. Ask questions and read the fact sheets when comparing different policies. If you want more detail, read the product disclosure statement (PDS).
Comparison websites can be useful, but they are businesses and may make money through promoted links. They may not cover all your options. See what to keep in mind when using comparison websites.
Compare these features:
Premium | - cost for the same type of cover
|
Excess | - option to adjust your excess, or pay no excess
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Replacement cover | - replacing your device if it's stolen, lost or damaged
|
Listed cover | - option to specify higher value items
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Unauthorised calls | - reimbursing unauthorised calls
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Travel | - cover for overseas travel
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Cover limits | - maximum limit on how much you can claim for certain items
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Mechanical failure | - cover for mechanical failure — not all policies cover this
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On demand | - option to only pay for cover when you need it
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You can cancel a new insurance policy in the contract's cooling-off period (usually 14 days).
If your device is lost or stolen
If someone steals or you lose your phone, laptop or tablet, act quickly to:
- Change your passwords to online accounts.
- Contact the police (within 48 hours).
- Contact your insurer (within 14 days).
- Check your bank statements for unauthorised transactions.
If you lose your phone, try to locate your phone using GPS. Contact your provider — they may be able to disable SIM cards and block your handset.
If you do claim, your insurer may ask for proof of purchase, such as a receipt. If your device is stolen, they'll need a police report.
Georgia damages her phone
Georgia bought a top-of-the-line smartphone. She didn't insure it and, a few weeks later, she dropped her phone down a flight of stairs. The screen cracked and the phone wouldn't turn on.
She called her phone provider, but they said accidental damage was not covered by the warranty.
Before Georgia bought a new phone, she compared a few insurance plans based on their premiums, excess, what damage they covered and how quickly they could replace her phone. She also looked at the difference between getting separate phone insurance versus adding the phone to her existing home contents insurance policy.
Georgia made sure her new insurance policy covered her phone for accidental damage, just in case she dropped it again.
FAQs
Gadget insurance provides cover for items including mobile phones, laptops, cameras, tablets, music players, eReaders and GPS devices, which can be extremely expensive. If something does happen to your gadgets, you should ask yourself whether you could afford to replace them.
What does cell phone insurance not cover? ›
First, many insurance policies won't cover natural wear and tear that happens over time. Your cell phone insurance policy also isn't likely to cover you if you've made changes to your phone. For example, after-market modifications or DIY repairs may disqualify you from coverage, even if the damage is unrelated.
What does cellphone insurance cover? ›
Cell phone insurance covers you financially for the possible loss or damage of your cell phone. In other words, if you're worried someone will steal or drop your phone, you need this kind of insurance. The insurance provider agrees to replace your mobile phone if certain insured events occur.
Is mobile insurance worth it? ›
If you have a pay-as-you-go deal and a basic, inexpensive handset, losing your phone won't cost you that much money and so it might not be worth paying monthly insurance premiums. However, if you have a very expensive smart phone and a monthly contract, the cost of losing your phone can be hundreds of pounds.
Is a tablet considered a mobile device? ›
A mobile device is a portable computing device such as a smartphone or tablet computer. These devices range in size, shape, and model and all have various operating systems (OS) and functions.
Can I insure my laptop? ›
What is laptop insurance? Laptop cover protects your PC or MacBook from a range of potentially damaging things, such as accidents, loss, theft, liquid damage and more. The protection can come in the form of repair, replacement or payout.
How much does T-Mobile charge for insurance? ›
How much does Protection<360> cost per month? The cost for Protection<360> can range from $7 to $25 (+ applicable tax) per month per device, depending on your device type.
Does insurance cover a dropped phone? ›
It typically only covers malfunctions caused by manufacturer hardware or software defects. So, if your toddler drops your cell phone in the toilet and you can't get it to turn on again, you're out of luck. But if you have cell phone insurance, your plan can cover the cost to repair or replace your phone.
What is the deductible for cell phone insurance? ›
Plus you'll get a 5% discount when you buy your policy through Progressive. Keep in mind, most cell phone insurance deductibles range from $50 to $200 but can vary based on your phone's brand, model, and age, and your coverage amount and plan terms.
What does laptop insurance cover? ›
Laptop insurance will only cover the cost of repairs or replace your laptop if the safety or performance of your device is impacted. You won't be able to claim for things like scratches, dents or other visible defects.
Call the Cell C Device Insurance call centre on 084 157 0007 Option 1, free from a Cell C phone, and the friendly consultant will be able to assist you with sales, queries and claims. Email Addresses: Information: info@deviceinsurance.co.za.
Can you claim a broken iPad on house insurance? ›
Contents insurance
They might not be covered outside the home though. So, if you take your iPad out and about, you won't be able make a claim if it goes missing or gets stolen. Contents insurance won't cover you for breakdown either. But, iPad insurance could get you back up and running if your iPad needs repairing.
What is best insurance company for mobile home? ›
Compare the Top Mobile Home Insurers
| Provider | A.M. Best | Star Rating |
|---|
| Our Top Pick Allstate Get Quote | A+ | 4.8 |
| State Farm Learn More | A++ | 4.8 |
| American Family Learn More | A | 4.7 |
| Farmers Get Quote | A | 4.6 |
2 more rows1. Insurance Has Many Terms and Conditions. Insurance covers not all losses in a person's life or business situation. Insurance plans' terms and conditions give consumers financial assistance solely in accordance with those conditions.
How does mobile insurance work? ›
Depending on the provider and the amount you choose to pay, many insurance policies, including ours, will often cover you for loss, theft and accidental damage. Some policies will also cover accessories, unauthorised payments, malicious damage, liquid damage and mechanical breakdown too.
Does insurance cover a lost tablet? ›
Standard homeowners insurance should cover your iPads and tablets against fire, vandalism, theft and other types of covered perils. That said, it may not always be worth filing a claim due to your deductible, which is the cost you pay out of pocket.
Should I get insurance on my tablet? ›
Yes. Tablet insurance can typically cover accidental damage, whether it is caused by you or someone else, as long as it is not the result of neglect. For instance, if your tablet is accidentally damaged due to a drink being spilled, tablet insurance can cover the cost of repairs.
Can I insure my tablet? ›
Tablet or iPad insurance purchased through an electronic device insurer typically covers theft and accidental damage, minus your deductible and up to your selected coverage limit.
Does contents insurance cover tablets? ›
Phone and gadget insurance covers almost every device you could own, including mobile phones, laptops, cameras, gaming devices, tablets, and GPS systems. Our home insurance with cover for mobile phones and handheld devices is ideal for families that own a lot of tech.
