By Tahir Abbas, Editor · Last updated 1 November 2026
Gadget insurance covers phones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches and other portable electronics against accidental damage, theft and breakdown. These devices travel everywhere with us, get dropped, and are prime targets for thieves — and replacing a flagship phone out of pocket is painful.
This guide explains what gadget insurance typically covers, what it leaves out, who it suits, and how to compare policies before you buy.
What gadget insurance typically covers
- Accidental damage, including cracked screens and liquid damage
- Theft, including theft from a person, where the policy requires force or threat
- Mechanical and electrical breakdown after the manufacturer’s warranty ends
- Loss, on some policies, for an additional premium
- Cover for accessories, where included
What gadget insurance typically does not cover
- Damage from wear and tear or cosmetic scratches that do not affect use
- Theft where the device was left unattended in public
- Loss, on policies that exclude it
- Devices above the policy’s value limit, unless declared
Who gadget insurance is for
Anyone with expensive portable electronics, especially phones and laptops used daily. It is most worthwhile for new, high-value devices and for people who are hard on their gadgets.
How to choose and compare gadget insurance
- Compare the excess and the claim limits against the device’s value
- Check whether loss is covered, and the theft conditions
- Look at repair versus replacement, and turnaround times
- Consider multi-gadget cover if you insure several devices
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Sources and Disclosure
This guide is general information, not financial advice. Plan features described here are general and vary by insurer and state; always read the sample policy before you buy. For the rules governing insurance in your state, see the consumer resources of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Disclosure: Being Insurance is an independent comparison site. We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. That never changes which companies we list or the order we present them in.