Compare gadget travel insurance

Generally, travel gadget insurance protects you against the following:

• Accidental damage: In the event your gadget has been damaged accidentally while on holiday, your insurance will cover the repair costs.
• Theft: If your gadget/gadgets are stolen, your insurance will cover the cost to have it replaced.
• Liquid damage: Dropped your smartphone in the sea trying to take a selfie? Your insurance will cover the repairs.
• Unauthorised usage: If your mobile phone is lost or stolen, and someone uses it to run up a huge bill on calls, data, or messaging, your gadget insurance will cover you (up to a certain amount).

Most standard gadget insurance policies cover the following items:

• Mobiles
• Tablets
• Laptops
• Cameras and lenses
• Handheld game consoles
• Headphones
• Smartwatches
• Sat navs

Gadget travel insurance policies usually cover a maximum number of gadgets. For example, 3 gadgets up to a value of £1,000; 5 gadgets up to a value of £2,000; 7 gadgets up to a value of £3,000. However, the cover provided will differ between insurers so be sure to shop around for a policy that works for you.

Most standard gadget travel insurance policies have the following exclusions or stipulations:

• A set number of claims: Most policies allow you to make a certain number of claims over a given time period.
• Equipment age: Insurers may not cover items older than 24 or 48 months, depending on the policy.
• Manufacturer defects: If your device breaks due to a manufacturing fault, it’s down to the manufacturer to fix it.
• UK purchase: Some insurers won’t cover items purchased outside of the UK.
• Wear and tear, and cosmetic damage: General wear and tear is not covered by your gadget insurance. Neither are superficial scratches or dents.
• Loss or damage to data, and viruses: Gadget insurance doesn’t protect your data or cover you against viruses.
• Specialist equipment: Certain devices, such as drones, are not covered by standard policies.

The easiest way to save on gadget insurance is to only take essential gadgets with you. The fewer gadgets you need to insure, the lower your insurance premium.

However, the cheapest option available may not always be your best option: you will likely have a lower level of cover and excess you’ll have to pay to make a claim is likely to be expensive. Likewise, be wary of relying on policies that come with your bank accounts as they may not provide suitable cover.

To get the best deal on your gadget travel insurance, be sure to compare a wide range of insurers using icelolly.com.

Take extra care and protect your gadgets with these handy safety tips.

• Use protective cases and covers: Simple and cheap, cases and screen covers for mobile phones, tablets and laptops can help to reduce damage to your gadgets.
• Back up all your data: Upload your photos, videos and other data regularly using cloud storage or an external storage device.
• Invest in good anti-virus software: Remember, gadget insurance doesn’t protect you against viruses, so ensure your devices are protected with robust, up-to-date software.
• Leave your gear in the hotel room: If you know you’re not going to use your devices, leave them locked up in your hotel room. If you’ve got one, lock them away in your room’s safe.

To make a claim on your gadget travel insurance while you are away, call the hotline provided by your insurer.

Make sure you take a digital (via email) or hard copy of your policy with you. If your gadget has been stolen, it’s likely you will need a police report before you make a claim.

In the event you lose a device containing tickets (for example, plane or train tickets), contact your travel provider for a hard copy.

Looking for something else? At icelolly.com, we can help you compare a range of cheap travel insurance policies to offer you peace of mind while away on holiday.

• Pre-existing medical conditions: Specialist health insurance for travellers with pre-existing health issues, such as heart, respiratory, or psychological conditions.
• Annual multi-trip insurance: Year-long plans for regular travellers. Offers cover for unlimited trips within a 365-day period.
• Single trip insurance: One-off plans for single holidays. Ideal for people who only take one to two trips a year.

Who regulates us?

The icelolly.com travel insurance comparison site is operated by CYTI Limited. Registered in England (company number: 07368288). CYTI Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (firm reference number: 594298).

How much is gadget travel insurance?

The cost of gadget insurance varies depending on the type of policy you take out, and the number of gadgets you wish to insure.

Will my gadget policy cover holidays in the UK?

Some gadget cover policies may provide UK cover. In some cases, standard home insurance also provides a level of protection.

Can I insure my device without proof of purchase?

Without proof of purchase, you will not be able to make a claim on your policy.