Gadget insurance

Why choose Howden for gadget insurance?

Here at Howden, we pride ourselves on doing the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to. Thanks to the great relationships we have with our selected panel of standard and specialist insurers, when it comes to sourcing our clients gadget insurance cover, we make the process of comparing multiple policies, on your behalf, simple and easy. What’s not to like?

We also know that each policy needs to be as individual as its owner, and that’s why we provide a personalised service, focused on getting to know you and finding out exactly what you want from your gadget policy.

All in all though, whether you need to make a claim, purchase a new contents or specific gadget policy, or renew an existing one, just know that we’re here to help.

Benefits of working with Howden:

• We’re driven to save you time, money, and hassle
• Personalised guidance backed by local expertise
• Chat to your local broker, within your community
• Insurance cover tailored to your needs
• We're there for you when something goes wrong

What is gadget insurance?

Gadget insurance is a type of insurance cover designed to protect your electronic devices against damage, loss or theft.

It helps cover the cost of repairing or replacing everyday technology such as mobile phones, laptops and tablets when something unexpected happens. A dedicated gadget cover on your contents policy can offer wider protection and clearer cover limits, especially for higher‑value devices.

Is getting gadget insurance cover worth it?

Yes, gadget insurance cover is worth considering if replacing or repairing one or more devices would be costly or disruptive to everyday life. Smartphones, laptops, and tablets are used frequently and can be damaged just as easily outside the home as inside it.

While standard contents insurance may include some protection for gadgets, cover is often limited by location, value, or type of damage. Adding gadget insurance to a home insurance policy can help extend protection for portable devices, subject to the level of cover chosen and the policy terms.

What does gadget insurance cover?

Gadget insurance usually covers damage, faults and theft involving personal electronic devices, with cover depending on the policy chosen.

Common gadgets that can be insured include:

• Mobile phones and smart phones
• Laptops and tablets
• Smart watches and fitness trackers
• Headphones and wireless earphones
• Handheld gaming devices
• Cameras and filming equipment

When added to a contents insurance policy, gadget insurance may include cover for:

• Accidental damage such as cracked screens or liquid spills
• Mechanical or electrical fault once the manufacturer’s warranty has ended (which is not covered on a standard home insurance policy)
• Loss and theft cover where included
• Worldwide cover for gadgets used abroad
• Multiple gadgets insured under the same contents policy

This type of cover ensures you’re not left without essential technology if something goes wrong.

What isn’t covered?

Gadget insurance is designed to protect against unexpected incidents, but there are limits to what’s included.

Common exclusions may include:

• Cosmetic damage that does not affect functionality
• Wear and tear or gradual deterioration
• Items left unattended in public places
• Loss that happens due to carelessness if loss cover is not included
• Claims made during any initial waiting period

Checking the policy wording carefully can help ensure you understand where cover applies and where you may need extra protection.

How can I make a claim?

Making a gadget insurance claim is usually straightforward and handled through a clear claims process.

In most cases, you will need to:

1. Report the incident as soon as possible
2. Provide details of what happened including dates and locations
3. Submit proof of ownership or purchase documentation
4. Pay any applicable excess

Once approved, the insurance company will usually arrange a repair or replacement depending on the type of claim.

If you need guidance, as an insurance broker, we can help explain what steps are required and what information you may need to provide.

Add gadget cover to your contents policy

Getting gadget insurance usually happens when arranging or reviewing your contents insurance. With a few details about your devices, it is possible to explore whether adding gadget cover is suitable for your home and how your technology is used day to day.

Howden Insurance can help compare contents insurance options and explain when adding gadget insurance makes sense, whether you are looking to protect a single mobile phone or several devices under one home policy. Speaking with an adviser helps ensure the level of cover selected reflects where and how your gadgets are used, as well as any limits or conditions that apply.

Many customers choose to review gadget cover at the same time as arranging contents insurance, allowing them to keep their home and possessions protected under one policy and managed in one place.

*Note: This is a marketing article from Howden Insurance. The information in this guide is accurate at time of publication. This content is provided for general information only and does not constitute financial or insurance advice.