Gadget insurance
What is gadget insurance?
Gadget insurance protects devices like phones, laptops and tablets against loss, theft or damage. This page explains what these policies typically cover, what exclusions and limits to watch for and what to check before you buy, including excess amounts, proof‑of‑use requirements and whether your home insurance already provides similar cover. The level of cover depends on the policy’s terms and conditions, so be sure to read them carefully.
What might gadget insurance cover?
- Accidental damage: Repairs if your device is damaged by accident (e.g. cracked screen)
- Malicious damage: Repairs or replacement if a third party deliberately damages your gadget
- Liquid damage: Cover for water or liquid damage (e.g. dropped in water, spilled coffee)
- Theft: Replacement if your portable device is stolen
- Breakdown: Repairs or replacement for devices outside warranty with mechanical or electrical faults
- Unauthorised calls: Cover for fraudulent calls, messages and data usage if your handset is stolen (usually up to 24 hours from theft)
You can buy worldwide cover for your gadgets while travelling, up to a maximum number of days per year.
What should you consider before buying gadget insurance?
- Do you really need it? What is the full price for the year? Some policies have reduced premiums for the first few months.
- How much will insurance cost over the gadget’s lifetime? Compare the device price with the cost of insuring it.
- Do you already have cover under your home insurance? Check the excess, as it may be higher than the cost of replacing the gadget.
- If you buy a gadget from a business, you have consumer rights for faulty products – insurance is not needed for faults.
- Shop around for cheaper or better cover – don’t feel rushed by sales staff.
- You may only be able to insure devices less than one year old.
What should you check in the policy small print?
- Policy excess (the amount you pay before a claim is paid)
- Exclusions (e.g. loss may not be covered, breakdown of laptops/computers often excluded, theft may not be covered if device left in an unlocked car)
- Proof of use may be required for mobile phones
- Cover for unauthorised calls may require reporting loss/theft to your mobile company and Gardaí within 24 hours
- Will you get a temporary replacement device during repairs?
- Will a replacement be new or refurbished?
- Limits on the number of claims within a specified period
- Renewal procedures
Under the Central Bank's Consumer Protection Code, insurance companies cannot automatically renew policies for gadget (or travel, pet or dental) insurance unless you explicitly opt-in to this. This means that you are less likely to pay for insurance that is no longer suitable for your needs.
How do you make a claim?
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible and ask about next steps.
- Complete a claim form and submit supporting documents (proof of purchase, proof of use, Garda/police report).
The insurer must:
- Send you a claim form within 5 working days of it becoming apparent to them that the form is required
- Offer help with the claim
- Make a fair offer
- Notify you of their decision within 5 working days
- Allow you 10 working days to accept or reject the offer
- Pay out within 10 working days of acceptance
- Set out reasons in writing if they refuse your claim
Read the Consumer Protection Code for more on insurer responsibilities.
