Gadget Insurance: What Should You Check Before Taking Out Cover?

A cracked screen, a stolen phone or a laptop that suddenly stops working can be expensive to put right. Gadget insurance can help with some of those costs, but getting the right cover means knowing how the policy will actually work for you.

What is covered, what you would have to pay towards a claim, whether you already have protection elsewhere and what happens at renewal can all make a difference. With that in mind, here are some useful checks to make when taking out gadget insurance or reviewing cover you already have.

What does your policy cover, and what conditions apply?

First, review the situations your gadget is actually insured against. Accidental damage, liquid damage, theft, loss and mechanical or electrical breakdown are treated as separate types of cover. A policy can cover theft but not loss, while breakdown cover for laptops and computers is commonly excluded.

The conditions attached to that cover matter too. Theft from an unlocked vehicle can fall outside the policy, while worldwide cover can be limited to a set number of days each year. If your phone is stolen, cover for unauthorised calls, messages or data can also depend on the theft being reported promptly.

It is also worth knowing what to expect if you need to claim. Policies can limit the number of claims you make, require proof that a phone was in use and provide a refurbished rather than new device as a replacement.

How much would you have to pay yourself?

Next, take some time to look at the excess on your policy. This is the amount you pay towards a claim before the insurer covers the remaining eligible cost.

That figure can become more important as your gadget gets older. Devices can fall in value while the excess stays the same, so comparing what your gadget is now worth with the excess and likely repair or replacement cost can give you a clearer idea of how useful the cover remains.

Could you already have cover elsewhere?

Another useful thing to consider is whether you already have cover in place before taking out separate gadget insurance. Home contents insurance can include items such as phones, laptops and tablets, while additional cover can extend this to devices you take outside the home.

If you are relying on home insurance, also pay attention to any single-item limit. This sets the maximum amount covered for one possession and can be particularly relevant for more expensive devices.

Knowing what your existing policy provides can help you work out whether separate gadget insurance adds something useful or simply overlaps with cover you already have.

How will your policy renew?

Finally, make sure you know what will happen when your policy reaches renewal. Since the 24th of March 2026, a gadget insurance policy first taken out from that date cannot automatically renew unless you agreed to automatic renewal when taking it out.

When the renewal date does come around, use it as an opportunity to consider whether the cover still suits the device you own and your current needs.

Before taking out or renewing cover

Gadget insurance can provide useful protection, but the detail of a policy can make a real difference when something goes wrong.

Taking the time to understand that detail can help you choose cover that better suits your needs.

Need More Assistance?

If you have further questions, you can contact Insurance Ireland’s Information Services team:

Email: feedback@insuranceireland.eu
Tel: (01) 676 1820