Travellers are being urged to triple-check what they're actually buying before heading to the airport. Not checking the small print of your insurance is a mistake you don't want to make, and with June and July marking peak holiday season, it's best to get this sorted as soon as possible.
Money experts at Compare the Market are urging people not just to take out travel insurance, but gadget insurance too. However, it's not as simple as pressing 'purchase'. The comparison experts explain that many people assume their travel insurance automatically includes cover for phones and other devices. In reality, that isn't always the case, and a quick check could save travellers big money - and it's a timely piece of advice if you are travelling for the FIFA World Cup.
It notes: "Not all travel insurance policies include gadget cover. And travel insurance payouts for valuables are often low – as little as £200 for one item or £500 in total."
It warns that standard travel insurance may not fully cover the cost of expensive gadgets like smartphones or laptops if they are lost, stolen, or damaged. It suggests separate gadget travel insurance, which can offer higher cover limits, usually between £1,000 and £3,000, depending on the policy.
What types of gadget travel insurance are available?
Options include:
- Separate standalone travel insurance for gadgets
- Adding gadget travel insurance to your standard policy for an extra charge
- A dedicated gadget insurance policy – just make sure it covers you abroad
- Home contents insurance with cover for personal possessions abroad
Gadget travel insurance can cover your:
- Smartphone
- Tablet/iPad
- Laptop
- Camera
- Games console
- E-reader
- Wearables, such as fitness trackers
- GPS sat nav
- Bluetooth headsets and earphones
- Accessories, such as chargers
- Drone
It says your policy may only cover a limited number of gadgets and may also cap the total payout.
What cover does gadget and mobile phone travel insurance provide?
Cover varies among insurance providers, but a good policy will usually include:
- Accidental damage, loss or theft
- Water damage
- Unauthorised web data use
- Unauthorised phone calls
- A high single item limit (the most your policy will pay out for one item)
What restrictions are there with gadget travel insurance?
You typically won't be covered if:
- You don't report a theft to the police within a specified period
- The damage results from wear and tear or misuse
- The damage doesn't affect the functioning of your device
- You left your gadget unattended
- You're claiming for more gadgets than your policy covers
- You bought your gadget outside the UK
- Your device is over (or under) a specified age limit
- You've made the maximum number of claims under your policy
- The fault lies with the manufacturer
- You were under the influence of alcohol or drugs when your device was lost or stolen
Don't take out insurance...yet
Before buying gadget travel insurance, check if you already have cover through home contents insurance, mobile phone insurance, or a bank account package. It warns: "You should also check the excess. This is the amount you'll have to pay towards any claim. Some policies don't include 'new for old' cover. If your gadget isn't brand new, your insurance provider might only offer a refurbished replacement of a similar age. Always read your policy before buying gadget travel insurance, so you know exactly what's covered, along with any excesses, limits and exclusions."
Compare the Market urges travellers to think carefully about which gadgets they really need to take, and whether they can manage without expensive devices for a short trip. It also recommends backing up phones and laptops to the cloud before travelling and continuing to save photos during the trip. For safety, gadgets should be kept in hotel safes when possible, used carefully in public, and never left unattended in places like cars or on the beach, as insurance may not cover negligence.
I have an issue with my insurance provider, what can I do?
Experts at Money Saving Expert (MSE), which is founded by Martin Lewis, suggest using a free complaints tool. It writes: "The insurance industry doesn't have the best customer-service reputation and while a provider may be good for some, it can be hell for others. Common problems include claims either not being paid out on time or at all, unfair charges, or exclusions being hidden in small print. It's always worth trying to call your provider first, but, if not, then you can use free complaints tool Resolver. The tool helps you manage your complaint, and if the company doesn't play ball, it also helps you escalate your complaint to the free Financial Ombudsman Service."
