As summer approaches, UK holidaymakers are being urged to complete a crucial travel check before heading to the airport. Experts warn that many travellers mistakenly believe their travel insurance automatically covers mobile phones and other gadgets, but this is often not the case.
Check Your Gadget Cover
Compare the Market advises travellers to triple-check what their insurance really covers. Standard travel insurance payouts for valuables can be as low as £200 per item or £500 in total, which may not be enough for expensive gadgets like smartphones or laptops. Separate gadget travel insurance is recommended as it offers higher coverage limits, typically between £1,000 and £3,000.
Types of Gadget Travel Insurance
- Separate standalone travel insurance for gadgets
- Adding gadget cover to your standard policy for an extra charge
- A dedicated gadget insurance policy (ensure it covers you abroad)
- Home contents insurance with cover for personal possessions abroad
Gadget travel insurance can cover smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras, games consoles, e-readers, wearables, GPS sat navs, Bluetooth headsets, accessories, and drones. However, policies may limit the number of gadgets covered and cap total payouts.
What Cover Does Gadget Insurance Provide?
A good policy typically includes accidental damage, loss or theft, water damage, unauthorised web data use, unauthorised phone calls, and a high single item limit. However, restrictions apply: you 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, you left your gadget unattended, or you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs when the device was lost or stolen.
Before You Buy
Check if you're already protected under home contents insurance, mobile phone insurance, or a packaged bank account to avoid duplicate cover. Also, review the excess and whether the policy includes 'new for old' cover. Always read the policy to understand exclusions and limits.
Leave Expensive Gadgets at Home
Compare the Market advises travellers to consider which gadgets they really need and whether they can manage without expensive devices for a short trip. Back up phones and laptops to the cloud before travelling, store gadgets in hotel safes when possible, stay alert in public, and never leave them unattended in cars or on the beach.
If You Have an Issue with Your Insurance
Money Saving Expert suggests using the free complaints tool Resolver to manage complaints and escalate them to the Financial Ombudsman Service if necessary. Common problems include claims not being paid on time or at all, unfair charges, or hidden exclusions.
