Holidaymakers planning trips in July are being urged to perform a simple check that could save them hundreds or even thousands of pounds. With June and July being peak travel months due to school holidays, experts at Compare the Market stress the importance of ensuring adequate gadget insurance.
Why Standard Travel Insurance May Not Be Enough
Many travellers assume their travel insurance covers mobile phones and other gadgets as standard, but this is not always the case. Compare the Market warns that standard policies often provide low payouts for valuables—as little as £200 for a single item or £500 in total. For expensive gadgets like smartphones or laptops, separate gadget travel insurance is recommended, offering cover limits typically ranging from £1,000 to £3,000.
Types of Gadget Travel Insurance
Options include:
- Separate standalone travel insurance for gadgets
- Adding gadget cover to a 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
Covered items may include smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras, games consoles, e-readers, wearables, GPS devices, Bluetooth headsets, and drones. Policies may limit the number of gadgets and total payout.
What Does Gadget Travel Insurance Cover?
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 may not be covered if you fail to report theft to the police promptly, the damage results from wear and tear or misuse, you left the gadget unattended, or you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Check Existing Cover Before Buying
Before purchasing gadget travel insurance, Compare the Market advises checking whether you are already covered through home contents insurance, mobile phone insurance, or a bank account package. Also review the excess and whether the policy offers ‘new for old’ replacement. Always read the policy documents carefully.
Leave Expensive Gadgets at Home
The experts recommend thinking carefully about which gadgets are truly necessary for the trip. Back up devices to the cloud before departure and save photos during the trip to avoid losing memories. Keep gadgets locked in hotel safes when not in use, stay vigilant in public, and never leave devices unattended in cars or on the beach.
Dealing with Insurance Issues
Money Saving Expert (MSE) suggests using the free complaints tool Resolver if you encounter problems with your insurance provider. Common issues include delayed or denied claims, unfair charges, or hidden exclusions. Resolver helps manage complaints and can escalate them to the Financial Ombudsman Service if needed.
