As summer approaches, many people are preparing for their holidays, and experts are warning people to triple-check one key detail
Holidaymakers are being advised to complete a straightforward check before jetting off. And with June and July representing peak travel periods due to the summer break and children finishing school, it’s certainly not one to overlook.
Experts at Compare the Market recommend not just purchasing travel insurance, but also cover for electronic devices. However, it’s not as straightforward as selecting any random policy.
The comparison experts highlight that numerous travellers mistakenly believe their travel insurance automatically includes mobile phones and other gadgets. But this isn’t necessarily true, and a quick verification of this detail could spare you hundreds, potentially even thousands, down the line.
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.”
Warning that standard travel insurance frequently won’t provide adequate protection for expensive gadgets such as smartphones or laptops should they be lost, stolen, or damaged, it suggests that separate gadget travel insurance is preferable as it can offer higher coverage 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 states that your policy may limit the number of gadgets covered, and there may also be a cap on 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
Do this before you buy gadget insurance
Before purchasing gadget travel insurance, it’s a good idea to check whether you’re already protected under home contents insurance, mobile phone insurance, or a packaged bank account, so you don’t end up paying for duplicate cover.
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 leave it at home
Concluding its advice, the experts advise holidaymakers to carefully consider 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 saving photos during the trip to protect memories if devices are lost or stolen. For security, travellers should store gadgets in hotel safes when possible, stay alert when using them in public, and never leave them 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.”
