How to insure personal electronics

💡 Need to know

• Tech doesn’t just break—it drops, spills, overheats, and disappears. Insurance helps cover what warranties don’t.
• A manufacturer’s warranty usually isn’t enough. Homeowners or renters insurance may also leave you hanging on coverage.
• Not all plans are equal. The right protection plan can cover multiple devices—not just your phone.

Phones fall out of pockets. Laptops meet coffee. Gaming consoles overheat mid-match. If you’ve ever stared at a cracked screen or a device that suddenly won’t turn on, you’ve probably wondered whether you should have had coverage.

If you’re researching how to insure personal electronics, you’re in the right place. From traditional electronics insurance to extended warranties and protection plans, there are several ways to protect your devices. The key is understanding what each option typically covers—and where the gaps might be. Let’s break it down.

Why insuring your electronics is important

Most people rely on more tech than they realize. A phone, a laptop, maybe a gaming console, a tablet, smart home devices—it adds up quickly. And replacing them isn’t cheap.

While some damage is obvious—like a cracked screen—other issues build over time. Internal components fail, batteries degrade and software glitches can quickly become hardware problems. In many cases, manufacturer warranties only cover defects, not everyday accidents.

That’s why personal electronics insurance exists. It’s designed to protect against the kinds of things that tend to happen in real life—not just factory defects.

If you’re still weighing the pros and cons, check out this guide on whether electronics protection plans are worth it.

What electronics insurance typically covers

Coverage depends on the provider, but electronics insurance often includes some combination of the following:

Accidental damage

Drops, spills, cracked screens—these are among the most common claims. In many cases, warranties won’t cover them. That’s where insurance that protects you from accidental damage from handling for electronics can help.

If you’re curious what counts, here’s a helpful breakdown of what is considered accidental damage for tech devices.

Theft

Some plans include insurance for stolen electronics, especially portable devices like phones and laptops. Coverage limits and deductibles vary, so it’s important to read the fine print.

Loss

Not every policy covers lost devices, but some do. It’s worth asking upfront if this matters to you.

Mechanical failure

Over time, electronics wear out. Fans fail. Hard drives crash. Ports stop working. Insurance for electronic devices often helps with mechanical breakdowns once the manufacturer warranty ends.

Which devices can electronics insurance cover?

Electronics insurance isn’t just for phones. Depending on the plan, coverage may extend to:

• Laptops
• Tablets
• Gaming consoles
• Gaming laptops
• TVs
• Smart home devices
• Headphones and speakers

Some plans, like Asurion Tech Care, allow you to protect multiple eligible devices under one plan—which can be simpler than juggling separate policies.

Warranty vs. insurance for personal electronics: what’s the difference?

Both warranties and insurance have their merits when it comes to protecting your expensive tech, but there are differences you need to be aware of.

• A manufacturer’s warranty is often included in the cost of your device and usually covers defects in materials or workmanship, but only for a limited time.
• Electronics insurance or protection plans, on the other hand, covers similar things like mechanical failure, but may last for a longer period of time and cover more than just one device. Additionally, they often offer other features such as protection from accidental damage from handling, coverage for loss or theft, and services such as 24/7 tech support.

If you’re comparing options, this article on what’s the difference between tech care, insurance, and a manufacturer's warranty can help clarify things.

It’s also worth reading surprising things your manufacturer's warranty may not cover. Many people assume they’re covered—until they file a claim.

Homeowners or renters insurance vs electronics insurance

A common question is: does renters or homeowners insurance cover electronics?

In many cases, yes—but usually only for major events like fire or theft. Even then, you’ll likely have to pay a deductible, and filing a claim could affect your premium.

For everyday accidents—like dropping your laptop or hardware malfunctions—homeowners or renters insurance often doesn’t apply. That’s why many people choose standalone electronics insurance or a protection plan instead.

If you want a deeper dive, check out does homeowners insurance cover damage to electronics and does renters insurance cover damage to electronics

How much does electronics insurance cost?

Electronics insurance cost varies based on:

• The number of devices covered
• The type of coverage included
• Deductibles
• Whether it’s a monthly or fixed-term plan

Some plans are tied to a specific device and run for a set period. Others are monthly and allow broader coverage at different tiers of pricing.

If you’re weighing those options, this comparison of monthly vs. fixed-term warranties for electronics can help you think through what makes sense for your budget.

How do I choose the right coverage?

When deciding how to insure personal electronics, ask yourself:

• How many devices do I want to protect?
• Do I worry more about accidental damage, theft, or breakdowns?
• Would I rather pay monthly or upfront?
• Can I enroll after purchase—or do I have to decide right away?

Some providers require you to purchase protection at the same time as the device. Others, including Asurion Tech Care, allow you to enroll eligible devices after you’ve already bought them. That flexibility can make a big difference.

What’s the best insurance for my electronics?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. If you only want to protect one specific device, a device-specific warranty may be enough.

If you have multiple devices—or want broader coverage for accidental damage and breakdowns—a protection plan like Asurion Tech Care may make more sense. Ultimately, the best electronics insurance is the one that fits your tech habits, your risk tolerance, and your budget.

FAQ

What does electronics insurance cover?

Typically, electronics insurance covers accidental damage and mechanical failure. In many cases, theft and sometimes loss may also be included, depending on the provider.

Is it worth insuring electronics?

For high-value devices—or households with multiple electronics—many people find the peace of mind worthwhile. It often comes down to how costly a replacement would be for you.

Does homeowners insurance cover electronics?

In many cases, homeowners insurance covers electronics only in major events like fire or theft, and typically includes a deductible.

Is electronics insurance the same as a warranty?

No. A warranty usually covers manufacturer defects. Electronics insurance or protection plans often cover accidental damage and other real-world risks.

Can I insure my electronics after purchase?

In some cases, yes. Some protection plans—including Asurion Tech Care—allow you to enroll eligible devices even after you’ve purchased them.