Laptop insurance for students: why you may regret not buying it

Key takeaways:

• Laptop insurance can save parents significant stress and money when their student’s laptop is damaged or stops working as it should.
• The cost of common laptop repairs or replacements often exceeds the price of an insurance policy.
• Students frequently rely on laptops for schoolwork, making quick and affordable repairs and accessible tech support critical to academic success.

These days, it's pretty much impossible to be a student without a laptop. They're essential for everything from online classes and coursework to keeping in touch with classmates. 

There’s so much at stake if something happens to a student’s laptop. A damaged machine could result in missed deadlines, lower grades, and, of course, that super stressed feeling. And let's be real, buying a new laptop is expensive, especially for students and their families who might already be on a tight budget.

Common causes of laptop damage for students

Students are busy, active, and, well… young. Accidents happen for everyone, but maybe more so for distractible students on the go. Here are common causes of laptop damage for students:

• Spilled drinks: Liquids and electronics don't mix, and a spilled drink can cause serious internal damage to a laptop.
• Accidental drops: Dropping a laptop, even from a short distance, can crack the screen, damage internal components, or break the casing.
• Cracked screens: Putting pressure on the screen, dropping the laptop, or even closing it with something on the keyboard can cause the screen to crack.
• Overheating: Leaving a laptop on a soft surface like a bed or couch can block the vents and cause it to overheat, which can damage internal components.

What happens without a laptop protection plan?

Fixing a laptop without laptop insurance can be really expensive. Prices vary depending on the extent of damage and the repair company, but here’s what you’re typically looking at:

• Screen repair: $200-$500 (plus labor)
• Keyboard replacement: $200-$300
• Hard drive replacement: $100-$300 (plus labor and data transfer)

Considering the average lifespan of a hard drive is 3-5 years, there’s a guarantee that you will have to replace a laptop multiple times over the course of a student’s education. When considering going without laptop protection, ask yourself this: If your student’s laptop needed to be fully replaced tomorrow, would you be able to afford it? 

What does laptop insurance cover?

Here are some incidents that are typically covered by a laptop protection plan:

• Screen cracks
• Damage caused by someone or something else
• Accidental damage caused by normal wear and tear
• Power surge damage
• Water damage
• Electrical and mechanical failures

Please note that, generally, laptop insurance does not provide coverage when a laptop is neglected, infected with a computer virus, or intentionally damaged.

Why laptop insurance for students is worth the investment

Laptop insurance may be one of the most important investments of the school year. It’s significantly more affordable than handling repairs on your own and helps avoid the emotional and financial hardship of a damaged machine. There are many reputable laptop insurance providers available, so be sure to find a plan that suits your student’s needs and lifestyle.

Unlike other protection plans that only cover one device, Asurion Tech Care protects your student’s laptop and can protect thousands of other eligible electronics in your home, from tablets and gaming consoles to smart home devices. Plus, with 24/7 expert support and fast repairs or replacements, you won’t have to worry about unexpected tech mishaps disrupting their studies.  It’s a surefire way to ensure peace of mind—for them and for you.