What you need to know about laptop insurance

Laptops are often at the center of our daily lives. It’s where we work, play, create, and learn. The things that we love about our laptops—their portable size, style, and hard drives—are also what make them vulnerable to damage. Not to mention that laptops require a degree of maintenance that some users neglect.

Here’s what you need to know about laptop insurance.

What is laptop insurance?

Laptop insurance is a type of insurance that protects your laptop in case of breakdown or accidental damage. As some of us have learned the hard way, there’s a lot that can happen to a laptop in its relatively short lifespan. Laptop insurance gives consumers financial protection—and less stress—in case something happens.

What does laptop insurance cover?

Here are some incidents that are typically covered by laptop insurance:

Screen cracks
Accidental damage from handling
Power surge burnout
Water damage
Electrical and mechanical failures

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

What’s the difference between warranties and insurance?

Warranties and insurance policies both offer security but vary in their scope of protection.

A warranty is typically issued by the manufacturer of the product. It’s a good-faith gesture that the brand is able to guarantee the quality of their product. There’s no fee for putting a product under warranty, but you typically must fill out and mail the required paperwork. Warranties have an expiration date; a length of time that’s determined by the manufacturer.

Insurance, on the other hand, is a contract with a third-party insurance company. Consumers pay a monthly premium to maintain coverage. Insurance protects against mechanical and electronic breakdowns and damage for as long a time as premiums are paid. Insurance coverage can vary depending on the company, the product, and your location.

Does my existing insurance cover laptops?

Renters (or HO4) and homeowners insurance may cover your laptop. Renters insurance typically covers personal belongings, including electronics, jewelry, art, and clothing—but the coverage can vary depending on the situation. Be sure to review your individual policy to make sure that your plan protects against accidental laptop damage. There may be some surprising things your renters insurance or homeowners insurance may not cover.

How to choose the best laptop insurance

As you decide on the best insurance for your personal laptop, make sure to consider the following:

Usage. Assessing your laptop usage is a great way to evaluate the risk of something happening to it. For example, will the laptop be used on an as-needed basis around the house, or are you a power user for work or gaming?
Level of coverage. Most insurance policies offer Basic or Comprehensive plans. Read the fine print on each to see which is best suited for your situation.
Travel coverage. If you travel often with your laptop, check to see which insurance companies cover accidents when away from home.
Manufacturer warranty. If your laptop comes with warranty protection, dig in to see if it offers more or less benefits than a standard protection plan.
Your credit card. Sometimes, laptop damage protection is offered as a credit card perk for members.
Multi-device coverage. If you have multiple tech devices, consider a plan that covers more than just your laptop.

If you're looking for coverage that goes beyond just your laptop, the Asurion Tech Care is a smart choice. It covers your laptop plus thousands of other eligible electronics in your home, including gaming consoles, tablets, and smart devices. With 24/7 expert tech support, fast repairs, and hassle-free claims, you get peace of mind knowing your tech is protected—whenever life’s mishaps happen. Visit asurion.com/techcare/ to learn more.

FAQ

I just bought a new laptop, should I get insurance for it?

Yes, it’s always a good idea to get insurance or warranty coverage for your brand new laptop. Luckily there are many options available through the laptop manufacturer, the retailer you purchased from, or online.

Does laptop insurance cover accidental damage?

Yes, some laptop insurance plans covers accidental damage to the screen or other mechanical parts—such as Asurion Tech Care. It will not cover intentional damage or damage caused by neglect.

What does my laptop manufacturer's warranty cover?

In most cases, warranties cover issues related to parts and workmanship. Some may not cover accidental damage that was not caused by manufacturing.

Are laptops covered by home insurance?

Laptops and other personal belongings are sometimes covered by home insurance, but it largely depends on the scenario under which they were damaged. Be sure to check your individual plan for coverage details.

Are laptops covered by renters insurance?

Laptops and other personal belongings are typically covered by renters insurance, but it’s always good to double-check your plan. Coverage can vary depending on scenarios and other factors.