Compare iPad insurance

The iPad is one of the most expensive tablets on the market. This means it’s going to cost you a fair amount to repair or replace if you break it or it’s nicked. If you’re tempted to buy insurance to protect you from high costs if you, let’s say, drop it in the bath or leave it on the train, this guide can help you compare iPad insurance deals.

What is iPad insurance?

iPad insurance will cover the costs of replacing or repairing your iPad if it’s damaged, lost or stolen, potentially saving you a big expense if something happens to your device. You can either buy dedicated insurance for a single iPad or get gadget insurance that covers multiple tech devices.

What are the different types of iPad insurance?

There are 2 main types of iPad insurance:

1. Dedicated iPad insurance, which is designed specifically for tablets.
2. Gadget cover, which lets you cover one or more tech devices under the same policy. This can include things like smartphones, laptops and cameras as well as tablets.

What iPads can I insure?

You can insure any model of iPad, including the Pro, Air and Mini as well as the standard iPad, provided that it’s fairly newly purchased. Insurers often won’t offer cover for iPads that you’ve owned for more than a certain period (6 months is fairly common). You may also be unable to get cover for an iPad that you bought abroad, or one that you bought second-hand. Some insurers will cover refurbished iPads that you bought from a manufacturer or reputable retailer.

What does iPad insurance cover?

The details of cover vary by insurance company and the specific policy, but iPad insurance might include the following elements.

Usually included in iPad insurance

• Accidental damage. This includes cracks to the screen, liquid damage or any other damage caused by an accident that impacts your ability to use the iPad.
• Mechanical breakdown. Any mechanical breakdowns that occur outside of the iPad’s warranty will be covered.
• Theft or loss. If your iPad is lost or stolen, your insurer will cover the costs of replacing it.

Sometimes included in iPad insurance

• Taking your iPad overseas. This level of cover is sometimes only available as a paid add-on.
• Use by family members. Loss, theft and damage when your iPad is in the possession of immediate family members may be covered, depending on the provider.
• Limited cover for replacing downloads. For example, music, movies or apps.
• Using your iPad for work. This is likely to mean more frequent use, for example, and not all policies include it as standard.
• iPad accessories, such as cases and keyboards. These can be fairly expensive in their own right, so check if loss, theft or damage of accessories is included in your cover.

What does iPad insurance exclude?

As with what’s included, exclusions can vary by insurer. Below are some scenarios where you’re unlikely to be covered by your iPad insurance:

• If you don’t take “reasonable care” to protect your iPad. Your insurer will list several examples of what is and isn’t defined as “reasonable care” in its terms and conditions.
• Deliberate damage. Your insurer won’t cover you if you damage the iPad deliberately.
• If you leave your iPad unattended. If your iPad is lost or stolen outside of the house when you leave it unattended, your insurer won’t cover you.
• Old iPads. A lot of policies will stop covering iPads when they reach a certain age, so check the details of yours.
• iPads without proof of purchase. You’ll need to provide a receipt when you make a claim.
• Loss or theft claims without a crime reference number. You’ll need to provide this with your claim.
• Cosmetic damage. A minor screen scratch or case dent that doesn’t really affect your use is unlikely to be covered. A shattered screen, on the other hand, will be.

How much cover do I need for my iPad?

When applying for insurance, you’ll often be asked for the value of your iPad. This is the maximum amount that you’ll be covered for when making a claim – make sure that it covers the full value of your iPad.

Some insurance companies offer accessory cover, overseas cover, family cover and loss/theft cover only as optional add-ons. If this is the case, it’s up to you to decide whether you want to pay extra to be covered in these scenarios.

How much does iPad insurance cost?

iPad insurance for a single tablet starts at around £3 or £4 a month. If you want to insure more than one iPad (or other gadgets), you’ll pay more. That said, insuring multiple devices on a single policy is often cheaper than buying separate cover for each gadget.

The more high-end your iPad, and the more comprehensive your policy is – for example, if you want to include overseas or business cover – the more expensive your premium is likely to be.

How can I save on iPad insurance?

In order to find the best iPad insurance policy, there are a few steps you can take:

1. Choose your level of cover. Most policies include damage and theft as standard. Policies that include features such as worldwide cover will cost more, so don’t pay extra if you don’t need them. If you’re not the forgetful type, some policies may also let you exclude cover for loss, for example.
2. Pick a higher excess. This is the amount you have to pay in the event of a claim. Opting for a policy with a higher excess might reduce your monthly payments. Some policies have fixed excesses; others let you adjust the excess. Just don’t set it so high that it’s barely worth making a claim.
3. Look at a multi-gadget policy. Some providers offer multi-gadget discounts that can help if you are insuring a number of different gadgets.
4. Check if you’re already covered. Your home contents insurance might include gadget cover, either in or away from home. There are also banks in the UK that cover iPads and other gadgets as standard when you open an account.
5. Compare policies and get a number of different quotes. It always pays to shop around and compare providers to find a policy that gives you your desired level of cover.

Is my iPad already covered under an existing policy?

It is possible that your iPad might already be covered by your home contents insurance if you have it. You may need to specify it to your home insurance provider in order to make a claim, as it’s a high-value item that might exceed standard limits.

You should also check whether it’s covered outside of the home. Many home insurance policies don’t include cover for outside the home as standard. If not, you can pay extra for a “personal possessions” add-on that will cover a range of portable belongings, including iPads.

There are a few other alternatives to iPad insurance that could be worth considering if you don’t already have them.

Alternatives to iPad insurance

• AppleCare+. This is the extended warranty offered by Apple. It lasts for 2 years. You’ll be covered for mechanical breakdowns, battery failure and 2 incidents of accidental damage every 12 months. You can pay extra for theft and loss cover, which includes 2 incidents of theft or loss per year. You’ll also be given priority telephone support.
• Packaged bank accounts. Some packaged bank accounts offer gadget insurance as an incentive for customers.
• Travel insurance. This might cover your iPad when it’s overseas. Travel insurance won’t typically cover you at home though, and watch out for low claim limits that won’t cover the full cost of your iPad.

Can I insure more than one iPad on the same policy?

Yes, depending on the provider. Some insurers let you cover multiple iPads, tablets and/or other gadgets on the same policy. You’ll often see this referred to as “multi-gadget” insurance. Usually, you’ll get a discount for every extra device you add to a multi-gadget policy.

How do I make a claim on iPad insurance?

The precise process for making a claim depends on whether your iPad has been damaged, lost or stolen. One constant, though, is the need for proof of purchase – so hang on to any receipts or order-confirmation emails. If they’ve gone AWOL, you may be able to use a bank or credit card statement showing the purchase as proof of ownership.

You should always contact the insurer as soon as possible after you know you need to make a claim. They will likely ask you some questions about the circumstances of the incident and may require some extra evidence.

How to make a claim for iPad repairs

Contact your insurer before undertaking any repairs to a damaged iPad. Your insurer may state in its terms and conditions that it has to be repaired by one of the insurance company’s approved repairers. Taking photos of the damage might be helpful.

How to make a claim for lost or stolen iPads

If your iPad has been stolen, you will need to notify the police and get a crime reference number. Your insurer will ask for this when you make the claim. If you’re not quite sure whether your iPad was stolen or you’ve simply mislaid it, notify the police anyway. Better safe than sorry.

Will I get a repair or replacement if my iPad is damaged?

It depends on the terms of your policy. While you’ll obviously need a new iPad if you make a valid loss or theft claim, many insurers prefer to try and repair a damaged iPad if possible. On the plus side, this increases the chance of you retaining your photos, music and other files. We’d recommend backing up regularly to be on the safe side, though.

The disadvantage is that you may have to live without an iPad for longer, while the insurer attempts to fix it. If it can’t, you’ll then get a replacement.

Bear in mind that any replacements are often like-for-like, taking into account an iPad’s age and condition. This means you may get a refurbished model rather than a brand new one.

Can I insure a second-hand iPad?

It’s fairly unlikely. Most insurers will only cover iPads that were bought new from a UK retailer, mobile network or manufacturer. Some may be happy to cover officially refurbished iPads bought from a reputable source, but check this before you take out cover.

Pros and cons of iPad insurance

Bottom line

When you consider the cost of repairing or replacing an iPad, it’s no surprise that a lot of people are happy to pay to insure it. As always, you can find the best iPad insurance policy by comparing your options.

Compare iPad insurance providers

Frequently asked questions about iPad insurance

• Does my home insurance cover my iPad?

  If you have home contents insurance, then it might. You’ll need to check whether it offers enough cover for your needs though. For example, if you take your iPad out of home, you’ll probably only be covered if you have a “personal possessions” add on. And check for upper limits on valuable items. If the standard limit is too low to cover the cost of your iPad, you may be able to add it for its full value as a named item. This is likely to cost a bit extra, but may be cheaper than standalone iPad insurance.

• Do I need iPad insurance if my device is still under warranty?

  It depends on what you want to cover. Apple’s standard warranty will only cover mechanical breakdowns or faults, and not accidental damage, loss or theft. AppleCare+ includes 2 incidents of accidental damage every 12 months, while AppleCare+ with theft and loss also covers 2 incidents of theft or loss per year.

• Can I claim if my iPad case or keyboard are damaged?

  It depends on your choice of insurer. Some policies will offer cover for accessories, but others exclude them. And most insurance won’t cover cosmetic damage to either accessories or the iPad itself.

• Can I insure my iPhone on the same policy as my iPad?

  Yes, there are plenty of insurers that allow you to insure several gadgets on the same policy. You might even get a multi-gadget discount if you do this.

• Will iPad insurance cover lost music and apps?

  Some insurers cover this, but make sure to check the details of the policy before purchase to see if it’s included and any limits. We know you know this, but back up your iPad regularly to avoid this becoming a major issue.

• Do I need proof of purchase to make a claim?

  Yes, you will need to provide proof of purchase to successfully make a claim. This can be a receipt, a purchase confirmation, a bank or credit card statement showing the purchase or, in some cases, photographic proof of ownership. Don’t rely on all insurers accepting the latter though.

• How long will it take an insurer to replace my iPad?

  If your iPad is lost or stolen, you should get a replacement within a few days of a successful claim. Some policies may guarantee a replacement within a certain time period (48 hours, for example). If your iPad needs repairing, it could take a bit longer. Check the terms of your policy to find out what your insurer says about how quickly it is able to sort out repairs or if it allows you to arrange repairs yourself at an Apple Store or local repair shop.