MacBook Air insurance

No one likes forking out a fortune to replace a device that is damaged, lost or stolen. In the case of the MacBook Air, this can be several thousand pounds. We’ve looked at what’s included in MacBook Air insurance and how it fares against AppleCare.

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What is MacBook Air insurance?

MacBook Air insurance is gadget insurance tailored to Apple’s MacBook Air devices against damage, loss and theft.

Why protect your MacBook Air?

MacBooks are expensive machines, and the MacBook Air is no exception – replacing one if it’s damaged, lost or stolen can set you back thousands of pounds. Taking out MacBook Air insurance can protect your device and help you fix or replace it more easily.

However, note that your MacBook Air might already be covered by your contents insurance if you have it. It’s worth checking whether this is the case, but make sure to check if the cover extends outside the insured property. You may have to list your MacBook Air separately with your contents insurance provider as it is a high-value item.

What is the MacBook Air range?

The MacBook Air was introduced by Apple in January 2008 with a 13.3-inch screen and was promoted as the world’s thinnest notebook. Since then, 18 versions of the MacBook Air have been released, averaging 1 or 2 per year.

It is a little cheaper than the MacBook Pro and is easier to carry around, making it ideal for those who wish to travel with their MacBook.

What is covered?

The exact spec of the cover will vary by provider and type of policy you take out. However, MacBook Air insurance usually includes the following elements:

• Accidental damage. You’ll be covered for accidental damage caused to your MacBook Air, for example, as a result of dropping it or sitting on it.
• Liquid damage. This includes damage caused to your MacBook Air by a flood or getting caught in the rain in addition to spillages and other accidents.
• Malicious damage. You’re covered if someone deliberately damages your MacBook Air, though this may not include malicious damage caused by a member of your household.
• Mechanical breakdown. If your MacBook Air breaks down through no fault of your own outside of Apple’s warranty, you’ll be covered. If your warranty is still valid, you’ll be asked to use this to cover the repair costs instead.

Some policies also include the following benefits, but an additional fee may be required. If you want a policy that includes these elements, make sure to double-check that your chosen insurer provides this level of cover.

• Loss/theft. If your MacBook Air is lost or stolen, you’ll be covered for the cost of replacing it.
• Unauthorised usage. You’ll be covered for any financial losses that result from unauthorised usage, up to a maximum limit.
• Accessories cover. In some cases, insurers will also cover the cost of replacing or repairing accessories that are lost or damaged at the same time as your MacBook Air.
• Overseas cover. Many insurers are happy to cover you overseas, but this is typically only valid for a maximum number of days per year.

What isn’t covered?

Most policies exclude the following elements from their cover:

• When you don’t take “reasonable care” to prevent damage to your device or the loss or theft of your MacBook Air
• If you (or an immediate family member) deliberately damages your MacBook Air
• If your MacBook Air is left unattended outside the home and isn’t locked away
• If your device is older than 12 months (although some will agree to cover your MacBook Air up to 36 months)
• If your MacBook Air wasn’t bought as new from a high-street retailer, online retailer or directly from Apple
• You’ll need to provide proof of purchase to make a claim
• You don’t provide a crime reference number from the police for loss or theft claims

Is it not covered already with AppleCare?

If you buy a new MacBook Air, you’ll automatically be given a one-year AppleCare warranty for free. However, this only covers mechanical breakdowns and battery failures.

If you invest in AppleCare+, you will be covered for accidental damage for two years.

Third-party MacBook Air insurance includes more comprehensive cover, which can offer greater protection for your device (such as theft and loss cover and cover overseas).

How to find the best MacBook Air insurance?

Best means different things to different people, but here are some steps you can take to find a great deal for your MacBook Air:

1. Choose your level of cover. Most policies include accidental damage and theft as standard, and some also include loss and cover around the world. Decide what your essential elements are and look for a policy that includes them.
2. Check if you’re already covered. Some UK banks offer cover for laptops and other gadgets with a bank account (though this may require a fee). If you have home insurance, your MacBook Air might be included in the cover, but check whether that extends to outside of the insured property.
3. Weigh up cost vs price of the device. As part of your consideration, you should weigh up the cost of insurance vs how much it would cost you to repair or replace your MacBook Air yourself. For older models, this may not prove worthwhile. Remember to also consider any excess you will have to pay if you make a claim.
4. Look at a multi-gadget policy. Some providers offer multi-gadget discounts, which can help if you are insuring a number of different gadgets.
5. Compare policies and get a range of quotes. It always pays to shop around and compare gadget insurance providers to find a policy that gives you your desired level of cover.

Pros and cons

Bottom line

While the MacBook Air is not as expensive as the MacBook Pro, it is still one of the more expensive laptops on the market.

If you choose to purchase one, the sensible thing to do would be to protect it against damage, theft and loss. Failing to do this could leave you with a hefty repair bill or unable to replace a lost device.

When looking for MacBook Air insurance, make sure you shop around and compare policies to find the best deal for you.

Frequently asked questions about MacBook Air insurance

• My MacBook is still under warranty, do I still need insurance?

  The Apple warranty, also known as AppleCare, only covers your MacBook Air for mechanical breakdowns and issues with the battery. AppleCare+ also covers your device for accidental damage, but this cover is not nearly as comprehensive as getting a dedicated MacBook Air insurance policy. Theft and loss are not included under AppleCare+.

• Will my MacBook Air insurance cover cracked screens?

  Some MacBook Air insurance policies include cracked screen as part of their accidental damage cover, but this is sometimes excluded or requires an extra premium. Check the details of the policy to make sure this is covered.

• Will my MacBook Air insurance cover water damage?

  Most policies do offer liquid damage as standard, but for some, this may require an added premium.

• Will my MacBook Air insurance cover accidental damage?

  Most likely. Accidental damage is usually included in the cover, and most policies also include liquid damage. Always make sure to check the policy details though to see exactly what’s included.

• Can I insure my desktop under the same MacBook Air policy?

  Yes. Many insurers offer multi-gadget policies and some even offer discounts for insuring more than one device.

• Will my MacBook Air be covered away from home?

  Most insurers do offer cover that extends outside the home, but don’t assume this is included. Always read the policy details to make sure you know exactly what is and isn’t covered.