Most homeowners and renters policies cover electronics, but with a deductible of $500 to $1,500 and only for named perils like theft and fire, not accidental drops. Gadget insurance is built for the way people actually break devices: dropped on a sidewalk, knocked off a hotel desk, splashed at a coffee shop.
What gadget insurance covers that homeowners does not
Accidental damage (drops, spills, cracked screens). Worldwide coverage including travel and rental cars. Mechanical and electrical breakdown after the manufacturer warranty ends. Theft from anywhere, including a vehicle (homeowners often excludes auto theft of electronics).
Schedule expensive items for full value
On any homeowners or renters policy, electronics over $2,500 should be scheduled on a personal articles floater. The cost is typically $5 to $20 per $1,000 of value annually, with no deductible and worldwide coverage. For a $4,000 camera kit, that is roughly $40 to $80 a year, much cheaper than standalone gadget insurance.
Standalone vs. scheduled coverage
Standalone gadget plans (Worth Ave Group, SquareTrade Premium, AKKO) work well for renters without a homeowners policy and for households with many devices. They typically cover unlimited claims with $50 to $100 deductibles. For a single high-value device, scheduling on existing homeowners is almost always cheaper.
How to file a claim that gets paid
Always keep the original receipt or order confirmation. Photograph each device's serial number. After a loss, file a police report within 24 to 48 hours for theft. Most claims are denied because of missing proof of ownership, not because the loss was excluded.
Quick comparison
| Option | Annual cost | Deductible | Worldwide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homeowners (default) | Included | $500 to $1,500 | Limited |
| Personal articles floater | $5 to $20 / $1,000 value | $0 | Yes |
| Standalone gadget plan | $80 to $300 | $50 to $100 | Yes |
| AKKO multi-device family plan | $144 to $300 | $99 | Yes |
Key takeaways
- Accidental damage (drops, spills, cracked screens).
- On any homeowners or renters policy, electronics over $2,500 should be scheduled on a personal articles floater.
- Standalone gadget plans (Worth Ave Group, SquareTrade Premium, AKKO) work well for renters without a homeowners policy and for households with many devices.
Final word
Insurance is at its best when you understand the product before you need it. Bookmark this guide, share it with anyone shopping for gadget insurance for laptops, cameras, and tablets this year, and reach out via our contact page if you have a question we have not answered.
Related reading on InsureLab
Sources & further reading
Frequently asked questions
Will gadget insurance cover my laptop while I travel?+
Yes, almost all standalone plans and personal articles floaters include worldwide coverage.
Is gadget insurance worth it for a $500 device?+
Usually not. The premium plus deductible often exceeds the cost of replacement.
Does it cover business use?+
Personal articles floaters typically exclude business use. For business gear, an inland marine policy on your business insurance is the right product.
Found this helpful?
Share it with a friend who's about to renew their policy — and browse our other guides while you're here.