• What is gadget insurance?
• How do you define ‘gadget’? What kinds of gadgets are covered by gadget insurance?
• Where do I find the IMEI number?
• Do you only cover new gadgets or are used gadgets covered too?
• What exactly does a gadget insurance policy cover?
• Who does the gadget policy cover?
• How soon will I receive my policy documents and coverage?
• Is gadget insurance available for purchase if I live outside the UK?
• Is there a discount for purchasing multiple gadget policies?
• How do I buy an insurance policy to cover my device?
• What forms of payment are accepted?
• How does Direct Debit payment work?
• Can I decide what day of the month my Direct Debit payment comes out of my account?
• If I make a claim, how much is the excess?
• Does my gadget insurance cover a specific period of time?
• What happens to my policy after the one-year period (12 months)?
• How do I make a claim if something happens to my gadget?
• Do I need to report a theft or damage to my gadget to the Police? What about to my gadget’s network provider?
• I lost my phone when the Protected4u call centre was not available - what can I do?
• If I make a claim, do I need a receipt?
• Can I still purchase gadget insurance if my phone was provided free to me as part of my contract?
• I replaced my gadget. Is my insurance still good?
• I bought my gadget on an online auction site. Can I still get coverage?
• Can I make a claim for someone else?
• Can I end my policy early?
• Is there contact information available to make a complaint?

Q. What is gadget insurance?

Gadget insurance is coverage for your gadgets, mobile phones, tablets, etc. In our digital age, our phones, laptops, and all things electronic have become an essential part of everyday life; when an item gets broken or is stolen, it often feels hopeless. The insurance covers the theft, loss (mobile phones and tablets only) or accidental damage of your device. Gadget insurance helps provide coverage for the gadget, and if it’s a mobile phone, for any potential unauthorised usage of the device that may cost you as the consumer.

Q. How do you define ‘gadget’? What kinds of gadgets are covered by gadget insurance?

Gadget is defined as any portable, electronic device that is usually battery-powered.

Q. Where do I find the IMEI number?

The International Mobile Equipment Identification (IMEI) number is a distinct number assigned to each individual phone. You can find this number by dialing  * # 0 6 #  on your keypad, or it's usually on a sticker in the phone's battery compartment. If you have the original packaging it is often shown on a sticker on the box, too.

Q. Do you only cover new gadgets or are used gadgets covered too?

Gadget insurance covers gadgets that are less than 18 months old. This age is from the date of purchase (as shown by the original sales receipt) as a new product. If you bought the product refurbished, it is still eligible for insurance so long as it was purchased directly from the manufacturer and has a valid Proof of Purchase at inception of this Certificate. If you purchase gadget insurance, the coverage for that particular item can be maintained for five years, as long as you renew your policy and keep it active each year. If you purchased a new device and insured it with another gadget insurer, as long as you are within the 18 month window, you are eligible for coverage with our gadget insurance.

Q. What exactly does a gadget insurance policy cover?

Gadget insurance covers the following types of electronics: mobile phones, smartphones, laptops, desktops, digital cameras, computer monitors, mp3 players, DVD players, game consoles, video cameras, camera lenses, Bluetooth headsets, GPS navigation devices, PDAs, e-readers, head/ear phones, wearables (Google Glass and smartwatches), and in-car computers. There may be other gadgets covered that are not listed here, so please let us know and we may be able to help. Each of your gadgets may have different types of needs, so there are a variety of levels of coverage available. This allows you as the consumer to purchase coverage based on your needs and budget.

Here is a small list of the different scenarios which are covered by gadget insurance (subject to specific policy terms and conditions, exclusions apply):

• Accidental Damage: Accidents happen. If your gadget is damaged as a result of a mishap, we can repair or replace it, after it is sent to us.
• Breakdown: If your gadget fails to work, we can repair or replace your item after it is sent to us. This type of coverage only applies if the breakdown occurs outside the warranty period from manufacturer, as we believe that if the product breaks down whilst under warranty, the customer should make a warranty claim from the manufacturer.
• Malicious Damage: If your electronic item is deliberately damaged by a person other than yourself, you are covered for repair. If only part of your device has been damaged, your coverage includes repairs.
• Unauthorised usage: If your mobile phone was stolen or lost and used improperly by another party, the theft is covered by insurance, as well as reimbursement for any charges incurred from theft. This includes phone calls, messages, downloads, or purchases made from your device up to a maximum of £2500 (including VAT).
• Theft: If your item is stolen, our insurance policy will replace it (with valid theft claim).
• Loss: If you lose your mobile phone or tablet, the policy covers replacement (with valid loss claim).
• Worldwide Coverage: Your policy covers you no matter where you and your gadget go in the world, for a maximum of ninety days in any one year (policy dependent).

Q. Who does the gadget policy cover?

Policies can only be purchased by individuals over the age of sixteen and permanent residents of the United Kingdom. The policy covers immediate family (spouse/partner, children, and siblings) who live with you.

Q. How soon will I receive my policy documents and coverage?

Once you purchase coverage for your gadgets, your policy schedule will be immediately sent electronically to you via the email address you provided at the time you purchased your insurance. Other documents are available for download via a link within the email. Your policy document is also available via logging into the website with your account information.

Q. Is gadget insurance available for purchase if I live outside the UK?

Our company only insures gadgets for UK residents.

Q. Is there a discount for purchasing multiple gadget policies?

Yes, there is a multi-gadget discount, as long as they are all listed on the policy at the time of purchase. There is also a discount if you choose to pay your policy premium annually, in which case the discount would be receiving a full year of coverage at the price of eleven months.

Q. How do I buy an insurance policy to cover my device?

Gadget insurance is simple to enroll in and can be obtained by starting with a free quote.

Q. What forms of payment are accepted?

Gadget insurance premiums can be paid either once a year or once a month. You can pay your premium either via direct debit payment that comes right out of your account, or with any major credit or debit card.

Q. How does Direct Debit payment work?

Direct Debit is the authorisation by you as the consumer to allow a company to automatically deduct monthly premium directly from your bank account, as opposed to writing a paper cheque and sending it in the mail. You provide your bank account information at the time of policy purchase and every month the monthly premium is taken automatically out of your account, without you as the customer having to do a thing.

Q. Can I decide what day of the month my Direct Debit payment comes out of my account?

Unfortunately, no. The date the direct debit payment is made from your account is not set by us.

Q. If I make a claim, how much is the excess?

If you make a claim on one of your gadgets, it is possible that you may have to pay some out-of-pocket costs to cover the repair or replacement of your item, also known as the excess. This depends on your policy and the gadget you are making a claim on. This is something done by insurance companies so that you as the consumer take care and responsibility for your gadget; the insurance company will share this cost with you.

Insured Device Value	Mobile Phone	Tablet/iPad	Laptop & Camera	All other devices
£250 or less (When New)	£25 in respect of a theft or damage claim £50 in respect of an accidental loss claim	£25 in respect of a theft or damage claim £50 in respect of an accidental loss claim	£25 in respect of a theft or damage claim	£25 in respect of a theft or damage claim
£251 to £1,000	£50 in respect of a theft or damage claim £75 in respect of an accidental loss claim	£50 in respect of a theft or damage claim £75 in respect of an accidental loss claim	£50 in respect of a theft or damage claim	£50 in respect of a theft or damage claim
Over £1,000	£50 in respect of a theft or damage claim £75 in respect of an accidental loss claim	£50 in respect of a theft or damage claim £75 in respect of an accidental loss claim	£50 in respect of a theft or damage claim	£50 in respect of a theft or damage claim

Important note: If you make a claim within the first 30 days (one month) of purchasing your policy, an additional £25 excess is payable over and above those detailed in the table above.

Q. Does my gadget insurance cover a specific period of time?

This will depend on what type of policy you have purchased. If you have opted to go with a monthly premium plan, your policy continues until either you cancel it or you stop paying your monthly premiums. Cancelled policies are in effect at the end of the last month for which you have paid.

If you have opted to pay annually, your coverage is for one calendar year (12 months) from the time of purchase. If you decide to cancel your policy, it will go into effect immediately and you are eligible for a prorated refund, though an administration fee will be applied.

Q. What happens to my policy after the one-year period (12 months)?

Your one-year policy will automatically renew at the end of your year. Our company will contact you within thirty (30) days of your policy end date to notify you of any changes in price or policy stipulations. If you do not wish to renew your policy, directions on how to cancel by contacting a policy administrator will be clearly outlined within this notice. If you do nothing, your policy will automatically renew and the previously set up payment plan will continue to be active. You can change your payment setup at the time of renewal, if you so choose.

Q. How do I make a claim if something happens to my gadget?

In the event of a claim, you must call our claims department as soon as possible. If the event occurs outside of the United Kingdom, please make sure to contact our claims department as soon as you return to the country. Make sure to follow the claim procedures to make sure your claim is handled properly, as omitting information or documents may delay the ability for you to receive funds, parts, or replacement gadget.

If your electronic items has been stolen or maliciously damaged, it is important to contact your local Police station within twenty-four hours. You must obtain a crime reference/lost property number from the authorities, as well as a copy of the police report. Both of these pieces of information are important to your theft/malicious damage claim.

Q. Do I need to report a theft or damage to my gadget to the Police? What about to my gadget’s network provider?

You must report your gadget theft to your local police station or at the location of where the theft occurred. In addition, if you lost your smartphone, mobile phone, or tablet, you need to contact your service provider within 48 hours of the incident, so that usage and phone calls can be blocked. This is important to your claim.

Q. I lost my phone when the Protected4u call centre was not available - what can I do?

Please look at our helpful "claim page" for guidance.

Q. If I make a claim, do I need a receipt?

If you have to make a claim on your gadgets, an original receipt for your purchase of the item is required. If you do not have the receipt either because you did not receive one (if you phone was free as part of a contract upgrade, for example) or cannot find it, you must provide evidence of your original purchase or contract that would include the gadget.

Q. Can I still purchase gadget insurance if my phone was provided free to me as part of my contract?

If you received a gadget as part of your contract upgrade with your service provider, you must provide documentation of the order or contract. In addition, you must provide the up-to-date retail price of the item for your policy. This is all important in the event you make a claim.

Q. I replaced my gadget. Is my insurance still good?

If you make any changes to your original gadgets in your policy, please contact us as soon as possible so we can accurately update your coverage.

Q. I bought my gadget on an online auction site. Can I still get coverage?

There are limitations to gadget coverage from this type of purchase. Our coverage only applies to gadgets that are purchased from a reputable, UK registered company with consumer protections. In addition, we cover gadgets either new or refurbished purchased directly from the manufacturer, as well as gadgets purchased as used. For used items, the original receipt of purchase and a signed letter from the original owner transferring ownership must also be submitted with your policy. This must include the IMEI, serial numbers, makes and models of any used gadgets.

Q. Can I make a claim for someone else?

According to the rules and regulations of the Data Protection Act, you cannot make insurance claims on the behalf of anyone but yourself.

Q. Can I end my policy early?

There is a 14-day cooling off period on your policy; if you decide to cancel your coverage within this two-week period, there is no cancellation fee and your premium will be fully refunded. For cancellations after this 14 day period, you will be required to provide us with 30 days written notice prior to the date you wish to cancel your policy. This may be done either via post or email. Please make sure to include your name and policy number of the policy you wish to cancel.

Q. Is there contact information available to make a complaint?

We welcome feedback from our customers regarding any of their concerns. Our contact information is available on the Contact page.