Tablet Insurance Guide

Cracked screen cover for tablets

Written by Chloe Adams Managing Editor Reviewed by Nomsa Dlamini RE5 qualified · 12 years in short-term insurance Updated 16 September 2026 Our editorial standards →

Does tablet insurance cover a cracked screen?

Only if your policy includes accidental damage cover, not just theft. A cracked screen from a drop, and liquid damage from a spill, are typically excluded under basic theft-only cover. All-risk or accidental damage cover is designed to include these everyday mishaps, but the excess, exclusions and claim limits differ by insurer, so always check the policy wording before you assume you're covered.

Key takeaways

Basic theft-only cover usually excludes cracked screens and other accidental damage.
Accidental damage cover is the specific feature that pays out for drops, cracks and spills.
Liquid damage is often treated separately from drop damage, so check both are included.
Insurers set their own excess and claim limits for screen damage, so compare before you buy.
Keeping proof of the damage and reporting it promptly helps a claim go smoothly.

Why 'insured' doesn't always mean a cracked screen is covered

A cracked screen is one of the most common tablet mishaps, but it's not automatically included just because you have insurance. Basic theft cover is built to pay out when a device is stolen, not when it's dropped or knocked. If accidental damage isn't specifically listed in your policy, a cracked screen claim can be declined.

This is one of the details worth checking early, before you need to make a claim. Our tablet insurance guide covers the broader picture of what to look for.

What accidental and liquid damage cover usually includes

Drop damage: a cracked or shattered screen from being dropped, sat on, or knocked off a surface.
Liquid damage: spills, rain exposure or accidental submersion, usually listed as a separate benefit from drop damage.
Screen replacement or repair: some insurers repair the device, others settle the claim differently, so check which applies.
Exclusions: cosmetic scratches, wear and tear, and damage while the device was used against the manufacturer's guidelines are commonly excluded.

What to check before you rely on this cover

Not all accidental damage cover is the same. Before assuming a cracked screen is included, check:

Whether accidental damage is a standard feature of the policy or an optional add-on.
The excess that applies specifically to screen or accidental damage claims, which can differ from the theft excess.
Any limit on the number of accidental damage claims allowed per year.
Whether the tablet needs to be reported stolen, lost or damaged within a set number of hours or days.

Making a cracked screen claim

If your screen cracks, note the date, cause and circumstances of the damage as soon as possible, and take photos before the device is repaired. Contact your insurer promptly, since most policies set a window for reporting a claim. If you're not sure whether your current cover includes accidental damage, it's worth comparing it against dedicated tablet cover options or a single item policy built around your device. Get a quote to compare cover that includes accidental and liquid damage.

Frequently asked questions

Is a cracked screen the same as accidental damage?

A cracked screen is one example of accidental damage. Policies that include accidental damage cover typically pay out for cracked or shattered screens caused by drops or knocks, alongside other unintentional mishaps. If your policy only covers theft, a cracked screen from a drop generally won't be included.

Does liquid damage count as accidental damage?

Often it's listed as its own benefit rather than automatically bundled with drop damage, so check your policy wording specifically for liquid or water damage. Some insurers cover both under one accidental damage benefit, while others treat them as separate sections with their own excess.

Will my claim be rejected if the screen was already scratched?

Pre-existing damage, wear and tear, and cosmetic scratches are usually excluded, even under accidental damage cover. Insurers generally cover a specific incident, like a drop, rather than the device's general condition. Declaring any existing damage honestly when you take out cover helps avoid disputes later.

How much will I pay if I claim for a cracked screen?

You'll typically pay the excess set out in your policy for accidental damage claims, which can differ from the excess for theft. This amount varies by insurer and by the cover level you choose, so check it upfront rather than after the screen has already cracked.

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