MacBook Insurance: Coverage, Costs, and Whether It’s Worth It

Imagine you’re hard at work on an essay or research, and you reach over to grab something across the table. In the process, you spill your drink all over your MacBook keyboard. Fortunately, MacBook insurance can provide protection against liquid spills and other accidents and malfunctions, such as screen damage or battery replacement.

You’ll pay a monthly or annual fee for coverage, and you’ll typically pay a deductible when you file a claim. But these costs are often cheaper than paying the full price to repair or replace your laptop. 

Here’s how to decide if MacBook insurance is worth it.

What is MacBook insurance?

MacBook insurance is a computer insurance policy that protects against accidental damage, hardware issues, and other malfunctions. It’s more comprehensive than Apple’s One-Year Limited Warranty, which Apple includes with its devices. The warranty only provides coverage for a limited time against manufacturing defects and other unexpected problems.

If you want more extensive coverage on an ongoing basis, you can upgrade to AppleCare+ or AppleCare One coverage. AppleCare+ is for a single device, while AppleCare One covers multiple devices. These plans have a monthly fee, which varies depending on the type of device you’re insuring.

Some third-party companies also offer MacBook insurance, such as Allstate, Asurion, and Progressive. AppleCare+ is often the simplest way to insure a MacBook, but third-party providers may also make sense for some customers. Compare monthly fees, deductibles, and what each plan covers to decide what works best for you.

How MacBook insurance works

To sign up for AppleCare+, you must sign up at checkout or within 60 days of purchasing a MacBook. You can pay monthly or annually, and prices vary by model. For instance, AppleCare+ coverage for a MacBook Air 13-inch is $7 monthly, or $70 annually. For a MacBook Pro 16-inch, coverage is $15 monthly, or $150 annually.

If you opt for monthly pricing, Apple will bill you every month unless you cancel. The same applies to annual pricing. In the past, you could pay for two or three years of coverage up front, but that option is no longer available.

What MacBook insurance covers

MacBook insurance covers several common accidents and malfunctions. Some things it may cover include:

• Damage to screens

• Liquid damage

• Battery replacement when the capacity drops below 80%

• Power surge protection

• Hardware repair coverage

AppleCare+ covers theft and loss, but this coverage isn’t available for MacBooks. Only iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches are eligible for theft and loss coverage.

Whether you choose AppleCare+ or device insurance from a third party, it often covers hardware repair, replacement parts, and malfunction support. But it’s important to check with the insurer before purchasing a plan to see what it covers.

What MacBook insurance doesn’t cover

When considering MacBook insurance, be aware that all policies have some exclusions. This means that if your MacBook is damaged as a result of something that’s excluded, you won’t have coverage.

AppleCare+ and AppleCare One provide incident coverage, but several exclusions apply, such as:

• Normal wear and tear

• Device usage outside the manufacturer’s permitted or intended use

• Fire damage

• Use of unauthorized parts or service of devices

• Pre-existing conditions

• Acts of God

• Serial number alteration

Every policy and provider is different, and exclusions may vary. To avoid unpleasant surprises when your MacBook needs repair, read the fine print of your insurance policy before signing up.

MacBook insurance cost

MacBook insurance costs vary by plan and company. Third-party insurers may charge more or less than Apple, depending on several factors, like device age, repair costs, coverage length, and the deductible amount. Some insurers offer no-deductible plans, though this typically increases the monthly or yearly price of coverage.

Depending on the company you choose, you can purchase a monthly plan, yearly plan, or two- or three-year plan. In the table below, you can see average MacBook insurance costs from several different companies.

How to get MacBook insurance

If your device is eligible, signing up for MacBook insurance is generally a straightforward process. Here’s how it works:

• Check if you’re eligible. Not all devices are eligible. For instance, you must sign up for AppleCare+ or AppleCare One within 60 days of purchasing your device.

• Choose from AppleCare+ or third-party providers. AppleCare offers affordable coverage for Apple devices. But third-party providers may offer features you prefer, such as no-deductible plans or computer theft and loss coverage. Compare protection plans to determine the best choice.

• Register your device. Once you decide on your plan, you can register your device. For AppleCare plans, you can do this at checkout or in the Settings app after purchase.

If you opt for a third-party provider, you often buy a plan after purchasing the device. But some insurers may let you sign up in advance.

How to file a MacBook insurance claim

If you need to file a claim, you must follow the proper steps to ensure the damage is covered and there are no delays.

Here are the steps to file a MacBook insurance claim:

Is MacBook insurance worth it?

With the cost of new MacBooks rising rapidly in recent years, MacBook insurance could save you money in the long run. Accidental damage and high repair costs can add up quickly, and it won’t take much for them to exceed the cost of coverage.

Some people are likely to benefit more from MacBook insurance, such as:

• Frequent travelers

• Students

• Freelancers or creatives

If you have limited or irregular income, insuring your MacBook could be a good idea.

For instance, the deductible for a screen replacement through AppleCare+ or AppleCare One is $99. If you don’t have coverage, these replacements typically cost several hundred dollars. Even with the deductible and monthly fee, AppleCare will likely still save you money.

Remember to consider your laptop warranty, device age, and possible repair options before buying MacBook insurance.

MacBook insurance FAQs