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We’ve all had those “oh no” moments. Tech accidents that happen in the blink of an eye (even for us at Police Mutual, believe it or not!) Whether it’s a splash, a drop, or a forgetful slip, here are some of the most common gadget mishaps people face – and how you can avoid them.
1. The coffee catastrophe
It’s Monday morning, your inbox is overflowing, and your coffee is your lifeline, until it’s not. One clumsy elbow and your latte becomes a laptop hazard. Liquid damage is one of the most frequent causes of tech failure, especially for remote workers and students.Try using a reusable coffee cup with a built in lid to avoid those annoying spillages.
2. The festival fumble
Phones and festivals are a risky combo. Between muddy fields, packed crowds, and questionable signal, it’s easy for your device to get lost, dropped, or drenched. And let’s be honest, retrieving a phone from a mosh pit is a long shot – so make sure you pack a waterproof carry case.
3. The backpack blunder
You hop off the train, grab your coffee, and head to work, only to realise your tablet is still nestled in the seat pocket. Lost gadgets on public transport are surprisingly common, especially during the morning rush or post-holiday travel. Set an alarm on your gadget to go off a couple of minutes before your stop, that way you’re less likely to forget it!
4. The dog drama
Your furry friend might be cute, but they’ve got a taste for tech. Chewed AirPods, gnawed charging cables, and slobbery phones are all part of the pet-parent experience. And no, “but he’s teething!” doesn’t fix a cracked screen. Keep your gadgets far out of reach of your furry friend when you’re not using them.
5. The pocket drop
You’re juggling keys, a coffee, and your phone, until gravity takes over. Drops from pockets or hands are everyday occurrences, especially on hard surfaces like pavements, tiled floors, or staircases. One slip can mean a shattered screen or worse, but a pop-socket or wrist strap can save you from catastrophe.
6. The beach blunder
Sun, sea, and… sand in your charging port. Beaches are great for relaxing, but terrible for tech. Saltwater corrosion and tiny grains of sand can wreak havoc on your phone, camera, or e-reader in seconds, so keep your items safely in your bag when you’re lounging on the sand.
7. The charger chaos
You plug in your device, walk away, and return to a screen that won’t turn on. Faulty chargers, power surges, or cheap cables can fry your tech unexpectedly. It’s a silent killer, until it’s too late. Always double check your charging requirements, especially if you’re abroad.
Tech accidents are part of modern life—but they don’t have to be a disaster. With the right cover, you can turn a stressful moment into a simple fix. Stay protected, stay connected. Find out more about Gadget Insurance here.
Police Mutual has partnered with Arma Karma to offer a gadget insurance product that’s designed to fit seamlessly into your everyday life. Arma Karma is part of the Bspoke Insurance Group Ltd, which also includes Police Mutual, so you know you’re in safe hands.
Photo by Macarena Navarro on Unsplash
