The world of e-sports and online gaming is growing at a rapid pace. E-sports is any professional or semi-professional competitive gaming in an organized form, such as a tournament or league with a specific goal or prize. This can include winning a championship title or even prize money. While it’s somewhat similar to the online gaming market, e-sports gives players a chance to earn themselves a reputation along with a substantial income in some cases. 

According to some research, e-sports revenues could reach a staggering $1,866.2 million by 2025. If you’re a devoted e-sports enthusiast, you know how much is required to invest in your equipment and gaming setup. Having the right home insurance is crucial to protect your important investments and keep your e-sports status going strong. This guide has some helpful information to ensure your advanced gaming setups are fully protected in a natural disaster or other emergency.

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The value of gaming rooms and equipment

Serious gamers and e-sports enthusiasts invest a lot of money into their advanced home gaming setups. Not only do these items have high monetary value, but they also have deep emotional and personal value. While emotional value can never be replaced, homeowners insurance can cover the cost to repair or replace any physical equipment and other items that may become damaged or missing due to various perils, including natural disasters and crimes like theft or vandalism.

Several components go into creating an advanced home gaming setup, including:

  • PC Hardware: These components include everything from processors and GPUs to motherboards that make up the game console. Advanced systems require a lot of RAM and storage, typically in the range of four terabytes. Serious gamers also need the proper cooling equipment to prevent the hard drive from overheating. Cases are also important, as they protect all of these delicate components and keep them secure inside.
  • Peripherals: Gaming peripherals are essential since they’re the items that allow gamers to play as efficiently and effectively as possible. Peripherals include a computer mouse, gaming keyboard, high-definition monitor, and various game controllers. A quality headset and speakers make gameplay more immersive, clear, and easy to hear. Gamers may also want to include a durable mousepad that can withstand heavy activity while protecting the table or desk underneath from damage.
  • Furniture: Of course, serious gamers also require a comfortable, supportive chair and a roomy desk to accommodate all their most crucial components. A U-shaped desk can simultaneously handle several monitors, keyboards, gaming consoles, and controllers. Some e-sports players prefer to use a standing desk so that they’re able to move around more freely while they play. Whatever option you choose, selecting the right gaming furniture can mean the difference between a comfortable, ergonomic experience and an uncomfortable one. Usually, this furniture will be covered under your standard home insurance policy.

Prices for all of these items will vary based on several factors, including the brand name you prefer, the retailer where it was purchased, and the quality of the items. A complete home gaming setup for advanced players will typically cost several thousand dollars or more.

Risks and potential hazards

Home insurance is designed to protect the structure of your home and the contents inside, including your gaming furniture and equipment. There are several risks and potential hazards that e-sports players face that should be covered by homeowners insurance. Common risks include:

  • Theft: If someone breaks into your home and steals your gaming equipment, your home insurance should pay to replace it. Make sure that your policy clearly lists theft as a covered hazard; if not, ask your insurance provider to add this protection if such a crime occurs.
  • Fire: A house fire is devastating, and, in most cases, the items inside of the home will be destroyed. Make sure your gaming console and other items are safe in the event of a fire by ensuring that your specific home insurance policy covers fires. A quality insurance policy should also cover any smoke-related damage that could affect your gaming equipment due to a fire.
  • Accidents: Several accidents may damage gaming equipment, such as spilling a drink on your keyboard or PC. If you drop something or spill liquid on it, the insurance most likely will not cover it. However, electrical damage is also quite common and may result from water getting into electrical outlets, causing the equipment to short out and become permanently damaged. Most home insurance policies cover this type of damage. Most forms of water damage are also covered by standard home insurance. This includes incidents such as a water heater bursting or leaking plumbing affecting your home’s interior and electrical system. You may need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy to protect your valuable equipment if you live in a flood zone.
  • Other risks: Lighting can also cause damage to gaming equipment since it may cause an electrical shortage. Even electrical shorts on their own should be included in a standard home insurance policy. Check with your insurance provider to ensure that you’re covered for a variety of risks or hazards to give you peace of mind.

Home insurance and gaming equipment

While there is a form of additional gaming equipment insurance that you can purchase separately, your home insurance policy should protect most of your treasured valuables. However, the value of your gaming items might not be included in the total coverage limits. Ensure you’re aware of your policy limits and deductible so that you’re positive your gaming equipment is covered under the same policy. 

Most home insurance deductibles are between $500 and $1,000. This is the amount you’ll have to pay before the insurance carrier covers the rest, and it’s what you will pay out of pocket each time you file a claim. Theft or vandalism, water and electrical damage, and natural disasters are usually covered and will impact your gaming equipment. However, if items cost well above your total coverage limits, you may consider paying for additional supplemental gaming device insurance.

With additional coverage, your gaming equipment insurance will cover things like cracked screens, damage from accidental drops, and damage commonly caused by power surges. Some gaming console companies like Nintendo and Xbox also offer separate insurance policies that you can purchase for an extra fee. 

Whichever option you choose, make sure that you select a coverage limit based on the current value of your gaming system and any other related equipment. The insurance company will pay to repair or replace anything damaged if the damage occurred due to a covered listed peril or hazard. Sometimes, the deductible is less than you’d pay with traditional homeowners insurance, so keeping your items covered is worth the extra cost.

It’s important to note that the type of coverage you have may depend on where you live. People in California, Virginia, Florida, and New York are covered by home insurance that includes electronics since these items are considered part of your personal property. This is covered to a maximum of $250,000. 

However, every other state in America considers portable electronics a completely separate category. That’s why considering additional electronics and gaming coverage is so important. Adding Equipment Breakdown Coverage (EBC) to your policy will protect your valuables, including computers, televisions, home security systems, and other electronics and appliances, against damage resulting from electrical or mechanical failures. These hazards are not typically included in a standard home insurance policy.

Evaluating the cost and coverage

If you’re a serious e-sports enthusiast, it’s worth it to consider paying for additional insurance coverage that will protect your investment. In most cases, the monthly or annual premium will be much lower than a home insurance plan. Some companies charge a one-time fee for every instance or claim you file. For example, you may have to pay a fee of $99 to file a claim, but if you paid over $1,000 for one piece of equipment, the fee is well worth it. Research and shop around to find the right type of coverage for you. Read customer reviews online to ensure that you choose a policy that offers excellent customer service and the level of coverage you need. Most companies are clear about their premiums, limits, and deductibles before you enroll.

Gaming equipment protection plans can also cover much more than standard home insurance. For example, these plans can also cover faulty drives, glitches, and issues with ports and power supplies. If the insurer can’t repair your device, they will usually send you a replacement or reimburse you for its current value. Look for a policy that covers mechanical or electrical breakdowns resulting from anything from power surge damage, dust, heat, and humidity to manufacturer defects or even normal wear and tear. 

Some companies also offer tech support at no additional cost. This means you can contact an experienced tech support specialist who can help walk you through issues and troubleshoot problems. Not only will this save you time, but it could also save you a lot of money in the long run if an issue can be fixed easily.

Keep in mind that your gaming furniture, like desks and chairs, will be covered under traditional home insurance. Most technology products come with a manufacturer’s warranty, but these warranties don’t always cover risks and hazards, or they may expire after a year. It’s also more expensive to pay for extended warranties on each device than purchasing a gaming equipment insurance plan. Make sure you understand how to assess your coverage limits and deductibles. Here are some tips to help you determine which will work best for you:

  • If you have receipts for all of your equipment, use them to tally the total cost of everything you want to cover. This amount should be the limit you have on your policy. It may be best to ask for slightly higher limits in case you missed something or just in case you purchase additional equipment in the future.
  • Ask the insurance company about the cost of your deductible. Some companies charge a flat fee for each claim, while others may have a higher amount, such as $500 or even $1,000. Most gaming equipment insurance has a lower deductible, so it will likely be less than a regular home insurance deductible. Home insurance covers much more, including the home’s actual structure, which is why the deductible is usually higher.

Tips for gaming enthusiasts

If you’re an e-sports or gaming enthusiast, it’s important to be as proactive as possible to protect your items. Here are some tips to help you make sure that your valuables are covered and protected.

  • Document all of your gaming room items and any related equipment by saving all of your receipts. Store the receipts in a fireproof safe with a lock to protect them from theft. A waterproof case is also great for storing receipts and keeping moisture from compromising them. In many cases, insurance companies will want to see copies of receipts, particularly in instances of theft.
  • Take pictures of everything in your game room, including all hardware and furniture. You can also take a video and use that as documentation. It’s also crucial to record the model and serial number for everything you have, when applicable. You can enter this information into a spreadsheet or document, take photographs of the serial numbers and keep them in a file on your computer, or store them on a password-protected cloud.
  • If you have children, teach them to use your devices carefully. Gaming consoles are particularly appealing to young kids, and they could cause excessive wear and tear, drop the items, or spill liquid on them. These accidents are usually not covered by any type of insurance plan. It’s also a good idea to only allow children to play with the equipment under supervision. Keep your valuables safely out of the reach of young kids to help protect them and your devices.
  • When a storm approaches, shut down your gaming equipment and unplug it from the electrical outlet. This will protect the items from unexpected power surges. Always use a surge protector when plugging in gaming devices and computers.
  • If your gaming items were stolen, make sure you file a police report right away and ask for a copy. Most insurance companies will need to see the police report before they allow you to file a claim.
  • Keep your valuable gaming items away from the windows to help prevent theft, and keep curtains or blinds closed when you’re not home. Never leave empty boxes outside where people driving or walking by can see them, which may tempt a potential criminal to break in and steal your items once you leave. Consider installing a quality security system or a few security cameras in and around your home. Not only will this help reduce the risk of theft, but some home insurance companies offer a discount on homes with security systems in place.
  • Keep your gaming equipment in an open, well-ventilated space to prevent overheating. Always keep electronics and all related accessories out of direct sunlight. Avoid prolonged use and give your devices time to “cool off” to help prevent damage.
  • Talk to your insurance agent and ensure your gaming equipment is included in your policy. You may need to purchase additional coverage, known as an insurance rider. These particular policies offer specific coverage for items like your favorite gaming headset, console, and keyboard. Always make sure that you tell your agent about all specific high-valued items. They will walk you through the process to add the coverage you need.

Remember these tips, and you’ll enjoy the best gaming experience possible worry-free. With the proper protections in place and insurance coverage, you can sit back and relax while playing games with total peace of mind.

If you’re a gaming and e-sports fan, ensuring you have the best level and type of insurance coverage possible to safeguard your investments is crucial. Remember to check the details of your current policy, including the limits and deductibles, and talk to an experienced, licensed agent if you need additional coverage. Use the tips in this guide to help protect your equipment against theft and other types of damage. When you do all of these things combined, you’ll be able to enjoy your home gaming setup without worrying about whether or not your most important valuables are protected.