When we think about protecting our computers, our thoughts typically turn to antivirus software, spyware catchers, spam filters and surge protectors. In my last column, I even covered extended warrantees that protect you in case of hardware failures. It can be easy to forget that there are other forces to protect against damage from fire or flood, and theft.

The fact that a PC is in your home doesn’t mean it’s necessarily covered by your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. Fact of the matter is that coverage of computers varies from policy to policy, and from provider to provider. There are some key things to check out regarding your individual coverage. Understand, too, that we’re talking damage or theft only, not the loss of information or infection by a virus.

Basic Coverage

The Insurance Information Institute (www.iii.org) recommends that you check out whether your current policy covers your computer or not. For that matter, you might was well see how all your electronic and entertainment gear is covered. Dust off your policy and look for the “What’s Covered” and “What’s Not Covered” sections. Does the policy express mention that personal computers are covered? Sometimes the response is coded in other sections with phrases like “a separate rider or policy may be necessary for full coverage.” If it’s not crystal clear from your written policy, this would be a good time to call your insurance company.

If coverage is part of your policy, you’ll want to next get a handle on how much coverage is actually provided and what situations are covered.

Does the policy cover “replacement costs” or “actual cash value” of the equipment? Actual cash value policies will reimburse you for the cost of your computer less some amount for depreciation. If your PC is a couple years old, the difference between replacing your PC and your reimbursement could be substantial. Replace cost policies, on the other hand, will reimburse you for the full cost of a new PC comparable to the one lost or damaged. You pay a higher premium for such coverage, but you’re not stuck with a gulf between the cost of your new PC and your reimbursement.

It’s also important to fully understand what damage or loss is covered by your policy. If you have any coverage, you likely are covered against theft and destructive forces like fire, floor and tornado. However, you’ll want to see if damage from lightning and such is covered since damage can be done to computers in some instances when damage doesn’t affect your dwelling.

Special Considerations

Three special considerations come to mind regarding PC insurance coverage.

First is coverage for portable computers when they leave the home. If you have a personal laptop, you’ll want to make sure you have adequate coverage for losses when you’re not at home. Some carriers provide full coverage when you’re out. Others, however, have additional policies for losses out site the home.

The second consideration is coverage of your PC is you use it for business purposes. Many plans simply don’t cover PCs if they’re used for any home business. It may be necessary to get additional coverage if you use the home PC for remote work.

Finally, if you have a college student with a computer you provided, they may be covered while living in a dormitory, but not in an off-campus apartment.

Just Ask

As we rely more heavily on our home PCs for finances, scheduling, communications, music and entertainment, it’s critical to make sure you know how well your equipment is covered. It’s better to know now and be able to make adjustments that to find out after a loss that you’re inadequately covered.