As tech lovers, we spend a lot of money on electronics. Far more than the average person who will limit themselves to a phone and laptop. New technology is exciting, but it is always expensive to be an early adopter. For this reason, the theft of your technology or its destruction can be a huge financial burden.
Keeping your tech safe from wear and tear, destruction, and theft or loss does not have to be difficult. There are some basic steps you should take in order to ensure that you are not left in dire straits.
Follow these 5 steps to keep your expensive tech safe.
1. Get the right insurance
If you don’t have insurance for electronic devices, you need to get it immediately. Most of your possessions are covered by a regular homeowners or renters insurance policy, which you should already have. However, expensive or specialized tech may not be covered. For these items, you need to get scheduled personal property coverage.
This is coverage that will pay for your specified items in case of theft or destruction in named perils. While your smartphone and laptop should already be covered, you may need to add gaming equipment, specialized computers, and similar electronics.
2. Store in climate-controlled rooms
Before we even get to the security aspect of keeping your expensive tech safe, we need to discuss maintenance and basic upkeep. Depending on where you live, you may need to find a way to store your tech in climate-controlled rooms most of the time. People who live in temperate climates without high levels of humidity will generally be fine keeping their tech wherever they want.
The problems come in when the weather gets particularly hot or cold. This may cause your tech to slow down more quickly, leading to rapid wear and tear. Humidity can be a particularly big issue, and if you live in a tropical or semi-tropical climate, it can destroy your tech over time.
It may be impossible or unaffordable to keep the AC or heating on at all times. If so, consider covering your tech when you are not using it.
3. Clean regularly
Another factor that can cause your tech to deteriorate before its time is dust. Dust is everywhere and cannot be avoided. However, you should never let it build up in a room where you keep expensive tech. It can lead to the destruction of your most expensive devices.
Clean both the tech and the room regularly to keep this from happening. At the very least, dust with a feather duster on a regular basis.
4. Get a smart security system
Your love of tech should impact the way you secure it. Your home is somewhat safe with a regular lock and alarm system, but it is far more secure if you use a smart security system. Smart security systems use the latest tech to keep burglars out, including smartphone apps, motion detection, remote control, and much more.
Splash out on the best smart security system available. It is worth it even if you don’t have expensive tech, as it will provide the best safety for you and your possessions.
5. Use an anti-theft backpack
No matter how well you secure your home, chances are that it is outside your home you are most at risk. If you carry a laptop around in public, you should take steps to keep it secure. The most basic step you can take is to use an anti-theft backpack. This is a backpack which not only locks but is also difficult to cut into or destroy.
This makes it impossible for someone to snatch your laptop out of your bag while it is on your back. It also makes it extremely difficult for a thief who steals your whole backpack to get your laptop out, giving you the chance to track it using the Find My app before they manage to turn it off.
Keeping your expensive tech safe requires proper storage and security. Don’t be complacent, as losing these items can leave you strapped for cash.
