ERGO Handyversicherung review 2026

ERGO covers all standard claims: screen breakage, water damage, drop damage and also battery wear. Theft cover can optionally be added and increases the monthly premium by approx. 2-3 euros. Worldwide cover is included as standard. ERGO's special feature is the new-purchase contribution in the event of a total loss: instead of reimbursing only the current value, ERGO pays a contribution towards buying a new device. With expensive smartphones, that can amount to several hundred euros and is a real advantage over providers that replace only the current value. The cover limit of up to 7,000 euros is the highest in the comparison and comfortably covers even the most expensive flagship smartphones with accessories. Scoring (28/35): Good scope of cover, with the strong new-purchase contribution as a differentiator. Deduction because theft cover is not included as standard and the breadth of benefits falls somewhat short of Hepster.

At from 6.99 euros/month, ERGO is significantly more expensive than the insurtech competition (Hepster from 2.50 euros). In return, the excess on repairs is dropped completely, an important advantage, since competitors such as ARAG always charge a 50-euro excess. The long minimum term of 24 months is the biggest drawback: after that the contract can only be cancelled annually. If you change device during the term, the insurance can be transferred to the new device. For users who value an established large insurer and no excess, the higher price may be justified. Purely financially, however, Hepster is the better choice. Scoring (12/20): Significantly higher price than insurtech providers, with the long 24-month commitment as an additional drawback. Excess-free repair puts the higher price into perspective only partly.

ERGO insures smartphones up to 36 months old, more generous than CosmosDirekt (6 months) and ARAG (12 months), but more restrictive than Hepster (unlimited). Second-hand devices are possible provided they are within the 36-month limit. Worldwide cover is included and extends to all trips of up to 6 months' duration. When you switch smartphone, the insurance can be transferred to the new device, a practical service that saves taking out a new policy. ERGO also insures tablets, though under a separate plan. A single policy for several devices is not possible. Scoring (14/20): Fair age limit of 36 months and a second-hand device option. Deduction compared with Hepster's unlimited age acceptance and because no multi-device plan is available.

Claims are reported through the ERGO customer portal, by telephone or at an ERGO branch office. Professional handling through established insurance processes is reliable and transparent. ERGO works with a network of certified repair workshops. Instant cover applies from the day the contract is taken out, with no waiting period. No excess is payable on repairs, which makes the process simpler for the customer: report the damage, send in the device, done. Processing times are 5-14 working days, which can be somewhat longer than at pure online providers. Scoring (12/15): Professional and reliable handling with the bonus of excess-free repair. A shorter deduction for the somewhat longer processing time compared with agile insurtechs.

This is where the big advantage of a traditional insurer shows: ERGO offers telephone support, email advice and personal on-site advice at ERGO branch offices. This is especially important for customers who prefer a personal contact. The hotline can be reached during normal business hours, and the staff are competent and can also clarify more complex claims. The extensive online portal allows contract management, claims reporting and document downloads. As one of the best-known German insurers, ERGO enjoys high trust, a factor that is decisive for many customers when choosing an insurer. Scoring (8/10): The best support in the review thanks to its branch structure, telephone and online portal. The full infrastructure of a large insurer is the clear advantage over insurtech providers.