Hepster review 2026

Hepster offers the most comprehensive package of benefits of all the smartphone insurers rated. Covered are screen breakage, water damage, drop damage, power surge damage and, as one of the few providers, battery wear. That means: if the battery has only 60% capacity left after two years, Hepster covers the replacement. Theft cover can optionally be added and increases the monthly premium by approx. 1-2 euros depending on the device's value. Worldwide cover is included as standard, ideal for travellers who want their smartphone insured abroad too. Instant cover with no waiting period is another big advantage: you are fully insured from the day you take out the contract. At many competitors there is a 4-week waiting period during which no claims can be made. Scoring (32/35): The most comprehensive package of benefits on the market, with the important battery bonus. Only a minimal deduction because theft cover is optional and not included as standard.

Hepster starts at a very low 2.50 euros/month for basic cover of older devices. For current flagship smartphones such as the iPhone 16 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, the monthly premium is approx. 5-8 euros, significantly cheaper than ERGO (from 6.99 euros) or ARAG (from 9.90 euros). The absolute unique selling point is the selectable excess (Selbstbeteiligung, SB): users can choose between 0% and 10% excess, with the monthly premium becoming cheaper with an excess. No other provider offers this flexibility. At CosmosDirekt and ARAG the excess is always payable. The minimum term of 12 months is standard in the industry and no real disadvantage. After that the contract can be cancelled monthly. Billing is monthly by direct debit. Scoring (17/20): Very fair prices with unique excess flexibility. A small deduction for the 12-month minimum term, which is standard in the industry, however.

Hepster insures smartphones of any age, which is an enormous advantage over CosmosDirekt (only up to 6 months) and ARAG (only up to 12 months). Second-hand and refurbished smartphones can also be insured. For older or second-hand devices, a condition check is carried out via the in-house Screencheck app. The app photographs the display and casing and documents the current condition, which protects both sides from disputes over pre-existing damage. Worldwide cover applies to all devices equally. Tablets and smartwatches can also be insured through Hepster, though under separate plans. Scoring (18/20): No age restriction and coverage of second-hand devices are an unbeatable advantage. The Screencheck app is cleverly solved. A small deduction because the check may seem cumbersome to some users.

In the event of a claim, you report the damage online via the Hepster portal. Reporting a claim is straightforward and takes only a few minutes: describe the cause of damage, upload photos, done. Repair or reimbursement is generally made within 5-10 working days. Instant cover with no waiting period means damage is insured from day one. For repairs, Hepster works with certified workshops that use original parts. In the case of a total loss, the current value is reimbursed. However, there is no express service or on-site repair as with some premium providers. The processing time of up to 10 working days can seem long in urgent cases. Scoring (12/15): Quick and uncomplicated online claims reporting with instant cover. Deduction for the missing express option and the up to 10 days of processing time.

Hepster offers support by email and chat, not telephone support. For an insurtech that is usual, but a disadvantage compared with ERGO or ARAG with branch advice. Chat response times are generally under an hour during business hours. The Screencheck app is also a service tool: it shows the current insurance status, allows claims to be reported and documents the device's condition. The FAQ on the website is extensive and answers the most common questions clearly. The Trustpilot rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from over 2,100 reviews confirms high customer satisfaction. Scoring (7/10): Good online support with a useful app. Deduction for the missing telephone support and no on-site advice.