Personal Cyber Insurance: What You Need To Know

According to the Federal Trade Commission’s website, they received 1.1 million reports of identity theft through their IdentityTheft.gov website.  This illustrates a significant increase in this type of cybercrime. In addition, 2.4 million fraud reports were received from consumers, with the most frequently reported category being fraud by scammers, closely followed by online shopping fraud.

A report published by Statista shows that between 2001 and 2022, there was a notable increase in financial loss from cybercrime reported to the United States Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). In the most recent year measured, the annual loss attributable to complaints filed with the IC3 amounted to an impressive $10.3 billion, a significant increase from the $6.9 billion reported the previous year. This trend underscores the growing impact and severity of cybercrime.

In this blog, we look at personal cyber insurance and how it is an important line of defense in our increasingly digital world. We draw on my extensive experience of over 26 years in the insurance industry and tens of thousands of clients. Our aim is to give you an overview of this insurance option.  Plus, I will explain why this form of coverage is not only beneficial, but essential for you in the digital age.

What is Personal Cyber Insurance

Personal cyber insurance, or cyberattack insurance, is a type of insurance that protects you against cyber risks (and is usually an add-on to homeowners policy). It provides coverage for financial loss, identity theft, other cyber-related attacks such as cyber extortion and protection against online fraud. So, if you have been a victim of cyber disruption like hacking or online phishing, a personal cyber protection will help.  It provides you the assistance and financial reimbursement you need for the cost of restoring your identity and credit information.

The market for this kind of insurance is growing rapidly.  This is because people recognize the need for comprehensive protection in an increasingly digitalized world.

Who May Need Personal Cyber Insurance

Personal cyber insurance is an essential tool for persons whose personal data is at risk from cyber threats due to the everyday digital activities. This includes not only those who make frequent online transactions, but also anyone who owns devices such as smartphones, tablets or connected home devices. Credit card users who shop online are also at risk and can benefit from this type of insurance.

Importance of Personal Cyber Insurance

The importance of this insurance goes beyond the general use of devices. If you have fallen victim to phishing schemes and suffer financial consequences, find particular value in a personal insurance. Not only does this help mitigate financial losses, it also provides critical assistance in resolving the consequences of computer attacks.

In addition, it offers significant benefits to tenants, homeowners and condominium owners. The reason, that is often overlooked, is that homeowners insurance policies may not fully cover cyberattacks.  Neither will it cover the consequences that come with it. Personal cyber insurance fills this gap.  As such, it provides coverage for property damage caused by cyber incidents.  This could be damage to network systems and personal electronic devices.

What Does Personal Cyber Insurance Cover?

Personal cyber insurance covers a range of cyber crimes and related losses. While the specifics can vary depending on the policy, the top 10 common coverages are mentioned below.

1- Protection from Identity Fraud

This kind of insurance covers online fraud and provides identity theft protection. This includes expenses related to recovering your identity.  Some of these are legal expense, lost wages due to time taken off work to deal with the theft.  It can even cover costs associated with repairing your social media accounts and credit accounts.

2- Cyber extortion coverage

Cyber extortion occurs when online criminals use coercive tactics.  They start by threatening to release your sensitive personal data or block your access to your own tech devices.  After that, demanding a ransom in return for withholding or restoring your data. In these worrying scenarios, personal cyber insurance gives crucial financial protection.  In addition, it also provides reimbursement for cyber extortion ransom payments made by pressured victims.

3- Cyber bullying Protection

Offers legal assistance and compensation for expenses incurred as a result of cyber bullying.  Item such as psychological counseling, psychiatric services, and lost wages if time off work is required.

4- Financial Loss Due to Cyber crimes

If a hacker illegally accesses your bank account, makes unauthorized credit card transfers, or makes fraudulent charges to your debit card, your personal cyber insurance works by offering reimbursement for the stolen funds. This aspect of coverage is vital for financial relief and security, as it ensures that you are not left holding the bag for any losses incurred as a result of such cybercrime. The aim of the policy is to mitigate the financial impact of such incidents and protect your assets from the increasingly sophisticated and frequent threats in the digital landscape.

5- System Restoration

This covers costs associated with restoring your computer systems and data if they are damaged or lost due to a cyber crime.  This could be something like a virus or ransomware. So, if you own a tablet, smartphone, laptop or other smart device, this can be covered by your personal cyber policy.

6- Ransomware Attacks

Provides coverage for ransom payments and related expenses in the event of a ransomware attack.  This is where hackers demand payment to restore access to your data.

7- Legal Fees and Damages

Covers expenses and damages due to online and offline fraud due to your negligence.   It would include costs you may need to pay if you are wrongfully sued for a cyber incident that wasn’t your fault.

8- Data Breach Notification Costs

If your personal data is breached and you’re legally required to notify affected parties, this insurance can cover the associated costs.

9- Property Damage

This insurance provides financial protection against home systems attack and physical damage to your electronic devices and other connected technology that may result from cyber incidents. In the event that a cyber attack, such as a malware infection or hacking attempt, results in material damage to your personal technology or property, this insurance will step in and provide compensation. This aspect of the policy ensures that you are not financially burdened with the costs of repairing or replacing damaged items and that the integrity of your digital and physical assets are maintained in the face of cyber threats.

10- Reputation Management

Reputation Management covers expenses related to managing and restoring your reputation if it’s damaged due to a cybercrime like identity fraud or cyberbullying. This may include legal advice, public relations and other measures necessary to restore your public image and personal standing.

A proactive feature of this insurance is the inclusion of identity monitoring services for all members of your household. This benefit is available regardless of whether a claim has been made.  This underlines the preventative approach of the policy.

Professional Support

The policy provides access to a range of specialists who can help deal with the complexities following cyber related attacks. These include cyber extortion experts who can advise you on dealing with ransom demands.  Legal advisors who can help you manage legal implications and potential liabilities.  IT specialists who can help you with system recovery and securing your digital presence against future attacks. In addition, the policy also covers the costs of hiring a crisis management firm in cases where a cybercrime significantly affects your reputation. These companies specialize in mitigating the impact of the incident on your public image and implementing strategies to manage and remediate reputational damage.

Pro Tip:  As an insurance veteran with over 26 years of experience, working with tens of thousands of clients, experience tells me you should always review the specifics of any policy.  You need to understand the exact coverages, limitations, and exclusions. Policies can differ widely in terms of what they cover and under what conditions.

How Do I Get A Personal Cyber Insurance

You can get a personal cyber insurance through insurance companies that offer personal cyber coverage as an optional addition to homeowners insurance, renters, or condo policies.

However, if you are seeking more dedicated protection, a stand alone policy is also available.  Insurance agencies such as Veritas represent insurance carriers who specialize in this type of coverage. This allows you to tailor you cyber protection according to your specific needs and concerns.

What is the Process of Claiming Personal Cyber Insurance

The process of claiming on personal insurance typically involves a series of steps designed to ensure that the claim is valid and to assess the extent of the loss or damage incurred. While the exact process can vary depending on the insurance provider and the policy, it generally follows this framework:

1. Immediate Action Post-Incident

As soon as you learn of a cyber incident (e.g. identity fraud, cyber extortion demands, cyber financial loss, ransomware attack or online scam), it’s important to act quickly. This may include changing passwords, notifying affected parties and taking steps to secure your systems.

2. Report the Incident to relevant authorities

You should notify the police or relevant authorities if you experience a cyber attack. Then, obtain a police report or an official document that acknowledges the incident, as this may be required by your insurance company.

3. Contact Your Insurance Provider as soon as possible

Inform your insurance company and your insurance broker about the incident as soon as possible. Many personal cyber insurance policy have time limits for reporting incidents. Use the contact details provided in your policy document to report the claim. Some insurers may offer a 24/7 hotline for reporting.

4. Gather all relevant documentation

Gather all relevant documentation related to the cyber incident such as police reports, records of communication with banks or other institutions affected by the incident, receipts for expenses incurred due to the incident, and any other evidence that supports your claim. Document any steps you have taken in response to the incident, such as hiring IT specialists or legal consultants.

5. Complete your insurance claim forms

Work with your agent to fill out any claim forms provided by your insurance provider and provide accurate and detailed information about the incident and your losses.

6. Claims Assessment by your insurance company

Your insurance company will review your claim and your policy’s cyber attack coverage. This process may involve an investigation into the incident, which could include interviews, an examination of the evidence provided, and consultation with cyber security experts.

7. Adjustment and resolution of your claim

Your insurer will determine the validity of your claim and assess the extent of your coverage based on your coverage limit or policy. The claims adjuster will calculate the compensation amount based on the policy’s terms and the extent of the damages or losses incurred.

8. Payment or rejection of your claim

If your claim is approved, your insurer will issue payment for the covered losses up to the coverage limit. On the other hand, if the claim is denied, your insurer will provide reasons for the rejection. If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal or seek legal advice.

Pro Tip: Throughout the process, you should maintain open communication with your insurance provider and provide any additional information or documentation they request. It’s also important to understand your policy’s coverage and exclusions.  This will allow you to have a clear expectation of what is covered under your personal insurance.

What isn’t covered by personal cyber coverage?

Personal cyber insurance does not cover property damage that is not related to cybercrime, such as damage caused by natural disasters or accidents.

In addition, data recovery is not covered for data loss that is not due to a cyber attack. You should ensure that you have a system backup to protect against data loss not caused by a cyber attack.

It also does not cover legal fees for litigation due to intentional acts as well as those not the result of a cyber attack. Individuals should consult legal professionals for legal matters unrelated to cybercrime.

It is important that you review your policy’s exclusions and coverage limits to understand exactly what is not covered by your personal cyber policy.

How Much Does Personal Cyber Coverage Cost?

The cost for cyber personal insurance vary depending on the amount of coverage and coverages selected. However, 3 general trends in pricing can be observed.

1. First, when combined with an existing homeowners insurance policy or condo policy, this insurance can be quite affordable, often starting at less than $3 per month. This option offers a cost-effective way to add limited cyber protection to your existing insurance portfolio.
2. Second, for a stand alone policy, the average annual premium typically ranges from $300 to $1,200. This range reflects the differences in coverage amounts, coverage forms, and deductibles. Higher coverage amounts and lower deductibles generally result in higher premiums.
3. Third, by comparison, small businesses typically pay higher premiums for cyber insurance, averaging around $145 per month or $1,740 annually. These higher costs reflect the greater risk and potential for loss that businesses face compared to individuals.

Pro Tip: It’s important for you to work with your insurance broker to evaluate your specific needs and risks when considering personal cyber insurance. The right level of coverage and deductible will depend on factors such as the your online presence, the value of your digital assets and risk tolerance. Consulting with insurance  providers who offer personal cyber insurance can help you find a policy that offers the best protection for your situation at a competitive price. Remember that the cheapest option doesn’t always provide the most comprehensive cover.  With that in mind, it’s important to balance the cost with the level of protection.

Comparing Different Personal Cyber Insurance Options

Comparing personal cyber insurance options is a critical step in selecting the best policy for individual cyber risks and coverage needs. By evaluating different personal insurance options with an insurance agent that specializes in personal cyber, you can ensure to have a policy that offers comprehensive protection for cyber risks.

Factors to Consider

One of the key factors to consider when comparing personal insurance options is coverage for data restoration and system recovery. You should ensure your policy covers expenses related to data restoration and system recovery, as these are essential for recovering from a cyber attack.

Understanding your insurer’s policy for identity theft resolution assistance is another important factor for comparison. This assistance provides you with professional assistance and financial reimbursement for costs incurred during the identity recovery process, giving you peace of mind in the event of identity theft.

In addition, you should check with insurance companies that offer data breach coverage for personal cyber risks. The coverage provides financial assistance for expenses related to data breaches, including legal fees and credit monitoring.

Reviewing coverage for cyberbullying, ransomware, malware protection and online fraud protection is also essential to a well-rounded personal insurance policy. Knowing the coverage limits for these cyber risks can ensure you are fully protected against a wide range of online threats.

Take these Essential Steps to Enhance Your Personal Insurance Coverage Limits

To prevent cyber attacks , you must take important steps to protect your personal data on the Internet. By following these 4 steps, you can minimize cyber risks and increase your personal coverage limits.

1. Regularly back up your data and create system restore points to help you recover faster from a cyber attack.

2. Learn about cyber extortion, identity theft, malware and online phishing so you can identify potential risks and take proactive steps to protect yourself online.

3. Implement cyber security measures for your mobile devices, home network and personal data, such as using strong, unique passwords, 2 factor authentication (2FA), updating devices regularly and using security software to protect against malware and phishing.

4. Work with a knowledgeable insurance broker like Veritas for cyber protection. Veritas offers personal cyber protection and can provide you with help and support in the event of a cyber attack.

What’s the difference between personal cyber insurance and identity theft insurance?

Personal insurance and identity theft insurance differ in the depth of coverage. While personal cyber offers comprehensive protection against cyber risks such as identity theft, cyber-attacks and online fraud, identity theft insurance focuses primarily on financial losses due to identity theft. It’s important to understand the coverage limits, legal expenses and protection that both types of insurance provide.

Does personal cyber insurance cover my stolen laptop?

Probably not!  Home, Renters, and Condo insurance generally includes protection for property damage, loss, or theft of personal devices, such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and home network devices.  In addition, you might also have coverage in a robust cyber policy, but most do not include that coverage.  In the event of a stolen laptop, individuals can seek financial reimbursement for expenses related to the theft, data restoration, and system recovery.

It is important for individuals to review their personal insurance policies to understand the limits, deductible, and exclusions for property damage and theft of personal devices. By doing so, individuals can ensure they have comprehensive coverage for stolen laptops and other personal devices.

Summary

Personal cyber insurance is an important tool to protect yourself from the potential risks and damages caused by cyber threats. As technology continues to advance, the need for comprehensive cyber security measures is becoming increasingly important. This provides coverage for various types of cyber risks such as identity theft, data breaches, and cyber extortion. In order to make an informed decision, it is important to understand the cover offered and the process for applying for personal cyber insurance. In addition, it is also advisable to take cyber security measures alongside your personal insurance to further improve your protection against cyber attacks. By being proactive and investing in a good coverage, you can protect your digital assets and have peace of mind in today’s connected world.

Author’s Bio

Andrew, with 26 years in insurance since 1997, founded his own agency in 2009. He holds CBIA, CIC, CRM, and AAI certifications, focusing on strong client relationships and continuous learning. His website features in-depth industry insights, case studies, and expert recommendations, reflecting his commitment to tailored solutions and integrity.