Accidental Damage
According to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), there were an estimated 1.5 million incidents of accidental damage to computer equipment in Australia in 2021. This resulted in an estimated $1.2 billion in losses. The most common causes of accidental damage were spills, drops, and power surges.
accidentally damage to laptop
Here are some more specific statistics on accidental damage to computer equipment in Australia:
- Spills were the most common cause of accidental damage, accounting for 35% of incidents. See our guide to water damage repairs and wine spills on laptops.
- Drops were the second most common cause of accidental damage, accounting for 25% of incidents. Drops often lead to cracked laptop screens and mechanical hard drive failures.
- Power surges were the third most common cause of accidental damage, accounting for 20% of incidents. Read more about power surge damage and lightning strikes.
- Other causes of accidental damage included theft, vandalism, malicious damage, and hardware failures such as motherboard faults.
The cost of accidental damage to computer equipment can vary depending on the severity of the damage. In some cases, the damage may be minor and can be repaired for a relatively low cost by our computer repair specialists. In other cases, the damage may be more severe and may require the replacement of the entire computer — our full range of services covers everything from small fixes to complete rebuilds.
Here are some tips on what to do if you accidentally damage your computer equipment:
- Stay calm. It’s easy to panic when you damage your computer equipment, but it’s important to stay calm. Panicking will only make the situation worse.
- Identify the damage. The first step is to identify the damage that has been done. Our computer troubleshooting guide can help you pinpoint common issues.
- Turn off your computer. If your computer is still turned on, turn it off immediately. This will help to prevent further damage.
- Unplug your computer. Once your computer is turned off, unplug it from the power outlet. This will help to prevent any electrical shorts. Read the Energy Safe Victoria guidance on handling damaged electrical equipment.
- Inspect the damage. Once your computer is unplugged, inspect the damage. If you notice Blue Screen of Death errors, clicking noises, or boot failures, professional help is recommended.
- Contact a professional. If the damage is extensive, you may need to contact a professional for repairs. The Original PC Doctor offers fast onsite computer repairs Australia-wide with a “No Fix, No Fee” guarantee.
- Back up your data. If your computer is damaged, it’s important to back up your data as soon as possible. Consider our secure cloud backup service, or if files are already lost, see our data recovery options.
- Take steps to prevent future damage. Once you’ve repaired or replaced your computer, take steps to prevent future damage. This may include using a surge protector, keeping your computer clean, and being careful when handling it. For more tips, see cyber.gov.au and the ACCC consumer protection guidelines.
By following these tips, you can help to protect your computer equipment from damage. If you need expert assistance, contact The Original PC Doctor or use our self-booking form to arrange a technician visit.
