At a glance
You can add extra cover for your tools to commercial van insurance.
Tools insurance is also available as a standalone policy or an add-on to tradesperson insurance.
Tools cover usually only pays out for stolen tools if your van is secure, as per the policy terms.
You may need to add on extra cover to leave your tools in your van overnight.
How do I make sure my tools are insured?
The good news is that you can protect your tools (and other van contents) either as an add-on to your van insurance, or as a separate policy.
This cover can protect you if your tools are stolen or damaged in an accident. But not all tool insurance is the same, so check your policy.
Be aware that many standard policies won’t cover your tools if they’re left in the van overnight. If it’s not practical to unload and lock up your tools every night, you may want to make sure your policy includes overnight cover. It can cover your tools if they’re left in the van overnight, anywhere in the UK.
Even with this level of cover, insurance providers expect you to comply with certain security measures, such as locking all windows and doors, never leaving your keys in the van, and having a working alarm.
Should I consider separate insurance for my tools?
It’s worth comparing your options to see if you would be better off adding tools cover to a policy or taking out separate tools insurance. It can depend on the level of cover you want as well as your budget.
Either way, your tools are likely to be crucial to your work. If they’re stolen or damaged, it’s going to be more than an inconvenience. You might not be able to carry out your job. So, it’s worth making sure you have adequate cover in place.
Are there any other ways to insure my tools?
Rather than adding on tools cover to your van insurance, or taking out a separate policy, you could choose to add on tools cover to a business insurance policy.
As well as protecting your tools and other equipment, business insurance policies for tradespeople can be tailored to cover a variety of risks, including public liability, professional indemnity, loss of stock, and buildings cover.
Is there anything else I need to consider?
Here are some factors to consider when insuring your tools and equipment:
All businesses are different, so will need different levels of cover. Carefully read your policy terms to make sure you have adequate cover.
Talk through your policy with your insurance provider. That way you can make sure you’re properly covered and are aware of any exclusions.
Insurance is a competitive business. Don’t jump at the first quote you receive – shop around. Check if you could get a better deal by upgrading an existing policy or bundling different types of cover together.
How can I get a quote?
Use our van insurance comparison service to search for the right policy for you and your business.
When you get your list of quotes, you can check with providers to see whether tool cover can be added. You can’t currently compare standalone tool insurance with us.
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With more than eight years’ experience in writing and sub-editing content, Karen started her career in fashion before making the move to insurance. She now specialises in producing clear, engaging content that helps people make better financial decisions.
Karen’s areas of expertise include insurance products, such as car insurance, travel insurance and life insurance, as well as utilities such as energy comparison.
Stephen Maunder is an experienced personal finance editor, having spent more than a decade working for consumer print and online titles. He won several industry awards for his personal finance features at Which?, before becoming Deputy Editor at Compare the Market.
Amy helps make sure you get the best value when choosing insurance. Thanks to more than four years’ experience at Compare the Market, she understands what people look for, working closely with insurance providers to offer you deals and services that are fair, easy to understand and right for your needs.
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