Tools Insurance FAQs
Questions and answers relating to our tools insurance, including what it covers, levels of cover available, where insurance applies. This information is provided as a guide only, and if you’ve got any doubts or questions, give our expert team a ring on 0800 0280 380.
How do I insure my work tools?
If you work in a trade, your tools are your lifeblood. Without them, you probably can’t work. So, as you sort out your compliance and insurance, you may be wondering how you insure your work tools.
Is tools insurance worth it?
If you work in a trade connected to the construction industry, your tools are important. You will need to work out what insurance you require to properly protect your business, so it’s useful to know whether tools insurance is something to consider.
How much is tools insurance?
Anyone working in construction should consider their insurance. When thinking about what you need, you might also want to think about costs.
Where are my tools covered?
Your portable powered and non-powered hand tools are covered anywhere in the UK and EU.
Are there limits to when my tools are covered?
No. Your tools will be covered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What about theft from my van?
We cover theft from any vehicle, as long as the doors are locked and the windows and other openings are fully closed and properly fastened.
Are the tools kept in my home garage or shed insured by my home insurance policy?
You need to check with your home insurance provider. Some home insurance policies might cover tools for work or commercial use, but many policies don’t.
My Business Insurance or Public Liability Insurance policy includes tools cover. Do I need a separate policy?
Check with your insurer to see if the cover you’ve got fits your needs. As with all insurance, your tools can only be covered by one policy at a time.
Can I insure all of my tools?
Our policy covers powered and non-powered portable handheld tools of all types belonging to you or your employee(s), as well as hired or leased items.
What’s the difference between Plant and Tools?
Plant is large or heavy machinery and equipment (like concrete mixers, cranes and forklifts). Plant isn’t handheld, and is not covered under our policy.
What is the limit of liability under the Tools policy?
The limits available under the policy are £1,000 – £15,000. There is no single article limit and the maximum amount payable is the total sum insured.
How much will I be paid if an item is stolen or damaged beyond repair?
Our policy will pay the value to replace the item in a condition equal to, but not better than its condition when new.
Find out more about how much we will pay if you need to claim
What if the item can be repaired?
We’ll pay to return the item to the working condition it was in immediately before it was damaged.
What’s not covered?
Our policy doesn’t cover damage to any tool caused by its own breakdown, explosion, or loss by disappearance or by shortage, which is only discovered by a routine inventory or periodic stock-taking.
I have employees / apprentices who use tools as well. Will they be covered under the policy?
Yes. Tools that belong to you and your employees are covered under the policy – with the same terms of business and exclusions detailed in the policy schedule.
What is an Excess?
Excesses are the amount we deduct from any money paid to you if you make a valid claim and it’s paid. The amount depends on the level of cover you chose.
Who provides the insurance?
Zurich Ltd, one of the world’s largest insurers. Zurich Ltd provides the support you need for your insurance, as well as a 24 hour claims line if you need to claim.
Are mobile devices or wearables etc. covered under this policy?
Mobile phones, smart phones, smart watches or similar wearable devices are not insured under our policy.
I currently have a Trade Direct Public Liability Insurance that doesn’t have tools cover. Can I amend my policy to include tools?
Your Trade Direct policy can be upgraded to include tools cover – please give us a call on 0800 0280 380 to discuss.
How do I make a claim?
Claims are handled by Zurich Ltd directly. To notify them please fill out the form on their website.
Do you charge a fee for a policy?
We charge a £10 administration fee for policies bought online or via our team, on the phone.
How can I pay for my policy?
You can either pay monthly or annually. Pay in one lump sum on a credit or debit card for a full year.
Can I pay by debit / credit card?
Yes. We accept payments made using most major credit and debit cards.
Can I pay by instalments?
Yes – you can pay for your insurance in instalments via Direct Debit. We work exclusively with a third-party who provide credit.
How do I get my documents?
When you buy a policy, your policy documents will be available in your customer portal, and we can email them to you on request.
Any more questions?
If you have a question about tools insurance we haven’t covered, please ring us on 0800 0280 380.