Does van insurance cover tools?
Are your tools covered by van insurance?
Standard van insurance policies will not include your tools by default, unless you have specifically requested and paid for it as an add-on.
What your van insurance covers will depend on the type of policy you have, e.g. third party or comprehensive and will cover damage or theft of your van – not any tools that were inside it.
Insurance policies can vary, so always check your policy to see what is included.
In this video, part of our insurance FAQ series, we answer the question ‘Does Van insurance cover tools?’.
Are your tools covered by van insurance?
Standard van insurance policies will not include your tools by default, unless you have specifically requested and paid for it as an add-on.
What your van insurance covers will depend on the type of policy you have, e.g. third party or comprehensive and will cover damage or theft of your van – not any tools that were inside it.
Insurance policies can vary, so always check your policy to see what is included.
Do I need to insure my tools?
It’s important to insure your tools against loss, damage, or theft. If you can’t work because you haven’t got your tools, it may put your livelihood at risk.
Being without your tools could also put you in breach of contract, if you can’t complete projects you’re working on. It could also result in damage to your professional reputation.
How do I insure my tools?
You can get insurance specifically to cover your tools. It’s designed to protect your portable powered and non-powered hand-held tools against loss or can include loss or damage while in your van.
Your van will need to be properly locked and secured for your tools to be covered when left unattended.
You might be able to get tools insurance as an add-on to your van insurance or as part of your general business insurance.
What sort of protection does tools insurance provide?
In addition to covering you if tools are damaged or stolen from your van, your tools insurance might provide 24/7 cover – including anywhere in Europe, if you travel for work. Tools that belong to your employees could also be covered under the policy.
It’s important to note that mobile phones, smartwatches or similar wearable devices are not usually covered. Similarly, tools that have just broken and tools that have just disappeared will typically not be covered at the time of taking out a new policy. However, check the terms and conditions.
How much tools insurance do I need?
This will depend on the value of your tools. Ideally, you should keep an inventory with receipts for any tools you’ve bought so you can work out their value. Trade Direct Insurance can cover tools up to a total value of £15,000.
If you claim on your insurance, it should pay the cost of replacing the items in a condition equal to, but not better than, when they were new. Again, check the terms of your policy to see what it says.