Cover for the tools of your trade, against theft from your van, from site and from home, wherever you’re working.
Cover for the tools of your trade, against theft from your van, from site and from home, wherever you’re working.
Theft from a vanTools on siteNew for old
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Tools insurance covers the hand tools, power tools and equipment you work with against theft, loss and accidental damage, in your van, on site, or stored at home overnight.
It is usually bought alongside public liability rather than on its own, and most policies set a single-item limit as well as a total sum insured.
Tools insurance can include:
Theft from a locked vanPower and hand toolsTheft from siteAccidental damageTools kept at homeHired-in tools
If losing your tools would stop you working, you need cover. Most tradespeople rely on a van full of kit that would cost thousands to replace at short notice.
You should seriously consider cover if you:
Work on customer sitesOwn specialist or expensive kitHire in tools or plantCarry tools in a van overnightStore tools at homeEmploy staff who carry toolsNo. Commercial van insurance covers the vehicle itself, not what you keep inside it. Tools left in a van overnight are one of the most common theft claims in the trade, and they fall outside the motor policy entirely.
Some policies also restrict cover when a van is left unattended overnight, or require a specific standard of locks and alarms, so it is worth checking the conditions attached to yours.
You’ll usually need your own cover for:
Hand and power toolsTools taken to siteHired-in equipmentTools left in a van overnightTools stored at home
Who covers what when tools go missing?
Who covers what when tools go missing?
Tools fall between several policies, and most gaps come from assuming the van policy or your home contents picks them up.
Tools fall between several policies, and most gaps come from assuming the van policy or your home contents picks them up.
| What’s at risk | Usually insured by | What to know |
|---|---|---|
The van itself | Your van insurer | Covers the vehicle, never the contents |
Tools inside the van | You, the tradesperson | Needs a tools policy, not the motor policy |
Tools stored at home | You, the tradesperson | Home contents rarely covers tools used for work |
Hired-in plant | You, usually | Hire terms normally make you liable until return |
Top Tip
Photograph your tools and keep receipts and serial numbers somewhere other than the van. Insurers settle far faster when you can evidence what was taken and what it was worth.
What could go wrong with your tools?
What could go wrong with your tools?
Most tools claims come from an overnight van break-in, theft from an unattended site, or damage to expensive kit part-way through a job.
Most tools claims come from an overnight van break-in, theft from an unattended site, or damage to expensive kit part-way through a job.
Once you’re covered we’ll send your documents the same day. Main contractors and site managers often ask for proof of cover before letting you start work.
If you employ anyone, your employers’ liability certificate must be displayed where staff can see it.
Your certificate typically shows:
Your business nameYour insurer’s namePolicy numberPolicy start and renewal datesAny security conditions
Cover often bought alongside tools insurance
Cover often bought alongside tools insurance
Tools cover is rarely bought on its own. Most tradespeople hold public liability alongside it, and add contract works or employers’ liability depending on the jobs they take on.
Tools cover is rarely bought on its own. Most tradespeople hold public liability alongside it, and add contract works or employers’ liability depending on the jobs they take on.
RecommendedPublic Liability
Covers injury or damage you cause at a customer’s property.
RecommendedEmployers’ Liability
A legal requirement once you employ anyone, including labourers.
OptionalContract Works
Covers the job itself while the work is still in progress.
OptionalBusiness Contents
Covers equipment, stock and fit-out kept at your yard or unit.
OptionalPersonal Accident
Pays a cash benefit if an injury stops you working.
PopularCommercial Combined
Bundle public liability with your other covers into one policy and one renewal date.
There’s no fixed price. The total value of your kit is the main driver, along with where it’s kept overnight and whether you want new-for-old replacement.
Total value of your tools
Your sum insured needs to cover replacing everything at today’s prices.
Claims history
A clean claims record helps keep premiums down at renewal.
Single-item limits
Your most expensive tool has to sit under the per-item cap.
Where tools are kept overnight
Tools left in a van on the street cost more to cover than a locked unit.
Claims history
A clean record helps keep your premium down at renewal.
Van security
Deadlocks, alarms and trackers can all reduce what you pay.
How to get tools insurance
How to get tools insurance
Getting tools insurance takes four steps: tell us about your trade, value your kit, compare specialist insurers, and get covered, often the same day.
Getting tools insurance takes four steps: tell us about your trade, value your kit, compare specialist insurers, and get covered, often the same day.
Tell us about your trade
What you do, where you work and whether you employ anyone.
Value your tools
Your total kit value and your most expensive single item.
We compare specialist insurers
We search our panel of 20+ UK insurers.
Get covered and get your documents
Receive your certificates, usually the same day.
UK-based specialist advisersAccess to specialist insurersNo obligation, just expert helpTrusted by thousands of businesses across the UK
Trusted by thousands of businesses across the UK
From everyday business insurance to complex specialist cover, our customers trust Insurance Revolution to find the right protection and provide expert support when it matters.
From everyday business insurance to complex specialist cover, our customers trust Insurance Revolution to find the right protection and provide expert support when it matters.
Tools insurance guides
Tools insurance guides
Practical advice on protecting your kit and claiming when it goes.
Practical advice on protecting your kit and claiming when it goes.
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On-Site, In-Van or at Home: Where Does Your Tools Insurance Actually Cover You?
For many UK tradespeople and mobile professionals, tools and equipment are the backbone of daily operations. But where those tools are kept, whether on-site, in a vehicle, or at home can have a major impact on the effectiveness of your tools and equipment insurance.
Tradesman Tools & Equipment Cover: Protecting Against Theft, Damage or Loss
For tradesmen across the UK, tools and equipment are often essential for daily work. Whether carried in vans, stored on site, or used across multiple locations, these valuable assets can face significant risks.
Do You Need Tools Insurance If You’re Self‑Employed or a Sole Trader?
If you are a self‑employed professional or sole trader, your tools and equipment often represent your livelihood. Whether you are a builder, electrician, hair stylist, engineer or tradesperson, working without essential tools due to theft, damage or loss could cause major delays and financial stress. This is where tools and equipment insurance can play a vital role in helping to keep your business running smoothly.
Tools insurance FAQs
Tools insurance FAQs
Straight answers on theft, van security and what’s actually covered.
Straight answers on theft, van security and what’s actually covered.
Tools insurance covers the hand tools, power tools and equipment you use for work against theft, loss and accidental damage, whether they are in your van, on site or stored at home.
Still have questions?
Our advisers are here to help you find the right solution.
