What is tools insurance?

Tool theft is common across the construction and engineering sectors, so it makes sense to ensure your tools are protected with tools insurance cover. The average tool theft claim in the UK is now estimated at £1,692, according to research by Powertools2U.

You could also find yourself without your essential tools if the is a fire or flood where you store them.

Unfortunate events like these could mean you need to reschedule work or even replace the tools at your own expense, which could involve significant personal costs.

So, extending your tradesman insurance policy to include tools insurance cover could save you thousands of pounds, eliminate stress and help you get back ‘on the tools’ quicker.

What does tools insurance cover?

Tools insurance will cover damage to tools within the UK, in which case you will be reimbursed for:

1. the value of the tools at the time of the damage; or
2. repair, restoration or replacement of the tools, or any part of the tools that was damaged; and
3. theft of your tools from an unattended vehicle, provided the tools are concealed out of sight, and the vehicle and all of the vehicles access points are locked.

Tools insurance cover ranges from £1,000 up to £5,000 in respect of each individual item, pair or set of tools.

Who benefits from having tools insurance?

Tools insurance is designed for anyone who uses specialist tools to complete their work. Among the list of trades professionals who can benefit from tools insurance are:

What will I need to make a claim on my tools insurance?

If you need to make a claim on your tools insurance, it is likely that you will be asked to provide evidence of the tools that have either been damaged or stolen. This will typically be a record of the payment receipts for the items, which you should be able to retrieve from your accounts records.

Three tips to help you easily identify what tools have been taken, if your vehicle or storage facility is broken into.

• Keep hold of all your tools’ payment receipts, in case you need to make a claim.
• Keep a log of all the tools you are storing in your van, storage facility, etc.
• Keep a note of the serial number of each tool, where possible.

What is not covered (exclusions) by tools insurance? 

Tradesman tools insurance will not cover you:

• If your tools are confiscated or seized by a government or customs authority.
• If you suffer a loss due to mould.
• If your tools are damaged by wear and tear, such as scratches, ageing, rust, or atmospheric damage.
• For damage to vehicles or trailers.
• If damage has been caused voluntarily by you.
• If damage occurs because you lent your equipment to a third-party.
• For self-ignition of the equipment, such as an electric motor overheating.

What other trades insurance are available to me? 

• Public liability insurance
• Plant insurance
• Contract works insurance
• Employers’ liability insurance
• Personal accident insurance
• Professional indemnity insurance

[Get a quick online quote for your insurance today]

Sources:

https://www.powertools2u.co.uk/blog/tool-theft-in-the-uk/