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Find cheap tools insurance quotes from UK tools insurance providers

You may require tools insurance if you are a tradesman who works in clients homes or offices.

If you rely on your tools to earn a living, it’s crucial to have cover you can trust because the last thing you need to worry about is the cost of replacing them if something goes wrong. Not having appropriate tool insurance means you’ll need to foot the bill for new items yourself – which could mean putting your business at financial risk. To help you decide on what you need, here’s what’s good to know.

Who needs tools insurance?

Whether you’re a plumber, electrician, builder, gardener or painter and decorator, tool insurance is there to protect the essentials you work with every day. It’s important not to underestimate the value of your tools or how much it could cost you to replace them if they were stolen or damaged.

What does tool insurance actually cover?

Policies will vary by insurer so it’s vital to familiarise yourself with the terms and conditions set out, you should also bear in mind any exclusions (events that aren’t covered). Generally, you can expect your policy to include personal tool insurance and cover for hired tools too but always read the small print just to be sure.

In terms of the types of tools covered – this can be extensive and can include small handheld items from hammers, chisels and drills to equipment such as lawn mowers, vacuum cleaners and pressure washers.

It can also include items your business owns that play a secondary role in what you do – for example, a camera, survey equipment or metal detector. If your business owns anything unusual or of particularly high value, make sure you let your insurer know so they can arrange suitable cover.

It’s worth bearing in mind that heavy equipment or larger pieces of machinery like cement mixers or cranes are not generally included under tools insurance. This type of equipment is covered by plant insurance instead.

When it comes to the types of risks and events you’re covered for, again this really depends on the insurer. On the whole you can expect to be insured against theft and damage caused by fire, flood, storms and vandalism.

What exclusions should I be aware of?

Almost all insurance policies come with exclusions so it’s good to compare what these are before you take out a policy. Exclusions will differ by insurer, but they typically include:

• Wear and tear – policies are highly unlikely to cover tools that are damaged or can no longer be used because they’re faulty or worn through age.
• Negligence – insurers won’t compensate you if tools are stolen because of carelessness, for example if they were taken from an unlocked workshop or van.
• Loss by disappearance – you probably won’t be covered if you discover something’s gone missing after carrying out a routine inventory check.

Does insurance cover my tools overnight in my van?

This really depends on the terms and conditions set out in your policy. Some policies may provide cover for tools left in your van overnight, but others might not. If they do, you can expect there to be certain conditions that you need to abide by, for example you’ll probably need to ensure your van has suitable locks or is parked somewhere secure.

If your policy doesn’t include insurance for overnight van storage, you can ask your insurer to extend cover to do so, but you can expect to pay a bit more for this.

Can I buy tool insurance only?

Yes, in most cases you’ll be able to buy a standalone tool insurance policy if that’s the only insurance you feel you need. However, it’s well worth considering making tools insurance part of an overall business or tradesman insurance package.

A combination you might want to think about is public liability and tool insurance. Not only will your tools be covered, but public liability will cover your legal fees and compensation if a member of the public takes you to court because they blame you for injury or damage to their property.

It’s easy to think that a claim won’t be made against you but all it takes is for someone to trip over tools left lying around or for you to accidently break a window or piece of furniture for one to be made.

What level of tools insurance cover do I need?

Most insurers will set a limit on the level of tools cover – for example £10,000 per employee. If you think the level is too low, you can of course ask your insurer to increase it, but you can expect your premium to rise as a result.

How much does tool insurance cost?

Cost depends on the policy you choose, whether you decide to add on extra features, as well as the level of cover. Rather than opting for the cheapest policy you can find, think about what’s included and more importantly – think about the exclusions too. Cheap policies might have a number of them or have a particularly high excess (the part you need to pay before a claim can proceed) which could make them a false economy in the event of a claim.

Search and compare tool insurance you can trust

At Quotezone.co.uk, searching for business, trade and tools insurance is easy, quick and free. Simply tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll bring back quotes from our panel of trusted insurers, all you need to do is pick the one that meets your needs and fits your budget. To join our growing network of more than three million happy customers, start your quote right now.