Tools & Equipment Insurance. Keep Working.
Theft or damage to your tools can put you out of work. Tools and equipment insurance replaces them fast so you can get back to your jobs without loss of earnings.
Get in touchWhat is tools and equipment insurance?
Tools and equipment insurance covers your hand tools, power tools and specialist equipment against theft, accidental damage and sometimes malicious damage. It covers theft from vehicles, theft from site and damage while in use.
For most tradespeople, a stolen or damaged set of tools means lost work and lost income until they are replaced. Tools insurance replaces them so you can get back to earning.
Cover is available on an all-risks basis (covering most perils, subject to the policy terms) or as named-peril cover (covering only the specific perils you select, typically theft and damage).
What is covered
- Theft from locked vehicle
- Accidental damage in use
- Malicious damage
What is not covered
- Tools on site overnight
Only if site cover is specifically added
- Hired equipment
Usually excluded — hire company's cover applies instead
- Equipment used by your employees
Depends on policy — check whether it covers your staff's use
Who needs tools and equipment insurance?
Tradespeople working from vans
Builders, plumbers, electricians, roofers and anyone carrying tools from site to site
Construction and site workers
Workers on building sites who leave tools on site overnight
Specialists and technicians
HVAC engineers, diagnostic equipment users, specialist tradeworkers with high-value equipment
Photography and media professionals
Photographers, videographers and media professionals with high-value camera and sound equipment
How much does tools & equipment insurance cost?
£120 – £500 per year for most tradespeople; photographers and specialist equipment users may pay more depending on declared values
Total declared value of tools and equipment
high impactYou insure your tools for their replacement value. A plumber carrying £3,000 of tools pays less than one carrying £12,000 of specialist diagnostic and power tools.
Type of trade and tools involved
high impactHigh-value specialist equipment — such as survey instruments, camera systems or HVAC diagnostic tools — costs more to insure than standard hand and power tools.
Security measures in place
medium impactInsurers offer better rates to tradespeople using locked toolboxes, slam-lock van conversions or GPS trackers. Inadequate security may affect your ability to claim.
Claims history
medium impactRepeated theft claims lead to higher premiums and reduced willingness from insurers to offer overnight van theft cover.
WHY CECIL
Built differently.
Get back to work quickly
When your tools are stolen or damaged, fast claims settlement means you are not sitting idle. Most specialist insurers prioritise rapid turnaround for tradespeople.
Cover your actual tools
You declare the tools you actually carry. Cover is built around your specific risk, whether you have a £3,000 or £15,000 toolkit.
Specialist understanding of security
We explain exactly what security measures insurers require (locked toolbox, slam-lock van, etc.) so there are no surprises when you claim.
Specialist rates for tradework
General insurers often undervalue tradespeople's tools. Specialist insurers understand the value of your equipment and price accordingly.
Real claims: what tools & equipment insurance covers
A plumber's van is broken into overnight and all power tools are stolen
The policy covered the cost of replacing the stolen tools — a drill, jig saw, multi-tool and inspection camera — so the plumber could return to work the next day
£3,200 replacement cost, minus £250 excess
A photographer's camera bag is stolen from a locked car during a shoot
The policy covered the camera body, two lenses and a flash unit that were taken
£6,800 replacement value paid
A builder's power tools are damaged when a scaffold board falls on them on site
The accidental damage claim covered repair and temporary hire equipment while replacements were sourced
£1,400 total claim
Common questions about tools & equipment insurance
What tools are covered by tools insurance?
Most tools and equipment policies cover hand tools (hammers, screwdrivers, spanners) and power tools (drills, saws, compressors). Specialist tools, safety equipment and test equipment are usually also covered. Check the policy for specific limits on high-value items.
What is not covered by tools and equipment insurance?
Tools insurance does not usually cover tools you are hired to use (those are covered under hire company insurance), consumables such as fuel or solvents, or vehicles themselves (those are covered by vehicle insurance).
Is tools insurance the same as goods in transit cover?
No. Tools insurance covers your own equipment. Goods in transit cover applies when you are carrying goods you are being paid to transport. Different covers for different purposes.
Do I need to have a locked toolbox?
Most insurers require you to store tools in a locked, enclosed toolbox or locked vehicle when left unattended. Some also require tools not to be left on show in a van. Check your policy — failure to follow these rules can result in a rejected claim.
What security measures do I need to claim for overnight van theft?
Most insurers require tools to be stored in a locked, enclosed metal toolbox or slam-lock van storage. Some also require the van to be parked off-road or in a locked compound overnight. Check your policy conditions — failing to meet them can result in a declined claim.
Are tools covered if I leave them on site?
Only if your policy includes on-site cover. Many standard tools policies only cover tools in your van or at your home address. If you regularly leave equipment on site overnight, check your policy explicitly covers this.
Does tools insurance cover hired equipment?
Generally no. Hired equipment is typically covered under the hire company's own policy. Some specialist contractors' policies include hired-in plant as an optional extension.
What is the excess on tools insurance?
Excesses vary by insurer and claim type. Theft from vehicles typically carries a higher excess (£150–£500) than accidental damage claims. Check the schedule carefully before buying.
Can I add new tools to my policy mid-term?
Yes. You can usually notify your insurer of new tools and increase your declared value. Some policies automatically cover new items up to a percentage of the total insured value for a short period.
Does tools insurance cover tools used by my employees?
It depends on the policy. Some cover tools belonging to the policyholder regardless of who is using them. Others restrict cover to tools in the policyholder's possession. Check the policy wording if your staff use your equipment.
Industries that need this cover
Tools & Equipment Insurance is commonly required across these sectors.
Interested in Tools & Equipment Insurance?
We will be in contact when Cecil launches.