Advice
Will My Van Insurance Cover My Tools?
If you rely on tools stored in the back of your van, make sure that they are going to be covered wherever your van is parked. Read about how you can make sure your tools are covered here.
Words by: Auto Trader
Additional words by: Tom Roberts
Last updated on 2 May 2024 | 0 min read
Van insurance will not always cover your contents - especially if you have high-value items stored in the van unattended for extended periods of time.
Fortunately, it is possible to protect any tools that are stored in your van. You should be able to do this as an add on to your existing van insurance or as a separate policy.
Fortunately, it is possible to protect any tools that are stored in your van. You should be able to do this as an add on to your existing van insurance or as a separate policy.
Can I cover my tools?
It is possible to get an insurance policy which covers your tools, should anything happen to them.
The following security measures could provide a certain level of deterrent: - Installing a van alarm - Installing a tracking system - And/or installing an immobiliser. Not all policies the same things. You will need to find an insurance policy which covers exactly what you need. You may find that many policies do not cover tools if they are left in your van overnight. Consider if it is practical to unload your van every night and reload it every morning. If this is so, overnight cover might be a deal-breaker.
The following security measures could provide a certain level of deterrent: - Installing a van alarm - Installing a tracking system - And/or installing an immobiliser. Not all policies the same things. You will need to find an insurance policy which covers exactly what you need. You may find that many policies do not cover tools if they are left in your van overnight. Consider if it is practical to unload your van every night and reload it every morning. If this is so, overnight cover might be a deal-breaker.
Van contents cover
If tools are a key part of your daily role, consider a van contents cover add-on to your van insurance.
Many insurers offer various levels of cover, depending on what the value of your contents is. This can help you to recoup your losses if your tools were stolen or damaged while in your van. To be eligible for this type of cover, many insurers will require that certain security measures be taken. These could include: - Keeping your van locked at all times - Having a functioning alarm on your van - Keeping tools in a locked storage container, that is fixed down. The exact restrictions will vary depending on the insurer. Once you know what you covered, contact a few different insurance companies to find out if their cover meets your requirements.
Many insurers offer various levels of cover, depending on what the value of your contents is. This can help you to recoup your losses if your tools were stolen or damaged while in your van. To be eligible for this type of cover, many insurers will require that certain security measures be taken. These could include: - Keeping your van locked at all times - Having a functioning alarm on your van - Keeping tools in a locked storage container, that is fixed down. The exact restrictions will vary depending on the insurer. Once you know what you covered, contact a few different insurance companies to find out if their cover meets your requirements.
Alternative insurance policies
If extending your van insurance is not an option for you, there are other ways to make sure your tools are protected.
One option is public liability insurance. Depending on the exact terms of the policy, this can cover your tools against both third party damage and theft. An advantage of public liability insurance is you may be covered for accidental damage too. It is worth asking your insurer whether that is something they cover. Alternatively, you could consider tradesman insurance. This is a specialist type of business insurance designed exclusively for, you guessed it, tradesmen. This type of insurance policy can be tailored to suit your requirements. Examples of what it could include are: - Buildings cover - Cover for tools - Equipment and stock.
One option is public liability insurance. Depending on the exact terms of the policy, this can cover your tools against both third party damage and theft. An advantage of public liability insurance is you may be covered for accidental damage too. It is worth asking your insurer whether that is something they cover. Alternatively, you could consider tradesman insurance. This is a specialist type of business insurance designed exclusively for, you guessed it, tradesmen. This type of insurance policy can be tailored to suit your requirements. Examples of what it could include are: - Buildings cover - Cover for tools - Equipment and stock.
Need to sort out insurance for your tools? Consider...
There are multiple options for ensuring that your tools are fully insured. You can choose to insure your tools by adding cover to your van insurance, or under business / tradesman insurance.
Whichever option you go for, it is important to make sure that you fully understand all exclusions to make sure that you are not caught out. All businesses are different, so what works for someone else might not be the best option for you. Various levels of cover and a range of add-ons are available to help build a custom product. It is always worth weighing up what you do and do not need your insurance policy to cover. Do not immediately jump at the first quote you receive - it might not be the best deal for you. Insurance is an incredibly competitive industry, and you should always make sure you are getting the best deal for you before taking a policy out.
Whichever option you go for, it is important to make sure that you fully understand all exclusions to make sure that you are not caught out. All businesses are different, so what works for someone else might not be the best option for you. Various levels of cover and a range of add-ons are available to help build a custom product. It is always worth weighing up what you do and do not need your insurance policy to cover. Do not immediately jump at the first quote you receive - it might not be the best deal for you. Insurance is an incredibly competitive industry, and you should always make sure you are getting the best deal for you before taking a policy out.