Employers’ liability insurance
If you have any employees, this is a legal requirement – it makes sure you’re protected if anyone who works for you becomes ill or is injured
COMPARE TOOL INSURANCE QUOTES
Tool insurance, also known as tool cover, is insurance to protect the tools of your trade. If you’re a tradesman, you rely on your tools to get the job done – and chances are you’ve invested a lot of money in making sure you have the right kit. Tool insurance helps keep that investment safe. If your tools are lost or damaged, it’ll pay out to help you replace them.
Some tool insurance policies come with overnight cover – meaning your tools are protected 24/7, whether they’re at home, at your business address, or in your van. This can also include tools in transit, so you’ll stay protected wherever you go.
Tool insurance will cover your tools against many different risks – but some things aren’t included. Here’s what’s on offer:
Natural disasters like fire, flooding, or storms
Deliberate vandalism or burglary
Accidental damage – as long as it isn’t considered negligence
Ordinary wear and tear to your tools isn’t usually included
You’re not covered if you or your staff cause deliberate damage
If there’s a fault with your tool, it should be covered by the warranty – not insurance
Tool insurance works by protecting the tools you use up to a certain amount. If your tools would cost £5,000 to replace, you can take out £5,000 of insurance. You can choose how much cover you need – it depends on how much you’ve invested in your tools, and how much of a risk you face if something going wrong.
It’s important to double-check your policy documents so you know exactly what’s covered and what isn’t. Some policies might not cover tools overnight or in transit. Others might only cover your own tools, and not those you’ve rented.
Getting protection for your tools is crucial, but there are other types of insurance you might also need. Here’s what’s available:
If you have any employees, this is a legal requirement – it makes sure you’re protected if anyone who works for you becomes ill or is injured
With public liability, you’re protected if there’s an accident and a passer-by is hurt – for instance, from falling building materials
This helps you out if you damage a client’s property or they’re unhappy with your work, and take you to court
If you have a brick and mortar business premises, this keeps you protected against damage from fire, flooding, storms, or vandalism
Comparing tool insurance quotes with MoneySuperMarket and our preferred partner SimplyBusiness is the easiest way to find an affordable deal on cover. Here's how it works:
Let us know about your tools and how much they’re worth, and we'll find deals tailored to your requirements
You'll be able to compare your offers by cost, level of protection and any extras that are available
Once you've found the right deal for you, simply click through to the provider to finalise your purchase
If your business relies on your tools, it’s worth thinking about taking out a tool insurance policy. Try to add up the value of all the tools you own – consider how much it would cost to replace them, not how much you paid for them originally. If it would be difficult for you to replace your tools, tool insurance might be the smart choice.
You can usually insure any tools up to £10,000. That includes handheld tools, power tools, and plant equipment. Some insurers might exclude some specialised tools, so it’s worth checking your policy document carefully.
If you have van insurance, there’s a chance your tools are already covered while they’re in your vehicle. If not, look for a tool insurance policy with overnight cover and tools in transit cover – this means that they’re always protected, even when they’re in your van or on the move.
Some types of business insurance, such as business contents insurance or public liability insurance, will let you include tool insurance as an add-on. It can be more convenient and save you money, so check your existing policy.
Tools in transit insurance covers your tools while they’re being driven around, loaded, or unloaded.
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