As a mechanic, plumber, or tradesman, you may need to transport or store your tools in your van. This puts these assets at risk of loss or theft, incurring unexpected costs to your business. Such losses may also delay existing projects as you will not have the tools necessary to complete the tasks, further increasing costs to your business. To protect yourself from such risks, you should consider getting Van Tool Insurance. In this guide, we will discuss Van Tool Insurance in more detail.
Can You Insure Tools in a Van?
With Van Tool Insurance, you will be able to get back to work quickly if your tools are damaged. The policy also covers the cost of replacing lost or stolen tools in your van.
You can take out this insurance policy as an extension of your Van Insurance. With this particular type of insurance, you will be covered against the risk of fires, theft, or car damage. In case your tools are damaged along with the vehicle, you will be compensated by the insurance provider.
If you have an entire fleet of vans, you should consider taking out fleet insurance instead. This option will cover all your vehicles, and this will save you a lot of stress. You can qualify for fleet insurance if you have at least two vans. In addition to covering the cost of vehicle repair and driver injuries, fleet insurance will cover any goods and tools in the vans.
Van Tool Insurance covers electrical equipment used by your business, and this includes:
- Digital cameras
- Smartphones, tablets, and laptops
- Satellite navigation systems
- Survey tools
- Palmtops
Other work tools that are covered under Van Tool Insurance include:
- Power tools
- Pressure washers
- Blowtorches
- Chisels
- Lawnmowers
- Pliers, pipe cutters, and screwdrivers
- Steps and ladders
- Wrenches
- Hammers and drills
- Vacuum cleaners
- Mechanic tools
What Doesn’t Van Tool Insurance Cover?
Van Tool Insurance is designed to cover any tools that are stolen, lost, or damaged while in your vehicle. However, the insurance provider may fail to pay for the items if you don’t provide adequate security for the van. For example, if there are no signs that the intruder accessed the van by force, the provider may fail to cover the loss of the items. You may also need to prove that you had the items in the first place. For proof, you can take photos of the items or keep the receipts.
Any items that are damaged from regular wear and tear will not be covered under this insurance plan. The damage has to be caused by floods, fires, and other unexpected factors.
Here are other items that are not covered under van tool insurance:
- Jewellery
- Precious stones
- Cash
How Do I Insure Personal Tools for Work?
In order to protect your personal tools for work, you should take out Personal Possessions Insurance cover. Van Tool Insurance can also cover your personal possessions, but it is important to check the cover closely to see what exactly will be covered and to make sure that you are adequately covered for your specific needs. Even with insurance, you should avoid leaving personal tools for work in your van as expensive tools are often not covered by most providers.
Can I Insure Tools in My Car?
You can insure tools in your vehicle, but in many cases you will need to take out tools insurance as an add-on. It is essential to make enquiries in order to find out whether you should pay extra for your specific tools to be covered. In case of theft, the policy provider may need to see outward signs of forced entry into the vehicle. Also, note that the provider may make deductions for wear, tear, and the depreciation of the tools.
What is Tools in Transit Cover?
Tools in Transit cover is designed to give you peace of mind when you leave your tools in your van overnight. The insurance plan will pay you out for any losses or damages of tools that are stored in your vehicle. With this policy, you will also get coverage for any damages that occur when the tools are being loaded in the van or when they are in transit.
Tips for Keeping Your Tools Safe
- If possible, keep your tools in the house or secure business premises overnight
- Add an alarm system to your van and always park the vehicle securely
- Try to park the van in a position with a clear CCTV view
- Hide items in the glove box or in compartments to discourage thieves from breaking in
You can find out more about Tool Insurance here. Click here to get a free, no obligation Tool Insurance quote, or call Buildsafe today on 020 3701 0422 to speak to a member of our team.
