Tradesman tool insurance is there to cover the cost of replacing your essential work gear following theft, damage or loss.

With it in place you can quickly replace losses as the insurer is picking up the tab, meaning you can get back to work fast.

This cover is frequently included as part of a builders' insurance package. But you can also buy it as a stand-alone policy if you’d prefer or if the level of cover included in the package is lacking.

Tools typically covered include:

• Handheld tools (brushes, saws, pliers, hammers, wrenches)

• Power tools (drills, grinders, nail guns, sanders, pressure washers) 

• Plant equipment (rollers, lawnmowers, diggers, dumper trucks)

Tool insurance is vital for protecting your business from the financial strain caused by tool theft or damage. With tool theft happening every 21 minutes on average, tradespeople face a growing risk of losing essential equipment like lawnmowers, drills, or power tools.

A stolen tool can bring your business to a standstill, leading to costly replacements and potentially lost income. While tool insurance can't prevent theft, it offers crucial protection by covering the cost of replacing stolen or damaged tools.

This means your business can continue to operate without significant disruption, allowing you to focus on your work.

As either a standalone policy or as part of a wider business insurance package, tool insurance works to protect your tools up to a pre-arranged limit. 

You choose what level to set this at, so make sure you know the value of what you want covered. If it would cost you £3,000 to replace your essential work kit, you should take out at least £3,000 of cover.

Aside from the level of cover, you need to make sure you know where and when you're protected. For example, not all tool insurance covers tools left in a van overnight or while they're in transit.