Builders rely heavily on their tools and equipment to complete projects efficiently and safely. Whether working on large construction sites or smaller private jobs, the risk of theft, accidental damage, or equipment breakdown can disrupt operations and lead to unexpected expenses. Tools and equipment cover for builders can offer essential protection to help minimise these financial risks.
We explore how this type of cover can support builders, what can typically be included, and the key considerations when arranging insurance to protect valuable assets.
What is Tools & Equipment Cover for Builders?
Tools and equipment cover is designed to help protect builders’ tools, machinery, and equipment against a range of potential risks. It can form part of a wider builders’ insurance policy and can support builders in safeguarding both owned and hired equipment used on-site, in transit, or sometimes stored in secure locations overnight.
Cover may extend to:
- Hand tools
- Power tools
- Machinery and plant
- Specialist equipment
- Hired-in tools and equipment
We can help builders find insurance providers that offer tailored tools and equipment cover suited to the scale and nature of their work.
Why Builders May Need Tools & Equipment Insurance
Construction tools and machinery can represent significant investment. The theft or damage of these items could not only result in costly replacements but could also cause project delays. Having suitable cover in place can help protect builders from financial losses and provide valuable support when equipment becomes unexpectedly unusable.
Common risks that builders may face include:
- Theft from construction sites, vehicles, or storage units
- Accidental damage during use or transit
- Breakdown of essential on-site machinery
- Vandalism or malicious damage to equipment
We can assist builders in exploring cover that can support them in protecting against these risks and help keep their operations running smoothly.
What Can Be Covered by Tools & Equipment Insurance?
The level of protection can vary, but builders’ tools and equipment insurance can typically include cover for the following:
Theft
Policies can offer protection for tools and equipment stolen from secured sites, locked storage, or company vehicles. Many insurers require evidence of security measures such as locked toolboxes, vehicle alarms, or secure site storage to validate claims.
Accidental Damage
Construction sites can be high-risk environments where tools may be dropped, damaged by machinery, or exposed to harsh weather. Accidental damage cover can provide financial protection to help repair or replace essential equipment.
On-Site Breakdown
If key machinery or tools break down on-site, some policies can offer cover to help manage repair costs or contribute towards hiring replacement equipment to keep projects progressing.
Hired-in Equipment
Builders often hire specialist tools or machinery. Cover can be arranged to protect hired equipment against theft, loss, or damage while in the builder’s possession.
Cover in Transit
Some policies can extend to tools and equipment while being transported between sites. This can be particularly valuable for builders who work across multiple locations.
Optional Overnight Cover
Tools left in vehicles overnight can be especially vulnerable to theft. Some insurers may offer optional overnight cover, often subject to strict security requirements such as locked, alarmed vehicles parked in secure locations.
Key Considerations When Arranging Tools & Equipment Cover
When exploring tools and equipment insurance, builders may wish to carefully assess:
- The total replacement value of all tools and equipment.
- Whether both owned and hired equipment require cover.
- Site security measures and insurer requirements.
- The level of protection needed for items left in vehicles overnight.
- Whether breakdown cover is needed for key on-site machinery.
Brokers can support builders in finding cover options that are suited to their specific equipment and working environment.
Protecting Essential Tools for Continued Success
Construction projects depend on reliable tools and equipment. Without suitable protection, unexpected theft, damage, or breakdowns could cause costly disruptions. By arranging tailored tools and equipment cover, builders can take proactive steps to safeguard the tools that underpin their daily work and support the smooth progress of their projects.