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Business Van Insurance Explained: What Cover Do You Need?
If you use a van for work, having the right insurance is essential. Whether you are a sole trader, tradesperson, delivery driver or run a business…
Tools in TransitInsurance
Tools in Transit Insurance
Cover for the portable tools you carry, while they’re in your van and during loading and unloading, because a van policy covers the van and not what’s inside it.
Cover for the portable tools you carry, while they’re in your van and during loading and unloading, because a van policy covers the van and not what’s inside it.
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Theft from the vanLoading and unloadingHired tools covered
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What is Tools in Transit Insurance?
Tools in Transit Insurance covers the portable tools, tool kits and test equipment you use for work, whether you own them or hire them. Cover runs from the moment the tools are lifted to be loaded, while they’re in the van, and while they’re unloaded at the next job. A standard van policy covers the vehicle itself, not the equipment inside it.
“Most tool claims fail for one of two reasons: there was no sign of forced entry, or the van wasn’t kept somewhere secure overnight.”
The right cover depends on:
The value of everything you carryWhether tools stay in the van overnightYour van’s locks, alarm and securityWhere the van is parked overnightWhether you hire tools inHow old your tools are
What Can Tools in Transit Insurance cover
What Can Tools in Transit Insurance cover
Tools in Transit Insurance can be arranged alongside your van policy or on its own. Cover applies while tools are in the van and while they’re loaded and unloaded.
Tools in Transit Insurance can be arranged alongside your van policy or on its own. Cover applies while tools are in the van and while they’re loaded and unloaded.
Tools in the Van
Theft of and damage to your portable tools while they’re in the van.
Loading and Unloading
Cover from the moment tools are lifted to be loaded, and while they’re unloaded at your destination.
Test Equipment
Testers, meters and other test equipment connected with your trade.
Hired Tools
Tools you’ve hired are covered on the same terms as tools you own.
Damage in a Collision
Tools damaged inside the van when it’s involved in an accident.
What could go wrong, and what covers it?
What could go wrong, and what covers it?
Tool claims are refused more often than most trade claims, almost always on the same few conditions. These are the ones to check before you buy.
Tool claims are refused more often than most trade claims, almost always on the same few conditions. These are the ones to check before you buy.
What Tools in Transit Insurance does and doesn’t cover
What Tools in Transit Insurance does and doesn’t cover
Read the conditions before you rely on the cover. These are the points that decide whether a claim is paid.
Read the conditions before you rely on the cover. These are the points that decide whether a claim is paid.
| Situation | Covered? | What to check |
|---|---|---|
Theft from a locked van | Yes | Evidence of forced entry is required, with tools out of sight in a locked compartment |
Theft without forced entry | No | Relay and key cloning thefts with no forced entry aren’t covered |
Tools left overnight | Only if the condition is met | Between 10pm and 6am the van must be kept secure, or the tools removed |
Tools out of the van | No | Cover stops once tools are unloaded and placed in position, so tools on site or at home aren’t covered |
Hired tools | Yes | Covered on the same terms as tools you own |
Damage in the van | Yes | Wear and tear and breakdown aren’t covered unless there’s external damage |
New for old replacement | No | Claims are settled on a replacement basis, with depreciation deducted from 12 months |
Laptops and phones | No | Laptops, mobile phones and other communications equipment are excluded |
Consumables | No | Anything that wears out or is used up is excluded |
Equipment fitted to the van | No | Fixtures and attachments to the vehicle aren’t covered |
Number of claims | Up to two | A limit of two claims applies in each period of insurance |
Top Tip
Photograph your tools and keep receipts and serial numbers somewhere other than the van. Proof of ownership is required for a claim to be paid, and the evidence is often stolen along with the kit.
Where tools go missing most
Where tools go missing most
Most tool claims come from a small number of situations. This is what applies in each one.
Most tool claims come from a small number of situations. This is what applies in each one.
Overnight at home
Most tool thefts happen from vans parked outside the owner’s home. Overnight, the van must be kept secure or the tools taken out.
Cover required
Tools in Transit Insurance
On site during the day
Vans left unattended while you’re working. The van must be locked and the tools out of sight.
Cover required
Tools in Transit Insurance
In transit
Tools damaged when the van is in a collision between jobs.
Cover required
Tools in Transit Insurance
Hired equipment
Saws and breakers you’ve hired, covered on the same terms as your own tools.
Cover required
Tools in Transit Insurance
How to insure your tools
How to insure your tools
Tell us what you carry and where it’s kept, and we’ll arrange cover that fits how you work.
Tell us what you carry and where it’s kept, and we’ll arrange cover that fits how you work.
1
List what you carry
Everything in the van, valued at what it would cost to replace rather than what you paid.
2
Tell us where it’s kept
Whether tools stay in the van overnight, where it’s parked and how it’s secured.
3
We arrange your cover
Alongside your van policy or on its own, with the limits and conditions explained.
4
Choose your cover
We explain the exclusions in plain terms and set up your policy, with no obligation.
We're with you all the way
UK-based specialist advisersAccess to specialist insurersNo obligation, just expert helpTrusted by tradespeople across the UK
Trusted by tradespeople across the UK
From a single tool bag to a fully kitted van, our customers trust Insurance Revolution to find the right cover and expert support.
From a single tool bag to a fully kitted van, our customers trust Insurance Revolution to find the right cover and expert support.
Tools in Transit Insurance guides
Tools in Transit Insurance guides
Practical advice on cover limits, overnight conditions and making a claim stick.
Practical advice on cover limits, overnight conditions and making a claim stick.
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Tools in Transit Insurance FAQs
Tools in Transit Insurance FAQs
Straight answers on overnight conditions, exclusions and making a claim.
Straight answers on overnight conditions, exclusions and making a claim.
Tools in Transit Insurance, which many people search for as van tool insurance, covers the portable tools, tool kits and test equipment you use for work, whether you own or hire them. Cover applies while the tools are in your van and while they’re loaded and unloaded. It doesn’t cover tools in use on site or kept at home.
Still have questions?
Our advisers are here to help you find the right solution.