Is your Van Insurance covering your tools?

Does my van insurance cover tools?

While many drivers assume their tools are covered by their van insurance, this is not the case. In fact, many van insurance policies won’t automatically include protection for your tools, and it’s easy to get caught out.

Van insurance generally covers damage to, loss or theft of the vehicle, but the contents you keep inside are not always included, which means the tools you rely on every day may not be covered at all.

The good news is there are a few options to keep your kit protected:

• Add tools cover to your existing van insurance.
• Take out a separate tools policy that sits alongside your van cover.

Does carriage of own goods cover my tools?

Carriage of own goods is a type of business van insurance that lets you transport the things you rely on for work, whether that is tools, equipment, materials or stock you shift between jobs.

Although this cover legally permits you to drive your van while carrying work-related items, it does not always cover the items themselves. Damage or theft of tools, materials, or any other work-related contents normally falls outside this type of policy, which means you still need separate cover to protect your livelihood.

How can I keep my tools safe?

A few simple habits will go a long way towards keeping your tools out of the wrong hands. Thieves often look for quick wins, so anything that slows them down or draws attention will work in your favour.

Install an alarm or immobiliser

A good alarm or immobiliser makes your van far less appealing to opportunists. The noise alone draws attention, and the extra security slows anyone down who tries their luck.

Use a secure tool storage box

A solid, lockable tool box creates a barrier inside the van, so even if someone gets in, your kit is harder to reach. It also keeps everything organised, which helps you spot if something goes missing.

Park your van in a secure location overnight

Parking in a garage offers the best protection, but if that’s not possible a drive or a well lit area is a strong alternative. Thieves usually avoid places where they might be seen.

Don’t leave your tools in your van overnight

Even if your policy includes overnight cover, you’re better off taking them out of the van at night and keeping them somewhere safe and out of sight.

Mark your tools to identify them

Markings make tools traceable and much less attractive to steal. Engraving, UV pens or smart tags all work, and they help you prove ownership if anything is recovered.

Keep an inventory of your tools and receipts

An up to date list of tools, along with receipts, makes life easier if you ever need to make a claim. You will know exactly what you had, when you bought it and what it was worth.

Boost your van’s security

The best approach to van security is a layered one. If you can, use as many of the following:

• Fit high quality deadlocks or hook locks to make it much harder for thieves to force the doors.
• Add slam locks if you do multi‑stop jobs and need the doors to lock automatically.
• Add a steering wheel lock to prevent your van being driven away. They also act as a visible deterrent.
• Fit an anti‑peel kit to prevent thieves pulling the top of the door away from the frame.
• Use a GPS tracker so you can locate the van quickly if it’s stolen.
• Reinforce the load area with interior locks, plates or shields.
• Install window grilles or tints to stop people seeing what’s inside the van.
• Use a dash cam with parking mode, as they record whenever they sense movement near your van and can provide helpful footage should you need to make a claim.