Contractor Tools Insurance UK

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Tools insurance protects your equipment against theft, loss and damage, one of the most common risks faced by contractors in the UK.

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What's Covered?

  • Theft from vans
  • On-site theft
  • Accidental damage

Why It's Important

Tool theft is one of the biggest risks contractors face in the UK, often leading to lost income and delays.

For a wider package that includes liability and other site risks, visit our contractor insurance page.

If you work under another contractor, you may also need subcontractor insurance.

If you are a sole trader, see our self-employed contractor insurance guide.

To protect against injury or damage claims, read more about contractor public liability insurance.

How To Set Contractor Tools Cover Correctly

Tools cover should be based on realistic replacement values, not just what the equipment originally cost or what is needed for one job. Contractors often carry power tools, hand tools, test equipment, ladders, specialist kit and consumables across multiple sites. A claim can quickly become disruptive if the sum insured is too low or if theft conditions cannot be met.

Insurers may ask where tools are kept overnight, whether vans are locked and alarmed, whether equipment is stored on site, whether serial numbers and purchase records are available and whether higher-value items need to be specified. Contractors should also check whether cover applies in transit, at temporary sites, at the home address and inside vehicles outside working hours.

Information To Prepare

  • Total replacement value of owned tools
  • Highest-value items and proof of ownership
  • Van, site and overnight storage arrangements
  • Whether tools are used by employees or subcontractors

Policy Details To Check

  • Theft from vehicle conditions and time restrictions
  • Cover at temporary sites and in transit
  • Single item limits and excesses
  • Whether hired-in tools or plant need separate cover

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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What does contractor tools insurance cover?

It can cover theft, accidental damage and loss of tools depending on the policy wording.

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Does tools insurance cover theft from a van?

Many policies can include cover for theft from a locked vehicle, subject to insurer terms and security conditions.

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Can subcontractors insure their tools?

Yes. Subcontractors can arrange tools insurance for owned equipment used on-site and in transit.

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Can self-employed contractors get tools cover?

Yes. Self-employed contractors and sole traders can often add tools cover.

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Is tools insurance included in contractor insurance?

It can be included or added depending on the policy and insurer.

Related Tools & Equipment Guides

These guides help buyers separate van theft, site exposure, plant risk and wider contractor cover instead of trying to force every equipment problem into one policy section.

Working on Larger Projects?

For larger projects and infrastructure work, explore our specialist construction insurance and civil engineering insurance solutions covering rail, highways, drainage, earthworks, utilities and public infrastructure contractors.

Tools and Equipment Cover

Contractors rely on tools and equipment, which can be lost, stolen or damaged. If tools, plant and site equipment are central to your operation, compare contractor tools insurance and contractor plant insurance.

Subcontractor Risk

Using subcontractors can increase liability exposure and may require additional insurance cover. Contractors working across multiple trades may also need contractor insurance.

Related Contractor Insurance

Cross-Cluster Links

For larger projects, see construction insurance and insurance for civil engineering contractors. For tools and plant cover, compare contractor plant insurance. For wider commercial cover, see business insurance.

Related Contractor Insurance Pages