Are tools insured when taken off-site?

Cover can apply when tools are away from your premises, including on site or in transit, subject to policy terms and security requirements such as locked storage and unattended vehicle conditions.

Does standard contents insurance cover business tools?

Standard contents insurance often has restrictions for tools used away from the premises or in higher-risk environments. Tool and Equipment Insurance provides more appropriate protection for business tools.

What tools and equipment can be insured?

Commonly insured items include power tools, hand tools, portable site equipment, generators, compressors, cleaning equipment and accessories, provided they are declared and valued correctly.

How is the cost of tool and equipment insurance calculated?

Premiums are based on total equipment value, highest single item value, security arrangements, claims history and how often tools are taken off-site. Excess and limit selection can help manage costs.

Tool & Equipment Insurance

Q: Is tool and equipment insurance different from tool hire insurance?

Yes. Tool and Equipment Insurance covers tools and equipment owned and used by your business. Tool hire insurance is structured specifically for equipment hired out to customers and includes additional on-hire risks.

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Specialist insurance for business-owned tools and equipment used on site, in transit and at your premises

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We compare quotes from leading insurers

TOOL & EQUIPMENT INSURANCE THAT PROTECTS YOUR LIVELIHOOD

Why Tool & Equipment Insurance Matters

Tools and portable equipment are among the most valuable assets in many trade, construction and hire-related businesses. They are frequently transported, stored in vehicles, used on third-party sites and exposed to theft, accidental damage and harsh working environments.

Standard contents or office insurance often provides limited protection once tools leave your premises. Tool & Equipment Insurance is designed specifically for business-owned tools and equipment, providing cover that reflects how and where your assets are actually used.

What Is Tool & Equipment Insurance?

Tool & Equipment Insurance protects tools and portable equipment owned by your business against insured events such as theft, accidental damage, fire and flood. It applies whether tools are kept at your premises, transported between jobs, or used on site by employees.

This type of cover is suitable for plant hire depots, tool shops, construction firms, tradespeople, maintenance companies and facilities operators who rely on tools to deliver work. It can be arranged as a standalone policy or as part of a wider commercial insurance package.

Cover for business-owned tools and equipment
Protection at premises, on site and in transit
Accidental damage and insured perils
Flexible limits based on total equipment value
Suitable for contractors, hire firms and trade businesses

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What Tools & Equipment Can Be Covered?

Policies can be tailored to reflect the tools you actually own and rely on day-to-day. Accurate declaration of values and categories is essential to ensure claims are handled smoothly.

Power tools (drills, breakers, grinders, saws)
Hand tools and specialist trade equipment
Portable generators and compressors
Surveying and laser equipment
Cleaning and maintenance equipment
Batteries, chargers and accessories (where declared)

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Common Risks for Tools & Equipment

Because tools are mobile, valuable and often left unattended, losses are common. Insurance helps absorb the financial impact when incidents occur, but understanding the risks helps reduce frequency.

Theft from vans, sites and temporary storage
Accidental damage during use or transport
Fire and flood at premises or storage locations
Loss during loading and unloading
Disputes over responsibility for damaged tools
Business disruption while tools are replaced

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Is this insurance different from tool hire insurance?

Yes. Tool & Equipment Insurance covers tools owned and used by your business. Tool hire insurance is structured specifically for equipment rented out to customers and includes additional on-hire risks.

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Are tools covered away from my premises?

Cover can apply while tools are on site or in transit, subject to security conditions and policy terms such as locked storage and unattended vehicle requirements.

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Do I still need this if I have contents insurance?

Standard contents insurance often excludes tools used away from the premises or limits cover in higher-risk environments. Tool & Equipment Insurance provides more appropriate protection.

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How is the cost calculated?

Premiums depend on total equipment value, highest single item value, security measures, claims history and how often tools leave your premises.

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Can this be combined with other business insurance?

Yes. Tool & Equipment Insurance is often combined with public liability, employers’ liability, motor and business interruption cover.

Related Plant Hire Tools Guides

Tools and equipment cover helps plant hire shops protect the movable stock that keeps daily trading going. These guides connect equipment protection with smaller-tool exposure, theft, premises risk and the wider insurance package.