Are Your Tools Covered in the Van Overnight?

It depends on the policy. Some only cover theft from a locked vehicle when there are signs of forced entry, and some limit or exclude tools left in a vehicle overnight, so check the vehicle theft conditions in the policy wording before you leave gear in the ute or van.

As a mobile tradesperson, your van and your tools are what your business runs on. You rely on your van to reach job sites, transport materials, and of course, get the job done. That's why protecting them with tool insurance is worth serious thought.

Why tool insurance matters for mobile tradies

As a mobile tradie, your van isn't just a vehicle, it's your mobile workshop. The tools and equipment you carry are essential for completing jobs and earning your income. Here's why dedicated tool insurance for the gear, and van insurance for the vehicle itself, matter so much:

• The high value of tools and equipment: Even a basic set of trade tools carries a hefty price tag. When you factor in power tools, larger equipment, and materials, the value stored within your van can be staggering. This makes your van a prime target for thieves.
• The cost of replacement: It's not just about the immediate financial hit of buying new gear. Every day without your tools means lost appointments, delayed projects, and a serious dip in income.
• Specialised equipment: Certain trades require highly specialised and expensive tools. For example, a sparky's test gear or a tiler's wet saw can be hard to replace quickly. Specific tools insurance can help with that particular financial risk.
• Getting back to work: Tool insurance can help pay to replace stolen or damaged gear, up to the limits in your policy, so you can get back to work.

If you own a van filled with tools, get a quote on tool insurance.

What to look for in a tool insurance policy

Tool policies differ. Here are the key areas to consider when choosing your cover:

• Coverage limits: Check the policy's limits are high enough to replace your tools and equipment in the worst-case scenario. Factor in the cost of brand-new replacements, not just secondhand values.
• Location of protection: Does the policy cover your tools only when locked in the van, or does cover extend to job sites or even secure storage facilities? Be clear about where your tools are covered.
• Exclusions: read the fine print. Some policies don't cover theft without signs of forced entry, and some limit or exclude tools left in the van overnight.
• Options to add cover: Do you need specialised cover for unique tools, specific device insurance, valuable pieces of equipment, or particular risks within your trade? Some insurers offer add-ons (like instrument insurance, for example) to suit the tools you carry.

Choosing a tool insurance policy that fits your work can help protect your livelihood. Read more about tool insurance and what it can cover.

What a policy covers depends on its wording, limits, excesses and exclusions, and the insurer decides whether a claim is paid, so read the PDS (product disclosure statement) or policy wording before you decide.

How to cut the theft risk

• Take the tools out at night. If you're not using them, move your gear from the vehicle into a locked garage, shed or storage unit.
• Lock up and keep gear out of sight. Keep tools in a locked toolbox or a locked van, and don't leave them on show through the windows.
• Mark and record your tools. Engrave or label them, and keep photos, serial numbers and receipts. They help police identify recovered gear and help your insurer assess a claim.
• Consider a tracker for expensive equipment. GPS trackers can help you find stolen gear, though they cost money and may need a subscription.

Read more tips to stop tool theft.

What sets the price of tool cover?

The value of your tools, where you work and park, the type of cover you choose and the insurer's assessment of your business. See how much tool insurance costs.

Weigh the cost of cover against what it would cost to replace your tools, and the work you would lose, if your van was broken into.

At Tradies365, our brokers can compare tool insurance from insurers and help you choose cover for the tools in your van. Get a quote today.