Question 1

Where are my tools covered?

Accepted Answer

Your portable powered and non-powered hand tools are covered anywhere in the UK and European Union.

Question 2

Are there limits to when my tools are covered?

Accepted Answer

No. Your tools will be covered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Question 3

What about theft from my van?

Accepted Answer

We cover theft from any vehicle, as long as the doors are locked and the windows and other openings are fully closed and properly fastened.

Question 4

Are the tools kept in my home garage or shed insured by my home insurance policy?

Accepted Answer

You need to check with your home insurance provider. Some home insurance policies might cover tools for work or commercial use, but many policies don’t.

Under our policy, your tools are covered anywhere in the EU. However, if they’re left unattended, they must be contained in a locked building or storage unit.

Question 5

My Business Insurance or Public Liability Insurance policy includes tools cover. Do I need a separate policy?

Accepted Answer

Check with your insurer to see if the cover you’ve got fits your needs. As with all insurance, your tools can only be covered by one policy at a time. Should you have two policies covering them, the insurers will only be responsible for their share of the total claim amount.

Question 6

Can I insure all of my tools?

Accepted Answer

Our policy covers powered and non-powered portable handheld tools of all types belonging to you or your employee(s), as well as hired or leased items.

Question 7

What’s the difference between Plant and Tools?

Accepted Answer

Plant is large or heavy machinery and equipment (like concrete mixers, cranes and forklifts). Plant isn’t handheld, and is not covered under our policy.

Find out more about the difference between Plant and Tools

Question 8

What is the limit of liability under the ToolsInsuranceOnline policy?

Accepted Answer

The limits available under the policy are £1,000 – £15,000. There is no single article limit and the maximum amount payable is the total sum insured.

Question 9

How much will I be paid if an item is stolen or damaged beyond repair?

Accepted Answer

Our policy will pay the value to replace the item in a condition equal to, but not better than its condition when new.

Question 10

What if the item can be repaired?

Accepted Answer

We’ll pay to return the item to the working condition it was in immediately before it was damaged.

Question 11

What’s not covered?

Accepted Answer

Our policy doesn’t cover damage to any tool caused by its own breakdown, explosion, or loss by disappearance or by shortage, which is only discovered by a routine inventory or periodic stock-taking.

Tools also aren’t covered while unattended in an unlocked open environment. Your excesses aren’t covered.

Please check our policy wording for a full list of exclusions and conditions that apply.

Question 12

I have employees/ apprentices who use tools as well. Will they be covered under the policy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tools that belong to you and your employees are covered under the policy – with the same terms of business and exclusions detailed in the policy schedule.

Question 13

What is an Excess?

Accepted Answer

Excesses are the amount we deduct from any money paid to you if you make a valid claim and it’s paid. The amount depends on the level of cover you chose. There is a minimum excess of £100 for all losses, and a minimum of £250 for claims where payment is made for computers, tablets or similar devices.

Question 14

Who provides the insurance?

Accepted Answer

Zurich Insurance Company Ltd, one of the world’s largest insurers. Zurich Ltd provides the support you need for your insurance, as well as a 24 hour claims line if you need to claim.

Question 15

Are mobile devices or wearables etc. covered under this policy?

Accepted Answer

Mobile phones, smart phones, smart watches or similar wearable devices are not insured under our policy.

Question 16

I currently have a Trade Direct Public Liability Insurance that doesn’t have tools cover. Can I amend my policy to include tools?

Accepted Answer

Your Trade Direct policy can be upgraded to include tools cover – please give us a call on 0800 0280 380 to discuss.

Question 17

How do I make a claim?

Accepted Answer

Claims are handled by Zurich Insurance Company Ltd directly. To notify them please fill out the form on their website.

The line is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you want to speak to us, we’re always happy to help. If you need help with the claims process or have any difficulties, please give us a call on 0800 0280 380.

Question 18

Do you charge a fee for a policy?

Accepted Answer

We charge a £10 administration fee for policies bought online or via our team, on the phone.

Question 19

How can I pay for my policy?

Accepted Answer

You can either pay monthly or annually. Pay in one lump sum on a credit or debit card for a full year.

If you choose monthly, you’ll pay an initial 15% deposit on a debit or credit card, with the balance due in 11 monthly instalments, via Direct Debit. See our table of fees for details.

Question 20

Can I pay by debit / credit card?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We accept payments made using most major credit and debit cards.

Question 21

Can I pay by instalments?

Accepted Answer

Yes – you can pay for your insurance in instalments via Direct Debit. We work exclusively with a third-party who provide credit. Check out our credit example and information for further details.

Question 22

How do I get my documents?

Accepted Answer

When you buy a policy, your policy documents will be available in your customer portal, and we can email them to you on request.

Question 23

Any more questions?

Accepted Answer

If you have a question about tools insurance we haven’t covered, please ring us on 0800 0280 380.

Tools Insurance FAQs

How much is tools insurance?