Your tools aren't just equipment; they're the backbone of your business. Leaving your gear in your vehicle overnight poses a serious risk. A break-in doesn't just mean losing expensive equipment; it can mean losing days—or even weeks—of income.
According to research by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, van drivers are falling victim to thieves searching for expensive tools and equipment. The findings reveal that one in five have had equipment stolen from vans in the past 12 months.1
With the average value of stolen equipment per van exceeding £1,700, tradespeople collectively face potential losses of up to £1.64 billion.1
Despite these risks, 41% of van drivers in the UK still leave their tools in their vehicles overnight—more than a third (37%) admit that the equipment left behind is worth over £2,000.1
Delays cost more than time: why protection is essential
These figures highlight the depth of the problem: every theft isn't just a statistic—it's a day's work lost, a reputation at risk, and a business setback that can take considerable time to recover from. In a trade where reliability and continuity are key, losing access to your tools can jeopardise deadlines and client trust, threatening your livelihood.
This is where proactive protection—both in terms of physical security and insurance—makes a critical difference.
Keep an accurate tool inventory to support claims
Keeping a comprehensive and up-to-date inventory of your tools is one of the most effective ways to protect your business and streamline the claims process in the event of theft. When filing a claim, having detailed information readily available can help validate your loss and significantly speed up the insurer's assessment and settlement.
Your tool inventory should include:
- Item name and description
- Purchase date
- Invoice number and supplier name
- Original purchase cost
- Place of purchase and a website link (if available)
- Photograph of the item
- Serial numbers or calibration certificates, where applicable.
This level of detail enables insurers to quickly verify the value and ownership of your equipment, even in cases where physical receipts are no longer available. In fact, many successful claims – like those handled through the Certsure Scheme—have been settled swiftly because the insured was able to provide accurate, well-documented tool records. Taking the time to create and maintain an inventory now could mean the difference between a delayed claim and a rapid resolution when you need it most.
A case that proves the point
A recent example of a swift and successful Certsure Scheme member's claim illustrates the impact of having the right insurance and an adequate inventory. A contractor reported a van break-in that left them without essential tools and unable to work. The claim was acknowledged within 24 hours. Within four days, the issue was resolved, with settlement funds agreed and dispatched. This kind of efficient claims handling highlights why it's worth investing time in maintaining a robust inventory system and choosing a quality insurance policy that understands the specific needs of your trade.
Don't just insure – secure your vehicle
Even the best insurance can't replace lost time. That's why the first line of defence is prevention. Here are some practical steps to improve your van's security and protect your tools:
Remove tools overnight – whenever possible, store equipment indoors.
Install deadlocks and van safes – these add an extra layer of difficulty for would-be thieves.
Use van lock protection plates and window grilles – make your vehicle a hard target.
Invest in a GPS tracker – it won't prevent a theft, but it increases your chances of recovery.
Park strategically – close to walls, under lights, and ideally near CCTV.
Don't leave tools unattended in the open – if you're working at a property, avoid leaving tools outside while popping inside, even briefly.
Install a vehicle alarm system – ensure it includes motion sensors and alerts to notify you if your van is being tampered with.
Keep tools out of sight – use storage boxes to prevent prying eyes from spotting valuable equipment inside.
Review your cover
Your van is essential to your business, but it may not be fully covered under your contractor insurance. While tools and equipment may be included, vehicle theft typically requires a separate commercial van policy – either an individual or fleet-based policy. Standard insurance may not cover your tools overnight, so be sure to check the fine print. Tool extension cover ensures overnight protection in a locked vehicle.
NICEIC Insurance Services offers commercial vehicle cover with options like comprehensive protection and 'no claims' discount.
For a review of your insurance, we offer a FREE business insurance check to compare the cover, service and price you may be receiving elsewhere to see if we can improve what you’re getting. Simply call us on 0333 015 6629 or send us a call back request using niceicinsurance.com/free-business-insurance-check.
Ultimately, your contractor insurance can cover the cost of replacing stolen tools, but the best defence is prevention. Effective security measures and procedures are essential for safeguarding your business equipment.
Sources
1. brokernews.co.uk/1-in-5-uk-van-drivers-suffer-tool-theft-at-cost-of-1700-per-van
This is a marketing communication.
The information contained herein is based on sources we believe reliable and should be understood to be general insurance and risk management information only. The information is not intended to be taken as advice and cannot be relied upon as such. Statements concerning legal, tax or accounting matters should be understood to be general observations based solely on our experience as insurance brokers and risk consultants and should not be relied upon as legal, tax or accounting advice, which we are not authorised to provide.
