SNIPEF

As a plumber or heating engineer, your tools are the essential components that keep your business running smoothly. Leaving your tools unsecured in your van overnight is like leaving a valve open—it can lead to costly problems. A break-in doesn’t just mean losing valuable equipment; it can mean losing days or even weeks of work, impacting your income and reputation.

According to 2024 research from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles^*1, this is a real risk for tradespeople – with one in five van drivers having had tools or equipment stolen in a year. The average value of stolen tools per van exceeds £1,700, with tradespeople across the UK facing potential losses totalling up to £1.64 billion. Despite this, 41% of van drivers still leave their tools in their vehicles overnight, and over a third admit the equipment left behind is worth more than £2,000.

The Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill: A step towards stronger protection

In response to the rising tide of tool thefts targeting tradespeople, the Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill is gaining momentum in Parliament. This proposed legislation aims to increase the maximum sentence for theft of tools used in a person’s trade, reflecting the serious impact such crimes have on livelihoods. The Bill acknowledges that tools are not just property but vital business assets, and tougher penalties are intended to act as a stronger deterrent against thieves.

For plumbers and heating engineers, this Bill represents a significant step forward in recognising the unique challenges faced by tradespeople and the importance of safeguarding their equipment.

Why delays cost more than time

Every theft is more than just a statistic—it’s a disruption to your workflow and a risk to your reputation. In plumbing and heating, where reliability and timely service are critical, losing your tools can cause delays that affect client trust and your business continuity.

That’s why taking proactive steps to protect your tools—both physically and through the right insurance—is essential to keeping your business operating without interruption.

Keep a detailed tool inventory to support your insurance claims

Maintaining a comprehensive, up-to-date inventory of your tools is one of the best ways to protect your business. Without it, recovering from theft becomes much harder.

Your tool inventory should include:

• Item name and description
• Purchase date
• Invoice number and supplier details
• Original purchase cost
• Place of purchase and website link (if available)
• Photographs of each item
• Serial numbers or calibration certificates where applicable.

Having this information ready can speed up your insurer’s assessment and settlement process. Many successful claims are settled quickly because people can provide accurate, well-documented tool records. Taking the time now to create and maintain this inventory could be the difference between a delayed claim and a rapid resolution.

Don’t just insure your tools—secure them

Insurance is vital, but prevention is your first line of defence. Here are practical steps to protect your tools and van:

• Remove tools from your van overnight and store them indoors whenever possible
• Fit deadlocks and van safes to add extra security
• Use lock protection plates and window grilles to deter thieves
• Install a GPS tracker to improve chances of recovery
• Park in well-lit, secure areas close to walls or CCTV
• Avoid leaving tools unattended outside a property, even briefly
• Install a vehicle alarm system with motion sensors and alerts
• Keep tools out of sight using storage boxes or covers.

Review your insurance cover

Your van and tools are essential to your business, but standard contractor insurance may not fully cover them—especially overnight theft. Tools and equipment often require specific cover extensions, and vehicle theft usually needs a separate commercial van policy.

For peace of mind, take advantage of a FREE business insurance check to compare your current cover, service, and price. Please call 0330 818 0064 or visit www.marshcommercial.co.uk/snipef to request a call back.

In summary

While your contractor insurance can help replace stolen tools, the best protection combines effective security measures with the right insurance policy. The Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill signals growing recognition of the serious impact tool theft has on tradespeople, and tougher penalties may soon provide stronger deterrence. However, this may not irradicate the problem completely, therefore, by securing and protecting your tools you’ll help protect your business and keep your plumbing or heating services running reliably.

*¹ https://brokernews.co.uk/1-in-5-uk-van-drivers-suffer-tool-theft-at-cost-of-1700-per-van/

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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.

SNIPEF Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Marsh Ltd and Marsh Commercial is a trading name of Marsh Ltd. Marsh Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for General Insurance Distribution and Credit Broking (Firm Reference No. 307511). Copyright © 2025 Marsh Ltd. Registered in England and Wales Number: 1507274, Registered office: 1 Tower Place West, Tower Place, London EC3R 5BU.