Tool Theft — The First 24 Hours
Tool Theft — The First 24 Hours
Tools gone from the van or the site? What you do in the first day decides whether the claim pays. The order that matters.
Straight away
- Report to police and get a reference / event number — most insurers require one
- Report within 24–48 hours — late notification is a common reason claims are knocked back
- Notify your insurer or broker immediately; check site CCTV before it loops over
What the insurer will check
- Was the vehicle locked and the tools secured per your policy's unattended-vehicle rules?
- Are the tools itemised — serials, photos, receipts?
- Overnight cover — many policies exclude tools left in a van overnight
Before it happens (so the claim works)
| Keep an inventory | Make, model, serial, photo, purchase date — a register the insurer will accept |
| Mark and track | Security-marking and GPS trackers help recovery and deter theft |
Reference only — not financial advice. Cover, limits and the unattended-vehicle and overnight conditions vary by insurer — read your PDS and confirm with your broker.
Sources: model insurer claim conditions (Insurance Contracts Act 1984) · state police reporting · general insurance guidance
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