There’s possibly nothing worse than having your van broken into.
That sickening feeling, knowing someone has waltzed on over and touched your property. Scumbags.
Most tradesmen know the measures to take to protect their van…but what happens after the break in? What steps should you take? And what about the tools without insurance?
Below is a step by step guide on the actions you should take and a couple of links to get tool insurance.
- Take a deep breath
It’s important to try and keep calm, however angry you may be. Firstly take stock of the situation making sure its safe to stay in the vicinity of the crime, if not go somewhere where it is safe. Then you can call the Police.
- Call the police & File a report
Dial 101 (non-urgent emergency line) and resist the urge to rummage around inside to see what’s damaged or missing, or to touch anything for that matter; as you may interfere with fingerprints or evidence. You absolutely must have a police report if you’re planning on filing an insurance claim – So don’t let it slide, It’s important.
Would be interesting to note that in Feb 2018, the police in the West Midlands, found a container of missing tools and held an open day for people to come to claim their tools. Would be a good idea to keep in touch with the police after filing the report to see if something like this has happened. You never know right? (Article is here)
- Take pictures – document the evidence!
Just do it. Photographic evidence can be used in claims to help you. Take pictures of the inside and out and remember to TRY not to touch anything.
- Make that claim – protect your livelihood
If you’ve got tool insurance/van insurance, get on the phone to your insurers as quickly as possible if you want to make a claim – granted it may be cheaper to protect your premium and pay for damage through your own pocket – but let them know of the situation. However, you need to remember some insurance policies are very good at including fineprint, and won’t cover your tools if left in a van overnight. You should load out all of your tools at night and lock them somewhere safe and secure, as unpractical it may seem, you’ll thank yourself.
- Tools without insurance
Unfortunately, unless you see the tools in the flesh and can get them back physically, you won’t be able to retrieve tools that do not have insurance on. That’s life and yes, it really is sh*t.
Here’s how to set up tool insurance so you’re protected in case of emergency.
CoverMyTools – Covermytools offers genuine peace of mind to business owners and tradesmen alike by providing comprehensive and cost-effective all risk tool insurance. Premiums start from as little as £60.00 per year including full overnight theft cover, with tools sums insured from £1,000 to £10,000 –> Click here for their website
Go Compare Business – Cover for public and employers’ liabilty, buildings, contents, tools and equipment. You can see quotes from a range of companies such as Compare quotes from Axa, Zurich, Hiscox, Groupama, Brit and more –> Click here for their website
These links above are a great place to start.
Just like car insurance, it will take you through all the standard questions name and address and all that but it will also ask you about the value of all your tools and what trade you are in. Continue with these and get that cover, because it could be the difference between saving your business or losing everything.
Click here => This WHOLE month we are promoting 3 lock packages to help keep your van safe! <= Click here
Next week in #VanSecurityAwareness month, we take a look at our Top Security Tips to help deter the thieves… #StayTuned
Want to find out more or have some questions?
Get in contact with us by:
Phone => 01273 921181
Email => support@whiteboxuk.co.uk
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