It’s claimed that a van is broken into and tools are stolen every 23 minutes. It’s a major concern for self-employed tradesmen, which appears to be getting worse. The number of thefts of tools from vehicles rose to 22,749 in 2016/17, up two-thirds from 2014/15. And there are warnings to be vigilant as vans are increasingly targeted in ‘peel and steal’ (also known as ‘peek and seek’) attacks. This makes stark reading if you rely on your tools for your livelihood. Read our guide to tools insurance to find out if you need it, and what to look out for when you’re getting a quote. We’ll also outline how to get the best price.

Do I need tool insurance?

From builder to electrician, you need your tools to go about your day-to-day business. If they are damaged or stolen you can’t work. That means you could let customers down and lose your good reputation. It also means that your income dries up, which can be a serious problem for your cash-flow. Replacing equipment can be an expensive business. That’s where tools insurance comes in. If something happens and you need to buy new tools, insurance gives you peace of mind that you’re financially covered.

If you would struggle to find the funds to replace essential tools quickly, then tools insurance is probably a wise idea for you.

Are my tools covered by my business insurance?

You don’t want to pay out twice for the same cover. If you already have business insurance, check it carefully to see if your tools are already included. It’s important to double-check the small print for exclusions that may apply. For example, make sure any limit on value is sufficient to cover the costs of replacing all your tools. You should also check if there is a maximum limit for any single item. If your toolkit includes specialist, expensive items, you may need to specify these pieces individually. It’s worth taking the time to see if it covers your tools on site and in your van, as those situations are sometimes excluded. And double-check if there are any extra security measures required.

Are my tools covered by my home insurance?

Probably not. In most cases, home insurance won’t cover anything used for business purposes. But it’s always worth checking first to avoid wasting money unnecessarily.

Insurance for tools options

Tools insurance can cover hand tools, power tools, and plant equipment. Think about how and where you use your tools and what sort of insurance cover you might need. It can include cover:

• Against fire and theft
• Against accidental damage
• For tools in your van or car in transit or when left unattended, including overnight
• For damage whilst loading or unloading from your van

How to get a cheap price on your tools insurance

1) Look for a tailored deal, so you’re not paying for anything you don’t need.

2) Stay claim free. Lock tools away securely. And don’t leave them in your van overnight if you can help it. If you can avoid making any claims, you can keep your insurance premiums as low as they can be.

3) In some cases, it could be cheaper to insure your tools as an add-on to your Van Insurance or as part of your Business Insurance. In other circumstances, it will be cheaper to insure each separately. Speak to your broker, or Easy2Insure, for advice on the best value option for you.

4) Shop around. Each insurance company calculates their tool insurance premium in slightly different ways. That means you could get very different prices for very similar cover. Always shop around by calling as many insurance companies as you can. Or get a broker like Easy2Insure to do the calling around for you.

Tool insurance that meets your business needs and budget

Part of the family-run Park Insurance Group, our helpful, UK-based team at Easy2Insure understands the specific needs of all tradesmen. We’re independent insurance brokers, so we’re not tied to just one or two insurance companies. We use our expert understanding of insurance and what you need, to find the best value deal for you. We focus on value for money, but we also make sure there are no surprises in the small print that could cause problems or leave you unable to trade. For more information, or for a free quote on your tools insurance call 0800 917 9522 or complete the form below to get a quote today.

From building plots and fields to private roads, you’re liable if something goes wrong on any land you own. Land Insurance gives you peace of mind that you’re financially protected from claims against you. We answer your top questions so you can find out if you need it, what it covers, and how to get the best price.

Why do I need land insurance?

If someone hurts themselves, or damages their property, on your land they can sue you. Land insurance is a sort of public liability insurance that pays your legal fees, and any compensation awarded, if that happens. As solicitor costs and pay-outs can be very expensive, land insurance is an essential for financial peace of mind for most people who own pieces of land.

Is land owners insurance a legal requirement?

No. Land insurance is not a legal requirement. But considering the potential costs if something unforeseen does happen, it is considered prudent by most land owners.

What sort of land can be covered by land insurance?

Land insurance covers ‘vacant’ land. Even if this land is adjacent to other land you own, if it has a separate title it is likely it will need insuring separately. You can check boundaries here. The sorts of land that can be covered by land insurance includes:

• Fields with or without public rights of way
• Building plots (single or large-scale)
• Woodland
• Land with water, including rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes
• Derelict buildings
• Private roads
• Car parks

Do I need land insurance for my garden?

No. Land insurance is a type of insurance devised for land where there is no dwelling. Your home insurance will normally cover you for any claims of damages brought against you for accidents that happen in your garden as long as it does not hold a separate title to your property.

Can a claim be brought against me by someone who is trespassing?

Yes. Trespassing is considered a civil wrong, not a criminal offence. Landowners have a duty of care to take reasonable steps to protect members of the public from potential dangers on their land. This includes trespassers. For example, if you leave chemicals within reach and a child who is trespassing accesses them, you could be held liable for damages. In today’s ‘no-win, no-fee’ culture, it is very easy for claims to be brought against you. Even if you are found at no fault, the legal fees to get to that point can mount up substantially.

I’ve got a footpath on my land – can land insurance cover that?

Yes. Even if you’ve got public access running through your land, you can find land insurance to cover your liabilities.

We are a group of owners with a shared, private road access to our properties. What can we do?

Your land insurance policy can be adapted to cater for multiple parties on a single policy to protect private roads.

I have a derelict building on the land. Is that covered?

A run-down structure can pose an increased risk. Although the building itself may have no real financial value, if you have one on your land you will need to specify it.

Can anything else be covered by land insurance?

Yes. As well as protecting your public liability, land insurance can also protect you financially from damage that could occur on your land caused accidentally or by straying animals. This can include things like broken gates or fences.

How much will land insurance cost?

This depends on the size, location and type of land you want to insure. For example, costs will be higher if there is public access or risky features such as water or building work on the site. It will also be higher if the land is in a city compared to a remote part of the country. Get in touch for a free quote.

How do I get the best value premium for my land insurance?

• Increase the excess. Higher excesses generally mean lower premiums. Just be careful not to opt for too high an excess
• Limit the indemnity. The indemnity is the maximum limit that can be paid out – for example, £1million, £5million or £10million. Depending on the level of risk your land could pose, you can select the level most appropriate to you. Just be careful not to opt too low or it could cost you big in the long run.
• Shop around for the best value deal. Land insurance is a specialist insurance, and you’ll find some insurance companies

Call Easy2Insure for expert advice and a free quote on your land insurance

Our expert land insurance team at Easy2Insure has 30 years of experience helping people to find competitive insurance with no nasty surprises in the small print. Tell us about the land you have and we’ll use our expertise to identify all the potential risks you’ll face. We’re an independent insurance broker, so we’re free to shop around and negotiate the best deal on your behalf. We know where to look to get the best deals and we know the questions to ask to make sure you’re land insurance cover is water-tight. Call us now on 0800 917 9522 or get in touch using the form below

Us Brits took nearly 4 million trips in our campervans and motorhomes in 2015. But not all journeys run smoothly. Luckily there’s insurance for that. Read our 7 fundamental rules you can’t afford to ignore when it comes to campervan insurance and get peace of mind at the best price.

1) Always shop around

First and foremost, always shop around. If you simply renew your annual insurance you’re likely to be paying above the odds. Take the time to call as many insurance companies as you can or use an expert insurance broker like Easy2Insure to do the leg-work for you. The other benefit of using a broker is that you can be certain there won’t be any surprises lurking in the small print.

2) Be a safe driver

The longer you’ve been without a claim, the bigger the discount you can negotiate on your motorhome insurance. Safe driving and knowing and sticking to the speed limits so you don’t have any penalties on your licence is a must. There are other steps you can take, like carrying out regular maintenance and improving security when your camper is at home, to help reduce the likelihood of making a claim.

3) Choose insurance tailored to how you use your campervan

Look for campervan insurance that lets you tailor your policy to the way you use your RV. If you’re only likely to use it for one trip this year, and stay in the UK there is no point paying out extra for a policy that covers you for unlimited miles anywhere in the world.

4) Market value is not always enough

Just like classic cars, if you’re lucky enough to drive a classic campervan you need a specialist insurance policy that recognises an agreed value for your vehicle. If you don’t, you could find yourself out of pocket if you need to make a claim. Depending on the wear and tear and mileage on your camper, you might also want to consider a new for old replacement policy. This means you’ll insure the cost of buying a new motorhome, not the market value. Your insurance broker can advise you on the best options for you.

5) It can be cheaper to buy your breakdown cover with your insurance

Breakdown cover is often included with motorhome insurance and can be a cost-effective way to purchase this peace of mind for when you’re on the road. But always double-check what level of cover you’re being offered and make sure it is enough for your needs. If not, it is normally possible to buy a more sophisticated policy.

6) Check your contents are covered

When buying your campervan insurance remember that things inside are not always covered as standard. Awning and generators are rarely considered part of the vehicle for insurance cover, but won’t cost much more to add on to your policy. And don’t forget the cost of other contents – from your dinner service to your e-bike – can quickly mount up.

7) Are you legal?

Last of all, no matter how comprehensive your insurance cover, you can come unstuck if you ignore the law. You’ll need a full, valid driving licence to drive any campervan under 3.5 tonnes in the UK. If your motorhome exceeds this, you’ll need a category C1 extension to your driving licence or your insurance will be invalid. If you need to find a weighbridge to check your load before you set off on a trip, use this online locator.

Campervan insurance for peace of mind and happy holidays

As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. The cheapest insurance can end up costing you more in the long run. But, you can still get an affordable deal on your campervan insurance when you follow these golden rules.

Our team at Easy2Insure understands the specific need of our customers with campervans and motorhomes. We use this knowledge and our understanding of insurance to find you the best price on your campervan insurance. We focus on value for money, making sure there are no surprises in the small print that could end up ruining your holiday. For more information, or for a free quote on your campervan or motorhome insurance call 0800 917 9522 or get a quote online.

We check it an average of 27 times a day. But what would happen if you reach to your pocket and your phone is not there or is not working? Does the thought of being without your tech bring you out in a cold sweat? Or do you worry about the cost of replacing it? Whether it is stolen, lost or damaged, gadget insurance gives you peace of mind you can quickly reconnect without bill bills. But not all cover for your phone, iPad or other tech is equal. Here’s what no one tells you about gadget insurance:

Shock, horror. You might not have the cover you think you have

There are lots of different insurance products available to protect your essential gadgets. You could be tempted to opt for the cheapest policy, or even go without taking out specialist insurance because you think you’re already covered by home insurance. But watch out for our top 11 common insurance traps and misconceptions that could leave you stranded without your tech.

1) My phone is covered by my home insurance, right?

Err. Maybe not. Check with your broker. Your phone or tablet may be covered against fire or theft, but that is likely to only be if it is in the property that the insurance covers. If you’re out and about or at a friend’s house when you lose or damage your phone, you might not be covered.

2) If I lose or damage my phone, insurance will pay for a new one

Again, not always. Many gadget policies will try to repair your gadget. If that’s not possible, you may get a ‘like for like’ replacement of the same age and condition. If you want a ‘new for old’ replacement you’ll need to check your insurance covers that.

3) I’ll get an instant replacement

If speedy replacement is essential for you, make sure you opt for gadget insurance that promises to get you reconnected with a replacement within 24 hours. Otherwise, you could be left for several weeks waiting for your phone or tablet to be returned to you.

4) Making unlimited claims on your insurance

Some gadget insurance policies stipulate a maximum number of claims you can make in one year. If you’re very unlucky, or just forgetful, you could find yourself unable to claim. Double check if your policy has a limit before you sign on the dotted line.

5) Insurance always covers you for anything that could go wrong

Another misconception is that all gadget insurance covers you for everything that could go wrong. The most basic policies are unlikely to cover you if they consider that you have not taken ‘reasonable’ care. That means you won’t get a thing if you leave your phone behind on a restaurant table or the bus. For full peace of mind, make sure you’re covered for those forgetful moments!

6) The hidden costs of having your phone stolen

if your phone is stolen, you could find yourself faced with a big bill for any unauthorised calls that are made. There is a cap on the amount mobile phone companies can charge you, but you need to report your phone as missing or stolen within 24 hours. Checking you are covered for unauthorised calls gives added reassurance.

7) Are you covered overseas?

Roaming charges may now be the same in Europe as at home, but does your gadget insurance cover you for trips abroad?

8) Beware of high excesses

Opting for a higher excess (the amount you automatically have to pay when you make a claim) may help to make your premium cheaper. But make sure it doesn’t negate the point of making a claim.

9) Hang on to your paperwork

if you make a claim against your gadget insurance you’ll normally need to provide your original receipt as proof of purchase. Make sure you hold on to this, or you may not be able to make your claim.

9) Liquid damage

A survey by Sony found that up to 75% of people admit using their phone on the toilet. And dropping down the loo accounts for nearly half of all claims for water damage to mobiles. But liquid damage is not always included as standard. To make sure you’re covered against that sinking feeling of watching your phone submerge under liquid, speak to your broker.

10) It stops working

Why is it that our electronics always seem to break down the moment they come out of warranty? It’s very annoying, but if you select a policy that covers electrical or mechanical breakdown you can get it put right without big repair bills. It not always standard on cheaper insurance policies, so double check first if you want this peace of mind.

11) Accessories and downloads

Accessories, like your cover or headphones, can also be included in your insurance as an add-on. And don’t forget the hidden costs of re-purchasing expensive downloads if your gadget is lost or stolen. Look for a policy that covers their replacement to avoid a nasty shock.

Cheap gadget insurance you can count on

Once you’ve decided on the level of cover you need, it’s time to look for the best value deal. You’ll need to shop around. You could use a comparison website, but make sure you read the small print very carefully or you could end up without the cover you need. Or get in touch with our experienced team and let them do the ringing around for you. We’re part of the Park Insurance group with over 30 years of experience helping people to find the right insurance at the right price. That means you’ll get a cheap price with no nasty shocks if you do need to make a claim. Call us now on 0800 917 9522 for a free quote or get in touch.