Skilled Tradesman? Protect That Toolbox!

Skilled tradespeople are the backbone of every build, repair, and renovation project.

Plumbers, electricians, construction workers, HVAC techs, and mechanics—many of them are responsible for buying and maintaining their tools. Depending on the trade and what the employer provides, that tool investment can be huge.

Look at plumbers, for example, their expenses can range anywhere from $3,600 to $25,000+. That's not just equipment—it's a mobile livelihood. Additionally, this does not include potential vehicle and payment processing costs if you're a small business owner.

As you can see, the little things that are very noticeable quickly add up!

Now imagine if a work truck gets stolen or catches fire. Would there be a list of everything inside? Would the total value of the tools be known? Could a claim be filed with confidence? Would the equipment even be covered by insurance?

According to Policy Genius, homeowners insurance does offer some coverage for business equipment—but it typically caps at around $2,500. That’s not even close to what most tradespeople carry. To cover that gap, a dedicated tools and equipment insurance policy may be necessary. Employers might offer some coverage, but it’s best to confirm rather than assume.

Regardless of the coverage, one thing makes a huge difference during a loss: a current, detailed inventory. Document what’s owned, when it was purchased, and how much it’s worth. Bonus points for serial numbers, receipts, and photos.

Tools build things—but an inventory builds peace of mind. And peace of mind is priceless, even if the wrench set wasn’t.