self employed theft of tools

juedoc

I had my van broken into last night and all the power tools stolen. My insurance refused the claim as I didnt have personal possession cover, I thought that the tempory cover outside the home covered them but apparantly not. The tools are worth about £2000 and as a carpenter, I cant work without them. Is there any help at all to me as a victim of a crime?

phill99

Unfortunately, that is the risk of being self employed.

I'm not aware that thete are any achemes to assist. Going forward you need to think about upping your security. Dead locks on van doors are essential when carrying tools.

Tiddlywinks

What sort of cover did you have?

It sounds like you didn't have the right policy in the first place as tools (for a commercial vehicle used for the policy holder's business) should be covered rather than being seen as 'personal possessions).

However, most policies do insist on valuables being removed overnight.

pinkshoes

juedoc wrote: »

I had my van broken into last night and all the power tools stolen. My insurance refused the claim as I didnt have personal possession cover, I thought that the tempory cover outside the home covered them but apparantly not. The tools are worth about £2000 and as a carpenter, I cant work without them. Is there any help at all to me as a victim of a crime?

The help available is your insurance, which seems to have been the wrong type.

You need to take out a loan to get some new tools and get on with your trade, then give a good detail of what was stolen to the police.

I would also keep an eye on ebay and gumtree for them being sold.

Were any of them security marked?

SailorSam

You often see vans parked up with a sticker saying that there are no tools left in it overnight. So if you haven't got a garage the only answer seems to be to take all valuables into your house. Not very good but it's what we need to do these days.

DKLS

As above while checking ebay and gumtree also check local second hand shops, other than that your a bit stuck.

It looks like the best option is to get a loan for the tools, or go for the basics and build from there, or get them on a credit card and try and get some more jobs in to cover the costs.

Please review your security procedures and get some proper insurance, never assume anything with insurance.

Slinky

A carpenter I know has his van logo'd up so it looks like a security vehicle containing dogs. He's never had any problem with his tools!

eamon

Its of no help to the OP but in West Yorkshire there has been a mini crime wave of sorts. Dozens of Ford Transits have been broken into and power tools removed and in some instances the supposed more secure tool box stolen as well. The side door must be vulnerable to being "peeled" open. Other makes of van don't appear to have been attacked. As with other posters purchase some cheaper tools whilst you save/borrow funds. Invest in better van security. Don't waste your time/money buying 2nd hand you won't know if they are good or bad unless you somehow manage to be buying your own tools back.
As an aside you could consider going old school for a short period of time whilst you save up.