Are Your Expensive HVAC & Plumbing Tools Properly Covered?

Nothing ruins a Monday morning like finding your van cleaned out—by someone who wasn’t hired to do it.

If you’re in the trades, your tools are more than just gear—they’re how you earn a living. But here’s the million-dollar (or at least few-thousand-dollar) question: if your tools get stolen or damaged on the job, are they actually covered by your insurance?

Spoiler alert: If you’re only relying on a basic business policy or your personal auto insurance… probably not.

Let’s break it down—without breaking the bank.

The Problem: Tools Are High Value, High Risk

From pipe threaders to diagnostic meters, today’s HVAC and plumbing tools are pricey and portable—which also makes them prime targets for theft.

Whether they’re:

Stolen from your van,
Lost in a shop fire,
Damaged in a job site mishap,

…a standard business property policy usually doesn’t cover tools once they leave your main office or shop. And your auto policy? Forget about it. If those tools are swiped from your truck, it’s usually a “not our problem” situation.

Let’s break it down—without breaking the bank.

Enter: Inland Marine Insurance (Yes, That’s What It’s Called)

Despite sounding like coverage for underwater HVAC systems (we know, we know), inland marine insurance is made for covering mobile equipment and tools.

It travels with your business—literally.

Whether your gear is in a truck, on a trailer, or sitting on a job site, inland marine fills the gap that standard insurance leaves behind.

Bonus Perks of the Right Tool Coverage

It speeds up job recovery after a loss. Replacing tools fast keeps your crew working and your jobs on schedule.
It covers rental costs if you need to borrow or lease gear while waiting on replacements.
It can be customized for small tools, large machinery, and everything in between.

Basically, it’s peace of mind packed in a policy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming your homeowner’s policy covers tools in your garage. (It usually doesn’t—or caps coverage at a few hundred bucks.)
Not updating your tool inventory. You can’t insure what you don’t list.
Undervaluing your gear. Ever added up the real cost of everything in your van? It’s a sobering moment.