Tools & Equipment Insurance for Freelancers (2026 Guide)

For freelancers, your tools and equipment are often your most valuable business assets. A stolen camera, broken laptop, or damaged tablet can halt your work and cause serious financial loss.

Tools & Equipment Insurance protects your kit, letting you focus on delivering projects without fear of unexpected costs.


What Does Tools & Equipment Insurance Cover?

Typical coverage includes:

  • Theft from your home, office, or on-site
  • Accidental damage (drops, spills, cracks)
  • Loss during transit to clients, events, or meetings
  • Replacement or repair costs

Important: This usually does not cover professional liability or public liability — you’ll need separate PL or PI insurance for that.

👉 If you want to compare insurance providers, check our new 2026 guide: Compare Insurance Providers for 2026

👤 Who Needs Tools & Equipment Insurance?

Almost any freelancer whose work relies on physical kit should consider coverage, including:

  • Photographers & videographers
  • Graphic designers & digital artists
  • Web developers (laptops, monitors, peripherals)
  • Tradespeople & technicians
  • Beauty, health, and wellness professionals
  • Musicians and audio engineers

If your kit is expensive or essential for earning income, this insurance is worth it.

👉 Read: Do Freelancers Need Business Insurance

💷 How Much Does Tools & Equipment Insurance Cost in 2026?

£40–£120/year for standard equipment cover

Premiums depend on:

  • Total value of equipment
  • Where it’s stored or transported
  • Industry & frequency of use

You can often bundle with Public Liability or Professional Indemnity through providers like PolicyBee for convenience.

👉 Get a quote and up to 10% off with PolicyBee today

🛡️ How Much Cover Do You Need?

  • Calculate the replacement value of your kit
  • Include essential items like laptops, cameras, tablets, tools, and peripherals
  • Some providers offer optional coverage for personal items used for work

If your client contract requires insurance for onsite work, ensure your policy covers that scenario.

Recommended Provider

PolicyBee offers flexible, freelancer-focused equipment insurance:

  • Covers theft, accidental damage, and transit
  • Simple online quotes
  • Bundles available with PL or PI
  • UK-based support

👉 Get a quote and up to 10% off with PolicyBee now

✅ Conclusion

Tools & Equipment Insurance is essential for freelancers whose income depends on kit. Even a single theft, accident, or damage incident can cost hundreds or thousands of pounds — making insurance a small, affordable safety net.

Pair this with Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance for full protection of your freelance business in 2026.

Read next:
👉 Public Liability Insurance for Freelancers
👉 Professional Indemnity Insurance for Freelancers

Next Steps for UK Freelancers

Explore our full Freelancer Toolkit for essential apps and tools to help you stay tax-ready all year.
Visit the Freelancer Toolkit