Work Trucks: Are Your Tools and Trailers Covered?

Commercial auto · Updated October 2026

Tools usually are not auto coverage

Commercial auto physical damage covers the vehicle and its permanently attached equipment. Loose tools and equipment carried in the truck are usually not covered by the auto policy. If someone breaks into your truck and takes your tools, the auto policy may pay for the broken window and nothing else.

Tools are typically covered under an inland marine or tools and equipment policy, sometimes called a contractor's equipment floater.

Permanently attached equipment

Ladder racks, toolboxes, lift gates and other permanently installed upfits are often covered as part of the vehicle, sometimes up to a limit. Tell us about significant upfits so they are counted.

Trailers

Liability for a trailer you tow is often extended from the tow vehicle, but confirm with your policy.
Physical damage to the trailer needs to be listed on the policy.
What is on the trailer, such as a mower, skid steer or materials, typically needs equipment or cargo coverage.

List every trailer by VIN or description.

Cargo and customer property

If you haul materials or customer property, ask about cargo coverage or other appropriate coverage. Requirements vary by industry.

Reduce theft risk

Lock tools in a secured box, not in the open bed
Park in lit areas or secured lots
Mark tools and keep a list with serial numbers and photos

What to send us

A vehicle list, trailer list, and a list of tools and equipment with approximate values. We will show you how each piece is covered and where the gaps are.

Equipment you tow vs equipment you carry

There's a difference between:

A trailer, which is listed for physical damage on the auto policy
A mower, skid steer or compact excavator on the trailer, which is typically covered under contractor's equipment or inland marine coverage
Hand tools and power tools in the bed or toolbox, covered under a tools floater or inland marine policy

Each piece needs its own home. A single theft at a job site can involve all three.

Job-site theft is the common claim

Tools and equipment left on job sites overnight are frequent theft targets. Many tools policies require reasonable security, and some limit coverage for unattended property. Ask how yours treats tools left on site or in an unattended vehicle.

Valuing your tools

Tools policies may pay replacement cost or actual cash value. Keep a list with serial numbers, purchase dates and prices, and take photos. Update it when you buy something significant.

Common questions

Are my tools covered by commercial auto insurance?

Usually not. Tools are typically covered by an inland marine or tools and equipment policy.

Is my trailer covered by my truck's policy?

Liability may extend, but physical damage to the trailer needs to be listed.

Are ladder racks and toolboxes covered?

Permanently attached equipment is often covered as part of the vehicle, sometimes up to a limit.

What covers equipment on my trailer?

Typically equipment or inland marine coverage, not the auto policy.

The short version

Commercial auto covers the truck, not loose tools.
Tools need inland marine or equipment coverage.
List every trailer for physical damage.
Tell us about upfits and equipment.

Questions about your own situation? Call 417.206.3733 or send us your current policy. We are licensed in Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma, and you can buy by phone without coming in.

Written by Auto Insurance Express. Reviewed by Philip Edwards, founder. Philip has run independent insurance agencies in southwest Missouri since 1997. More about the agency.

General information, not advice about your specific policy. Coverage, exclusions and eligibility are determined by the policy forms and endorsements your insurer issues, and state rules change. Confirm details with us before you rely on them.

Work trucks: tools, trailers and what's actually covered