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Last updated: 28 February 2025
Checkatrade launches exclusive offer to tackle tool theft
Checkatrade, the UK’s leading home improvement platform, has announced their latest step in the fight against tool theft with an exclusive offer for tradespeople. For a whole week, all new traders who sign up between Friday 21 February and Saturday 1 March inclusive will get annual tools and equipment insurance covering £2,500 worth of tools in partnership with Superscript.
Fast Facts
Checkatrade has teamed up with Superscript to offer all tradespeople who apply for a paid membership between Friday 21 February and Saturday 1 March inclusive annual tools and equipment insurance covering £2,500 worth of tools for one year1
The exclusive promotion aims to support trades in protecting their businesses from the tens of millions of pounds worth of tools and equipment stolen in the UK each year – due to a tool theft every 12 minutes2
The offer is in response to the growing number of tradespeople who are experiencing tool theft across the UK. MP Amanda Martin – daughter of a plumber and sister of an electrician - cares deeply about the issue. Late last year she brought a Bill before parliament to toughen sentencing for the perpetrators.
The Bill has been voted through to the next stage in the House of Commons and now the campaign is gathering momentum due to the huge financial impact on tradespeople – from loss of work to expensive vehicle repairs and tool replacements. The latest activities in support of the campaign have included a mass peaceful protest in Westminster earlier this month - before the Bill returns to parliament in April.
Amanda Martin MP, who has tabled the Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill said:
"Tradies make an invaluable contribution to our communities – they keep everything running – which is why I have been campaigning to stop theft of tools of trade, including bringing a Bill to Parliament to toughen the sentencing guidelines for these crimes.
"I'm thrilled to back Checkatrade's offer of free tools insurance for new members. As tool theft is so incredibly common, this initiative gives tradies the protection they need, whilst highlighting tools must be kept safe to keep our economy thriving."
Emma Grant, Head of Trade Experience at Checkatrade said:
“We understand the challenges tradespeople face, so this exclusive offer is all about providing them with the peace of mind they deserve. We are proud to work with Superscript to offer our traders game-changing insurance solutions and provide a way for new Checkatrade members to protect their tools and equipment from theft, which is a growing concern within the industry.”
Henry Newby, Partnerships Director at Superscript, said:
“Supporting tradespeople and protecting the equipment essential to their work is a priority for Superscript, and on average we pay tool theft claims in under two days. We’re also trying to minimise this by creating best practice tips to prevent tool theft. But should tool theft occur, we’re here to help speed up the claims process to get tradespeople the funds they need to replace their tools, accept jobs, and get back on site.”
Take advantage of this exclusive offer by signing up at join.checkatrade.com between Friday 21 February and Saturday 1 March inclusive – terms and conditions apply.
For more information, please contact: checkatrade@goodrelations.co.uk
Eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply.
The offer, in partnership with insurance provider Superscript, also encompasses overnight vehicle cover - all free of charge for a full 12 months with any new Checkatrade membership during the exclusive promotional week. Tradespeople can access a full range of flexible, customisable insurance options in no time, allowing them to safeguard their tools, equipment, and vehicles without the usual hassle. The process is fast and easy, with Checkatrade members also benefiting from Superscript support via phone or online chat if they need assistance.
According to Fix Radio data sourced by Founder and CEO Louis Timpany – there is a tool theft every 12 minutes in the UK. In 2023 this amounted to £98 million worth of tools stolen.
