I ran into the supply house for five minutes. I didn’t lock the van because I was parked right in front. When I came out, my door was ajar and my testing kit was gone. I was honest with the insurance adjuster: “I must have forgotten to lock it.” Silence. Then: “I’m sorry, your policy requires visible signs of forced entry.”
Key Takeaways
- The “Locked Vehicle Warranty”: This is a standard clause in 90% of tool insurance policies. It states coverage only applies if the vehicle was fully enclosed and locked, and there is physical damage (broken glass, scratched lock) to prove it.
- No Force = No Coverage: If you leave the window down an inch, or the door unlocked, it is considered “Mysterious Disappearance” or negligence, not theft.
- Key Fob Hacking: In 2026, thieves use signal repeaters to open vans without force. You need a policy that specifically covers “Electronic Compromise” or waives the physical damage requirement.
- Police Reports Matter: The police report must state the vehicle was secured. If you tell the cop “I might have left it unlocked,” and he writes that down, your claim is dead.
The “Why” (The Trap): Moral Hazard
Insurers are terrified of “Moral Hazard”—the idea that if they pay for everything, you won’t be careful.
The Forcible Entry clause is their way of forcing you to be responsible. They do not want to pay because you were lazy. If there is no broken glass, they assume you were careless, or worse, that you are lying about the theft (fraud).
The Investigation: “I Called Them”
I searched for a carrier that covers unlocked theft (Mysterious Disappearance).
1. CNA / Inland Marine
- The Clause: Strict “Signs of Forced Entry” requirement.
- The Result: Claim would be denied.
2. Next Insurance
- The Clause: Generally excludes theft from an unlocked vehicle.
- The Exception: If the entire vehicle is stolen, they cover the tools. But if just the tools are stolen with no damage to the van, they deny.
3. Specialty “All-Risk” Floaters (Chubb / AIG)
- The Clause: High-end policies for large contractors sometimes cover “Theft” broadly without the forced entry requirement.
- The Cost: Premiums are double, but they pay the claim.
Comparison Table: Forced Entry Requirements
| Policy Type | Locked Vehicle Warranty? | Physical Signs Required? | Outcome of Unlocked Theft |
| Standard Tool Floater | Yes | Yes (Broken glass/lock) | Denied |
| “All-Risk” High Value | No | No | Covered (Subject to Deductible) |
| Auto Policy (Vehicle) | No | No | N/A (Tools excluded anyway) |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Lie? No. Secure? Yes: Never lie to an adjuster (that’s felony fraud). Instead, make security impossible to bypass. Install “Puck Locks” or “Slick Locks” on your van doors. They are visible proof of security.
- Get a Faraday Cage: Keep your keys in a signal-blocking pouch ($10). This prevents relay attacks. If a thief breaks the window because the relay attack failed, you are covered.
- Check for “Mysterious Disappearance”: Ask your agent if you can add a rider for “Mysterious Disappearance.” It covers items that go missing without proof of theft. It’s expensive but covers the “unlocked” scenario.
- Dash Cams: A 360-degree dash cam that records when parked can prove someone opened the door, even if they didn’t break it. This might sway an adjuster regarding electronic entry.
FAQ
Q: What if they picked the lock?
A: Lockpicking leaves microscopic scratches. A forensic locksmith can prove it, but for a $2,000 claim, the insurer won’t bother. You usually have to fight hard for this.
Q: My tools were in the open bed of the truck. Covered?
A: Almost never. Tools must be in a “fully enclosed and locked” compartment. An open pickup bed is not covered.
[IMAGE: Photo of a van door with a “Slick Lock” installed vs. a standard door handle.]