The whole kit and kaboodle
Kicking off with the first of our specific-product blogs, we wanted to look at one of the core types of British military insurance that our military community have access to and might want to consider – kit insurance.
Not the sales pitch version, not the jargon-heavy insurance spiel, but a straight-talking overview that actually reflects how military life works day to day.
For many people outside the military, kit is just equipment.
For those serving in the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, or RAF, it is far more than that.
Your kit is essential to doing your job safely, professionally, and effectively. It is relied on during training, exercises, deployments, and routine duties, often in environments that are unpredictable, demanding, and well outside what some civilian insurers consider “normal use”.
Despite that reality, kit insurance is still something that often gets overlooked, delayed, or misunderstood. Assuming your existing home and/or contents insurance policy will pick up the bill in regard to your kit (always read the terms and conditions!) or assuming the MoD will replace it free of charge, no questions asked, are not reliable strategies…
In practice, neither assumption always holds true, which means in certain situations you could be left with the bill if you do not have adequate kit insurance coverage.
Military kit is frequently exposed to higher risks, travel, harsh weather, shared accommodation, storage facilities, and operational environments where loss or damage is more likely.
Replacing specialist boots and other pieces of issued kit or personal equipment can quickly add up, especially if cover exclusions apply.
Civilian policies are often written with everyday lifestyles in mind, and many include exclusions for military service, operational duties, or overseas activity. That is where understanding kit insurance becomes important, not as an optional extra, but as part of a wider approach to protecting yourself financially while serving.
This blog is designed to give you a clear baseline understanding of what kit insurance is, why it might be worth considering, and what to look out for before taking out a policy.
We are not here to tell you what to buy, only to help you understand the role kit insurance can play so you can make an informed decision based on your own circumstances, role, and risk exposure.
As with all insurance decisions, the detail matters.
Knowing what is covered, where it applies, and under what conditions can make the difference between a policy that genuinely supports you and one that falls short when you need it most.
Ok, now that’s out of the way, let’s break it down properly, starting with the basics: what the hell is kit insurance?
Kit insurance
Definition:
Kit insurance protects your issued and personal military equipment, usually from loss, theft, or damage.
Why you may need it:
In military life, your kit isn’t just clothing or gear—it’s your livelihood. Whether you’re on deployment, in the field, or attending training exercises, damage or loss of kit really can happen at any time. Civilian insurers often exclude military-use equipment, meaning you could be left covering the cost yourself.
Benefits to you of a kit insurance policy:
- Financial safeguard if your gear is damaged or stolen
- Peace of mind knowing essential kit could be replaced
- Covers personal and issued equipment in many cases
Potential considerations:
- Check whether your cover includes overseas deployments and training activities.
- Also check for any geographical restrictions on your kit insurance.
- Some policies have claim limits or may only apply when you’re on duty, so always review the fine print before buying.
- As always, read the terms and conditions and exclusions of a policy to make sure it is the right one for you.
Check out our blog covering buildings and contents insurance here.
