Insurance brokers share top 10 tips for preventing ATV thefts
5th June 2023
Quad bike owners are being urged to ramp up security and make sure they have adequate cover in place following an alarming rise in ATV thefts over the past 12
Quad bike owners are being urged to ramp up security and make sure they have adequate cover in place following an alarming rise in ATV thefts over the past 12 months.
Recent figures from the rural insurance company H&H Insurance Brokers (HHIB) have revealed a concerning increase in quad bike thefts across the UK, with over 60% of vehicle thefts recorded by the company involving ATVs.
As many farmers rely on quad bikes to carry out essential tasks such as moving livestock, the loss of these vehicles will result in producers missing out on vital revenue. To help owners protect their vehicles and ‘make it as difficult as possible for the thieves, HHIB have shared their top 10 tips for increasing ATV security.
Stuart Torrance, claims manager for HHIB, commented: “There is an incredibly bullish second-hand market in ATVs and prices have been on an upwards trajectory for some time.
“This is being driven by a shortage in availability of new machines, and because demand is outstripping the rate of supply, sadly ATV theft is again on the increase.”
He reminded owners that there are various measures they can take to reduce the risk of quad bike thefts and reverse the current trend. “Adding multi-layered security levels wherever possible to deter any potential theft, is the first step – and of course, we advise that all ATVs are comprehensively insured, should the worst happen.”
HHIB’s top 10 tips are:
1. When not in use, secure your ATV in a lockable garage or building and remove the keys, placing them in a secure location that is out of view. Never be complacent.
2. Consider installing fuel and battery isolating systems to prevent theft and fitting immobilisers, VHF (Very High Frequency) and GPS (Global Positioning System) tracking devices.
3. Physically secure your machines using suitable locking devices and if possible attach them to fixed floor anchors using heavy duty security chains and padlocks.
4. Add security data tagging/marking such as Datatag or CESAR. If not already fitted as standard, dealerships will often offer schemes of this nature when purchasing a new ATV’s as an extra. If not in place then ask your dealership to add tagging/marking to any new or second hand ATV purchase. Some insurers may even offer reduced premiums when they know such measures are in place.
5. Place machines against solid structures/walls with larger immovable machines or equipment placed in front of them to prevent easy access.
6. Add additional heavy duty security chains and padlocks to access and egress gates to buildings.
7. Fit security lighting and CCTV with sensors and PIR Alarms and cover any windows to the building where your vehicle is stored to stop potential thieves from being able to look through.
8. Review your insurances; do you have business interruption cover in place and does this include ‘Increased Cost Of Working’? If not, speak to your broker to put this in place as this will prove to be invaluable should you need to arrange hire of an alternative ATV to keep you operational whilst any theft claim is being processed.
9. Keep a clear record of all machinery serial numbers, vehicle registration, original purchase and service documentation which will be required in the event of a claim. Take photographs of your ATVs. Should any machine ever be stolen these images will help to increase publicity and recovery prospects for the machine.
10. Remain vigilant and report any suspicious vehicles or callers to Police by calling 999 if the vehicle or occupants are seen committing crime or 101 if the vehicle or people are just seen acting suspiciously.
Mr Torrance added: “Should the worst happen, and you do suffer a theft, my advice is to let your broker know as soon as possible as they will be on hand to guide and support you.”
