Quad bike theft: know the risks and how to prevent them

There's no doubt that all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) or quad bikes are indispensable farming tools. Their ability to handle off-road and tow trailers provides farmers with a quick and easy way to navigate fields, feed and check up on livestock, and swiftly travel from one part of their land to another.

However, quad bike thefts are common, mainly because of the attractive second-hand market and the fact that they're relatively easy to steal. If thieves strike during cold months and lambing times, farmers are left without a quad at their busiest times, making it challenging to keep their sheep fed and safe. Knowing the risks of quad bike theft and how to protect against them is essential.

How to keep your quad bike safe

You'll likely use your quad almost daily, so having it stolen will significantly impact your work. Farm quad bike insurance is essential, but there are some simple steps you can take to keep your ATV safe:

Remove keys

When not in use, take out the keys and store them safely and away from the vehicle. This is often a clause most insurers apply to policies so make sure they’re removed, or you may find your claim is invalid.

Secure your quad bike

When not in use. Keep it out of sight and use a device such as steering lock, ball hitch or frame locks and wheel clamps that are bolted to the ground. Think about the security of the building it's stored in; close and padlock any entrance gates.

Trackers and immobilisers

These are the most effective tools to protect against quad theft. As well as acting as a deterrent, they also can increase the chance of police recovering the stolen vehicle and identifying who to return it to. Many tracking devices are GPS enabled, alerting you if your machine is being tampered with.

Consider installing CCTV

This may not be as expensive as you think, but its security benefits are invaluable. Similar to trackers and immobilisers—they can deter and catch thieves.

Using the Construction Equipment Security and Registration Scheme (CESAR) marking

This can help to deter thieves and enable police to identify stolen vehicles and equipment.¹

Keep a record

Keep a record of serial numbers and photographs of your vehicles, including unique identifying features such as dents or damage to paintwork.

Request a chipped key and immobilisation system

If you're buying a new ATV.

Make sure you have agricultural quad bike insurance in place

Protect against the risks of theft and damage. Don't assume your quad bike is automatically included in your agricultural vehicle insurance policy. It’s also important to note that insurance providers differ in their approaches to conditions, warranties and excess fees, so always check the details of your policy and ensure you adhere to them. When making a claim, you don’t want to find you’re not fully covered.

And finally, if you see any suspicious activity, report it to the police on 101.

Our agricultural insurance experts are here to help you. We'll review your quad bike insurance needs, look at the cover you have in place and identify areas you may be exposed to risk.