Buying an ATV or UTV is a big financial commitment and takes countless hours of your time from installing upgrades to cleaning it. Wouldn’t you sleep better knowing you’ve done everything to keep it safe?
You can secure your machine with all the alarms and locks you want, but that’s only one piece of the puzzle. Use these cost-effective ways to keep it safe.
It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to secure your machine when there’s plenty of creative methods out there. We’re here to let you know about the anti-theft deterrents that don’t use a lock and key.
Drain your tires every time you leave your ATV or UTV, and then refill them when you want to ride. With no air in the tires, thieves won’t be able to take it away.
This is similar to draining your tires each night but easier. Siphon out any gas left over from your weekend of fun. Someone could still roll your machine way, but that would take more effort. The more difficult you make it, the more likely they are to give up.
You can take the fuse out of the starter whenever you’re done riding and then plug it back in when you’re ready. This way, no one can start the engine and quickly make their escape. They’ll wonder if something is wrong with the machine and give up.
Buying a digital key takes your ATV and UTV security up a notch, and they are compatible with most machines. The digital key eliminates the ignition key switch and uses a fob that’s set to the specific machine.
Use a quality lock to keep your ATV or UTV hidden inside a garage. Also, keep the lock out of sight, since a big, impressive lock can make someone curious. If you don’t have a garage, you can use a cover to keep your machine from prying eyes. However, don’t use one with your machine name or logos on it—keep it plain-Jane.
Homeowner’s insurance protects your machine while it’s on your property (theft, lightning, fire, etc.), but every policy is different. When you take it on the trails, you need insurance to cover any theft.
Look into getting a special policy that covers theft because many insurance companies offer this.
We know you’re excited to get riding on the trails and want to talk about your side-by-side. But don’t brag about it to everyone on the street. The person you’re talking to or someone listening in could want to take it for themselves.
You’ve secured your off-road machine, but have you thought about your trailer? It’s a desirable target for some people to steal, especially if your side-by-sides are on it. Here are 7 ways to secure your trailer from theft.
Always report your stolen machine to the police. It will make for a smoother process when retrieving it, but you’ll need to have certain information handy for the police.
First, locate the VIN number and write it down or take a picture of it—it’s traceable. If a thief tries to sell your machine or it’s found abandoned, the police can verify that it’s yours. Second, keep proof of purchase and ownership.
Nothing can prevent theft 100% of the time, but you can use a UTV-theft deterrent to make it harder. People are not slowing down their UTV-stealing efforts.
In 2019, there were $4.2 million (£3.1 million) in claims just for farmer-related ATV thefts in the UK alone. Something had to be done, so the National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance launched a plan with Honda and Yamaha to install free tracking devices into replacement machines.
It’s better to protect your ride by implementing these tips or by using UTV anti-theft devices rather than waking up to see your dirt toy gone. It’ll save you frustration, time, and money down the road.
