Let’s take a moment to talk about your tools. From a spanner to an angle grinder, drills and their bits, tradies, you rely on your tools to get the job done. So, the thought of having them stolen should be enough to send a shiver done your spine, it’s something nightmares are made of!
Unfortunately, tool theft is something which is all too common these days, but happily there are a few simple steps you can take to keep your tools safe from pesky thieves and to prevent becoming a victim.
- Put a label on it
While you may need to fork out a few dollars to invest in one, a decent engraving machine is something worth adding to your tools of the trade. An engraver can leave your mark on most surfaces from glass to plastic and metal. By having this tool on hand, you can engrave your tools with details like your business name and contact number.
It’s an extra step which can help recover your tools if they are stolen. It allows for authorities like the police to quickly reunite stolen tools with their rightful owner without the fuss.
It’s a layer of security that tradies may like to consider not only if they are stolen, put even accidentally misplaced on a work site. If your tools were to go walkabout you can at least easily identify which ones are yours.
- Don’t leave your tools out in sight
It’s easy to get haphazard and leave your tools around the place, but this unfortunately creates the ideal opportunity for would-be thieves to jump right into action. Having your wits about you and being aware of where you leave your tools is a wise step you can take when preventing the theft of your tools.
Thieves can be lurking anywhere, from being at home, at your place of business and out on a work site. Just being vigilant can help save some heartache down the track.
- Under lock and key
If you like to keep your tools in your garage, take the step to ensure that your garage is locked. It’s easy enough to forget and once again provides a chance for thieves to get their hands on your tools. Making a simple habit of checking that your garage is locked, tools are secured and out of sight just might save you from waking up to a fright!
The same goes for investing in a toolbox that has a secure lock system. No matter if you carry your tools on site, keep them on the back of your car or in your garage, leaving a toolbox unlocked is an invitation to theft.
If you haven’t already, consider keeping your tools in a lockable toolbox. It’s an easy step you can take in protecting your tools with plenty of different shapes and sizes on the market. Quick tip: Keep an eye out for one which has features that prevent things like grinders and bolt cutters that can easily destroy the lock system.
4. Keeping an eye on things
These days there are plenty of devices that can be quickly installed to give your tradie business that extra bit of security. From camera monitors to alarms, there are a variety of options that make it that bit harder for thieves.
The great thing about these devices and that many of them can be controlled remotely via an app, so you can keep watch on them 24/7.
5.Protect your tools with Tool and Portable Equipment insurance
Running your own tradie business means you’ve got a lot of your plate but looking at tradies insurances like Portable Equipment and Tool cover* might be something worth prioritising.
Can you imagine the drama if your tools were stolen? Not only do you have the worry of having to replace them impacting your bank account, but you’re inconvenienced by not being able to complete current jobs or start new ones. Not a good look for any tradie business, and something you can do without.
Tool and Portable Equipment Insurance covers you for loss and damage to items of portable equipment associated with your business. These can include tools of trade and items of stock.
We hope you found these tips helpful when it comes to keeping your tools of trade safe. Being proactive in caring for your tools, keeping them out of sight, locked up and with the extra measure of engraving them are a few simple things you can do to safeguard your precious business assets.
Getting your Portable Equipment and Tool cover sorted doesn’t need to be a hassle. At BizCover we provide effortless quotes without the boring bits, jargon and paperwork. Just business insurance made easy. You can visit us online, or if chatting to a human is more your style give us a call 0800 249 268.
*This information is general only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It should not be relied upon as advice. As with any insurance, cover will be subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions contained in the policy wording. © 2023 BizCover Limited.
