Your tools are crucial to your job, and the thought of being without them is enough to send a shiver down your spine. You rely on your tools to help you perform your trade and get the job done to the best of your ability. Whether you’re a sparky or a plumber, you value your tools and that’s why it’s important to take all the right steps to keep them safe and prevent them from being stolen.
Tool theft is something which is unfortunately all too common these days, but it is something you can try to prevent with some extra safety measures. Our guide shares what you can do to prevent tool theft and becoming a victim.
1. Label your tools
Investing in a high-quality engraving tool is something you can add to your toolbox of tricks. They can be used to engrave anything from glass, metal, plastic and luckily won’t rip a hole through your wallet. Having this tool means you can engrave your tools with your business name and contact details, so in the event that they are stolen, they can be quickly identified with your ownership details, especially by the police.
If you work on large jobs, there is always a chance for your tools to go walkabout, so if someone does mistakenly pick up one of your tools, it is also easier to track down which ones belong to you.
2. Lock them up
It may seem like a fundamental thing to do, but ensuring your toolbox is secured by a lock and key is paramount. No matter if you store your toolbox on the back of your car or in your garage, an unlocked toolbox is an invitation for thieves looking for an opportunity.
There are plenty of lockable toolboxes on the market, and purchasing one is one of the safest steps you can take to preventing your tools from being nabbed. When picking out a toolbox, make sure it has features that prevent things like bolt cutters and grinders that can cut through the locking system.
3. Keep your tools out of sight
Being vigilant about where you place your tools is another important step you can take when it comes to preventing the theft of your tools. No matter if you are at home, on a work site or leaving them on your vehicle, make sure you keep protected.
If your tools are kept in a garage, keep your garage is locked, the last thing you want is to make easy for thieves to access your tools, even at home. Make it part of your routine each day to check that your tools are locked up, secure and out of sight.
4. Install extra security
There’s always the option to go the extra mile and install additional security measures to safeguard your tools. Things like alarms for your vehicle and portable security cameras can help to add that extra layer of security to protect your tools.
There are plenty of different security systems available, with many cameras offering the ability to be controlled remotely via apps.
5. Get Tool insurance*
There’s plenty to think about and juggle when you run your own tradie business but getting your tool insurance sorted should be high up on your to-do list. If you had to replace all your stolen tools in one blow, it could have a massive impact on your finances, a drama no tradie wants to be hassled with.
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. Here is an overview of what a policy typically covers and excludes:
What’s typically covered*?
Loss or damage that is caused by:
- Fire, storm, water, explosion, impact or malicious damage
- Theft following forcible and violent entry to locked vehicles or locked buildings
- Theft of equipment securely attached to a vehicle through the use of locks or padlocks
Specified portable equipment can include items such as:
- Mobile plant
- Photographic or video equipment
- Mobile communication equipment, including telephones and radios
- Electronic equipment, including computers, diaries, GPS units
- Accessories for the items listed above
What’s typically NOT covered*?
Loss or damage to your portable equipment that is caused by:
- Wear, tear or gradually developing conditions
- Gradual cracking, scratching or marring
- Rust, oxidation, mildew, mould, moths, insects, vermin, dry rot, contamination or pollution
- Any process of heating, drying, cleaning, dyeing or alteration to any insured item
- Faulty materials or workmanship
- Theft by employees
- Unexplained inventory shortage
Start protecting your tools today
We hope that you found our tips and tricks to protecting you tools helpful. The key is to be proactive and as the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure. While it may take a little bit more extra effort to keep your tools safe, it sures beats the alternative to having them stolen.
Being aware of where your tools are, making sure they are marked with your details and always locked up when you are not using them are some of the key steps you can take to keep them safe.
Getting your tool insurance sorted is the next step you can take to help protect your tradie business’ finances and reputation. Being caught without your tools means you may be unable to work on your jobs, leading to no income.
At BizCover, we provide a stress-free experience when it comes to getting your business insurance sorted. We don’t believe in fancy insurance lingo or making you fill out a mountain of paperwork. We deliver multiple quotes from some of Australia’s most trusted insurers straight to your inbox in minutes. Meaning you can get covered quicker than a smoko and have peace of mind your valuable tools are protected. Get a quote today.
