How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that is worth having, usually carrying expensive tools and equipment. Security for your van should be a top priority and there are numerous strategies you can use to ward off thieves and protect your tools.
Slamlocks locks doors once they are closed they can be very beneficial for couriers who make frequent short trips or are prone to not locking their vans. Other improvements include a security stickers, covering or tinting the windows and fitting an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
With the increasing number of vans used as both a mode of transport as well as a mobile storage unit it is crucial to safeguard their contents from theft. The right van security measures will deter criminals while also protecting your possessions. This will allow you to travel with peace of mind.
The door locks of the van are the first line of defense. They protect the doors and ward off the entry of anyone who is not authorized. Locks that are standard are usually installed and offer a basic protection but they can be easily hacked. Moving to more sophisticated security locks that are resistant to drilling, cutting and picking is an investment in peace of mind.
When selecting a vanlock, you should take into consideration the material, build quality and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This certification ensures that the lock is of high-quality which makes it harder to compromise or break. The slamlock is an additional aspect to consider. It locks automatically the doors of the load area upon closing and requires a specific key to unlock. This is perfect for couriers who not lock their vans during deliveries. The hook lock is a different option that can be used to secure the doors on the rear and side to guard against 'peel and steal' attacks.
It is crucial to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks in order to keep their functionality intact and the integrity of the mechanism. This prevents rust and corrosion and ensures smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to identify signs of wear and tear, and then address them promptly. This can prevent security vulnerabilities from developing.
Alongside improving the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the appropriate security equipment can save you money on insurance for your van. Many insurers offer favourable conditions in exchange for high-quality security solutions.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective methods to deter thieves is strengthening the locks of your van. By installing high-strength or slam locks your van's doors will be more secure and difficult to break into. This is especially important if the vehicle is used to transport expensive cargo or tools.
A slam lock works automatically as soon as your door is closed which means you don't have to press a key to trigger the mechanism. This means that it's less likely to be stolen and is ideal for courier drivers or tradespeople who are constantly in and out of their van every day long and might not lock the door at the end of each trip. It also helps in battling opportunistic thieves who simply open the lock on your vehicle and take whatever they can, including the tools that you need to do your job.
There are many different types of slamlocks that are available. Some have additional security features such as anti-drill and anti-pick technology, or a steelplate which prevents drilling. Some are suited for a specific application, such as multidrop drivers, or those that carry a significant amount of high-value goods.
For those who require more protection than a locks that slam can provide the option of deadlocks. They function independently of the original locking mechanism of the manufacturer and can only be opened with a key that is supplied under full control of the driver. Alternately, you can invest in a hook lock that works in the same way however, it provides extra security with a deadlocking hook bolt which is inserted into the opposing body section and is operated with the supplied key under total control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
Install a dash camera in your vehicle if you want it to be more secure and safer. These cameras can aid you in avoiding accidents and collisions when driving, and can also be useful in proving your innocence read more in case of a traffic offense. They work by converting the incoming light into electrical signals, and then convert these signals into digital data. These can be powered either by the battery of your vehicle or by an cigarette-lighter.
Many dashboard cameras available on the market come with SD cards or flash drive to record. These devices usually overwrite old footage to create space for new videos, but they can be upgraded using high-capacity memory cards for those who want to save more video information. Some dashboard cameras have cloud storage, removing the necessity for memory card storage. These dashboard cameras are connected to a smartphone, Wi-Fi network or both and upload data at different intervals.
Cameras that are hard-wired or wireless are also worth considering. Hardwired cameras are less vulnerable to interferences from cell networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and certain models are able to withstand the weather.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cams. They can record video from both the rear and front of the vehicle. This is helpful when reverses in tight spaces or when parking. Some cameras come with night vision, which can enhance the images in dim light conditions and improve visibility. Many van owners opt to include this feature in their systems. Some dashboard cams can be remotely monitored and this can be an immense benefit for van owners who spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular among those who like to travel and explore - but it's not without risks. People who live in their vehicles are frequently at risk of thieves who might target their vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are among the best ways to secure your vehicle and its contents. These systems can be connected to your keypad, so you'll receive notifications in the event of a burglary. These systems can also help reduce insurance premiums. This can save you thousands of dollars over the course of your vehicle.
A good alarm system should have the base station, a keypad and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Some alarm systems have a built-in motion sensor that detects movement inside your vehicle. This will send an alert to you phone. This is a great deterrent to anyone who might be a target and could assist you in identifying a criminal before they get to them.
Install deadlocks on your van's doors to ensure it's secure. They require the use of a key and are more difficult to control than standard locks. A good option is to get some that are equipped to operate with an app for smartphones, so you can monitor your vehicle while you're away.
Many van alarms also include an engine immobilizer that shuts off your vehicle's motor if you use the wrong key to start it. This is a sensible step to do, but it's not enough to stop a thief who is determined from taking the entire engine. It is better to use a low-power tracking device which will stop the engine from starting and send you the position of your vehicle once it is moved.
Insurance
For a lot of businesses vans are essential resources, and protecting their contents is a top priority. Not only can a strong van security system give peace of mind, it also helps reduce insurance costs as insurers take the security measures of van owners into consideration when calculating premiums.
The year, model, and make of your van will impact your insurance premiums, as will your driving record. Your rates are also affected by the area where you reside and work since higher crime rates could cause an increase in rates. Insurance companies will also take the use of your van into account as commercial vehicles generally cost more to insure than personal ones.
If you're thinking of making major changes to your van it's essential to talk with your insurance provider prior to making any changes because it could impact on the price of your policy. The cost of your insurance could also rise if you add any extras that aren't part of the standard vehicle. A Thatcham Category 2 approved dash camera is a simple way to deter thieves since they'll think twice before trying to break into.
Another important aspect of van life is insurance to cover the tools and equipment that you keep in your vehicle in the event of theft. You can buy comprehensive physical damage insurance as well as roadside service plans that cover breakdowns as well as other emergencies.
It's important to be aware that the most affordable insurance policy isn't always the most effective. Compare the coverage limits and deductibles as well as other benefits to determine the best policy for your needs. It's worthwhile to consider gap insurance in addition to comprehensive insurance. It will pay the difference between the value of the van's cash and any outstanding balance on your loan in the event that your vehicle is destroyed.