How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset, often carrying expensive tools and equipment. Security for your van is an absolute priority and there are numerous strategies you can use to deter thieves and keep your tools safe.
Slamlocks locks doors once you close them they can be very useful for couriers who do frequent short trips or are prone to not locking their vans. Other upgrades include security stickers, covering or tinting windows and fitting a lockable tool vault.
Security locks
With the increasing number of vans used as a method of transportation as well as storage space mobile, it is vital to safeguard their contents from theft. The proper van security measures can deter criminals and safeguard your items, allowing you embark on your journeys with confidence.
The door locks of the van are the first line of defense. They protect the doors and block unauthorized entry. Locks that are standard, usually installed by the manufacturer, provide the most basic protection but can be easily bypassed by a few determined thieves. Upgrade to more secure locks that resist cutting, drilling, or picking. This is a good investment for peace of mind.
When choosing a vanlock, you should consider the materials, the build quality and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This ensures that the lock is high-quality and is more difficult to compromise. The slamlock is another important aspect to consider. It automatically locks the doors of the load area when it closes and requires a key to unlock. This is ideal for couriers that may forget to lock up their vans in between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock, which provides additional security to the doors on the rear and side and prevents 'peel and steal attacks.
It is crucial to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks in order to ensure their function and the strength of the mechanism. This will prevent rust and corrosion and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections will enable you to spot the signs of wear and tear, and address them immediately. This can prevent security vulnerabilities from developing.
Installing a security system that is appropriate will save you money on insurance for your van. Many insurance companies offer favorable terms for the purchase of robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
The strengthening of your van's lock is among the best methods to deter thieves. Installing slam or high-strength locks will make the van's door more secure and less difficult to break into. This is especially important if the van is used to transport expensive equipment or cargo.
A slam lock operates automatically when the door is shut which means you don't have to press a button to activate the mechanism. This means that it's less likely to be compromised which makes it ideal for couriers or tradespeople who are in and out of their van throughout the day long and might not lock the door after each trip. It also helps to combat opportunistic thieves who simply open the vehicle's lock and take whatever they can, including the tools you require to complete your job.
There are many different types of slamlocks available. Some have additional security features like anti drill and anti pick technology, or a steelplate that blocks drilling. Some are designed for specific applications, such as those used by multidrop drivers or those who transport lots of valuable goods.
For those who want more security than a slam lock can offer, there are options like deadlocks. They operate independently of the original locking mechanism from the manufacturer and can only be unlocked by the driver by using the key provided. Alternatively, you could invest in hook locks, which operates in the same way but provides additional security by using a deadlocking hook bolt which connects to an opposing body part and is operated with the key supplied under complete control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
If you're looking to make your vehicle more secure and secure you should consider installing a dash camera. These cameras can be used to help avoid collisions and accidents when driving. They can also demonstrate your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic infraction. They work by converting the incoming light into electrical signals, and then they convert these signals into digital data. They can be powered by the battery of your car or by an cigarette-lighter.
Many of the dashboard cams that are available have SD cards or flash drives to save recordings. These devices typically overwrite old footage to make room for new videos, but they can be upgraded using high-capacity memory cards in case you wish to save more video information. Some dashboard cameras also come with cloud storage capabilities, which can eliminate the need for memory cards. These dashboard cams are connected to a smartphone, a Wi-Fi network or both and upload data at various times.
Another feature to take into consideration is whether the camera is wired or wireless. Hardwired models are less prone to interference from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some are able to endure the elements.
Some vans come with dual dash cams. They can record footage from both the rear and front of the vehicle. This is useful when reversing in tight spaces or when parking. Some cameras have night vision, which is able to brighten images in low-light conditions and increase visibility for the driver. Many van owners have added this feature to their system. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored and this can be an immense benefit for van owners who are often away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life has become increasingly popular for those who love to travel and explore, but it's not without risks. People who live in their cars are often at the mercy of thieves who might target their vehicle and its contents. There are a number of ways to protect your vehicle and its cargo however, one of the best is an alarm system. Alarm systems can be linked to your keypad, so you'll receive alerts in the event of a burglary. They're also great for reducing insurance premiums, which could save you money over the life of your van.
A good alarm system will have an alarm base station, keypad and entry sensors that protect against door peal. Some even come with a built-in motion sensor that can detect the presence of movement inside your vehicle and notify your phone. This can be a great method to deter thieves and assist in catching the thieves before they get to you.
Add deadlocks to your van's doors to ensure it's secure. They require the use of a key and are more difficult to manipulate than conventional locks. You can also get locks that can be operated via a smartphone application. This will allow you to monitor your vehicle while you're away.
A lot of van alarms come with an engine immobilizer that shuts off your vehicle's motor if you use the wrong key to start it. This is a great security measure, but it will not stop a determined criminal from taking the entire engine. An alternative is to use an engine tracker with low power that prevents the engine from starting, and will send you the location of your vehicle when it's being relocated.
Insurance
Vans are a crucial resource for many businesses and securing their contents is of paramount importance. A van security system can provide peace of mind and reduce the cost of insurance. Insurers take into account the security measures employed by van owners when calculating their premiums.
Your driving record, as well as the make, model and year of your vehicle will also impact your insurance rates. The area where you live and work can also affect your rates, as higher crime rates can result in higher rates. Insurance companies also take the use of your van into consideration as commercial vehicles typically cost more to insure than personal vehicles.
Check with your insurance provider prior to making any major modifications to your van. This could impact the cost of your insurance. Also, adding any accessories to your vehicle that aren't standard will increase your insurance. For instance, a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a simple method to deter thieves because it can make them think twice about trying to gain entry into your vehicle.
Insurance is another essential part of van life. It protects the tools and other equipment that you keep in your van in case they are stolen. You can obtain complete physical damage protection and roadside assistance plans that will cover breakdowns and other emergencies that occur while you're out on the road.
When comparing insurance policies, it's worth bearing in mind that the most affordable option isn't necessarily the best. Compare the coverage limits as well as deductibles and other benefits to find the right policy for you. In addition to full coverage, it's important to consider gap insurance because it will read more pay for the difference between your vehicle's actual cash value and the remaining balance on your loan, if it's repaid in total.