How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset that can carry expensive equipment and tools. Making your van secure is an absolute priority, and there are many methods you can employ to stop thieves from entering your van and keep your tools safe.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as you close them. This is a great feature for couriers that do short drop-offs, or are prone forgetting to secure their van. Other upgrades include security stickers, covering or tinting the windows, and installing an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
It is important to protect the contents of vans since they are used as a vehicle for transportation and mobile storage. The proper van security measures can deter criminals as well as protect your belongings, allowing you to take your trip with confidence.
Door locks are the first line of defense, protecting the van's doors and preventing unauthorized access. The standard locks are usually pre-installed and provide basic security but they can be easily bypassed. Upgrade to more secure locks that are impervious to cutting, drilling, and picking is a good investment in peace of mind.
When choosing a vanlock, you should consider the material, build quality and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This ensures that the lock is of high-quality and is more difficult to compromise. Other important considerations are the slamlock lock system, which automatically locks load area doors upon closure and requires the use of a key to open them which is ideal for couriers who may not lock their vans between deliveries. Another alternative is the hook lock which provides additional security to the side and rear doors and stops 'peel and take attacks.
Regular cleaning and lubrication of your van locks is also crucial to keep them functioning and ensure the reliability of the mechanism. This will stop corrosion and rust and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections help you detect any signs of damage or wear and address them immediately, thereby preventing security vulnerabilities from emerging.
In addition to enhancing the overall security of your vehicle, installing the right security system can save you money on your van insurance. Many insurance companies offer favorable conditions in exchange for high-quality security solutions.
Slamlocks
Strengthening your van's lock is among the best methods to deter thieves. Installing slam or high-strength locks will make your van's door more secure and harder to break into. This is particularly crucial if you plan to use your van to transport expensive equipment or valuable cargo.
A slam lock works automatically when the door is shut, meaning you don't need to press a key to activate the mechanism. This means it's much less likely to be tampered with, making it ideal for couriers and tradespeople who are in and out of their van all day long and forget to lock up at the end of each trip. It also helps combat the issue of opportunistic burglaries which is when thieves just open the lock on your vehicle and run off with whatever they are able to grab - which often includes the tools you need for your job.
There are a variety of slamlocks available. Some come with additional security features like anti drill and anti pick technology, or a steelplate that stops drilling. Certain locks are specifically designed for applications, such as those used by multidrop drivers and for those who transport lots of valuable items.
Deadlocks are a good option for those who need more protection than what is offered by a slamlock. They operate in a different manner from the locking mechanism used by the manufacturer and can only be removed with a supplied key that is fully controlled by the driver. You could also invest in hooklocks, which function in the same manner but adds additional security by using a deadlocking bolt that engages in an opposing section of the body and is controlled by the key that comes with it.
Dashboard cameras
Add a dash camera to your vehicle if you wish for it to be more secure and secure. These cameras can help you avoid accidents and collisions when driving, and are also useful in proving your innocence in case of an accident or traffic offense. They work by converting incoming light into electrical signals and they then convert these signals into digital data. They can be powered by your vehicle's battery or by a lighter in your cigarette.
A lot of dashboard cameras on the market include SD cards or flash drives to record. These devices typically overwrite old footage to create space for new recordings, but they can be upgraded with memory cards with high capacity in case you wish to save more video information. Certain dashboard cameras also have cloud storage capabilities that can eliminate the need for memory cards. These types of dashboard cams connect to either a Wi-Fi or smartphone and upload their data at varying intervals.
Hard-wired or wireless cameras are also important to consider. Hardwired cameras are less vulnerable to interferences from cell networks and other sources. They are also more durable and some can stand up to the elements.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cameras that can record video from both the front and back of the vehicle. This can be useful when you need to reverse in tight spaces or while parking. Some cameras have night vision, which is able to make images appear brighter in low-light conditions and improve visibility for the driver. Many van owners add this feature to their system. Certain dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This can be an enormous benefit for van dwellers that are often away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular among those who love exploring and travelling However, it is not without dangers. People who live in their vehicles are often at risk of thieves who might target their vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are one of the best ways to protect your vehicle and its contents. These systems can be integrated with your keypad, which means you'll receive notifications if anyone gets into your vehicle. These systems can also help reduce insurance premiums. This could save you thousands of dollars over the life of your vehicle.
A good alarm system will come with the base station, a keypad and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Some alarms even website have a built-in motion sensor that will detect movement inside your van and send an alert to your phone. This is a great deterrent to any potential thieves and can assist you in identifying a criminal before they do.
Install deadlocks on your van's doors to ensure it's secure. These are locks that require a key for operation, and they're much harder to break than regular locks. The best option is to get some that are capable of being operated using apps for smartphones, which means you can monitor your van when you're away.
A lot of van alarms are fitted with an engine immobilizer that will shut down the engine of your vehicle in the event that the wrong key is used to start it. This is a great precaution to do, but it's not enough to stop a determined thief from taking the entire engine. Better to install a low-power tracker that will stop the engine from running and will notify you of the exact location of your vehicle whenever it's being relocated.
Insurance
For many companies vans are essential assets and securing their contents is a major priority. Not only does a robust van security system provide peace of mind, but it can also reduce insurance costs as insurance companies take the security measures of van owners into account when calculating premiums.
The year, make, and model of your van will impact your insurance rates as will your driving record. The location in which you reside and work will also affect your rates, as higher crime rates can result in higher rates. Insurance companies will also take the use of your vehicle into consideration since 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. Additionally, adding additional features to your vehicle that aren't standard will increase the price of your premium. For instance, a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a simple method to deter thieves since it makes them think twice about trying to break into your van.
Insurance is another essential part of the van's life. It covers the tools and equipment you keep in your van in the event that they are stolen. You can buy complete 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 cheapest insurance policy doesn't necessarily mean the best. Compare the coverage limits and deductibles as well as other benefits to choose the best policy for your needs. It is worth looking into gap coverage in addition to comprehensive insurance. This will cover the difference between your van's cash value and any outstanding balance on your loan, in the event that your vehicle is destroyed.