How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset that can carry expensive equipment and tools. Security for your van should be a top priority and there are a variety of methods you can employ to deter thieves and ensure your tools are safe.
Slamlocks lock doors right after you shut them. This is useful for couriers who make short drops, or who tend to forget to lock their van. Other options include security stickers covering windows or tinting them and fitting a lockable tool vault.
Security locks
With the increasing number of vans utilized as a means of transport as well as storage units that can be moved around, it is vital to secure their contents from theft. The proper security measures for your van will deter criminals while also protecting your possessions. This will allow you to travel with peace of mind.
Door locks are the primary line of defense, protecting the van's doors and preventing access by unauthorized persons. The standard locks are usually pre-installed and provide basic security however, they are easily smashed. Upgrading to more advanced security locks that are resistant to cutting, drilling, and picking is an investment in peace of mind.
When selecting a vanlock, you should take into consideration the quality of the material, its construction and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This means that the lock is of top quality, making it more difficult to break or compromise. The slamlock is an additional aspect to consider. It locks automatically the doors of the loading area when it is closed and requires a special key to unlock. This is perfect for couriers who may forget to lock up their vans between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock that provides reinforcement to doors on the rear and side and helps prevent 'peel and steal' attacks.
It is important to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks in order to keep their functionality intact and the integrity of the mechanism. This helps prevent corrosion and rust and helps ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections will allow you to identify the signs of wear and damage and then address them promptly. This can prevent security issues from arising.
In addition to improving the overall security of your vehicle, installing the right security systems can help you save money on your van insurance. Many insurance companies recognize the importance of robust security solutions, offering favourable terms and additional coverage options.
Slamlocks
The strengthening of your van's lock is among the best ways to deter robbers. Installing high-strength locks or slam locks will make your van's door more secure and less difficult to break into. This is particularly important if the van is used to transport expensive tools or equipment.
The lock is activated automatically once your door is shut. You don't need to press any keys to activate the mechanism. This means it's less likely to be compromised, making it ideal for couriers or tradespeople who are constantly in and out of their van throughout the day long and not remember to lock it after each journey. It also helps in tackling the issue of opportunistic burglaries which is when thieves just open your vehicle's existing lock and then take off with whatever they can grab that includes the tools you need to complete your job.
There are a variety of slamlocks to choose from. Some have additional security features like anti-drill and anti-pick technology or a steelplate that stops drilling. Certain locks are specifically designed for applications, like those used by multidrop drivers and those who transport lots of valuable items.
If you're looking for more security than a locks that slam can provide, there are options like deadlocks. They operate independently of the original locking mechanism from the manufacturer and are only be unlocked by the driver by using the key provided. Alternately, you can invest in a hook lock that works exactly the same way, but offers extra security through deadlocking hook bolts that engages into an opposing body section and operates with the key supplied under full control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
Install a dash camera in your van if you want it to be more secure and safe. These cameras can help you avoid accidents and collisions while driving, and they can also be useful in showing your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic offense. They work by converting the incoming light into electrical signals and then they convert these signals into digital data. They can be powered by your car's battery, or a lighter in your cigarette.
Many of the dashboard cams that are available have SD cards or flash drives for saving recordings. These devices typically overwrite old footage to create space for new recordings, however they can be upgraded with high-capacity memory cards if you want to save more video data. Certain dashboard cameras come with cloud storage, eliminating the necessity for memory card storage. These kinds of dashboard cameras connect to either a Wi-Fi or smartphone and upload their data at different intervals.
Wireless or hard-wired cameras are also worth considering. Hard-wired models are less susceptible to interference from cell networks or other sources. They are also more durable and some models 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 is useful when you reverse in tight spaces, or while parking. Some cameras feature night vision that can increase the brightness of the images in dim light conditions and enhance visibility. Many van owners include this feature to the system. Some 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 has become increasingly popular for those who are avid travelers and want to explore - but it's not without risk. The people who reside in vehicles are frequently susceptible to theft. Thieves may target the vehicle and its contents. There are many ways to protect your vehicle and its contents however, one of the best is an alarm system. These alarm systems can be incorporated with your keypad, so you'll receive notifications if anyone is able to break into your vehicle. They're also great for reducing insurance premiums, which can save you a fortune over the life of your vehicle.
A good alarm system includes keys, a base and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Some alarm systems have a built-in motion sensor that detects movement within your vehicle. It will then send an alert to your phone. This is a fantastic method to deter thieves and even help you catch them before they strike.
Install deadlocks on your van's doors to ensure it's secure. These locks require a key and are harder to control than conventional locks. You can also purchase locks that operate with a smartphone application. This allows you to check on your vehicle even when you're away.
A lot of van alarms are fitted with an engine immobilizer, which will website disable the engine of your vehicle in the event that the wrong key is used to start it. This is a sensible step to do, but it's not enough to stop a thief determined to removing the whole engine. It is safer to utilize a low-power tracker which will stop the engine from starting and send you the exact location of your vehicle if it is relocated.
Insurance
Vans are a crucial resource for many businesses and the security of their contents is of paramount importance. Not only will a well-constructed van security system provide peace of mind, it also helps reduce cost of insurance since insurers take van owners' security measures into consideration when calculating their premiums.
The make, model and year of your van will impact the cost of insurance as will your driving record. Your rates are also affected by the location in which you live and work, since higher crime rates could lead to an increase in premiums. Insurance companies will also take into consideration the possibility of using your van because commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure.
Consult your insurer before making any major modifications to your van. This could affect the cost of your insurance. The cost of your insurance could also rise by adding any extras that aren't included in the standard vehicle. For instance the use of a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a simple way to discourage thieves, since it makes them think twice before attempting to gain entry into your vehicle.
Insurance is another essential part of life in a van. It covers the tools and equipment that you keep inside your van in the event they're stolen. You can purchase complete physical damage insurance and roadside service plans that cover breakdowns and other emergencies.
It's important to be aware that the most affordable insurance policy isn't always the best. Compare the limits of coverage as well as deductibles and other benefits to choose the right policy for you. It's worthwhile to consider gap insurance in addition to comprehensive insurance. It will pay the difference between your van's cash value and any outstanding amount on your loan if your van is totalled.