How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset worth having, typically carrying expensive equipment and tools. It is important to make your van as secure as possible. There are a myriad of ways to do this.
Slamlocks lock doors immediately after you shut them. This is a great feature for couriers who make short drop-offs, or tend to forget to secure their van. Other upgrades include security stickers covering or tinting the windows, and installing an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
With the increasing number of vans utilized as a means of transportation as well as storage units that can be moved around it is essential to protect their contents against theft. The proper van security measures can deter criminals and safeguard your possessions, allowing you to take your trip with confidence.
The door locks of the van are the first line of defence. They protect the doors and block unauthorised entry. Locks that are standard are usually installed and offer a basic protection however, they are easily hacked. Upgrade to more secure locks that resist cutting or drilling. This is an investment in security that will give you peace of mind.
Considerations when choosing a van lock include the quality of the material and construction and whether it's Thatcham-approved. This guarantees that the lock is high-quality and is more difficult to compromise. Other important factors to consider include the slamlock lock system, which automatically locks the doors to the load area when closed and requires keys to open the door which is ideal for couriers who not lock their vans between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock which adds reinforcement to front and side doors and prevents 'peel and steal attacks.
Regularly cleaning and lubricating your van locks is crucial to keep them functioning and ensure the strength of the mechanism. This will prevent corrosion and rust, and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to detect indications of wear and tear, and then address them promptly. This will prevent security issues from arising.
Alongside improving the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the appropriate security equipment can help you save money on insurance for your van. Many insurers offer favourable terms for the purchase of robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective methods to stop thieves is by strengthening the locks of your van. Installing high-strength locks or slam locks will make your van's door more secure and harder to break into. This is especially important if you use your vehicle to transport expensive tools or valuable cargo.
The slamlock is activated automatically when your door is shut. It doesn't require you to press any keys to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be damaged which makes it ideal for courier drivers and tradespeople that work out of their vans all day. They may forget to lock it up after each journey. It also helps to combat the issue of opportunistic burglaries, where thieves simply open the lock on your vehicle and run off with whatever they can grab that includes the tools you require to complete your job.
There are a number of different kinds of slam locks that are available, with some offering extra security features, like anti-drill and anti-pick technologies or a steel plate that prevents drilling attacks. Certain models are specifically designed for applications, such as those used by multidrop drivers or those who transport lots of valuable goods.
For those who want more security than a standard locks that slam can provide alternatives like deadlocks. They operate independently of the locking mechanism that came that is supplied by the manufacturer and are only unlocked by the driver by using the supplied key. You could also invest in hooklocks that function similarly, but offers additional security through deadlocking bolts that lock in an opposing section of the body and is controlled by the supplied key.
Dashboard cameras
Include a dash camera into your vehicle if you wish for it to be more secure and safe. These cameras can be used to help avoid collisions and accidents while driving. They can also demonstrate your innocence in the case of an accident or traffic infraction. They work by converting incoming light into electrical signals and they then transform those signals into digital data. These can be powered either by the battery in your car or by a cigarette-lighter.
Many dashboard cameras available on the market have SD cards or flash drive to record. These devices overwrite old footage in order to allow room for new videos. However they can be upgraded to accept larger memory cards if additional video data is required. Some dashboard cams also have cloud storage capabilities, which remove the necessity for memory cards. These dashboard cameras are connected to a smartphone, Wi-Fi network or both, and can upload data at various times.
Another aspect to be considered is whether the camera is wireless or hard wired. Hardwired cameras are less vulnerable to interferences from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some models are able to withstand weather.
Some vans come with dual dash cameras which can record video from both the front and back of the vehicle. van security systems is useful when you reverse in tight spaces or when parking. Some cameras come with night vision that can make images appear brighter in low-light conditions and improve visibility for the driver. Many van owners choose to add this feature to their systems. Certain dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored and this can be an immense benefit for van dwellers who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular with those who are avid travelers and want to explore, but it's without risk. The people who live in vehicles are often susceptible to theft. Thieves may target the vehicle and its contents. There are many ways to secure your van and its contents however, one of the most effective is an alarm system. These alarm systems can be incorporated with your keypad, so you'll be notified if someone breaks into your vehicle. They also help reduce insurance premiums, which can save you a fortune over the life of your van.
A good alarm system includes an alarm base, keypad and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Some even have a built in motion sensor that can detect movement inside your van and send an alert to your mobile. This can be a great way to deter thieves and also help you catch thieves before they do.
Add deadlocks to your van's doors to make it more secure. They require the use of a key and are more difficult to control than standard locks. It is a good idea to get some that are able to be operated with a smartphone app, so you can check on your vehicle while you're away.
Many van alarms also include an engine immobilizer that disables the vehicle's motor in the event that you use the wrong key to start it. This is a great security measure, but it can not stop a thief who is determined to removing the entire engine. It is safer to use a low-power tracking device that will stop the engine from running and will notify you of the position of your vehicle once it is relocated.
Insurance
For a lot of businesses, their vans are vital resources and safeguarding their contents is a major priority. 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 account when calculating premiums.
The year, model, and make of your van will impact your insurance rates as will your driving record. The area where you reside and work will also impact your rates since higher crime rates could result in higher rates. Insurance providers will also consider the use of your vehicle, as commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure.
Contact your insurance company prior to making any major modifications to your van. This could impact the price of your policy. Additionally, adding additional features to your vehicle that aren't standard will increase your insurance. A Thatcham Category 2 certified dash camera is an easy method to deter thieves, as they will think twice before trying to break in.
Insurance is another essential part of life in a van. It protects the tools and equipment that you keep in your van in case they are stolen. You can obtain comprehensive physical damage protection, as well as roadside assistance plans that cover breakdowns and other emergencies when you're out on the road.
It's important to be aware that the most affordable insurance policy doesn't necessarily mean the best. Compare coverage limits as well as deductibles and other benefits to choose the best policy for your needs. In addition to full coverage, it's worth looking into gap insurance since this can pay the difference between your car's actual cash value and any remaining amount on your loan if it is totalled.