How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset, often carrying expensive tools and equipment. It is important to ensure that your van is as secure as is possible. There are a myriad of ways to do this.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as they are closed they can be very useful for couriers who do frequent short trips or are prone to not locking their vans. Other options include a security stickers covering or tinting windows, and installing a lockable tools vault.
Security locks
It is important to protect the contents of vans, because they serve as a means of transportation as well as mobile storage. The right van security measures can deter criminals as well as protect your items, allowing you travel with confidence.
The van's door locks are the first line in defense. They secure the doors and block the entry of anyone who is not authorized. Standard locks are often pre-installed and provide basic security however, they are easily bypassed. Upgrade to more secure locks that are immune to drilling, cutting, and picking is an investment in peace of mind.
When you are choosing a vanlock you should consider the quality of the material, its construction and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This means that the lock is high-quality and more difficult to alter. Other important aspects to consider are the slamlock lock system, which automatically locks load area doors upon closure and requires the use of a key to open them and close them. This is great for couriers who might forget to lock their van between deliveries. The hook lock is another option that strengthens the front and side doors to stop 'peel-and-steal' attack.
It is important to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks to keep their functionality intact and the integrity of the mechanism. This will stop rust and corrosion, and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections will allow you to spot the signs of wear and damage, and then address them promptly. This can prevent security issues from arising.
Alongside improving the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the right security system will help you save 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 your van's locks. Installing high-strength locks or slam locks will make the van's door more secure and harder to break into. This is especially important if your vehicle is used to transport expensive tools or equipment.
The slam lock is activated automatically when your door is shut, meaning you don't need to press a key to activate the mechanism. This means it's less likely to be stolen, making it ideal for courier drivers or tradespeople who are in and out of their van all day long and might forget to lock up after each journey. It also helps to combat opportunistic thieves who simply open the door of your vehicle and take whatever they can, including the tools you need to do your job.
There are a number of different types of slam locks available and some of them come with additional security features, like anti-drill technology and anti-pick technology, or a steel plate that prevents drilling attacks. Certain models are specifically designed for uses, like those used by multidrop drivers or those who transport lots of valuable items.
Deadlocks are a good alternative for those who require more security than is offered by a slamlock. They function independently of the original locking mechanism of the manufacturer and can only be unlocked by a key supplied under full control of the driver. You can also buy a hooklock, which works in the same manner but offers additional security through deadlocking bolts that lock in a different section of the body and is controlled by the supplied key.
Dashboard cameras
If you're looking to make your van more secure and secure, consider adding a dash camera. These cameras can help you avoid accidents and collisions when driving, and can also help in showing your innocence in the event of a traffic violation. These cameras work by converting light signals into electrical signals and converting those signals into digital information. These can be powered either via the battery of your vehicle or by an cigarette-lighter.
Many dashboard cameras available on the market come with SD cards or flash drive for recording. These devices typically erase old footage to create space for new videos, but they can be upgraded using memory cards with high capacity if you want to save more video data. Some dashboard cameras have cloud storage, which eliminates the requirement for memory card storage. These types of dashboard cameras connect to a smartphone or Wi-Fi network and upload their data at different intervals.
Another aspect to take into consideration is whether the camera is wired or wireless. Hardwired cameras are less prone to interferences from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable and some can withstand the elements.
Some vans have dual dash cams. They can capture footage from both the rear and front of the vehicle. This can be helpful when you have to reverse into tight spaces or while parking. Some cameras come with night vision that can enhance images in low light conditions and improve visibility for drivers. Many van owners opt to add this feature to their systems. Some dashboard cams can be remotely monitored, which is an immense benefit for van dwellers who are often away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular among those who love to travel and explore, but it's not without its risks. People who live in their vehicles are often at risk of thieves who may attack their vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are among the best ways to protect your vehicle and its contents. These systems can be connected to your keypad so that you will be alerted in the event of a break-in. They also help reduce insurance premiums, which could save you money over the life of your van.
A good alarm system will have the base station, a keypads, and entry sensors that protect against door peal. Some even have a built in motion sensor that will detect movement inside your van and notify your mobile. This is a great deterrent to anyone who is a potential thief and can help you spot the criminal before they get to them.
The addition of deadlocks to all your doors is another great way to keep your van secure . These are locks that require a key for operation and are more difficult to break than regular locks. There are locks that can be operated using a smartphone app. This allows you to check on your van while you are away.
A lot of van alarms include an engine immobilizer that shuts off the vehicle's motor in the event that you use the wrong key to start it. This is a great precaution, but it will not stop a determined thief removing the entire engine. An alternative is to have a low-power tracker which stops the engine from starting and will notify you of the location of your vehicle when it is being moved.
Insurance
Vans are a crucial source for many businesses, and securing their contents is of paramount importance. A van security system will give peace of mind as well as reduce insurance costs. Insurance companies take into consideration the security measures taken by van owners when calculating 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 rates. Insurance companies will also take your van's use into consideration since commercial vehicles generally cost more to insure than personal ones.
Contact your insurance company prior to making any major modifications to your van. This could affect the price of your policy. The cost of your insurance may also increase if you add any extras that aren't part of the standard vehicle. For instance, a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a simple way to discourage thieves, as it will make them think twice about trying to gain entry into your vehicle.
Insurance is a crucial aspect of the van's life. It protects the tools and other equipment that you store inside your van in the event they're stolen. You can purchase complete physical damage protection and roadside assistance plans to cover breakdowns and other emergencies while you're out on the road.
When comparing insurance policies it's important to remember that the cheapest policy isn't always the best. Compare the coverage limits along with deductibles, coverage limits and other benefits to determine the most suitable policy that meets your needs. In addition to complete coverage, it's worth considering gap insurance as it can cover the difference between your car's actual cash value and any remaining balance on your loan, if it's repaid in total.