How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset worth having, typically carrying expensive equipment and tools. Security for your van should be a top priority and there are numerous strategies you can use to stop thieves from entering your van and ensure your tools are safe.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as you close them. This is useful for couriers that do short drops, or who tend to forget to lock their van. Other upgrades include security stickers, covering or tinting the windows and fitting an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
With so many vans being utilized as a means of transportation and a mobile storage unit it is essential to safeguard their contents from theft. The right van security measures can deter criminals as well as protect your belongings, allowing you to embark on your journeys with confidence.
The door locks of the van are the first line in defense. They protect the doors and block unauthorised entry. Standard locks, which are usually installed by the manufacturer, provide an adequate level of security however they are easily manipulated by determined thieves. Upgrade to more secure locks that are impervious to cutting, drilling, and picking is an investment in security.
The factors to consider when selecting van locks include the material and build quality and whether it's certified by Thatcham. This designation ensures the lock is of top quality which makes it harder to break or compromise. The slamlock is a further consideration. It automatically locks the doors of the loading area when it is closed and requires a key to unlock. This is a great option for couriers who forget to lock up their vans in between deliveries. The hook lock is a different option that strengthens the side and rear doors to stop 'peel-and-steal' attack.
It is important to clean and lubricate your van locks in order to keep their functionality intact and the strength of the mechanism. This will help prevent corrosion and rust, and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections will allow you to identify indications of wear and tear, and then address them promptly. This will stop security issues from arising.
Alongside improving the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the appropriate security equipment can save you money on your van insurance. 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 on your van. By installing high-strength or slam locks the doors of your van will be more secure and less difficult to break into. This is especially crucial if your van is used to transport expensive cargo or tools.
A slam lock works automatically as soon as your door is closed which means you don't have to press a key to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be tampered which makes it ideal for couriers and tradespeople that work out of their vans throughout the day. They might overlook locking it at the end of each trip. It also assists in fighting the petty thieves who just open the door of your vehicle and take whatever they can get, which includes the tools that you need to do your job.
There are a number of different types of slam locks 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 applications, such as those used by multidrop drivers and those who transport a lot of valuable items.
Deadlocks are a good option for those who need more security than a slamlock can provide. These locks function independently from the locking mechanism from the manufacturer and are be unlocked only by the driver by using the supplied key. Alternately, you can invest in a hook lock that operates exactly the same way, however, it provides extra security through a deadlocking hook bolt which engages into an opposing body part and operates with the key supplied under complete control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
Install a dash camera in your vehicle if you wish for it to be more secure and safe. These cameras can be used to prevent accidents and collisions when driving. They can also prove your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic violation. These cameras work by converting light that is incoming into electrical signals and convert the signals into digital information. These can be powered either by the battery in your vehicle or by the cigarette lighter.
Many dashboard cameras available on the market have SD cards or flash drives for recording. These devices erase old footage in order to make room for new recordings. However they can be upgraded to accept larger memory cards if more video data is needed. Some dashboard cameras also come with cloud storage capabilities, which eliminate the necessity for memory cards. These types of dashboard cameras connect to either a Wi-Fi or smartphone and upload their data at various intervals.
Another thing to consider is whether the camera is wireless or hard wired. Hardwired cameras are less prone to interferences from cell networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some can withstand the elements.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cams, which can record footage from both the rear and front of the vehicle. This can be helpful when you have to reverse into tight spaces or when in a parking space. Certain cameras come with night vision, which is able to brighten images in low-light conditions and increase visibility for drivers. Many van owners opt to include this feature in their systems. Some dashboard cams can be remotely monitored, and this is an immense benefit for van dwellers who are often away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life has become increasingly popular for those who like to travel and explore, but it's without risks. People who live in their vehicles are frequently at risk of thieves who could target their vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are one of the best ways to secure your van and its contents. These systems can be connected to your keypad, so that you will be alerted in the event of a burglary. They also help reduce insurance premiums, which can save you money over the lifetime of your vehicle.
A good alarm system comes with an alarm base, keypad and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Some even have a built-in motion sensor that can detect click here any movement in your vehicle and alert your phone. This can be a powerful deterrent for anyone who might be a target, and it can even aid in identifying the criminal before they get to them.
Adding deadlocks to all of your doors is an excellent method to ensure your van is secure. They require keys and are more difficult to control than regular locks. A good option is to purchase a lock that is equipped to operate with apps for smartphones, which means you can check on your vehicle while you're away.
A lot of van alarms are equipped with an engine immobilizer, which disables the engine of your vehicle in the event that the wrong key is used to start it. This is a good measure to do, but it's not enough to stop a thief who is determined from taking away the entire engine. An alternative is to use an engine tracker with low power that prevents the engine from starting and will notify you of the exact location of your vehicle whenever it is being relocated.
Insurance
Vans are a crucial source for many businesses and protecting their contents is a top priority. A van security system can provide 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 vehicle will affect your insurance premiums as will your driving record. Your rates could also be affected by the region in which you reside and work, since higher crime rates could cause an increase in rates. Insurance companies may also take into account the use of your van since commercial vehicles are typically more expensive to cover.
Consult your insurer before making any major van mods. This could impact the price of your policy. Likewise, adding on any extras to your vehicle that aren't standard will increase the price of your insurance. A Thatcham Category 2 -approved dash camera is an easy method to deter thieves, as they will be more cautious when trying to break into.
Insurance is another important aspect of van life. It protects the tools and other equipment you keep in your van in the event that they're stolen. You can get complete physical damage protection as well as roadside assistance plans to take care of breakdowns and other emergencies when you're driving.
When comparing insurance policies it's worth bearing in mind that the cheapest policy isn't necessarily the best. Compare the limits of coverage, 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 vehicle's actual cash value and the remaining amount on your loan if it's totaled.