How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that is worth having, usually carrying expensive tools and equipment. It is important to make your van as secure as is possible. There are a variety of ways to do this.
Slamlocks lock doors right after you shut them. This is useful for couriers that do short drops, or who tend to forget to secure their van. Other upgrades include security stickers covering windows or tinting them and installing the tool vault with a lockable feature.
Security locks
With so many vans being utilized as a means of transport as well as a mobile storage unit, it is vital to secure their contents from theft. The right van security measures will deter criminals while protecting your possessions. This allows you to travel in peace.
The door locks of the van are the first line in defense. They secure the doors and block the entry of anyone who is not authorized. Locks that are standard are usually installed and offer a basic protection, but they can be easily smashed. Upgrading to more advanced security locks that are impervious to cutting, drilling, and picking is an investment in peace of mind.
When choosing a vanlock, you must consider the materials, the build quality and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This certification ensures that the lock is of high-quality which makes it harder to compromise or break. Other important considerations are the slamlock system that automatically locks doors for loading area upon closure and requires a key to open which is ideal for couriers who may not lock their vans between deliveries. The hook lock is a different option, which reinforces side and rear doors to prevent 'peel-and-steal' attacks.
Regularly cleaning and lubricating your van locks is essential to maintain functionality and ensure the strength of the mechanism. This stops corrosion and rust and ensures smooth operation. Regular inspections will allow you to spot indications of wear and damage, and then address them promptly. This can prevent security issues from arising.
In addition to enhancing the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the appropriate security equipment can save you money on insurance for your van. Many insurers offer favourable terms in exchange for robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective ways to stop thieves is by strengthening the locks of your van. By installing slam or high-strength locks the doors of your van will be more secure and difficult to break into. This is particularly important if your van is used to transport expensive equipment or cargo.
The slam lock is activated automatically as soon as the door is shut, meaning you don't need to press a key to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be tampered and is ideal for couriers and tradespeople who are in and out their vans all day. They may overlook locking it after every journey. It also helps in tackling the issue of opportunistic theft which is when thieves just unlock your vehicle's lock and take off with anything they can get their hands on that includes the tools you need for your job.
There are many different kinds of slam locks that come with extra security features, like anti-drill and anti-pick technologies or a steel plate that prevents drilling attacks. Some are suited for a specific application, such as multidrop drivers or those that transport a lot of high-value items.
Deadlocks are a great alternative for those who require more security than is offered by a slamlock. They function independently of the locking mechanism used by the manufacturer and can only be unlocked with a supplied key that is fully controlled by the driver. Alternatively, you could buy hook locks that works exactly the same way, but offers extra security through deadlocking hook bolts that engages into an opposing body section and is operated using the supplied key under total control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
If you want to make your car more secure and safe you should consider installing a dash camera. These cameras can be used to prevent collisions and accidents when driving. They can also prove your innocence in the case of an accident or traffic violation. These cameras function by converting light incoming into electrical signals and converting these signals into digital data. They can be powered by your car's battery or an lighter for 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 for those who want to save more video data. Some dashboard cameras offer cloud storage, which eliminates the requirement for memory card storage. These types of dashboard cams connect to the Wi-Fi or smartphone network and upload their data at various intervals.
Hard-wired or wireless cameras are also important to take into consideration. Hard-wired models are less susceptible to interference from cell networks or other sources. They are also more durable and some models are able to withstand weather.
Some vans have dual dash cameras which can record video from the front and back of the vehicle. This can be helpful when reversing into tight spaces or when parked. Some cameras come with night vision which can brighten the images in low light conditions and improve visibility. Many van owners have added this feature to their system. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored which is a huge benefit for van owners who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular with those who love to travel and explore, but it's not without risk. The people who live in vehicles are usually at risk of theft. Thieves could attack the vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are among the best ways to secure your van and its contents. These systems can be integrated with your keypad, meaning you'll receive alerts 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 should have a base station, keypad and entry sensors that guard against door peal. van security doors have a built in motion sensor that detects the presence of movement inside your vehicle and alert your phone. This can be a powerful deterrent for any potential thieves and can help you spot the criminal before they get to them.
Installing deadlocks on all of your doors is a great method to ensure your van is secure. These locks require keys and are more difficult to operate than conventional locks. A good option is to choose a lock equipped to operate with apps for smartphones, which means you can check on your van while away.
A lot of van alarms are fitted with an engine immobilizer, which disables the engine of your vehicle if a wrong key is used to start it. This is a great precaution to consider, but it will not stop a thief who is determined from removing the whole engine. It is best to employ a low-power tracking device that stops the engine from starting and will notify you of the location of your vehicle when it is removed.
Insurance
Vans are a crucial source for many businesses and protecting their contents is a top concern. Not only can a strong van security system give peace of mind, but it can also reduce cost of insurance since insurers take the security measures of van owners into consideration when calculating their premiums.
The year, model, and make of your van will impact your insurance premiums and 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 companies will also take into consideration the use of your vehicle since commercial vehicles are typically more expensive to cover.
Contact your insurance company prior to making any major changes to your van. This could impact the price of your policy. The cost of insurance will also increase by adding any extras that aren't included in the standard vehicle. A Thatcham Category 2 -approved dash camera is an effective way to deter vandals, because they'll think twice before trying to break in.
Another essential element of van life is insurance to cover the equipment and tools you keep in your vehicle in case they are stolen. You can get comprehensive physical damage protection and roadside assistance plans that protect you from breakdowns and other emergencies when you're driving.
It's important to remember that the insurance policy with the lowest cost isn't always the most effective. Compare the coverage limits as well as deductibles and other benefits to find the best policy for your needs. In addition to full coverage, it's important to consider gap insurance because this can pay the difference between your vehicle's actual cash value and any remaining balance on your loan, if it's totaled.