How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that is worth having, usually carrying expensive equipment and tools. Security for your van is a top priority and there are a variety of ways to deter thieves and keep your tools safe.
Slamlocks lock doors right after you close them. This is useful for couriers who have short drop-offs, or are prone forgetting to secure their van. Other options include security stickers covering windows, tinting or covering them and installing a lockable tool vault.
Security locks
It is crucial to secure the contents of vans as they are used both as a means of transportation as well as mobile storage. The proper 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 of defence. They protect the doors and block unauthorized entry. Locks that are standard, usually installed by the manufacturer, offer the most basic protection but can be easily bypassed by a determined thief. Upgrading to more advanced security locks that are immune to cutting, drilling, and picking is a good investment in security.
When choosing the right van lock include material and the build quality and whether it's approved by Thatcham. This certification ensures that the lock is of high-quality, making it more difficult to compromise or break. The slamlock is a further factor to take into. It locks automatically the doors of the loading area when it is closed and requires a key to unlock. This is a great option for couriers that may not lock their vans in between deliveries. Another alternative is the hook lock, that provides reinforcement to front and side doors and helps prevent 'peel and steal attacks.
It is crucial 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 ensures smooth operation. Regular inspections let you identify any signs of wear or damage and address these issues promptly, thus making sure that security vulnerabilities are not uncovered.
Installing the best security system can save you money on insurance for your van. Many insurance companies are aware of robust security solutions, offering favourable terms and additional coverage options in return.
Slamlocks
A stronger lock for your van is among the best ways to deter robbers. Installing slam or high-strength locks will make the door of your van more secure and harder to break into. This is especially important if you use your van to transport expensive tools or other valuable cargo.
The slamlock is activated automatically when your door is closed. It doesn't require you to press any keys to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be tampered, which makes it perfect for courier drivers and tradespeople that are in and out of their vans all day. They might overlook locking it after every journey. It also helps combat the issue of opportunistic theft that occurs when thieves open the lock on your vehicle and take off with anything they are able to grab - which often includes the tools needed to complete your job.
There are a variety of slamlocks available. Some come with additional security features such as anti drill and anti pick technology or a steelplate that blocks drilling. Some are designed for specific applications, like those used by multidrop drivers or those who transport a lot of valuable items.
If you're looking for more security than a lock that slams can provide alternatives like deadlocks. They function independently of the original locking mechanism of the manufacturer and can only be removed with a key that is supplied under full control of the driver. You can also buy hooklocks, which function similarly, but adds additional security by using a deadlocking bolt that engages in a different section of the body and is operated by the supplied key.
Dashboard cameras
If you want to make your car more secure and secure, consider adding a dash cam. These cameras can assist you in avoiding accidents and collisions while driving, and they are also useful in showing your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic offense. They work by converting light signals into electrical signals and converting these signals into digital data. They can be powered by the battery in your car or by an cigarette-lighter.
Many dashboard cameras available on the market include SD cards or flash drive to record. These devices usually overwrite old footage to make room for new videos, but they can be upgraded with memory cards with high capacity in case you wish to store more video data. Certain dashboard cameras come with cloud storage, which eliminates the requirement for memory card storage. These dashboard cams are connected to a smartphone, a Wi-Fi network, or both and upload data at various intervals.
Another thing to be considered is whether the camera is wired or wireless. Hardwired models are less vulnerable to interference from cell networks or other sources. They are also more durable and some are able to stand up to the elements.
Some vans come with dual dash cameras that can record video from the front and back of the vehicle. van door security can be useful when reversing into tight spaces or when in a parking space. Certain cameras have night vision, which can enhance the images in low-light conditions and increase visibility. Many van owners include this feature to the system. Certain dashboard cameras are able to be remotely monitored. This is a great benefit for van dwellers that spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular with those who like to travel and explore, but it's without risk. The people who reside in vehicles are frequently at risk of being robbed. Thieves could take aim at the vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are one of the best ways to safeguard your van and its contents. These alarm systems can be linked to your keypad so that you will be alerted in the event of a burglary. These systems can also help reduce insurance premiums. This can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your van.
A good alarm system includes a base, keypad, and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Some alarms even have a built-in motion sensor that will detect the presence of movement inside your vehicle and send an alert to your mobile. This is a great deterrent to anyone who is a potential thief and can assist you in identifying a criminal before they do.
Install deadlocks on your van's doors to ensure it's secure. They require a key to operate and are more difficult to alter than standard locks. It is a good idea to choose a lock able to be operated with an app for smartphones, so you can check the status of your van when you're away.
A lot of van alarms include an engine immobilizer that shuts off the motor of your vehicle if you use the wrong key to start it. This is a great precaution, but it will not stop a determined criminal from taking the entire engine. Better to use a low-power tracker that stops the engine from starting and will notify you of the exact location of your vehicle whenever it's being moved.
Insurance
For many businesses, their vans are vital assets and securing their contents is a major priority. Not only can a strong van security system give peace of mind, it can also reduce insurance costs since insurance companies take the security measures of van owners into consideration when calculating their premiums.
The year, make, and model of your van will affect your insurance premiums and your driving record. The location in which you reside and work will also affect your rates, because higher crime rates could result in higher rates. Insurance companies may also take into account the possibility of using your van because commercial vehicles are usually more expensive to insure.
Check with your insurance provider prior to making any major changes to your van. This could affect the cost of your insurance. Also, adding any extras to your vehicle that aren't standard can increase the cost of your premium. A Thatcham Category 2 -approved dash camera is an effective way to deter thieves since they'll think twice before trying to gain entry into.
Another essential element of van life is insurance to cover the tools and equipment that you keep in your vehicle, in the event of theft. You can buy comprehensive physical damage coverage and roadside service plans that cover breakdowns as well as other emergencies.
It's important to remember that the most affordable insurance policy isn't always the most effective. Compare coverage limits as well as deductibles and other advantages to find the most appropriate policy that meets your requirements. In addition to full coverage, it's worth considering gap insurance as this can pay the difference between your van's actual cash value and the remaining balance on your loan if it's repaid in total.