How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset, often carrying expensive tools and equipment. Making your van secure is an absolute priority and there are numerous methods you can employ to deter thieves and ensure your tools are safe.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as they are closed. This is a great feature for couriers who have frequent drops or are prone forgetting to secure their van. Other options include a security stickers covering or tinting the windows and fitting a vault lockable to tools.
Security locks
It is crucial to secure the contents of vans since they are used as a vehicle for transportation as well as mobile storage. The proper van security measures will deter criminals and protect your belongings. This will allow you to travel with confidence.
The door locks of the van are the first line of defense. They secure the doors and ward off the entry of anyone who is not authorized. Standard locks, often pre-installed by the manufacturer, offer a basic level of protection but are easily manipulated by determined thieves. Upgrade to more secure locks that can withstand cutting, drilling, or picking. This is a good investment for peace of mind.
When you are choosing a vanlock you must consider the material, build quality and if it is certified by Thatcham. This guarantees that the lock is of top quality and more difficult to alter. The slamlock is a further aspect to consider. It automatically locks the doors of the loading area when it closes and requires a specific 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 doors on the rear and side to guard against 'peel and steal' attacks.
It is essential to clean and lubricate your van locks to keep their functionality intact and the strength of the mechanism. This will prevent rust and corrosion, and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections help you spot any signs of wear or damage and fix them promptly, to prevent security vulnerabilities from arising.
Installing a security system that is appropriate will save you money on insurance for your van. Many insurance companies are aware of robust security solutions, offering favourable terms and additional coverage options.
Slamlocks
Strengthening your van's lock is one of the best methods to ward off robbers. Installing slam or high-strength locks will make the door of your van more secure and difficult to break into. This is particularly important if the vehicle is used to transport expensive equipment or cargo.
The slam lock is activated automatically as soon as your door is closed and you don't have to press a button to trigger the mechanism. It's less likely to be damaged which makes it ideal for couriers and tradespeople that are in and out of their vans all day. They may not remember to lock it after each trip. It also helps in battling criminals who can simply open the door of your vehicle and take whatever they can, which includes the tools you require to do your job.
There are many different types of slam locks, with some offering extra security features, like anti-drill technology and anti-pick technology, or steel plates that block drilling attacks. Certain models are specifically designed for uses, like the ones used by multidrop drivers and for those who transport a lot of valuable goods.
Deadlocks are a great option for those who need more security than is offered by a slamlock. They function independently of the manufacturer's original locking mechanism and can only be opened with a supplied key under full control of the driver. You can also buy hooklocks, which function in the same manner but adds additional security by using a deadlocking bolt that engages in a different section of the body and is operated with the supplied key.
Dashboard cameras
If you want to make your vehicle more secure and secure, consider adding a dash camera. These cameras can be used to avoid accidents and collisions when driving. They can also prove your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic infraction. They work by converting the incoming light into electrical signals, and they then convert those signals into digital data. They can be powered via the battery of your vehicle or a cigarette-lighter.
Many dashboard cameras on the market have SD cards or flash drive for recording. These devices typically overwrite old footage to make room for new videos, but they can be upgraded using high-capacity memory cards in case you wish to save more video data. Certain dashboard cameras come with 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.
Cameras that are hard-wired or wireless are also worth considering. Hardwired models are less prone to interference from cellular 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 useful when reversing into tight spaces or while parking. Some cameras have night vision that can make images appear brighter in low-light conditions and improve visibility for drivers. Many van owners choose to include this feature in their systems. Certain dashboard cameras are able to be remotely monitored. This can be an excellent benefit for van owners who spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming more popular among those who enjoy traveling and exploring however, it has its own risks. People who live in their cars are often at the mercy of thieves who could target their vehicle and its contents. There are a number of ways to secure your van and its cargo, but one of the best is an alarm system. These systems can be connected to your keypad, so that you will receive alerts in the event of a burglary. These systems can also reduce the cost of insurance. This can save you thousands of dollars over the course 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 detects movement inside your van and notify your phone. This can be a powerful deterrent for anyone who might be a target and can help you spot the criminal before they do.
Add deadlocks to your van's doors to ensure it's secure. These locks require a key for operation and are more difficult to break than regular locks. It is a good idea to purchase a lock that is capable of being operated using a smartphone app, so you can check on your van while away.
A lot of van alarms include an engine immobilizer that disables the motor of your vehicle if you use the wrong key to start it. This is a good security measure, but it can not stop a determined criminal from taking the entire engine. An alternative is to use a low-power tracker which will stop the engine from running and will notify you of the exact location of your vehicle whenever it is relocated.
Insurance
Vans are a vital resource for many businesses and protecting their contents is of paramount importance. A van security system can give peace of mind and reduce insurance costs. Insurance companies take into consideration the security measures taken by van owners when calculating their premiums.
Your driving history, as well as the make, model and year of your vehicle will also affect your insurance rates. The area in which you live and work will also affect your rates, because higher crime rates could result in higher rates. Insurance companies will also take the use of your vehicle into consideration since commercial vehicles are generally more expensive 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. Additionally, adding extras to your vehicle that aren't included in the standard will increase your insurance. For instance an Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a simple way to discourage thieves, because it can make them think twice before attempting to break into your vehicle.
Insurance is another important aspect of van life. It protects the tools and equipment you keep in your van in the event that they are stolen. You can obtain complete physical damage protection and roadside assistance plans that take care of breakdowns and other emergencies when you're out on the road.
It's important to be aware that the cheapest insurance policy isn't always the best. Compare the coverage limits as well as deductibles and other benefits to determine the most suitable policy for your requirements. In addition to complete coverage, it's worth considering gap insurance as this can pay the difference between your vehicle's actual cash value and any remaining balance on your loan if it is totalled.