How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset worth having, typically carrying expensive equipment and tools. It is essential to make your van as secure as possible. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this.
Slamlocks lock doors right after you close them. This is beneficial for couriers that do frequent drops or tend to forget to lock their van. Other improvements include a security sticker covering or tinting windows, and installing an instrument vault that is lockable.
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 allows you to travel with confidence.
The door locks of the van are the first line of defense. They secure 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 few determined thieves. Upgrade to security locks that are resistant to cutting or drilling. This is an investment for peace of mind.
When choosing a vanlock, you should take into consideration the quality of the material, its construction and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This designation ensures the lock is of top quality and is more difficult to break or compromise. Other important aspects to consider are the slamlock lock system, which automatically locks the doors to the load area upon closure and requires a key to open and close them. This is great for couriers who might forget to lock their van between deliveries. The hook lock is another option that can be used to secure the doors on the rear and side to stop 'peel-and-steal' attack.
It is crucial to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks to keep their functionality intact and the integrity of the mechanism. This helps prevent corrosion and rust and promotes smooth operation. Regular inspections will allow you to identify signs of wear and tear, and address them immediately. This will prevent security vulnerabilities from developing.
Installing the best security system can help you save money on insurance for your van. Many insurers offer favourable conditions in exchange for high-quality security solutions.
Slamlocks
Strengthening your van's lock is one of the best ways to deter robbers. Installing high-strength locks or slam locks will make the van's door more secure and harder to break into. This is particularly important if you intend to use your van to transport expensive equipment or other valuable cargo.
The slam lock is activated automatically when the door is shut which means you don't have to press a button to trigger the mechanism. It's less likely to be damaged and is ideal for courier drivers and tradespeople that are in and out their vans all day. They may not remember to lock it after each trip. It also helps to combat opportunistic thieves who simply open the vehicle's lock 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, such as anti-drill and anti-pick technologies or steel plates that block drilling attacks. Other locks are suitable for a specific application, such as multidrop drivers or those who carry a significant amount of valuable goods.
For those who want more security than a slam lock can offer, there are options like deadlocks. They operate in a different manner from the original locking mechanism of the manufacturer and can only be removed with a key that is supplied under full control of the driver. Alternatively, you could buy a hook lock that works similarly, but provides additional security through a deadlocking hook bolt which engages into an opposing body part and operates with the supplied key under complete control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
Include a dash camera into your vehicle if you wish for it to be more secure and secure. These cameras can be used to prevent accidents and collisions when driving. They can also show your innocence in the case of an accident or traffic infraction. They convert incoming light into electrical signals, and they then transform those signals into digital data. They can be powered by your vehicle's battery, or an lighter for your cigarette.
A majority of the dashboard cameras available on the market have SD cards or flash drives for saving recordings. These devices typically overwrite old footage to make room for new videos, but they can be upgraded with memory cards that have high capacity for those who want to save more video data. Some dashboard cameras also come with cloud storage capabilities that eliminate the requirement for memory cards. These types of dashboard cameras connect to the Wi-Fi or smartphone network and upload their data at various intervals.
Wireless or hard-wired cameras are also important to consider. Hard-wired cameras are less susceptible to interferences from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some models are able to withstand weather.
Some vans come with dual dash cams that can record footage from both the front and rear of the vehicle. This is useful when reversing in tight spaces, or while in a parking spot. Certain cameras have night vision, which can enhance the images in low-light conditions and increase visibility. Many van owners have added this feature to their system. Certain dashboard cameras are able to be remotely monitored. This can be a great benefit for van owners who spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular with those who love to travel and explore - but it's not without its risks. People who live in their cars are often at the mercy of thieves who might target their vehicle and its contents. There are a variety of ways to secure your van and its contents, but one of the most effective is an alarm system. These systems can be integrated with your keypad, meaning you'll be notified if someone gets into your vehicle. They can also be helpful in reducing insurance costs, which could save you money over the life of your van.
A good alarm system will have a base station, keypads and entry sensors that protect against door peal. Some even come with a built-in motion sensor that can detect here any movement in your vehicle and notify your mobile. This is a great way to deter anyone who might be a target and can help you spot the criminal before they get to them.
Install deadlocks on your van's doors to ensure it's secure. They require a key and are harder to operate than regular locks. There are locks that can be operated using a smartphone app. This will allow you to monitor your van while you are 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 good precaution, but it will not stop a thief who is determined to taking the entire engine. A better measure is to use a low-power tracker that will stop the engine from running, and will send you the exact location of your vehicle whenever it is moved.
Insurance
For a lot of businesses vans are essential resources, and protecting their contents is a major priority. A van security system can provide peace of mind as well as reduce insurance costs. Insurance companies consider the security measures employed by van owners when calculating their premiums.
The year, make, and model of your vehicle will affect your insurance premiums, as will your driving record. The location in which you live and work will also impact your rates since higher crime rates could cause higher rates. Insurance providers will also take the use of your vehicle into account as commercial vehicles generally cost more to insure than personal vehicles.
If you're planning to make any major changes to your van it is important to speak with your insurer beforehand since it could have an impact on the policy price. Additionally, adding extras to your vehicle that aren't standard can increase the cost of your insurance. For instance, a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a great way to deter thieves, since it makes them think twice before attempting to gain entry into your vehicle.
Another crucial aspect of van life is insurance that covers the tools and equipment you keep in your vehicle, in case they are stolen. You can buy comprehensive physical damage insurance as well as roadside service plans that cover breakdowns as well as other emergencies.
It's important to keep in mind 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 determine the best policy for your needs. It's worth considering gap insurance in addition to comprehensive insurance. It will pay the difference between the cash value of your van and the outstanding amount on your loan in the event that your vehicle is destroyed.