How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that can carry expensive tools and equipment. Making your van secure should be a top priority and there are a variety of strategies you can use to deter thieves and protect your tools.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as they are closed and are useful for couriers who do short drops or are prone to not locking the van. Other upgrades include security stickers, covering or tinting the windows and fitting a lockable tools vault.
Security locks
With the increasing number of vans used as both a mode of transportation as well as storage units that can be moved around it is essential to protect their contents against theft. The proper security measures for your van will deter criminals while protecting your possessions. This allows you to travel with confidence.
The van's door locks are the first line of defence. They protect the doors and block the entry of anyone who is not authorized. Locks that are standard, usually installed by the manufacturer, offer a basic level of protection but can be easily bypassed by determined thieves. Upgrade to security locks that resist cutting or drilling. This is a good investment to ensure your security.
When you are choosing a vanlock you should consider the quality of the material, its construction and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This designation ensures the lock is of top quality which makes it harder to break or compromise. The slamlock is another important factor to take into. It automatically locks the doors of the loading area when it closes and requires a specific key to unlock. This is ideal for couriers that may not lock their vans between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock, that provides reinforcement to side and rear doors and helps prevent 'peel and steal attacks.
It is essential to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks to ensure their function and the integrity of the mechanism. This will stop corrosion and rust and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to spot signs of wear and damage, and address them immediately. This will stop security weaknesses from forming.
Installing a security system that is appropriate will save you money on insurance for your van. Many insurance companies offer favorable terms in exchange for robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
The strengthening of your van's lock is one of the best methods to deter thieves. By installing high-strength or slam locks, your van's doors will be more secure and difficult to break into. This is especially important if your vehicle is used to transport expensive cargo or tools.
A slam lock works automatically when your door is shut and you don't have to press a key to trigger the mechanism. It's less likely to be tampered, which makes it perfect for courier drivers and tradespeople that work out of their vans throughout the day. They may not remember to lock it after every journey. It also helps in tackling the problem of opportunistic theft that occurs when thieves open your vehicle's existing lock and take off with anything they can grab - which often includes the tools you require for your job.
There are a variety of slamlocks available. Some offer extra security features, such as anti drill and anti pick technology, or a steelplate that blocks drilling. Some are designed for specific applications, such as those used by multidrop drivers or those who transport lots of valuable items.
Deadlocks are a great alternative for those who require more protection than what is offered by a slamlock. They function independently of the manufacturer's original locking mechanism and can only be opened by a key supplied that is fully controlled by the driver. You can also buy hooklocks that function similarly, but offers additional security through a deadlocking bolt that engages in the opposite part of the body and is controlled by the key supplied.
Dashboard cameras
If you want to make your van more secure and safe you should consider installing a dash camera. These cameras can assist you in avoiding collisions and accidents while driving, and they are also useful in showing your innocence in the event of a traffic offense. They work by converting light incoming into electrical signals and then changing the signals into digital information. They can be powered by the battery of your car or by the cigarette lighter.
Many dashboard cameras available on the market have SD cards or flash drives for recording. These devices typically overwrite old footage to make room for new recordings, however they can be upgraded with memory cards that have high capacity in case you wish to save more video information. Certain dashboard cameras come with cloud storage, removing the requirement for memory card storage. These dashboard cams are connected to a smartphone, Wi-Fi network, or both and upload data at various intervals.
Another feature to consider is whether the camera is wired or wireless. 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 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 parking. Some cameras come with night vision, which can enhance images in low light conditions and enhance visibility for the driver. Many van owners opt to add this feature to their systems. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored and this is an enormous benefit for van owners who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is getting increasingly popular among those who enjoy exploring and traveling However, it comes with its own risks. van security systems who live in their vehicles are often at the mercy of thieves who might attack their vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are one of the best ways to protect your vehicle and its contents. These systems can be connected to your keypad so that you will be alerted in the event of a burglary. These systems can also reduce the cost of insurance. This can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your vehicle.
A good alarm system should have the base station, a keypads and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Some alarm systems have a built-in motion sensor that detects movement inside your vehicle. The alarm will send an alert to your phone. This is a great deterrent to anyone who is a potential thief, and it can even help you spot the criminal before they strike.
Adding deadlocks to all of your doors is a great option to keep your van secure. These are locks that require a key for operation and are much more difficult to break than regular locks. There are locks that you can operate via a smartphone application. This allows you to check on your vehicle while you're away.
Many van alarms also come with an engine immobilizer that disables the vehicle's motor in the event that you use the wrong key to start it. This is a sensible precaution, but it will not stop a determined thief taking the entire engine. It is better to utilize a low-power tracker that will stop the engine from starting and will notify you of the exact location of your vehicle if it is removed.
Insurance
Vans are a vital resource for many businesses and protecting their contents is of paramount importance. Not only will a well-constructed van security system provide peace of mind, it can also reduce cost of insurance since insurance companies take the security measures of van owners into consideration when calculating their premiums.
Your driving record, along with the make, model, and year of your van will also impact your insurance rates. Your rates are also affected by the area where you reside and work because higher crime rates can cause an increase in premiums. Insurance companies will also take the use of your vehicle into consideration since commercial vehicles generally cost more to insure than personal ones.
If you're thinking of making major changes to your van it is important to speak with your insurance provider prior to making any changes because this could have an impact on the policy price. Additionally, adding extras to your vehicle that aren't standard will increase the price of your insurance. A Thatcham Category 2 -approved dash camera is a simple way to deter vandals, since they'll think twice before trying to gain entry into.
Insurance is another important aspect of van life. It covers the tools and equipment you keep in your van in the event that they're stolen. You can purchase complete physical damage insurance and roadside service plans that cover breakdowns and other emergencies.
It's important to remember that the insurance policy with the lowest cost isn't always the most effective. Compare coverage limits as well as deductibles and other benefits to determine the most suitable policy for your requirements. In addition to full coverage, it's important to consider gap insurance because it can cover the difference between your car's actual cash value and the remaining balance on your loan if it's totaled.