How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that can transport expensive equipment and tools. Making your van secure is a top priority and there are numerous strategies you can use to deter thieves and ensure your tools are safe.
Slamlocks secure doors when you close them they can be very useful for couriers that make frequent short trips or are prone to not locking the van. Other options include security stickers covering windows, tinting or covering them and fitting an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
With so many vans being utilized as a means of transportation and storage space mobile it is crucial to secure their contents from theft. The proper van security measures can deter criminals and safeguard your items, allowing you embark on your journeys with confidence.
The door locks of the van are the first line of defence. They protect the doors and ward off the entry of anyone who is not authorized. Locks that are standard, usually installed by the manufacturer, provide the most basic protection however they are easily manipulated by a determined thief. Upgrading to more advanced security locks that are resistant to cutting, drilling, and picking is a good investment in peace of mind.
When choosing a vanlock, you should consider the materials, the build quality and if it is certified by Thatcham. This designation ensures the lock is of high-quality and is more difficult to compromise or break. Other important aspects to consider are the slamlock lock system, which automatically locks load area doors after closure and requires a key to open which is ideal for couriers who may not lock their vans between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock, which adds reinforcement to doors on the rear and side and helps prevent 'peel and steal attacks.
Regular cleaning and lubrication of your van locks is also crucial to keep them functioning and ensure the reliability of the mechanism. This will prevent rust and corrosion and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections will allow you to detect indications of wear and tear, and address them immediately. This will stop security vulnerabilities from developing.
Installing a security system that is appropriate can help you save money on insurance for your van. Many insurance companies are aware of strong security solutions with attractive terms and additional coverage options.
Slamlocks
A stronger lock for your van is among the best methods to deter thieves. By installing slam or high-strength locks the doors of your van will be more secure and less difficult to break into. This is especially important if the vehicle is used for transporting expensive tools or equipment.
The slamlock activates automatically when your door is closed. It doesn't require you to press any keys to activate the mechanism. This means it's less likely to be compromised, making it ideal for courier drivers or tradespeople who are in and out of their van all day long and forget to lock up after each trip. It also assists in fighting the petty thieves who just open the door of your vehicle and take what they can get, which includes the tools you require to do your job.
There are many different types of slamlocks to choose from. Some offer extra security features such as anti drill and anti pick technology or a steelplate that stops drilling. Some are designed for specific applications, such as those used by multidrop drivers and for those who transport lots of valuable items.
Deadlocks are an alternative for those who require more protection than what is offered by a slamlock. They operate in a different manner from the locking mechanism used by the manufacturer and can only be opened by a key supplied under full control of the driver. You can also invest in hook locks that operates similarly, however, it provides extra security through a deadlocking hook bolt that connects to an opposing body section and operates with the key that comes with it under the total control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
Add a dash camera to your van if you want it to be more secure and safe. These cameras can aid you in avoiding collisions and accidents while driving, and they can also help in proving your innocence in case of an accident or traffic offense. They work by converting incoming light into electrical signals, and then transform those signals into digital data. They can be powered by your car's battery, or the lighter in your cigarette.
A lot of dashboard cameras on the market include SD cards or flash drives for recording. These devices typically overwrite old footage to create space for new recordings, however they can be upgraded using high-capacity memory cards for those who want to save more video information. Some dashboard cams also have cloud storage capabilities that can eliminate the necessity for memory cards. These kinds of dashboard cameras connect to the Wi-Fi or smartphone network and upload their data at different intervals.
Wireless or hard-wired cameras are also worth considering. Hard-wired cameras are less susceptible to interference from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable and some models can endure the elements.
Some vans have dual dash cameras that can record video from both the front and back of the vehicle. This can be helpful when you have to reverse into tight spaces or while parked. Certain cameras have night vision which can brighten the images in low light conditions and increase visibility. Many van owners add this feature to their system. Certain dashboard cameras are able to be remotely monitored. This is a great 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 dangers. People who live in vehicles are often at risk of theft. Thieves can attack the vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are one of the best ways to safeguard your van and its contents. Alarm systems can be linked with your keypad, which means you'll receive notifications if anyone is able to break into your vehicle. They're also great for reducing insurance premiums, which could save you money over the life of your vehicle.
A good alarm system comes with a base, keypad, and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Some alarm systems have built-in motion sensors that detects movement inside your van. The alarm will send an alert to your phone. This is a great deterrent to any potential thieves and could help you spot the criminal before they get to them.
Install deadlocks on your van's doors to ensure it's secure. These locks require a key and are harder to operate than conventional locks. The best option is to check here purchase a lock that is able to be operated with apps for smartphones, which means you can check the status of your van while away.
A lot of van alarms come with an engine immobilizer which disables the motor of your vehicle if you use the wrong key to start it. This is a great precaution to do, but it's not enough to stop a thief who is determined from taking the entire engine. A better measure is to install a low-power tracker that stops the engine from starting and sends you the location of your vehicle when it is being relocated.
Insurance
For many businesses vans are essential resources, and protecting their contents is a top priority. Not only can a strong van security system provide peace of mind, but it can also reduce cost of insurance since insurance companies take van owners' security measures into consideration when calculating their premiums.
The year, model, and make of your van will affect the cost of insurance, as will your driving record. Your rates are also affected by the region in which you reside and work, because higher crime rates can result in an increase in premiums. Insurance providers will also consider the use of your van since commercial vehicles are typically more expensive to insure.
Check with your insurance provider prior to making any major modifications to your van. This could impact the price of your policy. The cost of your insurance may also increase if you add any extras that aren't included in the standard vehicle. For instance the use of a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is an easy method to deter thieves because it can make them think twice about trying to gain entry into your vehicle.
Another important aspect of van life is insurance that covers the tools and equipment you keep in your vehicle, in case they are stolen. You can purchase complete physical damage insurance as well as roadside service plans that cover breakdowns as well as other emergencies.
When comparing insurance policies, it's important to keep in mind that the most affordable option isn't necessarily the best. Compare the limits of coverage, deductibles, and other benefits to choose the best policy for your needs. 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 any remaining amount on your loan if it's repaid in total.