How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset, often carrying expensive equipment and tools. It is crucial to ensure that your van is as secure as possible. There are a variety of ways you can do this.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as you close them. This is a great feature for couriers who have frequent drops or are prone forgetting to secure their van. Other upgrades include security stickers, covering or tinting windows and installing an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
With so many vans being used as both a mode of transport as well as storage units that can be moved around it is crucial to secure their contents from theft. The proper van security measures will deter criminals while also protecting your belongings. This allows you to travel with confidence.
The van's door locks are the first line of defence. They secure the doors and prevent unauthorized entry. Locks that are standard, usually installed by the manufacturer, provide a basic level of protection however they are easily manipulated by a few determined thieves. Upgrading to more advanced security locks that are immune to drilling, cutting and picking is a good investment in peace of mind.
When choosing a vanlock, you should take into consideration the material, build quality and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This means that the lock is of top quality and is more difficult to compromise or break. Other important factors to consider include the slamlock system that automatically locks load area doors when closed and requires a key to open which is ideal for couriers who might forget to lock their van between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock which adds reinforcement to side and rear doors and helps prevent 'peel and steal' attacks.
Regular cleaning and lubrication of your van locks are crucial to keep them functioning and ensure the reliability of the mechanism. This will help prevent rust and corrosion, and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to detect any signs of wear or damage and address them immediately, thereby to prevent security vulnerabilities from arising.
In addition to enhancing the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the appropriate security equipment will help you save money on your van insurance. Many insurance companies are aware of robust security solutions providing favorable terms and additional coverage options in return.
Slamlocks
A stronger lock for your van is one of the most effective methods to deter thieves. By installing high-strength or slam locks the doors of your van will be more secure and less difficult to break into. This is especially crucial if your vehicle is used for transporting expensive tools or equipment.
The slam lock is activated automatically when the door is shut which means you don't have to press a key to trigger the mechanism. It's less likely to be compromised, which makes it perfect for courier drivers and tradespeople who work out of their vans throughout the day. They may forget to lock it up after each trip. It also helps in tackling the problem of opportunistic theft that occurs when thieves open the lock on your vehicle and take off with anything they can grab - which often includes the tools you need to do 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 which stops drilling. Certain models are specifically designed for uses, like the ones used by multidrop drivers and for those who transport lots of valuable items.
Deadlocks are a great alternative for those who require more security than a slamlock can provide. They operate independently of the original locking mechanism that is supplied by the manufacturer and are only be unlocked by the driver using the supplied key. You can also purchase hooklocks, which function similar to a hooklock, but provides extra security with a deadlocking bolt that engages in a different section of the body and is operated with the supplied key.
Dashboard cameras
If you're looking to make your vehicle more secure and secure, consider adding a dash camera. van security slam locks can help you avoid collisions and accidents while driving. They can also help in proving your innocence in the event of a traffic offense. They work by converting the incoming light into electrical signals, and then transform 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 drives to record. These devices usually overwrite old footage to make room for new videos, but they can be upgraded with memory cards that have high capacity if you want to save more video information. Some dashboard cameras offer cloud storage, removing the necessity for memory card storage. These types of dashboard cameras connect to either a Wi-Fi or smartphone and upload their data at varying intervals.
Cameras that are hard-wired or wireless are also important to consider. Hard-wired models are less susceptible to interference from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable and some models can withstand the weather.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cameras that can record video from both the front and back of the vehicle. This is useful when reversing in tight spaces, or while parked. Some cameras come with night vision that can increase the brightness of the images in low light conditions and increase visibility. Many van owners add this feature to their system. Certain dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored, and this is a huge benefit for van owners who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular with those who enjoy exploring and traveling however, it comes with its own dangers. People who live in vehicles are often at risk of being robbed. Thieves may attack the vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are one of the best ways to secure your vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems can be linked with your keypad, meaning you'll be notified if someone breaks into your vehicle. These systems can also help reduce insurance premiums. This can save you thousands of dollars over the course of your vehicle.
A good alarm system includes keys, a base and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Some alarms even have a built-in motion sensor that can detect movement inside your van and alert your mobile. This is a great deterrent to anyone who might be a target and can assist you in identifying a criminal before they do.
Install deadlocks on your van's doors to ensure it's secure. These locks require a key to operate and are more difficult to alter than standard locks. A good option is to choose a lock equipped to operate with apps for smartphones, which means you can check on your van while 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 good precaution, but it will not stop a determined criminal from taking the entire engine. A better measure is to have a low-power tracker that stops the engine from starting, and will send you the exact location of your vehicle whenever it is being removed.
Insurance
For many companies, their vans are vital resources and safeguarding their contents is an important priority. Not only can a strong van security system give peace of mind, it can also reduce insurance costs as insurance companies take the security measures of van owners into account when calculating 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, since higher crime rates could lead to an increase in rates. Insurance providers will also take the use of your vehicle into consideration since commercial vehicles typically cost more to insure than personal ones.
If you're considering making any major changes to your van it is important to speak with your insurance company prior to doing so as it could impact on the policy price. The cost of insurance will also increase when you add any additional features that aren't included in the standard vehicle. A Thatcham Category 2 -approved dash camera is an easy way to deter vandals, because they'll be cautious before attempting to break in.
Another important aspect of van life is insurance that covers the tools and equipment that you keep in your vehicle, in the event of theft. You can purchase comprehensive physical damage coverage and roadside service plans that cover breakdowns as well as other emergencies.
It's important to be aware that the most affordable insurance policy isn't always the most effective. Compare the coverage limits as well as deductibles and other benefits to choose the best policy for your needs. In addition to complete coverage, it's worth looking into gap insurance since it can cover the difference between your van's actual cash value and any remaining amount on your loan if it is totalled.