How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that is worth having, usually carrying expensive tools and equipment. It is important to ensure that your van is as secure as possible. There are a myriad of ways to accomplish this.
Slamlocks lock doors immediately after you close them. This is useful for couriers who make short drops, or who are prone forgetting to lock their vans. Other options include a security stickers, covering or tinting the windows and fitting a vault lockable to tools.
Security locks
It is essential to safeguard the contents of vans since they are used as a vehicle for transportation and mobile storage. The proper van security measures will deter criminals and protect your belongings, allowing you to travel with confidence.
Door locks are the primary line of defense, protecting the doors of the van and preventing unauthorized access. The standard locks are usually pre-installed and provide basic security but they can be easily bypassed. Upgrade to more secure locks that are immune to drilling, cutting, and picking is an investment in peace of mind.
When choosing a vanlock, you should take into consideration the materials, the build quality and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This guarantees that the lock is of top quality and more difficult to alter. Other important considerations are the slamlock system, which automatically locks doors for loading area when closed and requires the use of a key to open them and close them. This is great for couriers who may forget to lock their van between deliveries. Another alternative is the hook lock, which provides additional security to the doors on the rear and side and helps prevent 'peel and steal attacks.
It is crucial to clean and lubricate your van locks to keep their functionality intact and the integrity of the mechanism. This will help prevent corrosion and rust, and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections will enable you to detect the signs of wear and damage, and address them immediately. This will prevent security issues from arising.
Alongside improving the overall security of your vehicle, installing the appropriate security equipment will help you save money on your van insurance. Many insurance companies are aware of security systems that are robust, offering favourable terms and additional coverage options.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective ways to deter thieves is by strengthening your van's locks. By installing high-strength or slam locks the doors of your van will be more secure and difficult to break into. This is particularly important if your vehicle is used to transport expensive cargo or tools.
A slam lock operates automatically as soon as your door is shut which means you don't have to press a button to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be tampered and is ideal for couriers and tradespeople who are in and out their vans all day. They might overlook locking it at the end of each trip. It also helps to combat the issue of opportunistic theft, where thieves simply unlock your vehicle's lock and take off with anything they can grab and often include the tools you need to complete your job.
There are a variety of slamlocks available. Some have additional security features like anti drill and anti pick technology or a steelplate that blocks drilling. Other locks are suitable for specific purposes such as multidrop drivers, or those that carry a significant amount of high-value goods.
For those who want more security than a lock that slams can provide, there are options like deadlocks. These locks operate independently of the original locking mechanism from the manufacturer and are be unlocked only by the driver using the key supplied. You can also invest in hook locks that works in the same way but provides additional security by using deadlocking hook bolts that is inserted into the opposite body section and operates with the key supplied under total control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
If you want to make your vehicle more secure and secure you should consider installing a dash camera. These cameras can aid you in avoiding collisions and accidents while driving, and they can also be useful in showing your innocence in the event of a traffic violation. These cameras work by converting light signals into electrical signals, and then convert the signals into digital information. They can be powered by the battery of your vehicle or by the cigarette lighter.
Many dashboard cameras available on the market come with SD cards or flash drive for recording. These devices usually 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 store more video data. Certain dashboard cameras come with cloud storage, eliminating the need for memory card storage. These types of dashboard cams connect to either a Wi-Fi or smartphone and upload their data at varying intervals.
Hard-wired or wireless cameras are also worth considering. Hard-wired cameras are less susceptible to interferences from cell networks and other read more sources. They are also more durable and certain models are able to withstand the weather.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cams. They can capture footage from both the rear and front of the vehicle. This is useful when you need to reverse in tight spaces or when in a parking space. Some cameras come with night vision that can increase the brightness of the images in low-light conditions and increase visibility. Many van owners have added this feature to the system. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored and this can be a huge benefit for van dwellers who are often away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is getting increasingly popular with those who enjoy traveling and exploring however, it is not without risks. The people who live in vehicles are often at risk of being robbed. Thieves can attack the vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are among the best ways to secure your van and its contents. These alarm systems can be linked to your keypad, so that you receive notifications in the event of a burglary. These systems can also lower insurance premiums. This can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your van.
A good alarm system will have an alarm base station, keypads, and entry sensors that guard against door peal. Some alarm systems have an inbuilt motion sensor that detects movement inside your vehicle. This will send an alert to you phone. This is a great way to deter anyone who might be a target and could aid in identifying the criminal before they strike.
Adding deadlocks to all of your doors is an excellent way to keep your van secure. They require a key and are harder to operate than regular locks. You can also purchase locks that you can operate with a smartphone application. This allows you to check on your vehicle while you're away.
A lot of van alarms are fitted with an engine immobilizer, that will shut down your vehicle's engine if the wrong key is used to start it. This is a great security measure, but it will not stop a determined criminal from taking the entire engine. A better measure is to have a low-power tracker which stops the engine from starting and sends you the exact location of your vehicle whenever it is moved.
Insurance
For many businesses vans are essential resources and safeguarding their contents is a top priority. A van security system can give peace of mind and lower the cost of insurance. Insurance companies consider the security measures employed by van owners when calculating their premiums.
The year, model, and make of your van will impact your insurance rates and your driving record. The area in which you reside and work will affect your rates too, since higher crime rates could lead to increased rates. Insurance providers will also take the use of your van into consideration as commercial vehicles typically cost more to insure than personal ones.
Check with your insurance provider prior to making any major modifications to your van. This could affect the price of your policy. Also, adding any accessories to your vehicle that aren't standard will increase your insurance. For instance, a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a simple way to discourage thieves, since it makes them think twice before attempting to gain entry into your vehicle.
Another essential element of van life is insurance that covers the equipment and tools you keep in your vehicle, in the event of theft. You can obtain complete physical damage protection, as well as roadside assistance plans that cover breakdowns and other emergencies that occur while you're driving.
When comparing insurance policies it's important to remember that the most affordable option isn't always the best. Compare the coverage limits as well as deductibles and other benefits to find the best policy for your needs. It's worth considering gap coverage in addition to comprehensive insurance. It will pay the difference between the value of the van's cash and any outstanding amount on your loan in the event of a total loss to your vehicle.