How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that is worth having, usually carrying expensive tools and equipment. Security for your van is an absolute priority, and there are many ways to deter thieves and ensure your tools are safe.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as you close them they can be very useful for couriers who do short drops or are prone to not locking their vans. Other upgrades include security stickers, covering or tinting the windows and fitting a lockable tools vault.
Security locks
It is essential to safeguard the contents of vans, since they are used as a vehicle for transportation and storage on the move. The right van security measures will deter criminals and protect your belongings. This allows you to travel with peace of mind.
Door locks are the primary line of defence, securing the doors of your van and preventing access by unauthorized persons. The standard locks are usually pre-installed and offer a basic protection however, they are easily smashed. Upgrade to more secure locks that are resistant to drilling, cutting and picking is a good investment in peace of mind.
When you are choosing a vanlock you should take into consideration the material, build quality and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This guarantees that the lock is high-quality and more difficult to alter. The slamlock is a further factor to take into. It locks automatically the doors of the load area when it is closed and requires a specific key to unlock. This is a great option for couriers who not lock their vans between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock which adds reinforcement to side and rear doors and prevents 'peel and steal' attacks.
It is crucial to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks to ensure their function and the strength of the mechanism. This will stop rust and corrosion, and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections let you spot any signs of wear or damage and fix them promptly, making sure that security vulnerabilities are not uncovered.
Installing the right security system can help you save money on insurance for your van. Many insurers recognise the value of robust security solutions, offering favourable terms and additional coverage options in return.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective ways to stop thieves is by strengthening the locks of your van. 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 equipment or cargo.
The slamlock activates automatically when your door is shut. It doesn't require you to press any keys to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be damaged which makes it ideal for couriers and tradespeople that are in and out of their vans all day. They may forget to lock it up after every journey. It also helps combat the issue of opportunistic burglaries, where thieves simply open your vehicle's existing lock and take off with anything they are able to grab - which often includes the tools you need for your job.
There are many different types of slam locks that are available and some of them come with additional security features, such as anti-drill and anti-pick technologies or steel plates that block drilling attacks. Others are suitable for specific purposes such as multidrop drivers or those that carry a significant amount of high-value items.
Deadlocks are a good alternative for those who require more protection than what an slamlock could provide. They operate in a different manner from the original locking mechanism of the manufacturer and can only be opened with a key that is supplied under full control of the driver. You can also purchase a hooklock, which works in the same manner but adds additional security by using a deadlocking bolt that engages in an opposing section of the body and is operated with the key that comes with it.
Dashboard cameras
If you want to make your car more secure and safe you should consider installing a dash cam. These cameras can be used to help avoid accidents and collisions when driving. They can also demonstrate your innocence in the case of an accident, or traffic violation. These cameras work by converting light incoming into electrical signals, and then changing these signals into digital data. They can be powered by the battery in your vehicle or the cigarette lighter.
A majority of the dashboard cameras available on the market include SD cards or flash drives for saving recordings. These devices erase old footage to allow room for new videos. However, they can be upgraded to support larger memory cards if more video data is required. Some dashboard cams also have cloud storage capabilities, which eliminate the need for memory cards. These dashboard cams connect to a smartphone, a Wi-Fi network or both, and can upload data at different intervals.
Cameras that are hard-wired or wireless are also important to take into consideration. Hardwired cameras are less prone to interferences from cell networks and other sources. They are also more durable and some models can stand up to the elements.
Some vans have dual dash cams. They can capture footage from both the rear and front of the vehicle. This can be useful when you need to reverse in tight spaces or when parking. Some cameras come with night vision that can brighten images in low-light conditions and enhance visibility for the driver. Many van owners opt to add this feature to their systems. Some dashboard cams can be remotely monitored and this is a huge benefit for van owners who spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular among those who are avid travelers and want to explore, but it's without risk. The people who reside in vehicles are frequently at risk of being robbed. Thieves may take aim at the vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are among the best ways to protect your van and its contents. Alarm systems can be linked to your keypad, so that you be alerted in the event of a burglary. These systems can also lower insurance premiums. This can save you thousands of dollars over the course of your vehicle.
A good alarm system has keys, a base and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Some even come with an inbuilt motion sensor that will detect any movement in your vehicle and send an alert to your mobile. This is a great method to deter thieves and help you catch them before they strike.
Installing deadlocks on all of your doors is another great option to ensure the security of your van. These read more locks require a key to operate and are much more difficult to alter than standard locks. There are 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, which will disable the engine of your vehicle if a wrong key is used to start it. This is a sensible precaution, but it will not stop a determined thief who would take the entire engine. A better measure is to have an engine tracker with low power that prevents the engine from starting and sends you the exact location of your vehicle whenever it is being relocated.
Insurance
Vans are a vital source for many businesses, and the security of their contents is a top priority. A van security system can give peace of mind as well as reduce insurance costs. Insurance companies consider the security measures taken by van owners when calculating premiums.
The year, make, and model of your van will affect your insurance rates and your driving record. Your rates could also be affected by the area where you reside and work because higher crime rates can cause an increase in rates. Insurance companies also take the use of your van into account as commercial vehicles generally cost more to insure than personal ones.
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 insurance may also increase if you add any extras that aren't included in the standard vehicle. For instance an Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a great method to deter thieves because it can make them think twice before attempting to break into your vehicle.
Insurance is another essential part of the van's life. It covers the tools and equipment that you store in your van in the event that they're stolen. You can purchase complete physical damage insurance along with roadside service plans that cover breakdowns and other emergencies.
It's important to remember that the most affordable insurance policy isn't always the best. Compare the limits of coverage as well as deductibles and other benefits to determine the most suitable policy for your needs. It's worthwhile to consider gap insurance in addition to comprehensive insurance. This can pay the difference between your van's cash value and any outstanding balance on your loan, in the event of a total loss to your vehicle.