How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset that can carry expensive equipment and tools. It is essential to ensure that your van is as secure as is possible. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as you close them. This is a great feature for couriers that do frequent drops or are prone forgetting to lock their van. Other options include security stickers covering windows or tinting them and installing the tool vault with a lockable feature.
Security locks
It is essential to safeguard the contents of vans since they are used as a means of transportation and storage on the move. The proper van security measures can deter criminals as well as protect your belongings, allowing you to embark on your journeys with confidence.
The door locks of the van are the first line of defence. They protect the doors and block unauthorized entry. Standard locks are often pre-installed and offer basic security, but they can be easily smashed. Moving to more sophisticated 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 if it is certified by Thatcham. This means that the lock is of high-quality which makes it harder to break or compromise. The slamlock is another important aspect to consider. It automatically locks the doors of the load area when it closes and requires a special key to unlock. This is a great option for couriers that may forget to lock up their vans between deliveries. The hook lock is another option that can be used to secure the front and side doors to guard against 'peel and steal' attacks.
Regularly cleaning and lubricating your van locks is essential to maintain functionality and ensure the integrity of the mechanism. This helps prevent corrosion and rust and helps ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to spot any signs of wear or damage and address them immediately, thereby preventing security vulnerabilities from emerging.
In addition to improving the overall security of your vehicle, installing the right security system will help you save money on your van insurance. Many insurance companies offer favorable conditions in exchange for high-quality security solutions.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective methods to deter thieves is by strengthening the locks of your van. Installing high-strength locks or slam locks will make the door of your van more secure and harder to break into. This is especially crucial if your vehicle is used for transporting expensive cargo or tools.
The slam lock is activated automatically as soon as the door is shut and you don't have to press a button to trigger the mechanism. This means that it's less likely to be tampered with and is ideal for couriers and tradespeople who are in and out of their van all day and may not lock the door after each journey. It also helps in tackling the issue of opportunistic theft, where thieves simply open your vehicle's existing lock and run off with whatever they can grab that includes the tools you need to complete your job.
There are a number of different types of slam locks that are available and some of them come with additional security features, such as anti-drill technology and anti-pick technology, or a steel plate that prevents drilling attacks. Some are designed for specific uses, like the ones used by multidrop drivers and those who transport a lot of valuable items.
For those who want more security than a lock that slams can provide alternatives like deadlocks. They operate in a different manner from the manufacturer's original locking mechanism and can only be removed with a key that is supplied with full control by the driver. You can also purchase hooklocks that function similarly, but provides extra security with a deadlocking bolt that engages in a different section of the body and is controlled by the key supplied.
Dashboard cameras
Include a dash camera into your van if you want it to be more secure and safe. These cameras can be used to avoid accidents and collisions when driving. They can also demonstrate your innocence in the case of an accident or traffic infraction. They work by converting light that is incoming into electrical signals and then convert the signals into digital information. van security door lock can be powered either via the battery of your vehicle or by the cigarette lighter.
Many dashboard cameras available on the market come with SD cards or flash drives for recording. These devices usually overwrite old footage to make room for new videos, but they can be upgraded using memory cards with high capacity for those who want to save more video data. Some dashboard cams also have cloud storage features, which can eliminate the necessity for memory cards. These types of dashboard cams connect to a smartphone or Wi-Fi network and upload their data at varying intervals.
Wireless or hard-wired cameras are also important to take into consideration. Hard-wired cameras are less susceptible to interferences from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable and some can endure the elements.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cams that can record video from both the rear and front of the vehicle. This is helpful when reverses in tight spaces or when parking. Some cameras have night vision that can enhance images in low light conditions and increase visibility for drivers. Many van owners choose to add this feature to their systems. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored and this can be an enormous benefit for van owners who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life has become increasingly popular for those who are avid travelers and want to explore - but it's not without risk. People who live in their vehicles are often at the mercy of thieves who might take aim at their vehicle and contents. There are a variety of ways to protect your vehicle and its contents but one of the most effective is an alarm system. These alarm systems can be incorporated with your keypad, so you'll receive notifications if anyone is able to break into your vehicle. They also help reduce insurance costs, which could save you money over the life of your van.
A good alarm system comes with an alarm base, keypad and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Some even come with an inbuilt motion sensor that can detect any movement in your vehicle and alert your mobile. This can be a powerful deterrent for anyone who might be a target, and it can even help you spot the criminal before they get to them.
Add deadlocks to your van's doors to ensure it's secure. These locks require keys and are more difficult to control than conventional locks. You can also purchase locks that can be operated via a smartphone application. This will allow you to monitor your vehicle even when you're away.
Many van alarms also include an engine immobilizer which disables your vehicle's motor if you use the wrong key to start it. This is a great precaution to take, but it won't stop a determined thief from taking away the entire engine. It is better to utilize a low-power tracker which will stop the engine from running and will notify you of the exact location of your vehicle if it is removed.
Insurance
For a lot of businesses vans are essential assets and securing their contents is a top priority. Not only will a well-constructed van security system give peace of mind, but it can also reduce insurance costs as insurers take van owners' security measures into account when calculating premiums.
The year, make, and model of your van will impact your insurance rates and your driving record. The area in which you live and work can also impact your rates since higher crime rates could lead to increased rates. Insurance providers will also consider the use of your vehicle, as commercial vehicles are usually more expensive to insure.
If you're considering making any major changes to your van, it's important to consult with your insurance company prior to doing so since it could impact on the price of your policy. Also, adding any extras to your vehicle that aren't included in the standard will increase the price of your insurance. For instance the use of a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is an easy way to deter thieves, because it can make them think twice before attempting to break into your vehicle.
Another important aspect of van life is insurance to protect the tools and equipment that you keep in your vehicle in case they are stolen. You can buy comprehensive physical damage insurance as well as roadside service plans that cover breakdowns and other emergencies.
When comparing insurance policies it's important to keep in mind that the most affordable option isn't always the most effective. Compare coverage limits, deductibles, and other benefits to find the right policy for you. It's worth considering gap coverage in addition to comprehensive insurance. This can pay the difference between the cash value of your van and the outstanding balance on your loan if your van is totalled.