How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that can transport expensive equipment and tools. It is crucial to make your van as secure as possible. There are a variety of ways you can do this.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as you shut them. This is beneficial for couriers that do short drops, or who are prone forgetting to lock their vans. Other upgrades include security sticker covering or tinting windows and fitting a vault lockable to tools.
Security locks
With so many vans being used as both a mode of transportation as well as storage units that can be moved around, it is vital to secure their contents from theft. The proper van security measures can deter criminals as well as protect your possessions, allowing you to take your trip with confidence.
The van's door locks are the first line of defence. They protect the doors and prevent unauthorised entry. Standard locks, which are usually installed by the manufacturer, offer an adequate level of security however they are easily manipulated by a few determined thieves. Upgrade to more secure locks that resist cutting, drilling, or picking. This is a good investment in security that will give you peace of mind.
When selecting a vanlock, you should take into consideration the materials, the build quality and if it is certified by Thatcham. This designation ensures the lock is of top quality and is more difficult to break or compromise. The slamlock is a further aspect to consider. It locks automatically the doors of the load area upon closing and requires a specific key to unlock. This is a great option for couriers who may forget to lock up their vans between deliveries. The hook lock is another option that strengthens the side and rear doors to stop 'peel-and-steal' attack.
It is essential to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks to ensure their function and the integrity of the mechanism. This helps prevent corrosion and rust and ensures smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to spot indications of wear and damage and address them immediately. This can prevent security vulnerabilities from developing.
Alongside improving the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the right security systems will help you save money on your van insurance. Many insurers offer favourable terms for the purchase of robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
Strengthening your van's lock is among the best ways to deter robbers. By installing slam or high-strength locks your van's doors will be more secure and difficult to break into. This is particularly important if the van is used to transport expensive cargo or tools.
The lock is activated automatically once your door is shut. It doesn't require you to press any keys to activate the mechanism. This means it's less likely to be compromised and is ideal for couriers or tradespeople who are constantly in and out of their van throughout the day and may forget to lock up after each journey. It also helps to combat the problem of opportunistic theft which is when thieves just unlock your vehicle's lock and run off with whatever they can grab - which often includes the tools you require for your job.
There are a variety of slamlocks that are available. Some come with additional security features, such as anti-drill and anti-pick technology or a steelplate that blocks drilling. Some are suited for a specific application, such as multidrop drivers or those that carry a significant amount of high-value goods.
For those who require more protection than a slam lock can offer alternatives like deadlocks. They function independently of the locking mechanism used by the manufacturer and can only be opened by a key supplied that is fully controlled by the driver. You can also purchase hooklocks, which function in the same manner but adds additional security by using a deadlocking bolt that engages in a different section of the body and is operated by the supplied key.
Dashboard cameras
If you want to make your car more secure and secure think about adding a dash cam. These cameras can assist you in avoiding accidents and collisions when driving, and are also useful in proving your innocence in case of a traffic violation. These cameras work by converting light incoming into electrical signals and then changing the signals into digital information. These can be powered either by the battery of your car or by an cigarette-lighter.
Many of the dashboard cams available on the market include SD cards or flash drives to save recordings. These devices typically erase old footage to create space for new videos, but they can be upgraded with memory cards with high capacity if you want to save more video data. Certain dashboard cameras also have cloud storage features, which remove the necessity for memory cards. These kinds of dashboard cameras connect to the Wi-Fi or smartphone network and upload their data at various intervals.
Hard-wired or wireless cameras are also important to consider. Hardwired models are less vulnerable to interference from cell networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some models are able to withstand weather.
Some vans come with dual dash cams. They can capture footage from both the front and rear of the vehicle. This is helpful when reverses in tight spaces, or while parked. Some cameras come with night vision, which can enhance the images in dim light conditions and increase visibility. Many van owners choose to include this feature in their systems. Certain dashboard cameras 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 with those who love to travel and explore - but it's not without its risks. People who live in their vehicles are often at risk of thieves who may target their vehicle and its contents. There are a variety of ways to protect your vehicle and its contents but one of the most effective is to install an alarm system. These alarm systems can be linked to your keypad, so that you receive alerts in the event of a burglary. They can also be helpful in reducing insurance premiums, which can save you a fortune over the lifetime of your van.
van security lock has keys, a base and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Some alarm systems have an inbuilt motion sensor that detects movement within your van. This will send an alert to you phone. This is a fantastic way to deter thieves and assist in catching the thieves before they get to you.
Install deadlocks on your van's doors to make it more secure. They require keys and are more difficult to control than regular locks. You can also get locks that can be operated with a smartphone application. This allows you to check on your vehicle while you're away.
A lot of van alarms are equipped with an engine immobilizer that will shut down the engine of your vehicle in the event that the wrong key is used to start it. This is a great precaution to take, but it won't stop a thief who is determined from taking away the entire engine. Better to install a low-power tracker that will stop the engine from running, and will send you the exact location of your vehicle whenever it is being removed.
Insurance
Vans are a crucial source for many businesses, and the security of their contents is of paramount importance. A van security system can provide peace of mind and lower insurance costs. Insurance companies consider the security measures employed by van owners when calculating their premiums.
The make, model and year of your vehicle will affect the cost of insurance as will your driving record. The area in which you reside and work will also impact your rates because higher crime rates could result in higher rates. Insurance companies will also take the use of your vehicle into consideration since commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure than personal vehicles.
If you're planning to make any major changes to your van it's essential to talk with your insurance provider prior to making any changes as this could have an impact on the price of your policy. Likewise, adding on any additional features to your vehicle that aren't standard can increase the cost of your premium. A Thatcham Category 2 approved dash camera is an effective way to deter thieves because they'll think twice before trying to break in.
Another important aspect of van life is insurance that covers the tools and equipment that you keep in your vehicle in case they are stolen. You can buy comprehensive physical damage insurance and roadside service plans that cover breakdowns and other emergencies.
When comparing insurance policies it's important to remember that the cheapest option isn't necessarily the best. Compare the limits of coverage as well as deductibles and other benefits to find the best policy for your requirements. In addition to complete coverage, it's worth looking into gap insurance since this can pay the difference between your car's actual cash value and any remaining balance on your loan if it's repaid in total.