How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset that can transport expensive tools and equipment. It is essential to ensure that your van is as secure as you can. There are a myriad of ways to accomplish this.
Slamlocks locks doors once they are closed they can be very useful for couriers who do frequent short trips or are prone to not locking the van. Other options include a security sticker covering or tinting the windows and fitting a vault lockable to tools.
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 essential to secure their contents from theft. The proper van security measures will deter criminals and protect your possessions, allowing you to embark on your journeys with confidence.
The van's door locks are the first line of defence. They secure the doors and ward off unauthorized entry. Standard locks are often pre-installed and provide basic security however, they are easily bypassed. Upgrade to advanced security locks that are resistant to cutting, drilling, or picking. This is a good investment in security that will give you peace of mind.
The Key Lab when choosing the right van lock include material and build quality and whether it's Thatcham-approved. This guarantees that the lock is of high-quality and more difficult to compromise. The slamlock is an additional consideration. It locks automatically the doors of the load area upon closing and requires a key to unlock. This is perfect for couriers that may not lock their vans between deliveries. The hook lock is a different 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 maintain their functionality and the integrity of the mechanism. This will prevent corrosion and rust, and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections will enable you to spot the signs of wear and damage, and address them immediately. This will prevent security vulnerabilities from developing.
Installing the right security system will save you money on van insurance. Many insurers recognise the value of strong security solutions with attractive terms and additional coverage options in return.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective methods to deter thieves is strengthening your van's locks. Installing slam or high-strength locks will make the van's door more secure and difficult to break into. This is particularly important if your van is used to transport expensive tools or equipment.
A slam lock operates automatically as soon as your door is shut, meaning you don't need to press a key to trigger the mechanism. It's less likely to be damaged, which makes it perfect for couriers and tradespeople who are in and out their vans all day. They may overlook locking it after every trip. It also assists in fighting opportunistic thieves who simply open the vehicle's lock and take whatever they can, including the tools that you need to complete your job.
There are many different types of slam locks that are available, with some offering extra security features, such as anti-drill and anti-pick technology or a steel plate that blocks drilling attacks. Some are designed for specific applications, like those used by multidrop drivers and those who transport lots of valuable items.
Deadlocks are an alternative for those who require more security than a slamlock can provide. They function independently of the manufacturer's original locking mechanism and can only be removed with a key that is supplied under full control of the driver. You can also purchase hook locks that works exactly the same way, but offers extra security through a deadlocking hook bolt that connects to an opposing body part and is operated with the supplied key under complete control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
If you want to make your van more secure and secure think about adding a dash camera. These cameras can be used to help avoid accidents and collisions when driving. They can also prove your innocence in the case of an accident, or traffic infraction. These cameras work by converting light that is incoming into electrical signals, and then changing these signals into digital data. They can be powered by your vehicle's battery, or the lighter for your cigarette.
A lot of dashboard cameras on the market come with SD cards or flash drive for recording. These devices usually overwrite old footage to create space for new recordings, however they can be upgraded using memory cards with high capacity for those who want to save more video data. Some dashboard cameras also come with cloud storage features, which can eliminate the need for memory cards. These dashboard cams connect to a smartphone, a Wi-Fi network or both and upload data at different intervals.
Wireless or hard-wired cameras are also important to take into consideration. Hardwired models are less vulnerable to interference from cell networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some models can withstand the weather.
Some vans have dual dash cameras that can record video from the front and back of the vehicle. This is useful when you reverse in tight spaces or while parking. Certain cameras have night vision, which can enhance the images in low-light conditions and improve visibility. Many van owners choose to add this feature to their systems. Certain dashboard cameras are able to be remotely monitored. This can be an excellent benefit for van dwellers that are often away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life has become increasingly popular for those who love to travel and explore - but it's not without risk. People who live in vehicles are often at risk of being robbed. Thieves could attack the vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are one of the best ways to safeguard your van and its contents. These alarm systems can be linked to your keypad, so that you receive alerts in the event of a break-in. They also help reduce insurance premiums, which could save you a fortune over the lifetime of your vehicle.
A good alarm system includes a base, keypad, and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Some alarm systems have built-in motion sensors that detects movement within your vehicle. This will send an alert to you phone. This can be a great way to deter potential thieves and help you catch the thieves before they get to you.
The addition of deadlocks to all your doors is a great way to ensure the security of your van. They require a key and are harder to control than regular locks. The best option is to get some that are capable of being operated using apps for smartphones, which means you can check the status of your van when you're away.
A lot of van alarms are fitted with an engine immobilizer, that will shut down the engine of your vehicle if a wrong key is used to start it. This is a great security measure, but it can not stop a determined criminal from taking the entire engine. It is best to use a low-power tracking device which will stop the engine from starting and provide you with the exact location of your vehicle if it is moved.
Insurance
Vans are a vital source for many businesses and securing their contents is a top concern. Not only does a robust van security system give peace of mind, it also helps reduce insurance costs since insurance companies take van owners' security measures into consideration when calculating their premiums.
The year, model, and make of your van will affect your insurance premiums as will your driving record. Your rates are also affected by the location in which you reside and work since higher crime rates could lead to an increase in premiums. Insurance providers will also consider the use of your vehicle, as commercial vehicles are typically more expensive to insure.
If you're considering making any major changes to your van, it's important to consult with your insurance provider prior to making any changes since this could have an impact on the policy price. Additionally, adding additional features to your vehicle that aren't included in the standard will increase your premium. For instance, a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a simple method to deter thieves because it can make them think twice about attempting to gain entry into your vehicle.
Insurance is another essential part of the van's life. It protects the tools and other equipment that you keep in your van in the event that they're stolen. You can purchase complete physical damage protection, as well as roadside assistance plans that protect you from breakdowns and other emergencies while you're on the road.
It's important to be aware that the cheapest insurance policy doesn't necessarily mean the best. Compare the coverage limits, deductibles, and other benefits to find the best policy for your needs. In addition to full coverage, it's worth considering gap insurance as this can pay the difference between your van's actual cash value and the remaining balance on your loan if it's repaid in total.