How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset, often carrying expensive equipment and tools. It is important to ensure that your van is as secure as you can. There are a variety of ways to do this.
Slamlocks locks doors once you shut them, which can be beneficial for couriers who make short drops or are prone to not locking the van. Other improvements include a security stickers covering or tinting windows, and installing an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
With the increasing number of vans used as both a mode of transport as well as storage units that can be moved around, it is vital to safeguard their contents from theft. The right van security measures can deter criminals as well as protect your items, allowing you take your trip with confidence.
Door locks are the first line of defense, protecting the doors of your van and preventing access by unauthorized persons. Standard locks are often pre-installed and offer basic security however, they are easily hacked. Upgrade to more secure locks that are immune to drilling, cutting, and picking is an investment in peace of mind.
When choosing a van lock include the material and the build quality, as well as whether it's approved by Thatcham. This means that the lock is of top quality and more difficult to compromise. Other important factors to consider include the slamlock lock system, which automatically locks the doors to the load area upon closure and requires the use of a key to open them and close them. This is great for couriers who might not lock their vans between deliveries. Another alternative is the hook lock, which provides additional security to the doors on the rear and side and prevents 'peel and steal attacks.
Regular cleaning and lubrication of your van locks is vital to ensure that the lock functions properly and ensure the integrity of the mechanism. This will help prevent rust and corrosion, and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections will enable you to spot the signs of wear and damage and then address them promptly. van security systems can prevent security issues from arising.
Installing the right security system can help you save money on van insurance. Many insurance companies are aware of security systems that are robust providing favorable terms and additional coverage options.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective methods to deter thieves is by strengthening the locks of your van. By installing slam locks or high-strength locks the doors of your van will be more secure and harder to break into. This is especially important if you intend to use your vehicle to transport expensive tools or other valuable cargo.
The lock is activated automatically once your door is shut. You don't need to press any keys to activate the mechanism. This means it's much less likely to be tampered with which makes it ideal for couriers or tradespeople who are in and out of their van throughout the day long and might not remember to lock it after each journey. It also helps to combat the issue of opportunistic burglaries, where thieves simply open your vehicle's existing lock and run off with whatever they are able to grab that includes the tools you need to do your job.
There are many different kinds of slam locks that are available that come with extra security features, for instance anti-drill and anti-pick technology or a steel plate that blocks drilling attacks. Other locks are suitable for specific purposes, such as multidrop drivers or those that transport a lot of high-value goods.
Deadlocks are a good option for those who need more protection than what a slamlock can provide. They operate independently of the locking mechanism that came from the manufacturer and can only be unlocked by the driver by using the key provided. Alternately, you can buy a hook lock that operates similarly, however, it provides extra security with a deadlocking hook bolt that connects to an opposite body section and is operated using the key that comes with it under the total control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
If you're looking to make your van more secure and secure think about adding a dash camera. These cameras can be used to prevent collisions and accidents while driving. They can also demonstrate your innocence in the case of an accident or traffic violation. These cameras work by converting light that is incoming into electrical signals and then convert these signals into digital data. They can be powered by your car's battery or a cigarette lighter.
A majority of the dashboard cameras that are available have 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 high-capacity memory cards if you want to store more video data. Some dashboard cameras offer cloud storage, which eliminates the requirement for memory card storage. These dashboard cams are connected to a smartphone, a Wi-Fi network or both and upload data at various intervals.
Hard-wired or wireless cameras are also worth considering. Hardwired models are less prone 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 cameras that record video from the front and back of the vehicle. This can be useful when reversing into tight spaces or while in a parking space. Some cameras have night vision that can enhance images in low light conditions and enhance visibility for the driver. Many van owners choose to add this feature to their systems. Certain dashboard cameras are able to be remotely monitored. This can be an enormous benefit for van owners who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming more popular among those who love traveling and exploring however, it has its own risks. People who live in their vehicles are frequently at risk of thieves who may target their vehicle and its contents. There are a variety of ways to protect your vehicle and its cargo however, one of the best is an alarm system. These alarm systems can be linked to your keypad, so that you be alerted in the event of a break-in. These systems can also lower insurance premiums. This can save you thousands of dollars over the course of your vehicle.
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 van. This will send an alert to your phone. This is a fantastic way to deter potential thieves and even assist in catching thieves before they do.
Add deadlocks to your van's doors to make it more secure. These locks require a key for operation and are much more difficult to alter than standard locks. There are locks that operate using a smartphone app. This will allow you to check on your van while you are away.
A lot of van alarms come with an engine immobilizer that disables the vehicle's motor in the event that you use the wrong key to start it. This is a great precaution to consider, but it will not stop a thief who is determined from taking the entire engine. It is best to utilize a low-power tracker that stops the engine from starting and will notify you of the position of your vehicle once it is moved.
Insurance
For many companies, their vans are vital resources, and protecting their contents is a top priority. A van security system can give peace of mind and reduce insurance costs. Insurance companies consider the security measures taken by van owners when calculating premiums.
The year, model, and make of your van will affect your insurance premiums and your driving record. Your rates are also affected by the area where you reside and work, as higher crime rates may result in an increase in premiums. Insurance companies may also take into account the possibility of using your van because commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure.
If you're planning to make any major modifications to your van it is important to speak with your insurer beforehand because it could have an impact on the price of your policy. The cost of your insurance could also rise when you add any additional features that aren't covered by the standard vehicle. For instance, a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a great way to discourage thieves, since it makes them think twice about trying to break into your vehicle.
Insurance is another important aspect of the van's life. It protects the tools and equipment that you keep inside your van in the event they are stolen. You can obtain comprehensive physical damage protection as well as roadside assistance plans to take care of breakdowns and other emergencies that occur while you're on the road.
When comparing insurance policies, it's worth bearing in mind that the cheapest policy isn't necessarily the best. Compare coverage limits as well as deductibles and other benefits to determine the most suitable policy that meets your needs. In addition to comprehensive coverage, it's also worth looking into gap insurance since it can cover the difference between your van's actual cash value and any remaining amount on your loan if it is totalled.