How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset, often carrying expensive equipment and tools. The security of your van is an absolute priority, and there are many strategies you can use to ward off thieves and protect your tools.
Slamlocks secure doors when you shut them and are useful for couriers that make frequent short trips or are prone to forgetting to lock the van. Other options include security stickers covering windows or tinting them and installing a lockable tool vault.
Security locks
With the increasing number of vans utilized as a means of transportation as well as a mobile storage unit it is essential to secure their contents from theft. security lock for van doors will deter criminals and protect your possessions. This allows you to travel in peace.
Door locks are the initial line of defense, protecting the van's doors and preventing access by unauthorized persons. Standard locks are often pre-installed and offer a basic protection however, they are easily hacked. Upgrade to more secure locks that are impervious to cutting, drilling, and picking is a good investment in peace of mind.
The factors to consider when selecting a van lock include the material and the build quality, as well as whether it's certified by Thatcham. This means that the lock is of high-quality which makes it harder to break or compromise. Other important aspects to consider are the slamlock lock system, which automatically locks load area doors after closure and requires a key to open which is ideal for couriers who may forget to lock their van between deliveries. The hook lock is another option, which reinforces front and side doors to guard against 'peel and steal' attacks.
Regular cleaning and lubrication of your van locks is crucial to keep them functioning and ensure the integrity of the mechanism. This helps prevent corrosion and rust and ensures smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to identify any signs of wear or damage and fix these issues promptly, thus making sure that security vulnerabilities are not uncovered.
Installing a security system that is appropriate will save you money on van insurance. Many insurers recognise the value of strong security solutions, offering favourable terms and additional coverage options.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective ways to deter thieves is by strengthening the locks on your van. Installing slam or high-strength locks will make the van's door more secure and difficult to break into. This is especially important if you intend to use your vehicle to transport expensive tools or valuable cargo.
The slamlock activates automatically when your door is closed. You don't have to press any keys to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be compromised, which makes it perfect for couriers and tradespeople that are in and out of their vans all day. They may forget to lock it up at the end of each journey. It also helps to combat the petty thieves who just open the lock on your vehicle and take what they can, which includes the tools you need for your work.
There are a variety of slamlocks available. Some offer extra security features like anti drill and anti pick technology or a steelplate that prevents drilling. Others are suitable for specific applications like multidrop drivers or those who carry a significant amount of high-value goods.
If you're looking for more protection than a slam lock can offer, there are options like deadlocks. These locks function independently from the locking mechanism from the manufacturer and are only unlocked by the driver by using the supplied key. You can also purchase hooklocks that function 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 by the key supplied.
Dashboard cameras
If you want to make your car more secure and safe you should consider installing a dash camera. These cameras can aid you in avoiding collisions and accidents while driving. They are also useful in showing your innocence in the event of a traffic violation. They convert incoming light into electrical signals and then they transform those signals into digital data. They can be powered by the vehicle's battery or an lighter for your cigarette.
A majority of the dashboard cameras available on the market have SD cards or flash drives to save recordings. These devices can overwrite old footage to allow room for new recordings. However they can be upgraded to accommodate larger memory cards when more video data is needed. Certain dashboard cameras also have cloud storage features, which can eliminate the requirement for memory cards. These kinds of dashboard cameras connect to the Wi-Fi or smartphone network and upload their data at different intervals.
Hard-wired or wireless cameras are also important to consider. Hardwired models are less vulnerable to interference from cellular networks or 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 both the front and back of the vehicle. This can be helpful when reversing into tight spaces or when you're parked. Some cameras feature night vision which can brighten the images in low light conditions and enhance visibility. Many van owners have added this feature to their system. Some dashboard cams can be remotely monitored, and this can be an enormous benefit for van dwellers who spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming more popular among those who love exploring and travelling, but it is not without risks. People who live in their vehicles are frequently at risk of thieves who could take aim at their vehicle and contents. There are a number of ways to secure your van and its cargo however, one of the best is an alarm system. These alarm systems can be incorporated with your keypad, so you'll receive notifications if anyone gets into your vehicle. They also help reduce insurance costs, which could save you money over the life of your van.
A good alarm system has an alarm base, keypad and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Some alarms even have an inbuilt motion sensor that can detect movement inside your van and send an alert to your phone. This is a great way to deter thieves and even assist in catching them before they strike.
Install deadlocks on your van's doors to make it more secure. They require a key to operate and are more difficult to break than regular locks. It is a good idea to choose a lock capable of being operated using apps for smartphones, which means you can check the status of your vehicle while you're away.
A lot of van alarms are fitted with an engine immobilizer which disables your vehicle's engine if the wrong key is used to start it. This is a sensible step to take, but it won't stop a determined thief from taking away the entire engine. Better to use a low-power tracker which prevents the engine from starting and sends you your vehicle's location when it is being removed.
Insurance
For many businesses, their vans are vital resources, and protecting their contents is a top priority. A van security system can provide peace of mind and reduce the cost of insurance. Insurers take into account the security measures implemented by van owners when calculating their premiums.
The year, model, and make of your vehicle will affect your insurance premiums and your driving record. Your rates will also be affected by the area where you reside and work, because higher crime rates can lead to an increase in premiums. Insurance providers will also take the use of your van into consideration since commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure than personal ones.
Check with your insurance provider prior to making any major changes to your van. This could affect the price of your policy. Also, adding any accessories to your vehicle that aren't included in the standard will increase your insurance. For instance an Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a simple method to deter thieves as it will make them think twice before attempting to break into your van.
Another important aspect of van life is insurance that covers the tools and equipment that you keep in your vehicle, in the event of theft. You can buy complete physical damage insurance as well as roadside service plans that cover breakdowns as well as other emergencies.
It's important to keep in mind that the most affordable insurance policy doesn't necessarily mean the best. Compare coverage limits as well as deductibles and other benefits to find the best policy for your needs. In addition to complete coverage, it's important to consider gap insurance because it will pay for the difference between your van's actual cash value and any remaining balance on your loan if it's totaled.