How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset that can carry expensive equipment and tools. The security of your van should be a top priority and there are numerous ways to stop thieves from entering your van and keep your tools safe.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as they are closed. This is beneficial for couriers who have short drops, or who are prone forgetting to secure their van. Other options include security stickers, covering or tinting windows and fitting an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
It is important to protect the contents of vans because they serve as a mode of transport as well as mobile storage. The right van security measures can deter criminals as well as protect your items, allowing you embark on your journeys with confidence.
Door locks are the primary security measure, securing the van's doors and preventing access by unauthorized persons. Standard locks, often pre-installed by the manufacturer, offer a basic level of protection however they are easily manipulated by a few determined thieves. Upgrade to more secure locks that are resistant to cutting or drilling. This is a wise investment for peace of mind.
The factors to consider when selecting a van lock include the material and 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 compromise or break. Other important aspects to consider are the slamlock system that automatically locks the doors to the load area when closed and requires keys to open the door and close them. This is great for couriers who might forget to lock their van between deliveries. Another alternative is the hook lock, that provides reinforcement to side and rear doors and prevents 'peel and steal' attacks.
It is important to clean and lubricate your van locks in order to ensure their function and the integrity of the mechanism. This will prevent corrosion and rust and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to identify any signs of wear or damage and fix them promptly, to prevent security vulnerabilities from arising.
Installing the right security system can save you money on van insurance. Many insurance companies offer favorable conditions in exchange for high-quality security solutions.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective methods to stop thieves is by strengthening your van's locks. Installing high-strength locks or slam locks will make the van's door more secure and less difficult to break into. This is especially important if you intend to use your vehicle to transport expensive tools or valuable cargo.
A slam lock operates automatically when your door is closed, meaning you don't need to press a button to trigger the mechanism. This means it's less likely to be compromised and is ideal for courier drivers or tradespeople who are constantly in and out of their van throughout the day long and might not lock the door after each trip. It also helps combat the issue of opportunistic burglaries that occurs when thieves open your vehicle's existing lock and then take off with whatever they can grab - which often includes the tools needed for your job.
There are many different types of slam locks and some of them come with additional security features, for instance anti-drill technology and anti-pick technology, or steel plates that block drilling attacks. Others are suitable for specific purposes, such as multidrop drivers, or those that carry a large volume of high-value goods.
Deadlocks are a great alternative for those who require more protection than what an slamlock could provide. They operate in a different manner from the original locking mechanism of the manufacturer and can only be opened with a key that is supplied under full control of the driver. You can also purchase a hooklock, which works in the same manner but offers additional security through deadlocking bolts that are inserted in an opposing section of the body and is operated with the key that comes with it.
Dashboard cameras
Install a dash camera in your vehicle if you want it to be more secure and secure. These cameras can aid you in avoiding accidents and collisions while driving. They can also help in proving your innocence in case of a traffic offense. They work by converting the incoming light into electrical signals and then they transform those signals into digital data. These can be powered either via the battery of your car or by an cigarette-lighter.
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 videos. However, they can be upgraded to accept larger memory cards if additional video data is required. Some dashboard cams also have cloud storage capabilities, 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.
Cameras that are hard-wired or wireless are also worth considering. Hard-wired cameras are less susceptible to interference from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable and certain models are able to withstand the weather.
Some vans have dual dash cameras which can record video from the front and back of the vehicle. This can be helpful when you need to reverse in tight spaces or when parking. Some cameras come with night vision that can increase the brightness of the images in low-light conditions and enhance visibility. Many van owners have added this feature to the system. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored click here and this is an immense benefit for van owners who spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life has become increasingly popular for those who love to travel and explore - but it's not without its risks. The people who live in vehicles are usually at risk of being robbed. Thieves could take aim at the vehicle and its contents. There are a variety of ways to protect your vehicle and its contents however, one of the best is an alarm system. Alarm systems can be linked with your keypad, which means you'll be notified if someone breaks into your vehicle. They're also great for reducing insurance premiums, which can save you a fortune over the life of your van.
A good alarm system will come with a base station, keypads, and entry sensors that guard against door peal. Some alarm systems have an inbuilt motion sensor that detects movement inside your vehicle. It will then send an alert to your phone. This is a great deterrent to any potential thieves, and it can even help you spot the criminal before they do.
Add deadlocks to your van's doors to make it more secure. These are locks that require a key for operation and are much more difficult to tamper with than normal locks. It is a good idea to choose a lock equipped to operate with a smartphone app, so you can check on your vehicle while you're away.
Many van alarms also come with an engine immobilizer which disables your vehicle's motor if you use the wrong key to start it. This is a good security measure, but it will not stop a determined thief removing the entire engine. An alternative is to have an engine tracker with low power that prevents the engine from starting, and will send you your vehicle's location when it's being relocated.
Insurance
Vans are a vital source for many businesses and securing their contents is a top concern. A van security system will give peace of mind and lower insurance costs. Insurance companies take into consideration the security measures employed by van owners when calculating their premiums.
Your driving record, as well as the model, make, and year of your van will also impact your insurance rates. The area where you reside and work will affect your rates too, as higher crime rates can lead to increased rates. Insurance companies will also take into consideration the use of your vehicle since commercial vehicles are usually more expensive to insure.
If you're thinking of making major modifications to your van, it's important to consult with your insurance provider prior to making any changes because this could have an impact on the price of your policy. The cost of insurance will also increase by adding any extras that aren't part of the standard vehicle. A Thatcham Category 2 certified dash camera is a simple way to deter vandals, as they will think twice before trying to gain entry into.
Insurance is another important aspect of life in a van. It protects the tools and equipment you keep inside your van in the event they are stolen. You can obtain complete physical damage protection as well as roadside assistance plans that will take care of breakdowns and other emergencies while you're on the road.
It's important to keep in mind that the insurance policy with the lowest cost isn't always the best. Compare the limits of coverage as well as 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 totaled.