How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that is worth having, usually carrying expensive tools and equipment. It is crucial to ensure that your van is as secure as is possible. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this.
Slamlocks lock doors right after they are closed. This is a great feature for couriers that do frequent drops or are prone forgetting to lock their vans. Other options include security stickers, covering or tinting windows and fitting an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
It is essential to safeguard the contents of vans since they are used as a vehicle for transportation and mobile storage. The proper van security measures can deter criminals as well as protect your possessions, allowing you to travel with confidence.
The van's door locks are the first line of defence. They secure the doors and prevent the entry of anyone who is not authorized. Standard locks, often pre-installed by the manufacturer, offer a basic level of protection but are easily manipulated by a determined thief. Upgrade to advanced security locks that resist cutting or drilling. This is a wise investment in security that will give you peace of mind.
Considerations when choosing van locks include the material and build quality, as well as whether it's Thatcham-approved. This ensures that the lock is high-quality and more difficult to alter. The slamlock is a further aspect to consider. It automatically locks the doors of the load area when it closes and requires a special key to unlock. This is a great option for couriers who overlook locking their vans in between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock, which provides additional security to the doors on the rear and side and helps prevent 'peel and steal' attacks.
It is essential to clean and lubricate your van locks to ensure their function and the strength of the mechanism. This stops corrosion and rust and promotes smooth operation. Regular inspections help you identify any signs of wear or damage and fix them promptly, preventing security vulnerabilities from emerging.
Installing the right security system can help you save money on insurance for your van. Many insurance companies recognize the importance of security systems that are robust, offering favourable terms and additional coverage options.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective methods to deter thieves is strengthening your van's locks. By installing slam locks or high-strength locks your van's doors will be more secure and difficult to break into. This is particularly crucial if you plan to use your van to transport expensive tools or valuable cargo.
The slamlock activates automatically when your door is closed. You don't need to press any keys to activate the mechanism. This means that it's less likely to be compromised, making it ideal for couriers and tradespeople who are constantly in and out of their van every day long and might not remember to lock it at the end of each trip. It also helps in tackling the problem of opportunistic theft which is when thieves just open the lock on your vehicle and run off with whatever they can get their hands on that includes the tools needed to do your job.
There are a number of different types of slam locks that are available that come with extra security features, like anti-drill and anti-pick technologies or steel plates that block drilling attacks. Some are suited for specific applications like multidrop drivers, or those that carry a large volume of high-value goods.
Deadlocks are a great alternative for those who require more security than an slamlock could provide. These locks operate independently of the locking mechanism that came from the manufacturer and are be unlocked only by the driver by using the key provided. You can also purchase hooklocks that function similarly, but offers additional security through deadlocking bolts that lock in the opposite part of the body and is operated with the key that comes with it.
Dashboard cameras
If you want to make your vehicle more secure and safe, consider adding a dash camera. These cameras can assist you in avoiding accidents and collisions while driving. They can also help in proving your innocence in case of a traffic violation. They convert incoming light into electrical signals and they then convert those signals into digital data. They can be powered by the vehicle's battery or the lighter in your cigarette.
Many dashboard cameras on the market include SD cards or flash drive to record. These devices typically erase old footage to create space for new recordings, however they can be upgraded using memory cards with high capacity for those who want to store more video data. Some dashboard cameras offer cloud storage, removing the necessity for memory card storage. These dashboard cameras are connected to a smartphone, Wi-Fi network or both and upload data at various times.
Another aspect to consider is whether the camera is wireless or hard wired. Hardwired cameras are less vulnerable to interference from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable and certain models are able to withstand the weather.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cams that can capture footage from both the rear and front of the vehicle. This can be useful when reversing into tight spaces or when parking. Some cameras have night vision that can brighten images in low-light conditions and enhance visibility for drivers. Many van owners opt to add this feature to their systems. Certain dashboard cameras 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 increasingly popular with those who love to travel and explore, but it's not without risks. The people who live in vehicles are often susceptible to theft. Thieves can attack the vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are one of the best ways to secure your van and its contents. These systems can be connected to your keypad, so you'll receive notifications in the event of a break-in. These systems can also lower the cost of insurance. This can save you thousands of dollars over the course of your vehicle.
A good alarm system will come with the base station, a keypads, and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Some alarms even have a built-in motion sensor that detects movement inside your van and alert your mobile. This is a great deterrent to any potential thieves, and it can even aid in identifying the criminal before they strike.
Adding deadlocks to all of your doors is an excellent option to ensure your van is secure. They require keys and are more difficult to operate than regular locks. You can also get locks that can be operated using a smartphone app. This will allow you to check on your van while you are away.
A lot of van alarms include an engine immobilizer that shuts off the vehicle's motor in the event that you use the wrong key to start it. This is a good measure to consider, but it will not stop a thief who is determined from removing the whole engine. It is best to employ a low-power tracking device that stops the engine from running and provide you with the location of your vehicle when it is relocated.
Insurance
Vans are a crucial resource for many businesses and securing their contents is of paramount importance. Not only does a robust van security system give peace of mind, but it also helps reduce insurance costs since insurers take the security measures of van owners into account when calculating premiums.
The year, make, and model of your van will impact the cost of insurance, as will your driving record. The location in which you reside and work will also affect your rates, since higher crime rates could cause higher rates. Insurance companies also take your van's use into consideration as commercial vehicles generally cost more to insure than personal vehicles.
If you're thinking of making major van modifications it is important to speak with your insurance provider prior to making any changes since it could impact on the price of your policy. Additionally, adding extras to your vehicle that aren't included in the standard will increase the price of your insurance. A Thatcham Category 2 -approved dash camera is a simple way to deter vandals, as they will be cautious before attempting to break in.
Another important aspect of van life is insurance that covers the tools and equipment you keep in your vehicle in case they are stolen. You can purchase comprehensive physical damage coverage as well as roadside service plans that cover breakdowns as well as other emergencies.
It's important to remember that the cheapest insurance policy isn't always the most effective. Compare the coverage limits along with deductibles, coverage limits and other benefits to determine the most suitable 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.