How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset, often carrying expensive equipment and tools. The security of your van should be a top priority, and there are many strategies you can use to ward off thieves and protect your tools.
Slamlocks lock doors right after you shut them. This is beneficial for couriers who make short drops, or who tend to forget to lock their vans. Other improvements include security stickers, covering or tinting windows and fitting an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
With the increasing number of vans used as a method of transport as well as storage space mobile, it is vital to secure their contents from theft. The proper security measures for your van will deter criminals while also protecting your belongings. This allows you to travel with confidence.
Door locks are the primary security measure, securing the doors of your van and preventing access by unauthorized persons. The standard locks are usually 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.
Considerations when choosing van locks include the quality of the material and construction, as well as whether it's certified by Thatcham. This certification ensures that the lock is of high-quality, making it more difficult to compromise or break. The slamlock is another important consideration. 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 may overlook locking their vans in between deliveries. The hook lock is another option that strengthens the side and rear doors to guard against 'peel and steal' attacks.
Regularly cleaning and lubricating your van locks is essential to maintain functionality and ensure the reliability of the mechanism. This stops corrosion and rust and helps ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections help you detect any signs of wear or damage and fix them promptly, to prevent security vulnerabilities from arising.
Installing a security system that is appropriate can help you save money on insurance for your van. Many insurers offer favourable terms in exchange for robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective ways to deter thieves is strengthening the locks on your van. By installing slam or high-strength locks your van's doors will be more secure and harder to break into. This is particularly important if your vehicle is used for transporting expensive cargo or tools.
A slam lock works automatically as soon as the door is shut and you don't have to press a key to activate the mechanism. This means that it's less likely to be stolen, making it ideal for courier drivers or tradespeople who are constantly in and out of their van all day long and forget to lock up after each trip. It also helps in tackling the issue of opportunistic burglaries which is when thieves just open the lock on your vehicle and run off with whatever they are able to grab - which often includes the tools you need to complete your job.
There are a number of different kinds of slam locks that come with extra security features, like anti-drill and anti-pick technology or a steel plate that blocks drilling attacks. Certain models are specifically designed for uses, like those used by multidrop drivers and those who transport lots of valuable items.
Deadlocks are a good alternative for those who require more security than an slamlock could provide. These locks function independently of the locking mechanism that came from the manufacturer and are only unlocked by the driver by using the key provided. You can also buy hooklocks that function similarly, 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
Include a dash camera into your van if you want it to be more secure and secure. These cameras can be used to prevent collisions and accidents while driving. They can also prove your innocence in the case of an accident, or traffic violation. They work by converting the incoming light into electrical signals, and they then convert these signals into digital data. These can be powered either via the battery of your vehicle or the cigarette lighter.
Many dashboard cameras on the market come with SD cards or flash drive for recording. These devices erase old footage to allow room for new videos. However they can be upgraded to accommodate larger memory cards when more video data is required. Some dashboard cams also have cloud storage capabilities that remove the need for memory cards. These dashboard cams are connected to a smartphone, a Wi-Fi network, or both and upload data at different intervals.
Wireless or hard-wired cameras are also important to consider. Hard-wired models are less susceptible to interference from cellular networks or other sources. They are also more durable, and some models can withstand the check here weather.
Some vans come with dual dash cameras which can record video from both the front and back of the vehicle. This is useful when reversing in tight spaces or when parked. Certain cameras come with night vision, which is able to make images appear brighter in low-light conditions and increase visibility for the driver. Many van owners opt to include this feature in their systems. Certain dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This is a great benefit for van owners who spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular with those who like to travel and explore, but it's not without risks. The people who live in vehicles are usually at risk of theft. Thieves may attack the vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are among the best ways to protect your vehicle and its contents. These systems can be connected to your keypad, so that you receive alerts in the event of a break-in. These systems can also help reduce the cost of insurance. This can save you thousands of dollars over the course of your van.
A good alarm system should have the base station, a keypads and entry sensors that guard against door peal. Some even have an inbuilt motion sensor that will detect movement inside your van and alert your phone. This is a great deterrent to anyone who might be a target, and it can even help you spot the criminal before they strike.
The addition of deadlocks to all your doors is another great option to ensure your van is secure. They require a key to operate and are much more difficult to tamper with than normal locks. It is a good idea to choose a lock capable of being operated using a smartphone app, so you can check on your van while away.
Many van alarms also come with an engine immobilizer which disables 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 determined thief from removing the whole engine. Better to have an engine tracker with low power that stops the engine from starting and sends you the exact location of your vehicle whenever it's being moved.
Insurance
For many companies vans are essential resources and safeguarding their contents is an important priority. Not only will a well-constructed van security system give peace of mind, it can also lower insurance costs as insurers take van owners' security measures into consideration when calculating premiums.
The year, make, and model of your vehicle will affect your insurance premiums and your driving record. The area where you live and work will also affect your rates, since higher crime rates could cause higher rates. Insurance companies may also take into account the possibility of using your van since commercial vehicles are usually more expensive to insure.
Check with your insurance provider prior to making any major modifications to your van. This could affect the cost of your insurance. The cost of insurance could also rise if you add any extras that aren't part of the standard vehicle. For instance an Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a great way to discourage thieves, because it can make them think twice about trying to break into your vehicle.
Insurance is a crucial aspect of the van's life. It protects the tools and equipment that you store in your van in the event that they are stolen. You can buy comprehensive physical damage insurance as well as roadside service plans that cover breakdowns as well as other emergencies.
When comparing insurance policies, it's important to keep in mind that the most affordable option isn't always the best. Compare the limits of coverage, deductibles and other added advantages to find the most appropriate policy for your requirements. In addition to comprehensive coverage, it's also worth looking into gap insurance since it will pay for the difference between your car's actual cash value and any remaining balance on your loan, if it's totaled.