How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that is worth having, usually carrying expensive equipment and tools. It is important to ensure that your van is as secure as possible. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this.
Slamlocks locks doors once you shut them, which can be useful for couriers who do frequent short trips or are prone to not locking the van. Other upgrades include security stickers covering windows or tinting them and fitting an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
It is crucial to secure the contents of vans since they are used as a mode of transport and mobile storage. The proper van security measures will deter criminals and protect your belongings. This will allow you to travel with confidence.
Door locks are the first security measure, securing the doors of the van and preventing unauthorized access. Locks that are standard are usually installed and offer a basic protection, but they can be easily hacked. Upgrade to security locks that resist cutting, drilling, or picking. This is a wise investment to ensure your security.
When you are choosing a vanlock you must consider the materials, the build quality and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This certification ensures that the lock is of top quality which makes it harder to compromise or break. The slamlock is an additional aspect to consider. It locks automatically the doors of the loading area upon closing and requires a specific key to unlock. This is perfect for couriers that may overlook locking their vans during deliveries. Another alternative is the hook lock that provides reinforcement to doors on the rear and side and prevents 'peel and steal attacks.
It is essential to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks in order to maintain their functionality and the strength of the mechanism. This will prevent corrosion and rust, and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections will allow you to spot signs of wear and damage, and address them immediately. This will stop security weaknesses from forming.
In addition to improving the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the right security systems can help you save money on insurance for your van. Many insurers recognise the value of strong security solutions, offering favourable terms and additional coverage options in return.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective ways to deter thieves is strengthening your van's locks. By installing high-strength or slam locks, your van's doors will be more secure and less difficult to break into. This is especially important if your vehicle is used to transport expensive cargo or tools.
The slam lock is activated automatically as soon as your door is shut which means you don't have to press a button to trigger the mechanism. This means that it's less likely to be tampered with which makes it ideal for couriers and tradespeople who are constantly in and out of their van all day long and not lock the door at the end of each trip. It also helps combat the issue of opportunistic burglaries that occurs when thieves open the lock on your vehicle and then take off with whatever they can get their hands on that includes the tools you require to do your job.
There are many different types of slam locks that are available, with some offering extra security features, for instance anti-drill and anti-pick technology or a steel plate that prevents drilling attacks. Others are suitable for a specific application like multidrop drivers or those that carry a large volume of valuable goods.
If you're looking for more security than a standard lock that slams can provide, there are options like deadlocks. These operate independently from the locking mechanism used by the manufacturer and can only be unlocked with a supplied key that is fully controlled by the driver. You can also buy hook locks that works similarly, but offers extra security by using deadlocking hook bolts that connects to an opposing body section and is operated with the key supplied under total control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
Add a dash camera to your vehicle if you wish for it to be more secure and safer. These cameras can assist you in avoiding accidents and collisions while driving. They are also useful in showing your innocence in the event of a traffic violation. They work by converting light that is incoming into electrical signals and converting the signals into digital information. These can be powered either by the battery in your car or by the cigarette lighter.
Many of the dashboard cams that are available have SD cards or flash drives to save recordings. These devices typically erase old footage to create space for new recordings, but they can be upgraded with high-capacity memory cards for those who want to save more video data. Some dashboard cams also have cloud storage capabilities, which eliminate the need for memory cards. These dashboard cams connect to a smartphone, a Wi-Fi network, or both and upload data at different intervals.
Another aspect to be considered is whether the camera is wired or wireless. Hard-wired models are less susceptible to interference from cell networks and other sources. They are also more durable and certain models are able to withstand the weather.
Some vans come with dual dash cams that can record footage from both the front and rear of the vehicle. This is useful when you reverse in tight spaces or while in a parking spot. Some cameras come with night vision, which can enhance the images in dim light conditions and enhance visibility. Many van owners have added this feature to their system. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This is an enormous benefit for van owners who are often away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming more popular with those who enjoy traveling and exploring however, it has its own dangers. People who live in their vehicles are frequently at risk of thieves who may target their vehicle and its contents. There are a number of ways to protect your vehicle and its contents, but one of the most effective is to install an alarm system. These alarm systems can be linked to your keypad so that you receive alerts in the event of a burglary. These systems can also help reduce the cost of insurance. This could save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your vehicle.
A good alarm system includes keys, a base and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Certain alarm systems come with a built-in motion sensor that detects movement inside your vehicle. It will then send an alert to your phone. This can be a great way to deter potential thieves and even help you catch the thieves before they get to you.
Add deadlocks to your van's doors to make it more secure. These locks require a key and are harder to operate than conventional locks. You can also purchase locks that you can operate via a smartphone application. This will allow you to monitor your van while you are 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 measure to take, but it won't stop a thief who is determined from taking away the entire engine. It is better to utilize a low-power tracker that stops the engine from running and send you the location of your vehicle when it is removed.
Insurance
For many businesses their vans are crucial resources and safeguarding their contents is a top priority. A van security system will give peace of mind and reduce insurance costs. work van security take into consideration the security measures employed by van owners when calculating their premiums.
Your driving record, as well as the make, model and year of your van, will also affect your insurance rates. The area where you reside and work will also impact your rates since higher crime rates could result in higher rates. Insurance providers will also consider the possibility of using your van since commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to cover.
If you're considering making any major van modifications, it's important to consult with your insurance company prior to doing so since this could have an impact on the price of your policy. The cost of insurance could also rise by adding any extras that aren't covered by the standard vehicle. For instance an Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is an easy way to discourage thieves, because it can make them think twice about trying to break into your van.
Another crucial aspect of van life is insurance that covers the tools and equipment you keep in your vehicle in the event that they are stolen. You can obtain comprehensive physical damage protection and roadside assistance plans to cover breakdowns and other emergencies when you're driving.
When comparing insurance policies, it's important to remember that the cheapest policy isn't always the best. Compare coverage limits, deductibles, and other benefits to find the right policy for you. In addition to complete coverage, it's worth looking into gap insurance since this can pay the difference between your vehicle's actual cash value and any remaining balance on your loan, if it's repaid in total.