How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset that can be used to transport expensive equipment and tools. It is essential to make your van as secure as is possible. There are a variety of ways to do this.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as they are closed, which can be useful for couriers who do frequent short trips or are prone to not locking the van. Other improvements include security stickers covering windows or tinting them and fitting an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
With the increasing number of vans used as both a mode of transport as well as a mobile storage unit it is crucial to protect their contents against theft. The proper van security measures can deter criminals as well as protect your items, allowing you take your trip with confidence.
Door locks are the first security measure, securing the doors of your van and preventing unauthorized access. Standard locks, which are usually installed by the manufacturer, provide an adequate level of security however they are easily manipulated by a few determined thieves. Upgrade to more secure locks that are resistant to cutting, drilling, or picking. This is an investment to ensure your security.
When you are choosing a vanlock you should consider the materials, the build quality and if it is certified by Thatcham. This ensures that the lock is high-quality and is more difficult to compromise. The slamlock is another important aspect to consider. It automatically locks the doors of the load area when it closes and requires a specific key to unlock. This is ideal for couriers who may overlook locking their vans during deliveries. Another alternative is the hook lock, which adds reinforcement to doors on the rear and side and stops 'peel and take' attacks.
It is crucial to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks in order to ensure their function and the integrity of the mechanism. This will prevent rust and corrosion, and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to detect signs of wear and damage and then address them promptly. This will prevent security vulnerabilities from developing.
Installing the right security system will save you money on insurance for your van. Many insurers recognise the value of security systems that are robust, offering favourable terms and additional coverage options.
Slamlocks
Strengthening your van's lock is one of the most effective methods to ward off robbers. By installing slam or high-strength locks your van's doors will be more secure and difficult to break into. This is particularly important if you intend to use your van to transport expensive tools or valuable cargo.
The slam lock is activated automatically when your door is shut, meaning you don't need to press a key to activate the mechanism. This means that it's less likely to be compromised, making it ideal for couriers or tradespeople who are in and out of their van throughout the day long and might forget to lock up at the end of each trip. It also assists in fighting criminals who can simply open the door of your vehicle and take what they can, including the tools you require to do your job.
There are a variety of slamlocks available. Some offer extra security features such as anti-drill and anti-pick technology, or a steelplate that prevents drilling. Other locks are suitable for specific applications, such as multidrop drivers, or those that transport a lot of high-value items.
If you're looking for more security than a locks that slam can provide the option of deadlocks. These locks operate independently of the original locking mechanism from the manufacturer and are only be unlocked by the driver using the key supplied. You can also buy hook locks that works similarly, however, it provides extra security through a deadlocking hook bolt which engages into an opposite body section and operates with the supplied key under full control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
If you're looking to make your van more secure and safe, consider adding a dash camera. These cameras can be used to help avoid collisions and accidents when driving. They can also show your innocence in the case of an accident or traffic infraction. They work by converting incoming light into electrical signals and they then convert these signals into digital data. They can be powered by the battery in your car or by an cigarette-lighter.
Many dashboard cameras on the market have SD cards or flash drive for recording. These devices typically erase old footage to create space for new recordings, but they can be upgraded with memory cards that have high capacity in case you wish to save more video data. Some dashboard cams also have cloud storage features, which eliminate the need for memory cards. These kinds of dashboard cameras connect to a smartphone or Wi-Fi network and upload their data at varying intervals.
Another aspect to consider is whether the camera is wired or wireless. Hardwired models are less vulnerable to interference from cellular networks or other sources. They are also more durable and some are able to stand up to the elements.
Some vans have dual dash cameras which can record video from the front and back of the vehicle. This can be useful when you need to reverse in tight spaces or when you're in a parking space. Some cameras come with night vision which can brighten the images in dim light conditions and enhance visibility. Many van owners choose to add this feature to their systems. Certain dashboard cameras are able to be remotely monitored. This can be an enormous benefit for van dwellers that spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is getting increasingly popular among those who enjoy exploring and travelling However, it is not without risks. People who live in their vehicles are often at the mercy of thieves who could target their vehicle and its contents. There are a variety of ways to secure your van and its contents but one of the best is an alarm system. Alarm systems can be linked with your keypad, meaning you'll receive alerts if anyone breaks into your vehicle. These systems can also lower the cost of insurance. This can save you thousands of dollars over the course of your van.
A good alarm system will have an alarm base station, keypads, and entry sensors that guard against door peal. Some even have a built-in motion sensor that will detect the presence of movement inside your vehicle and notify your mobile. This can be a great way to deter potential thieves and assist in catching thieves before they do.
Install deadlocks on your van's doors to ensure it's secure. These locks require the use of a key and are more difficult to control than conventional locks. A good option is to choose a lock equipped to operate with an app for smartphones, so you can check on your vehicle while you're away.
A majority of van alarms are fitted with an engine immobilizer, which disables the engine of your vehicle in the event that the wrong key is used to start it. This is a great precaution, but it will not stop a thief who is determined to who would take the entire engine. A better measure is to install an engine tracker with low power that will stop the engine from running, and will send you the location of your vehicle when it's being relocated.
Insurance
Vans are a crucial source for many businesses, and protecting their contents is a top priority. Not only can a strong van security system give peace of mind, but it also helps reduce cost of insurance since insurers take van owners' security measures into consideration when calculating premiums.
The make, model and year of your van will impact the cost of insurance as will your driving record. Your rates could also be affected by the location in which you live and work, since higher crime rates could result in an increase in premiums. Insurance companies may also take into account the use of your van because commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure.
If you're considering making any major check here changes to your van, it's important to consult with your insurance company prior to doing so as it could impact on the policy price. The cost of your 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, since it makes them think twice before attempting to break into your van.
Insurance is another important aspect of the van's life. It protects the tools and other equipment you keep in your van in case they are stolen. You can purchase comprehensive physical damage insurance along with roadside service plans that cover breakdowns as well as other emergencies.
When comparing insurance policies, it's worth bearing in mind that the cheapest policy isn't necessarily the best. Compare coverage limits along with deductibles, coverage limits and other benefits to determine the most suitable policy for your requirements. In addition to complete coverage, it's worth considering gap insurance as it will pay for the difference between your car's actual cash value and any remaining balance on your loan, if it's totaled.