How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that is worth having, usually carrying expensive equipment and tools. It is crucial to ensure that your van is as secure as you can. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this.
Slamlocks lock doors right after they are closed. This is useful for couriers that do short drop-offs, or are prone forgetting to lock their vans. Other upgrades include security stickers covering windows or tinting them and installing a lockable tool vault.
Security locks
It is important to protect the contents of vans, since they are used as a vehicle for transportation as well as mobile storage. The proper van security measures will deter criminals while also protecting your belongings. This will allow you to travel with peace of mind.
Door locks are the first line of defense, protecting the van's doors and preventing unauthorized access. Locks that are standard, usually installed by the manufacturer, provide an adequate level of security however they are easily manipulated by a few determined thieves. Moving to more sophisticated security locks that are impervious to drilling, cutting, and picking is a good investment in security.
The factors to consider when selecting van locks include the material and build quality, as well as whether it's approved by Thatcham. This means that the lock is of top quality which makes it harder to break or compromise. The slamlock is a further factor to take into. It locks automatically the doors of the load area when it closes and requires a specific key to unlock. This is perfect for couriers who overlook locking their vans between deliveries. The hook lock is another option, which reinforces side and rear doors to stop 'peel-and-steal' attack.
Regularly cleaning and lubricating your van locks are crucial to keep them functioning and ensure the integrity of the mechanism. This stops corrosion and rust and helps ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections will enable you to identify the signs of wear and damage, and then address them promptly. This will prevent security issues from arising.
In addition to enhancing the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the right security system will help you save money on your van insurance. Many insurers recognise the value of security systems that are robust providing favorable terms and additional coverage options.
Slamlocks
Strengthening your van's lock is among the best methods to deter thieves. Installing slam or high-strength locks will make the van's door more secure and less difficult to break into. This is especially crucial if your van is used to transport expensive equipment or cargo.
The lock is activated automatically once your door is shut. It doesn't require you to press any keys to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be compromised, which makes it perfect for couriers and tradespeople who are in and out of their vans all day. They might overlook locking it at the end of each trip. It also helps to combat opportunistic thieves who simply open the lock on your vehicle and steal whatever they can get, which includes the tools you need to complete your job.
There are a variety of slamlocks that are available. Some offer extra security features such as anti-drill and anti-pick technology, or a steelplate which stops drilling. Some are designed for specific uses, like the ones used by multidrop drivers or those who transport a lot of valuable items.
Deadlocks are a good alternative for those who require more security than an slamlock could provide. They operate independently from the locking mechanism that is supplied by the manufacturer and are only be unlocked by the driver by using the key provided. You can also buy a hook lock that works exactly the same way, however, it provides extra security with a deadlocking hook bolt which engages into an opposite body section and is operated using the key that comes with it under the complete control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
Install a dash camera in your van if you want it to be more secure and safe. 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 violation. They work by converting light that is incoming into electrical signals and changing these signals into digital data. They can be powered by the vehicle's battery, or the cigarette lighter.
Many of the dashboard cams available on the market include SD cards or flash drives to save recordings. van security near me overwrite old footage to create space for new videos, but they can be upgraded using memory cards that have high capacity if you want to save more video information. Some dashboard cameras also come with cloud storage capabilities that can eliminate the requirement for memory cards. These kinds of dashboard cameras connect to either a Wi-Fi or smartphone and upload their data at different intervals.
Another aspect to be considered is whether the camera is wired or wireless. Hardwired models are less prone to interference from cell networks or other sources. They are also more durable and some are able to endure the elements.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cameras that can record video from the front and back of the vehicle. This can be useful when reversing into tight spaces or while parked. Some cameras feature night vision which can brighten the images in low light conditions and enhance visibility. Many van owners include this feature to their system. Certain dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This can be an enormous benefit for van dwellers that are often away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular with those who like to travel and explore, but it's without risk. People who live in their cars are often at risk of thieves who might attack their vehicle and its contents. There are many ways to secure your van and its contents however, one of the best is to install an alarm system. Alarm systems can be linked with your keypad, which means you'll be notified if someone is able to break into your vehicle. They can also be helpful in reducing insurance premiums, which can save you a fortune over the life of your vehicle.
A good alarm system should have a base station, keypads, and entry sensors that protect against door peal. Some alarms even have a built in motion sensor that can detect the presence of movement inside your vehicle and send an alert to your mobile. This is a great way to deter thieves and even assist in catching the thieves before they get to you.
Adding deadlocks to all of your doors is a great method to keep your van secure. These locks require the use of a key and are more difficult to manipulate than standard locks. The best option is to get some that are able to be operated with apps for smartphones, which means you can check the status of your van when you're away.
A lot of van alarms are fitted with an engine immobilizer, that will shut down the engine of your vehicle in the event that the wrong key is used to start it. This is a sensible step to consider, but it will not stop a determined thief from taking away the entire engine. It is better to employ a low-power tracking device that will stop the engine from starting and send you the position of your vehicle once it is relocated.
Insurance
Vans are an essential resource for many businesses and protecting their contents is a top concern. A van security system can provide peace of mind and reduce insurance costs. Insurers take into account the security measures employed by van owners when calculating their premiums.
The year, model, and make of your van will impact your insurance rates and your driving record. Your rates will also be affected by the area where you live and work, because higher crime rates can lead to an increase in premiums. Insurance companies also take the use of your van into consideration since commercial vehicles generally cost more to insure than personal ones.
Consult your insurer before making any major van mods. This could impact the cost of your insurance. The cost of your insurance may also increase by adding any extras that aren't covered by the standard vehicle. A Thatcham Category 2 certified dash camera is a simple way to deter vandals, as they will be more cautious when trying to gain entry into.
Insurance is another important aspect of life in a van. It protects the tools and equipment that you store in your van in case they're stolen. You can purchase complete physical damage protection, as well as roadside assistance plans that will cover breakdowns and other emergencies when you're on the road.
It's important to keep in mind that the cheapest insurance policy isn't always the best. Compare coverage limits, deductibles, and other benefits to find the right policy for you. In addition to full coverage, it's worth considering gap insurance as it will pay for the difference between your vehicle's actual cash value and the remaining balance on your loan, if it is totalled.