How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset worth having, typically carrying expensive tools and equipment. It is essential to ensure that your van is as secure as is possible. There are many ways to do this.
Slamlocks lock doors immediately after you close them. This is useful for couriers who have short drops, or who are prone forgetting to lock their van. Other upgrades include security stickers covering windows, tinting or covering them and fitting an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
It is important to protect the contents of vans, because they serve as a mode of transport and storage on the move. The proper van security measures will deter criminals while protecting your possessions. This will allow you to travel in peace.
The van's door locks are the first line in defense. They protect the doors and block the entry of anyone who is not authorized. The standard locks are usually pre-installed and provide basic security however, they are easily hacked. Upgrade to more secure locks that are immune to cutting, drilling, and picking is an investment in peace of mind.
Considerations when choosing a van lock include the material and build quality, as well as whether it's certified by Thatcham. This designation ensures the lock is of high-quality, making it more difficult to compromise or break. The slamlock is another important factor to take into. It automatically locks the doors of the load area when it is closed and requires a key to unlock. This is a great option for couriers that may not lock their vans between deliveries. Hook locks are another option, which reinforces side and rear doors to stop 'peel-and-steal' attack.
It is important to clean and lubricate your van locks to keep their functionality intact and the strength of the mechanism. This will help prevent rust and corrosion, and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections let you identify any signs of wear or damage and address them immediately, thereby to prevent security vulnerabilities from arising.
In addition to enhancing the overall security of your vehicle, installing the right security system can save you money on insurance for your van. Many insurers recognise the value of strong security solutions with attractive terms and additional coverage options.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective ways to deter thieves is by strengthening your van's locks. Installing slam or high-strength locks will make your van's door more secure and less difficult to break into. This is especially important if the van is used to transport expensive tools or equipment.
The slam lock is activated automatically as soon as your door is closed and you don't have to press a key to trigger the mechanism. This means it's much less likely to be tampered with, making it ideal for couriers or tradespeople who are constantly in and out of their van throughout the day long and might not lock the door after each trip. It also helps in tackling the problem of opportunistic theft that occurs when thieves open the lock on your vehicle and run off with whatever they can get their hands on and often include the tools you require to do your job.
There are many different types of slamlocks that are available. Some have additional security features, such as anti-drill and anti-pick technology, or a steelplate that blocks drilling. Certain models are specifically designed for applications, like the ones used by multidrop drivers or those who transport lots of valuable goods.
If you're looking for more security than a standard locks that slam can provide the option of deadlocks. They operate independently of the original locking mechanism from the manufacturer and are only unlocked by the driver by using the supplied key. Alternately, you can invest in hook locks that works exactly the same way, but provides additional security with a deadlocking hook bolt that is inserted into the opposing body section and is operated with the key that comes with it under the full check here control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
Install a dash camera in your van if you want it to be more secure and secure. These cameras can aid you in avoiding accidents and collisions while driving, and they are also useful in proving your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic offense. They convert incoming light into electrical signals, and then convert those signals into digital data. These can be powered either by the battery of your car or by an cigarette-lighter.
A lot of dashboard cameras on the market include SD cards or flash drives for recording. 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 information. Some dashboard cameras also come with cloud storage capabilities, which can eliminate the requirement for memory cards. These dashboard cameras are connected to a smartphone, a 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 interferences from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some can endure the elements.
Some vans come with dual dash cameras which can record video from both the front and back of the vehicle. This can be useful when you need to reverse in tight spaces or when you're parked. Certain cameras come with night vision, which can enhance images in low light conditions and improve visibility for drivers. Many van owners have added this feature to the system. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored, which is a huge benefit for van dwellers who are often away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is getting increasingly popular with those who enjoy exploring and traveling However, it has its own risks. People who live in their cars are often at risk of thieves who may take aim at their vehicle and 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 to your keypad so you'll be alerted 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 will have a base station, keypads and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Certain alarm systems come with an inbuilt motion sensor that detects movement within your vehicle. It will then send an alert to your phone. This is a great way to deter potential thieves and also assist in catching them before they strike.
Adding deadlocks to all of your doors is an excellent method to ensure your van is secure. These are locks that require a key for operation and are more difficult to tamper with than normal locks. The best option is to purchase a lock that is capable of being operated using an app for smartphones, so you can monitor your van when you're 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 thief who is determined from taking the entire engine. An alternative is to use a low-power tracker which stops the engine from starting and will notify you of the exact location of your vehicle whenever it's being moved.
Insurance
Vans are a crucial resource for many businesses and the security of their contents is a top concern. A van security system will give peace of mind and reduce the cost of insurance. Insurance companies take into consideration the security measures implemented 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 in which you live and work will affect your rates too, as higher crime rates can lead to increased rates. Insurance companies will also take into consideration 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 changes to your van. This could impact the price of your policy. The cost of your insurance will also increase by adding any extras that aren't part of the standard vehicle. For instance the use of a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a great method to deter thieves as it will make them think twice about attempting to break into your van.
Another crucial aspect of van life is insurance that covers the equipment and tools you keep in your vehicle, in case they are stolen. You can buy complete physical damage insurance and roadside service plans that cover breakdowns and other emergencies.
When comparing insurance policies, it's important to keep in mind that the cheapest option isn't necessarily the best. Compare the coverage limits as well as deductibles and other benefits to find the best policy for your needs. In addition to full coverage, it's worth looking into gap insurance since it will pay for the difference between your van's actual cash value and any remaining amount on your loan if it is totalled.