How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset worth having, typically carrying expensive tools and equipment. Security for your van is a top priority, and there are many methods you can employ to deter thieves and keep your tools safe.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as they are closed. This is a great feature for couriers who make frequent drops or are prone forgetting to lock their van. Other options include a security stickers covering or tinting the windows and fitting a lockable tools vault.
Security locks
With so many vans being utilized as a means of transport as well as storage space mobile it is crucial to protect their contents against theft. The proper van security measures will deter criminals while also protecting your possessions. This will allow you to travel in peace.
The van's door locks are the first line of defense. They secure the doors and block unauthorized entry. Standard locks, often pre-installed by the manufacturer, provide a basic level of protection but can be easily bypassed by a determined thief. Upgrade to advanced security locks that resist cutting or drilling. This is an investment to ensure your security.
When you are choosing a vanlock you should consider the material, build quality and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This ensures that the lock is of top quality and more difficult to alter. Other important considerations are the slamlock system, which automatically locks doors for loading area after closure and requires the use of a key to open them which is ideal for couriers who might forget to lock their van between deliveries. Hook locks are another option, which reinforces front and side doors to stop 'peel-and-steal' attack.
Regularly cleaning and lubricating your van locks is also essential to maintain functionality and ensure the integrity of the mechanism. van door security prevents rust and corrosion and helps ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections let you identify any signs of wear or damage and fix them promptly, making sure that security vulnerabilities are not uncovered.
Alongside improving the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the right security systems can save you money on your van insurance. Many insurers offer favourable conditions in exchange for high-quality security solutions.
Slamlocks
The strengthening of your van's lock is one of the best methods to deter thieves. Installing slam or high-strength locks will make the van's door more secure and difficult to break into. This is especially important if your vehicle is used to transport expensive equipment or cargo.
The lock is activated automatically once your door is closed. You don't have to press any keys to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be damaged, which makes it perfect for couriers and tradespeople who work out of their vans all day. They may overlook locking it after every journey. It also helps to combat the petty thieves who just open the vehicle's lock and steal whatever they can get, which includes the tools you need for your work.
There are many different types of slamlocks that are available. Some offer extra security features such as anti drill and anti pick technology, or a steelplate that prevents drilling. Others are suitable for specific applications like multidrop drivers or those that transport a lot of high-value goods.
Deadlocks are a great alternative for those who require more security than a slamlock can provide. They operate independently from the locking mechanism that is supplied by the manufacturer and are only unlocked by the driver by using the key supplied. You can also purchase hooklocks, which function in the same manner but adds additional security by using deadlocking bolts that lock in a different section of the body and is operated with the key supplied.
Dashboard cameras
If you're looking to make your vehicle more secure and secure, consider adding a dash cam. These cameras can be used to prevent collisions and accidents when driving. They can also demonstrate your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic infraction. They work by converting the incoming light into electrical signals and then they transform those signals into digital data. These can be powered either via the battery of your vehicle or by an cigarette-lighter.
A lot of dashboard cameras on the market have SD cards or flash drives for recording. These devices typically overwrite old footage to make room for new recordings, however they can be upgraded with memory cards with high capacity if you want to store more video data. Some dashboard cams also have cloud storage features, which remove the necessity for memory cards. These dashboard cameras are connected to a smartphone, a Wi-Fi network or both, and can upload data at various intervals.
Another feature to take into consideration is whether the camera is wireless or hard wired. Hard-wired models are less susceptible to interference from cell networks or other sources. They are also more durable and some models can withstand the elements.
Some vans come with dual dash cams. They can capture footage from both the front and rear of the vehicle. This is helpful when reverses in tight spaces or when parked. Some cameras come with night vision that can make images appear brighter in low-light conditions and increase visibility for drivers. Many van owners opt to add this feature to their systems. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This is a great benefit for van dwellers that are often away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life has become increasingly popular for those who are avid travelers and want to explore, but it's without risk. People who reside in vehicles are frequently susceptible to theft. Thieves could target the vehicle and its contents. There are a number of ways to protect your vehicle and its cargo but one of the most effective is to install an alarm system. Alarm systems can be linked with your keypad, so you'll receive alerts if anyone breaks into your vehicle. They're also great for reducing insurance costs, which could save you a fortune over the life of your van.
A good alarm system comes with keys, a base and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Some alarms even have an inbuilt motion sensor that will detect movement inside your van and notify your mobile. This can be a great way to deter thieves and also help you catch thieves before they do.
Add deadlocks to your van's doors to make it more secure. They require a key for operation and are much more difficult to tamper with than normal locks. You can also purchase locks that can be operated via a smartphone application. This allows you to check on your van while you are away.
Many van alarms also include an engine immobilizer that disables the vehicle's motor in the event that you use the wrong key to start it. This is a good measure to take, but it won't stop a determined thief from taking the entire engine. A better measure is to use a low-power tracker that stops the engine from starting and will notify you of the location of your vehicle when it's being moved.
Insurance
For many companies vans are essential resources and safeguarding their contents is a major priority. A van security system can give peace of mind and lower the cost of insurance. Insurance companies take into consideration the security measures employed by van owners when calculating their premiums.
Your driving history, as well as the make, model, and year of your vehicle, will also affect your insurance rates. The area where you reside and work will affect your rates too, as higher crime rates can cause higher rates. Insurance providers will also consider the use of your vehicle since commercial vehicles are typically more expensive to cover.
If you're thinking of making major changes to your van it's essential to talk with your insurer beforehand as it could have an impact on the policy price. Also, adding any additional features to your vehicle that aren't included in the standard will increase the price of your insurance. A Thatcham Category 2 certified dash camera is a simple way to deter thieves since they'll be more cautious when trying to gain entry into.
Another crucial aspect of van life is insurance to cover the tools and equipment you keep in your vehicle in case they are stolen. You can get complete physical damage protection as well as roadside assistance plans that will cover breakdowns and other emergencies that occur while you're driving.
It's important to keep in mind that the insurance policy with the lowest cost isn't always the best. Compare the coverage limits along with deductibles, coverage limits and other benefits to determine the most suitable policy for your needs. In addition to complete coverage, it's important to consider gap insurance because it will pay for the difference between your van's actual cash value and the remaining balance on your loan, if it's repaid in total.