How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset that can transport 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 as soon as you shut them and are useful for couriers who do short drops or are prone to not locking the van. Other improvements include a security stickers covering or tinting windows, and installing a vault lockable to tools.
Security locks
With the increasing number of vans used as a method of transportation and a mobile storage unit, it is vital to protect their contents against theft. The right van security measures will deter criminals and protect your belongings, allowing you to embark on your journeys with confidence.
Door locks are the initial line of defense, protecting the doors of the van and preventing unauthorized access. Standard locks are often pre-installed and offer basic security however, they are easily bypassed. Moving to more sophisticated security locks that are resistant to drilling, cutting, and picking is a good investment in security.
The factors to consider when selecting van locks include the material and the build quality and whether it's certified by Thatcham. This means that the lock is of high-quality and is more difficult to compromise. The slamlock is a further factor to take into. It automatically locks the doors of the loading area when it is closed and requires a special key to unlock. This is a great option for couriers who may overlook locking their vans in between deliveries. The hook lock is a different option that can be used to secure the side and rear doors to guard against 'peel and steal' attacks.
Regularly cleaning and lubricating your van locks is vital to ensure that the lock functions properly and ensure the reliability of the mechanism. This helps prevent corrosion and rust and ensures smooth operation. Regular inspections will enable you to spot indications of wear and damage, and address them immediately. This can prevent security issues from arising.
In addition to enhancing the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the right security system can save you money on insurance for your van. Many insurers offer favourable conditions in exchange for high-quality security solutions.
Slamlocks
The strengthening of your van's lock is one of the most effective methods to deter thieves. Installing slam or high-strength locks will make the door of your van more secure and difficult to break into. This is particularly important if you intend to use your van to transport expensive tools or other valuable cargo.
A slam lock operates automatically when the door is shut which means you don't have to press a button to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be tampered and is ideal for couriers and tradespeople that are in and out of their vans throughout the day. They may forget to lock it up at the end of each trip. It also helps to combat criminals who can simply open the door of your vehicle and take whatever they can, which includes the tools that you need to do your job.
There are many different kinds of slam locks that are available, with some offering extra security features, such as anti-drill and anti-pick technology or a steel plate that blocks drilling attacks. Some are suited for a specific application such as multidrop drivers, or those that transport a lot of valuable goods.
For those who want more security than a slam lock can offer, there are options like deadlocks. They operate independently of the original locking mechanism that is supplied by the manufacturer and are only be unlocked by the driver using the key supplied. Alternately, you can purchase a hook lock, which operates in the same way but offers extra security by using a deadlocking hook bolt which engages into an opposite body section and is operated with the supplied key under full control of the read more driver.
Dashboard cameras
Include a dash camera into your vehicle if you want it to be more secure and secure. These cameras can be used to prevent accidents and collisions when driving. They can also prove your innocence in the case of an accident or traffic violation. They work by converting light signals into electrical signals, and then converting the signals into digital information. These can be powered either by the battery in your vehicle or an cigarette-lighter.
Many of the dashboard cams available on the market include SD cards or flash drives for saving recordings. These devices erase old footage to allow room for new videos. However, they can be upgraded to accept larger memory cards if more video data is required. Certain dashboard cameras also have cloud storage features, which can eliminate the need for memory cards. These kinds of dashboard cameras connect to the Wi-Fi or smartphone network and upload their data at varying intervals.
Hard-wired or wireless cameras are also worth considering. Hardwired cameras are less vulnerable to interferences from cell networks and other sources. They are also more durable and some can withstand the elements.
Some vans come 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 when parked. Some cameras come with night vision which can brighten the images in low-light conditions and improve visibility. Many van owners opt to include this feature in their systems. Some dashboard cams can be remotely monitored, and this can be an immense benefit for van dwellers who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular among those who are avid travelers and want to explore, but it's not without its risks. People who live in their vehicles are often at risk of thieves who may target their vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are one of the best ways to protect your van and its contents. Alarm systems can be linked with your keypad, so you'll be notified if someone gets into your vehicle. They also help reduce insurance costs, which could save you money over the life of your vehicle.
A good alarm system comes with an alarm base, keypad and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Some alarm systems have built-in motion sensors that detects movement inside your van. This will send an alert to your phone. This can be a great way to deter thieves and even assist in catching the thieves before they get to you.
Add deadlocks to your van's doors to make it more secure. They require a key and are harder to control than conventional locks. There are locks that can be operated 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 the vehicle's motor in the event that you use the wrong key to start it. This is a sensible security measure, but it will not stop a determined criminal from taking the entire engine. It is safer to use a low-power tracking device which will stop the engine from starting and provide you with the exact location of your vehicle if it is removed.
Insurance
For many businesses vans are essential assets and securing their contents is a top priority. A van security system can provide peace of mind as well as reduce the cost of insurance. Insurers take into account the security measures taken by van owners when calculating their premiums.
Your driving record, along with the make, model and year of your van will also affect your insurance rate. Your rates are also affected by the region in which you reside and work, because higher crime rates can cause an increase in premiums. Insurance companies will also take into consideration the use of your vehicle since commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure.
Check with your insurance provider prior to making any major van mods. This could impact the cost of your insurance. Likewise, adding on any extras to your vehicle that aren't included in the standard will increase your premium. For instance, a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a simple way to deter thieves, since it makes them think twice before attempting to break into your van.
Another essential element of van life is insurance that covers the tools and equipment that you keep in your vehicle, in the event that they are stolen. You can purchase comprehensive physical damage coverage and 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 as well as deductibles and other benefits to choose the best policy for your needs. It is worth looking into gap insurance in addition to comprehensive insurance. This will cover the difference between the value of the van's cash and any outstanding balance on your loan, in the event that your vehicle is destroyed.