How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset that can carry expensive tools and equipment. Security for your van is an absolute priority and there are a variety of strategies you can use to ward off thieves and protect your tools.
Slamlocks locks doors once you shut them they can be very beneficial for couriers who make small drops or are susceptible to not locking the van. Other improvements include security stickers covering windows or tinting them and fitting the tool vault with a lockable feature.
Security locks
With so many vans being used as both a mode of transport as well as storage space mobile it is essential to protect their contents against theft. The proper van security measures can deter criminals and safeguard your items, allowing you take your trip with confidence.
The door locks of the van are the first line in defence. They secure the doors and prevent the entry of anyone who is not authorized. Standard locks are often pre-installed and provide basic security however, they are easily bypassed. Upgrading to more advanced security locks that are resistant to drilling, cutting, and picking is a good investment in security.
When selecting a vanlock, you should consider the materials, the build quality and if it is certified by Thatcham. This designation ensures the lock is of top quality, making it more difficult to break or compromise. The slamlock is an additional aspect to consider. It locks automatically the doors of the load area upon closing and requires a key to unlock. This is a great option for couriers who overlook locking their vans between deliveries. Hook locks are another option that can be used to secure the front and side doors to prevent 'peel-and-steal' attacks.
It is crucial to clean and lubricate your van locks to keep their functionality intact and the integrity of the mechanism. This prevents rust and corrosion and ensures smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to identify indications of wear and tear, and then address them promptly. This will prevent security issues from arising.
Installing a security system that is appropriate will save you money on van insurance. Many insurance companies recognize the importance of security systems that are robust with attractive terms and additional coverage options.
Slamlocks
Strengthening your van's lock is one of the best methods to ward off robbers. By installing high-strength or slam locks, your van's doors will be more secure and less difficult to break into. This is particularly important if you intend to use your vehicle to transport expensive tools or other valuable cargo.
A slam lock works automatically as soon as your door is closed, meaning you don't need to press a key to activate the mechanism. security locks for van means it's less likely to be stolen and is ideal for couriers or tradespeople who are constantly in and out of their van every day long and might not lock the door after each journey. It also assists in fighting the petty thieves who just open the vehicle's lock and take whatever they can, including the tools you need for your work.
There are a variety of slamlocks to choose from. Some offer extra security features such as anti-drill and anti-pick technology, or a steelplate which stops drilling. Certain models are specifically designed for applications, like those used by multidrop drivers and for those who transport lots of valuable items.
For those who require more security than a standard slam lock can offer, there are options like deadlocks. These locks function independently of the original locking mechanism that is supplied by the manufacturer and are only unlocked by the driver using the key provided. You can also buy hooklocks that function similar to a hooklock, but offers additional security through deadlocking bolts that are inserted in the opposite part of the body and is controlled by the supplied key.
Dashboard cameras
Install a dash camera in your vehicle if you wish for it to be more secure and secure. These cameras can be used to avoid collisions and accidents when driving. They can also demonstrate your innocence in the case of an accident, or traffic violation. These cameras function by converting light incoming into electrical signals and convert those signals into digital information. These can be powered either by the battery of your vehicle or by an cigarette-lighter.
Many dashboard cameras on the market include SD cards or flash drives to record. These devices erase old footage to make room for new recordings. However, they can be upgraded to support larger memory cards if more video data is required. Certain dashboard cameras come with cloud storage, removing the requirement for memory card storage. These types of dashboard cams connect to either a Wi-Fi or smartphone and upload their data at various intervals.
Another feature to take into consideration is whether the camera is wired or wireless. Hard-wired cameras are less susceptible to interferences from cell networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some models can stand up to the elements.
Some vans have dual dash cams, which can record video from both the rear and front of the vehicle. This is useful when reversing into tight spaces or when you're in a parking space. Certain cameras have night vision that can increase the brightness of the images in low light conditions and enhance visibility. Many van owners include this feature to the system. Some dashboard cams can be remotely monitored which is an enormous benefit for van owners who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular among those who love traveling and exploring however, it is not without dangers. People who live in vehicles are often at risk of theft. Thieves can target the vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are among the best ways to protect your van and its contents. These alarm systems can be incorporated with your keypad, meaning you'll receive alerts if anyone is able to break into your vehicle. These systems can also lower insurance premiums. This can save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your vehicle.
A good alarm system will come with an alarm base station, keypad and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Some alarms even have an inbuilt 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 anyone who is a potential thief and could help you spot the criminal before they strike.
Adding deadlocks to all of your doors is another great way to ensure your van is secure. They require a key for operation and are more difficult to alter than standard locks. There are locks that can be operated using a smartphone app. This allows you to monitor your vehicle even when you're away.
A lot of van alarms are equipped with an engine immobilizer, which disables your vehicle's engine if the wrong key is used to start it. This is a sensible step to consider, but it will not stop a thief who is determined from taking the entire engine. An alternative is to have a low-power tracker which prevents the engine from starting and sends you the exact location of your vehicle whenever it is being removed.
Insurance
For many companies vans are essential resources, and protecting their contents is an important priority. Not only does a robust van security system give peace of mind, but it can also reduce cost of insurance since insurance companies take van owners' security measures into account when calculating premiums.
The year, model, and make of your vehicle will affect the cost of insurance and your driving record. The location in which you reside and work will affect your rates too, since higher crime rates could lead to increased rates. Insurance companies may also take into account the use of your vehicle since commercial vehicles are usually more expensive to cover.
If you're considering making any major modifications to your van it is important to speak with your insurance company prior to doing so since it could have an impact on the cost of your policy. Also, adding any additional features to your vehicle that aren't included in the standard will increase your insurance. For instance the use of a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a simple method to deter thieves because it can make them think twice before attempting to break into your van.
Another important aspect of van life is insurance to cover the equipment and tools you keep in your vehicle, in the event of theft. You can purchase complete physical damage insurance and roadside service plans that cover breakdowns as well as other emergencies.
It's important to keep in mind that the most affordable insurance policy doesn't necessarily mean the best. Compare the limits of coverage as well as deductibles and other benefits to determine the most suitable policy for your needs. In addition to full coverage, it's important to consider gap insurance because this can pay the difference between your van's actual cash value and any remaining balance on your loan if it's totaled.