How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that can carry expensive tools and equipment. Making your van secure is a top priority and there are a variety of methods you can employ to stop thieves from entering your van and keep your tools safe.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as you shut them, which can be useful for couriers who do short drops or are prone to not locking their vans. Other options include security stickers, covering or tinting windows and installing the tool vault with a lockable feature.
Security locks
With so many vans being used as both a mode of transportation as well as a mobile storage unit it is essential to safeguard their contents from theft. The proper van security measures will deter criminals and protect your items, allowing you embark on your journeys with confidence.
The door locks of the van are the first line of defense. They protect the doors and prevent the entry of anyone who is not authorized. Standard locks, which are usually installed by the manufacturer, offer a basic level of protection however they are easily manipulated by determined thieves. Upgrade to security locks that resist cutting, drilling, or picking. This is a wise investment for peace of mind.
The factors to consider when selecting a van lock include the material and the build quality, as well as whether it's certified by Thatcham. This means that the lock is of top quality which makes it harder to compromise or break. The slamlock is another important consideration. 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 during deliveries. Another option is the hook lock, which provides additional security to the side and rear doors and stops 'peel and take attacks.
Regularly cleaning and lubricating your van locks are vital to ensure that the lock functions properly and ensure the integrity of the mechanism. This helps prevent corrosion and rust and promotes smooth operation. Regular inspections let you spot any signs of damage or wear and address these issues promptly, thus preventing security vulnerabilities from emerging.
Installing a security system that is appropriate will save you money on van insurance. Many insurers offer favourable terms in exchange for robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective ways to deter thieves is strengthening the locks on your van. By installing slam locks or high-strength locks, your van's doors will be more secure and difficult to break into. This is especially important if the van is used to transport expensive cargo or tools.
A slam lock operates automatically when the door is shut which means you don't have to press a button to trigger the mechanism. It's less likely to be damaged which makes it ideal for couriers and tradespeople that are in and out their vans throughout the day. They might not remember to lock it at the end of each trip. It also helps combat the issue of opportunistic burglaries which is when thieves just open the lock on your vehicle and run off with whatever they can get their hands on that includes the tools you require for your job.
There are a variety of slamlocks to choose from. Some have additional security features such as anti-drill and anti-pick technology, or a steelplate which stops drilling. Some are suited for a specific application like multidrop drivers, or those that carry a large volume of high-value goods.
Deadlocks are an alternative for those who require more protection than what is offered by a slamlock. They operate in a different manner from the original locking mechanism of the manufacturer and can only be unlocked with a key that is supplied with full control by the driver. Alternately, you can buy a hook lock that read more works similarly, but provides additional security with a deadlocking hook bolt that engages into an opposing body section and is operated with the key supplied under total control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
If you want to make your car more secure and secure you should consider installing a dash cam. These cameras can assist you in avoiding accidents and collisions when driving, and can also be useful in showing your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic offense. They convert incoming light into electrical signals and they then convert these signals into digital data. These can be powered either via the battery of your car or by an cigarette-lighter.
A lot of dashboard cameras on the market have SD cards or flash drives for recording. These devices typically erase old footage to create space for new recordings, however they can be upgraded using memory cards that have high capacity if you want to save more video data. Certain dashboard cameras come with cloud storage, which eliminates the necessity for memory card storage. These dashboard cameras are connected to a smartphone, Wi-Fi network or both and upload data at various times.
Another feature to take into consideration is whether the camera is wireless or hard wired. Hardwired models are less prone to interference from cell networks or 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 is useful when you have to reverse into tight spaces or while parked. Some cameras come with night vision that can enhance images in low light conditions and enhance visibility for drivers. Many van owners have added this feature to the system. Certain dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored, and this is an immense benefit for van dwellers who spend long periods 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 risks. People who live in their cars are often at risk of thieves who may target their vehicle and its contents. There are many ways to protect your vehicle and its contents but one of the best is an alarm system. These alarm systems can be linked to your keypad, so that you receive notifications in the event of a break-in. These systems can also lower insurance premiums. This could save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your vehicle.
A good alarm system includes a base, keypad, and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Some even have an inbuilt motion sensor that can detect the presence of movement inside your vehicle and notify your phone. This is a great method to deter thieves and help you catch the thieves before they get to you.
The addition of deadlocks to all your doors is a great option to keep your van secure. These are locks that require a key to operate and are more difficult to break than regular locks. A good option is to get some that are capable of being operated using an app for smartphones, so you can check the status of your van while away.
A lot of van alarms are fitted with an engine immobilizer which disables your vehicle's engine if the wrong key is used to start it. This is a good measure to do, but it's not enough to stop a determined thief from taking the entire engine. It is safer to use a low-power tracking device that will stop the engine from running and provide you with the position of your vehicle once it is removed.
Insurance
Vans are a crucial resource for many businesses and securing their contents is of paramount importance. A van security system can give peace of mind and reduce insurance costs. Insurance companies consider the security measures taken by van owners when calculating premiums.
The year, make, and model of your van will affect your insurance rates, as will your driving record. Your rates are also affected by the region in which you live and work, since higher crime rates could result in an increase in premiums. Insurance providers will also consider the possibility of using your van, as commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure.
If you're thinking of making major changes to your van it's essential to talk with your insurance company prior to doing so because this could have an impact on the policy price. Likewise, adding on any extras to your vehicle that aren't standard will increase the price of your insurance. A Thatcham Category 2 certified dash camera is an easy method to deter thieves, as they will be cautious before attempting to gain entry into.
Another essential element of van life is insurance that covers the tools and equipment you keep in your vehicle, in case they are stolen. You can get comprehensive physical damage protection, as well as roadside assistance plans to protect you from breakdowns and other emergencies that occur while you're driving.
It's important to remember that the cheapest insurance policy isn't always the most effective. Compare the coverage limits as well as deductibles and other benefits to determine the most suitable policy that meets your requirements. In addition to complete coverage, it's worth looking into gap insurance since this can pay the difference between your van's actual cash value and any remaining balance on your loan if it's repaid in total.