How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset that can be used to transport expensive tools and equipment. It is crucial to ensure that your van is as secure as is possible. There are many ways you can do this.
Slamlocks lock doors immediately after you close them. This is useful for couriers who make short drop-offs, or tend to forget to lock their van. Other upgrades include security sticker covering or tinting the windows and fitting a lockable tools vault.
Security locks
It is crucial to secure the contents of vans, since they are used as a means of transportation and mobile storage. The right van security measures will deter criminals and protect your belongings. This allows you to travel in peace.
Door locks are the first security measure, securing the van's doors and preventing unauthorized access. The standard locks are usually pre-installed and provide basic security however, they are easily smashed. Upgrade to security locks that can withstand cutting or drilling. This is a good investment in security that will give you peace of mind.
The factors to consider when selecting the right van lock include quality of the material and construction, as well as whether it's approved by Thatcham. This guarantees that the lock is of high-quality and is more difficult to compromise. The slamlock is an additional aspect to consider. It locks automatically the doors of the load area when it closes and requires a key to unlock. This is a great option for couriers who forget to lock up their vans between deliveries. Another alternative is the hook lock, which adds reinforcement to doors on the rear and side and helps prevent 'peel and steal attacks.
It is essential to clean and lubricate your van locks to keep their functionality intact and the strength of the mechanism. This will stop corrosion and rust and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections will allow you to identify the signs of wear and damage and then address them promptly. This can prevent security issues from arising.
Installing the best security system will save you money on van insurance. Many insurance companies are aware of security systems that are robust providing favorable terms and additional coverage options.
Slamlocks
Strengthening your van's lock is one of the most effective methods to ward off robbers. Installing high-strength locks or slam locks will make your van's door more secure and less difficult to break into. This is particularly important if you use your van to transport expensive equipment or valuable cargo.
The lock is activated automatically once your door is shut. It doesn't require you to press any keys to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be compromised, which makes it perfect for couriers and tradespeople who are in and out of their vans all day. They might overlook locking it after every journey. It also helps to combat the problem of opportunistic theft that occurs when thieves open the lock on your vehicle and then take off with whatever they are able to grab - which often includes the tools you need to complete your job.
There are many different types of slamlocks to choose from. Some offer extra security features such as anti drill and anti pick technology, or a steelplate that blocks drilling. Some are suited for a specific application, such as multidrop drivers or those who carry a significant amount of valuable goods.
Deadlocks are a good option for those who need more protection than what is offered by a slamlock. They operate in a different manner from the locking mechanism used by the manufacturer and can only be opened by a key supplied with full control by the driver. You can also purchase hooklocks that function similar to a hooklock, but adds additional security by using a deadlocking bolt that engages in the opposite part of the body and is operated by the supplied key.
Dashboard cameras
If you're looking to make your vehicle more secure and secure you should consider installing a dash camera. These cameras can be used to avoid collisions and accidents when driving. They can also show your innocence in the case of an accident or traffic infraction. These cameras function by converting light that is incoming into electrical signals and then convert the signals into digital information. van security locks can be powered by your vehicle's battery, or the lighter in your cigarette.
Many of the dashboard cams available on the market include SD cards or flash drives for saving recordings. These devices typically overwrite old footage to make room for new videos, but they can be upgraded using memory cards with high capacity in case you wish to store more video data. Some dashboard cams also have cloud storage features, which can eliminate the requirement for memory cards. These dashboard cams connect to a smartphone, a Wi-Fi network, or both and upload data at different intervals.
Hard-wired or wireless cameras are also important to take into consideration. Hardwired cameras are less prone to interference from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some can endure the elements.
Some vans come with dual dash cams, which can record footage from both the front and rear of the vehicle. This is useful when reversing into tight spaces or while parked. Certain cameras have night vision, which can enhance the images in low light conditions and increase visibility. Many van owners include this feature to their system. Certain dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored which is an enormous benefit for van dwellers who spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular among those who like to travel and explore, but it's not without risks. The people who reside in vehicles are frequently susceptible to theft. Thieves can target the vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are among the best ways to safeguard your vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems can be linked to your keypad so you'll be alerted in the event of a break-in. These systems can also reduce the cost of insurance. This could save you thousands of dollars over the life of your van.
A good alarm system should have a base station, keypads, and entry sensors that protect against door peal. Some alarm systems have a built-in motion sensor that detects movement inside your vehicle. It will then send an alert to you phone. This can be a great way to deter thieves and also assist in catching the thieves before they get to you.
The addition of deadlocks to all your doors is an excellent method to keep your van secure. They require the use of a key and are more difficult to control than regular locks. You can also get locks that can be operated with a smartphone application. This allows you to monitor your vehicle even when you're away.
A lot of van alarms include an engine immobilizer that disables your vehicle's motor if 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 away the entire engine. Better to use an engine tracker with low power that will stop the engine from running and sends you your vehicle's location when it is being removed.
Insurance
For many businesses vans are essential assets and securing their contents is a major priority. Not only does a robust van security system give peace of mind, but it also helps reduce insurance costs as insurance companies take the security measures of van owners into consideration when calculating their premiums.
The year, make, and model of your van will affect the cost of insurance as will your driving record. Your rates could also be affected by the region in which you live and work, as higher crime rates may lead to an increase in premiums. Insurance companies will also take your van's use into consideration since commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure than personal ones.
If you're thinking of making major changes to your van it is important to speak with your insurer beforehand since it could have an impact on the policy price. The cost of your insurance may also increase by adding any extras that aren't covered by the standard vehicle. For instance, a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a great way to deter thieves, as it will make them think twice before attempting to gain entry into your vehicle.
Insurance is a crucial aspect of life in a van. It protects the tools and equipment that you store inside your van in the event they are stolen. You can buy complete physical damage insurance as well as roadside service plans that cover breakdowns as well as other emergencies.
It's important to be aware that the insurance policy with the lowest cost isn't always the most effective. Compare coverage limits, deductibles and other added benefits to determine the most suitable policy that meets your requirements. It is worth looking into gap coverage in addition to comprehensive insurance. This will cover the difference between your van's cash value and any outstanding balance on your loan if your van is totalled.