How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset, often carrying expensive equipment and tools. It is crucial to ensure that your van is as secure as is possible. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as you shut them. This is useful for couriers who make short drops, or who are prone forgetting to secure their van. Other upgrades include security sticker covering or tinting the windows, and installing a vault lockable to tools.
Security locks
It is crucial to secure the contents of vans, because they serve as a means of transportation and storage on the move. The right van security measures can deter criminals as well as protect your belongings, allowing you to travel with confidence.
Door locks are the primary line of defense, protecting the van's doors and preventing access by unauthorized persons. Standard locks, often pre-installed by the manufacturer, provide a basic level of protection but are easily manipulated by determined thieves. Upgrade to advanced security locks that are resistant to cutting or drilling. This is an investment for peace of mind.
Considerations when choosing van locks include the quality of the material and construction, as well as whether it's certified by Thatcham. This means that the lock is of high-quality which makes it harder to break or compromise. Other important aspects to consider are the slamlock system that automatically locks the doors to the load area upon closure and requires keys to open the door which is ideal for couriers who may not lock their vans between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock which provides additional security to the doors on the rear and side and stops 'peel and take attacks.
It is essential to clean and lubricate your van locks in order to ensure their function and the strength of the mechanism. This prevents rust and corrosion and ensures smooth operation. Regular inspections let you detect any signs of damage or wear and address them promptly, preventing security vulnerabilities from emerging.
Installing the right security system will save you money on van insurance. Many insurance companies are aware of strong security solutions, offering favourable terms and additional coverage options.
Slamlocks
The strengthening of your van's lock is one of the most effective ways to deter robbers. Installing high-strength locks or slam locks will make the van's door more secure and harder to break into. This is especially important if you intend to use your van to transport expensive equipment or valuable cargo.
A slam lock works automatically as soon as your door is closed which means you don't have to press a button to trigger the mechanism. This means it's less likely to be tampered with and is ideal for couriers or tradespeople who are constantly in and out of their van all day long and not lock the door after each journey. It also helps to combat the issue of opportunistic theft, where thieves simply open your vehicle's existing lock and run off with whatever they can get their hands on - which often includes the tools you require to do your job.
There are many different types of slamlocks to choose from. Some come with additional security features like anti drill and anti pick technology, or a steelplate which prevents drilling. Other locks are suitable for specific applications, such as multidrop drivers or those who transport a lot of valuable goods.
Deadlocks are a great option for those who need more protection than what is offered by a slamlock. These locks operate independently of the original locking mechanism that is supplied by the manufacturer and are be unlocked only by the driver using the supplied key. You can also purchase a hooklock, which works in the same manner but adds additional security by using a deadlocking bolt that engages in a different section of the body and is operated by the key supplied.
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 help avoid collisions and accidents while driving. They can also prove your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic violation. These cameras function by converting light incoming into electrical signals and changing the signals into digital information. They can be powered by the vehicle's battery or a lighter in your cigarette.
Many dashboard cameras on the market come with SD cards or flash drive for recording. These devices can overwrite old footage in order to allow for new videos. However they can be upgraded to support larger memory cards if more video data is needed. Some dashboard cameras offer cloud storage, eliminating the necessity for memory card storage. These dashboard cams are connected to a smartphone, Wi-Fi network or both, and can upload data at various intervals.
Another feature to be considered is whether the camera is wired or wireless. Hard-wired models are less susceptible to interference from cell networks and other sources. They are also more durable and some are able to endure the elements.
Some vans come with dual dash cameras that can record video from the front and back of the vehicle. This is useful when you have to reverse into tight spaces or when you're parked. Some cameras come with night vision, which can enhance the images in low-light conditions and enhance visibility. read more Many van owners include this feature to the system. Certain dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored which is an enormous benefit for van dwellers who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular with those who enjoy traveling and exploring, but it has its own dangers. The people who reside in vehicles are frequently at risk of being robbed. Thieves could attack the vehicle and its contents. There are many ways to protect your vehicle and its cargo however, one of the most effective is to install an alarm system. These alarm systems can be linked to your keypad, so that you receive alerts in the event of a burglary. These systems can also lower the cost of insurance. This can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your van.
A good alarm system has an alarm base, keypad and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Certain alarm systems come with an inbuilt motion sensor that detects movement inside your vehicle. The alarm will send an alert to you phone. This can be a powerful deterrent for anyone who might be a target and can assist you in identifying a criminal before they get to them.
Add deadlocks to your van's doors to make it more secure. These locks require a key to operate and are much more difficult to tamper with than normal locks. You can also purchase locks that can be operated using a smartphone app. This allows you to monitor your vehicle while you're away.
A majority of van alarms are fitted with an engine immobilizer which disables the engine of your vehicle if a wrong key is used to start it. This is a good precaution, but it will not stop a thief who is determined to who would take the entire engine. An alternative is to install a low-power tracker that prevents the engine from starting, and will send you the exact location of your vehicle whenever it is being removed.
Insurance
For many companies their vans are crucial resources, and protecting their contents is a major priority. A van security system can provide peace of mind as well as reduce the cost of insurance. Insurance companies consider the security measures implemented by van owners when calculating their premiums.
Your driving record, along with the model, make, and year of your vehicle will also affect your insurance rate. The area in which you live and work will also affect your rates, because higher crime rates could result in higher rates. Insurance providers will also take the use of your vehicle into consideration as commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure than personal ones.
Contact your insurance company prior to making any major van mods. This could affect the cost of your insurance. The cost of your insurance may also increase when you add any additional features that aren't included in the standard vehicle. For instance the use of a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a simple way to discourage thieves, as it will make them think twice before attempting to break into your van.
Another crucial aspect of van life is insurance that covers the tools and equipment that you keep in your vehicle in case they are stolen. You can purchase comprehensive physical damage insurance along with roadside service plans that cover breakdowns as well as other emergencies.
It's important to remember that the cheapest insurance policy isn't always the most effective. Compare coverage limits and deductibles as well as 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 your van's cash value and any outstanding balance on your loan, in the event of a total loss to your vehicle.