How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that can transport expensive equipment and tools. It is essential to ensure that your van is as secure as possible. There are many ways to do this.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as you close them they can be very useful for couriers who do short drops or are prone to not locking their vans. Other improvements include a security sticker, covering or tinting the windows, and installing a lockable tools vault.
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 proper van security measures will deter criminals and protect your items, allowing you embark on your journeys with confidence.
The van's door locks are the first line of defense. They protect the doors and prevent the entry of anyone who is not authorized. Locks that are standard, usually installed by the manufacturer, provide a basic level of protection however they are easily manipulated by a few determined thieves. Moving to more sophisticated security locks that are immune to cutting, drilling, and picking is a good investment in peace of mind.
When choosing a van lock include the material and build quality and whether it's Thatcham-approved. This certification ensures that the lock is of top quality and is more difficult to break or compromise. Other important considerations are the slamlock system that automatically locks doors for loading area upon closure and requires a key to open and close them. This is great for couriers who might not lock their vans between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock, which provides additional security to the front and side doors and helps prevent 'peel and steal attacks.
It is essential to clean and lubricate your van locks to ensure their function and the strength of the mechanism. This helps prevent corrosion and rust and ensures smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to identify any signs of damage or wear and address them promptly, to prevent security vulnerabilities from arising.
Installing the right security system will save you money on van insurance. Many insurance companies recognize the importance of strong security solutions providing favorable terms and additional coverage options in return.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective ways to deter thieves is by strengthening your van's locks. By installing slam locks or high-strength locks your van's doors will be more secure and harder to break into. This is especially crucial if your van is used to transport expensive cargo or tools.
The slam lock is activated automatically when your door is shut, meaning you don't need to press a key to activate the mechanism. This means it's less likely to be stolen and is ideal for couriers and tradespeople who are constantly in and out of their van throughout the day and may not remember to lock it at the end of each trip. It also helps to combat the petty thieves who just open the door of your vehicle and take whatever they can, which includes the tools that you need for your work.
There are many different types of slamlocks that are available. Some come with additional security features like anti-drill and anti-pick technology, or a steelplate that blocks drilling. Others are suitable for specific applications like multidrop drivers or those that carry a significant amount of valuable goods.
Deadlocks are a great option for those who need more protection than what a slamlock can provide. They function independently of the locking mechanism used by the manufacturer and can only be unlocked with a key that is supplied with full control by the driver. Alternately, you can buy hook locks that operates exactly the same way, but provides additional security by using a deadlocking hook bolt that is inserted into the opposite body section and is operated using the key that comes with it under the full control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
If you want to make your car more secure and safe think about adding a dash camera. These cameras can help you avoid accidents and collisions while driving. They are also useful in proving your innocence in the event of a traffic violation. These cameras work by converting light that is incoming into electrical signals and converting those signals into digital information. These can be powered either via the battery of your vehicle or a cigarette-lighter.
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 create space for new videos, but they can be upgraded using memory cards that have high capacity if you want to save more video information. Certain dashboard cameras also have cloud storage capabilities that remove the need for memory cards. These dashboard cams connect to a smartphone, a Wi-Fi network, or both and upload data at various times.
Another thing to take into consideration is whether the camera is wired or wireless. Hardwired models are less vulnerable to interference from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some can withstand the elements.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cams, which can record video from both the rear and front of the vehicle. This is useful when you reverse in tight spaces or while parked. Some cameras have night vision, which can brighten images in low-light conditions and enhance visibility for drivers. Many van owners have added this feature to the system. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored and this is an enormous benefit for van owners 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 without risks. People who reside in vehicles are frequently at risk of being robbed. Thieves could target the vehicle and its contents. There are a number of ways to protect your vehicle and its cargo, but one of the most effective is an alarm system. These alarm systems can be incorporated with your keypad, which means 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 van.
A good alarm system should have a base station, keypads and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Some even come with a built in motion sensor that will detect movement inside your van and send an alert to your phone. This is a fantastic way to deter thieves and also help you catch the thieves before they get to you.
Add deadlocks to your van's doors to make it more secure. These are locks that require a key for operation and are much more difficult to alter than standard locks. You can also purchase locks that can be operated via a smartphone application. This will allow you to check on your vehicle while you're away.
A lot of van alarms come with an engine immobilizer which disables your vehicle's motor if you use the wrong key to start it. This is a sensible security measure, but it can not stop a determined thief who would take the entire engine. It is safer to utilize a low-power tracker that will stop the engine from running and send you the exact location of your vehicle if it is relocated.
Insurance
Vans are a vital source for many businesses and protecting their contents is of paramount importance. Not only will a well-constructed van security system provide peace of mind, it can also reduce cost of insurance since insurers take the security measures of van owners into consideration when calculating premiums.
van security lock , make, and model of your van will affect your insurance premiums, as will your driving record. The location in which you live and work can affect your rates too, because higher crime rates could result in higher rates. Insurance companies also take your van's use into account as commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure than personal ones.
If you're thinking of making major modifications to your van it is important to speak with your insurance company prior to doing so because this could have an impact on the cost of your policy. The cost of your insurance may also increase if you add any extras that aren't part of the standard vehicle. For instance an Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a simple way to deter thieves, since it makes them think twice about trying to break into your vehicle.
Insurance is a crucial aspect of the van's life. It protects the tools and other equipment that you store inside your van in the event they're stolen. You can purchase complete physical damage protection, as well as roadside assistance plans that will cover breakdowns and other emergencies that occur while you're driving.
It's important to remember that the most affordable insurance policy isn't always the most effective. Compare the limits of coverage as well as deductibles and other benefits to find the right policy for you. In addition to full coverage, it's worth considering gap insurance as it will pay for the difference between your car's actual cash value and any remaining balance on your loan, if it is totalled.