How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset that can transport expensive equipment and tools. Security for your van should be a top priority and there are a variety of ways to deter thieves and keep your tools safe.
Slamlocks lock doors right after you close them. This is beneficial for couriers who make frequent drops or tend to forget to lock their van. Other upgrades include security stickers, covering or tinting windows and fitting a lockable tool vault.
Security locks
It is important to protect the contents of vans since they are used as a mode of transport as well as mobile storage. The proper security measures for your van will deter criminals and protect your possessions. This will allow you to travel in peace.
Door locks are the first line of defense, protecting the doors of the van and preventing access by unauthorized persons. Standard locks are often pre-installed and offer a basic protection but they can be easily smashed. Upgrade to more secure locks that are impervious to cutting, drilling, and picking is a good investment in security.
When choosing the right van lock include material and build quality, as well as whether it's certified by Thatcham. This means that the lock is high-quality and more difficult to compromise. The slamlock is an additional consideration. It automatically locks the doors of the loading area when it closes and requires a specific key to unlock. This is ideal for couriers who may forget to lock up their vans between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock which provides additional security to the front and side doors and stops 'peel and take' attacks.
It is essential to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks in order to maintain their functionality and the strength of the mechanism. This prevents rust and corrosion and helps ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to spot the signs of wear and damage, and address them immediately. This will stop security weaknesses from forming.
Installing the best security system will save you money on insurance for your van. Many insurance companies recognize the importance of security systems that are robust, 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 door of your van more secure and harder to break into. This is particularly important if the van is used to transport expensive cargo or tools.
The slam lock is activated automatically as soon as your door is closed and you don't have to press a key to trigger the mechanism. It's less likely to be compromised and is ideal for couriers and tradespeople who are in and out their vans throughout the day. They might not remember to lock it after each journey. It also assists in fighting criminals who can simply open the door of your vehicle and take what they can, which includes the tools that you need to do your job.
There are a number of different kinds of slam locks and some of them come with additional security features, like anti-drill and anti-pick technology or a steel plate that blocks drilling attacks. Certain locks are specifically designed for uses, like the ones used by multidrop drivers and those who transport a lot of valuable goods.
For those who require more security than a slam lock can offer, there are options like deadlocks. These locks operate independently of the locking mechanism that came from the manufacturer and can only be unlocked by the driver using the key provided. You can also purchase a hook lock that operates similarly, but provides additional security with deadlocking hook bolts that engages into an opposing body part and is operated with the key that comes with it under the full control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
Add a dash camera to your vehicle if you want it to be more secure and safe. These cameras can be used to avoid accidents and collisions when driving. They can also demonstrate 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 changing the signals into digital information. These can be powered either by the battery in your vehicle or by a cigarette-lighter.
Many dashboard cameras on the market include SD cards or flash drive for recording. These devices typically overwrite old footage to create space for new recordings, however they can be upgraded with high-capacity memory cards for those who want to store more video data. Some dashboard cameras also come with cloud storage capabilities, which remove the requirement for memory cards. These dashboard cams connect to a smartphone, a Wi-Fi network or both, and can upload data at different intervals.
Another aspect to be considered 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 models can withstand the weather.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cameras that record video from both the front and back of the vehicle. This is useful when reversing in tight spaces, or while in a parking spot. Certain cameras have night vision which can brighten the images in dim light conditions and improve visibility. Many van owners opt to include this feature in their systems. Certain dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This can be a great benefit for van owners who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is getting increasingly popular among those who enjoy exploring and traveling, but it is not without risks. People who live in their cars are often at the mercy of thieves who may take aim at their vehicle and contents. There are a variety of ways to protect your vehicle and its contents, but one of the most effective is to install an alarm system. These systems can be connected to your keypad, so that you will receive alerts in the event of a burglary. They're also great for reducing insurance premiums, which can save you a fortune over the life of your vehicle.
A good alarm system will come with a base station, keypad and entry sensors that protect against door peal. Certain alarm systems come with an inbuilt motion sensor that detects movement within your vehicle. The alarm will send an alert to your phone. This is a fantastic way to deter potential thieves and assist in catching them before they strike.
Install deadlocks on your van's doors to make it more secure. These locks require a key to operate and are more difficult to alter than standard locks. A good option is to purchase a lock that is able to be operated with an app for smartphones, so you can check on your van while away.
A lot of van alarms include an engine immobilizer that disables the motor of your vehicle if you use the wrong key to start it. This is a good measure to consider, but it will not stop a determined thief from taking away the entire engine. An alternative is to use a low-power tracker which prevents the engine from starting and will notify you of the exact location of your vehicle website whenever it's being relocated.
Insurance
Vans are a crucial resource for many businesses and the security of their contents is of paramount importance. A van security system can provide peace of mind and reduce the cost of insurance. Insurance companies take into consideration the security measures employed by van owners when calculating their premiums.
The make, model and year of your vehicle will affect the cost of insurance as will your driving record. The area in which you reside and work will also impact your rates as higher crime rates can cause higher rates. Insurance companies will also take the use of your vehicle into consideration since commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure than personal ones.
Contact your insurance company prior to making any major modifications to your van. This could impact the price of your policy. The cost of insurance will also increase when you add any additional features that aren't covered by the standard vehicle. For instance the use of a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is an easy way to discourage thieves, since it makes them think twice about trying to break into your vehicle.
Insurance is another important aspect of life in a van. It protects the tools and equipment you keep in your van in case they're stolen. You can buy complete physical damage insurance along with roadside service plans that cover breakdowns as well as other emergencies.
When comparing insurance policies, it's worth bearing in mind that the cheapest option isn't always the most effective. Compare the limits of coverage, deductibles and other added benefits to find 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 value of the van's cash and any outstanding balance on your loan, in the event of a total loss to your vehicle.