How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset, often carrying expensive equipment and tools. Making your van secure is an absolute priority, and there are many ways to ward off thieves and ensure your tools are safe.
Slamlocks lock doors immediately after they are closed. This is useful for couriers that do short drops, or who are prone forgetting to lock their vans. Other options include security stickers covering windows, tinting or covering them and fitting an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
With the increasing number of vans used as both a mode of transport as well as storage units that can be moved around it is essential to protect their contents against theft. The proper security measures for your van will deter criminals while also protecting your belongings. This allows you to travel in peace.
The van's door locks are the first line in defence. They protect the doors and ward off unauthorized entry. Standard locks, often pre-installed by the manufacturer, provide the most basic protection however they are easily manipulated by a few determined thieves. Upgrade to advanced security locks that resist cutting or drilling. This is an investment for peace of mind.
Considerations when choosing a van lock include the quality of the material and construction, as well as whether it's certified by Thatcham. This ensures that the lock is of top quality and is more difficult to compromise. Other important factors to consider include the slamlock lock system, which automatically locks load area doors when closed and requires the use of a key to open them which is ideal for couriers who forget to lock their van between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock, which provides additional security to the front and side doors and prevents 'peel and steal attacks.
Regular cleaning and lubrication of your van locks are essential to maintain functionality and ensure the reliability of the mechanism. This will stop corrosion and rust and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections will enable you to detect indications of wear and damage and then address them promptly. This can prevent security issues from arising.
In addition to enhancing the overall security of your vehicle, installing the right security systems will help you save money on your van insurance. Many insurers offer favourable terms in exchange for robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective ways to stop thieves is by strengthening your van's locks. By installing high-strength or slam locks your van's doors will be more secure and harder to break into. This is especially important if the vehicle is used for transporting expensive tools or equipment.
The slamlock activates automatically when your door is closed. You don't have to press any keys to activate the mechanism. This means it's much less likely to be stolen, making it ideal for courier drivers or tradespeople who are constantly in and out of their van all day long and forget to lock up after each trip. It also helps combat the issue of opportunistic theft, where thieves simply unlock your vehicle's lock and run off with whatever they can grab that includes the tools you require for your job.
There are many different types of slamlocks to choose from. Some have additional security features such as anti drill and anti pick technology or a steelplate that prevents drilling. Some are designed for specific uses, like those used by multidrop drivers and those who transport a lot of valuable items.
Deadlocks are a great alternative for those who require more security than an slamlock could provide. They function independently of the manufacturer's original locking mechanism and can only be removed with a key that is supplied with full control by the driver. You could also invest in hooklocks that function in the same manner but provides extra security with a deadlocking bolt that engages in a different section of the body and is operated by the key that comes with it.
Dashboard cameras
If you want to make your vehicle more secure and secure think about adding a dash camera. These cameras can assist you in avoiding collisions and accidents when driving, and can also help in proving your innocence in case of a traffic violation. They work by converting the incoming light into electrical signals and then convert those signals into digital data. They can be powered by the vehicle's battery, or the lighter in your cigarette.
Many dashboard cameras available on the market include SD cards or flash drives for recording. These devices erase old footage in order to allow for new videos. However they can be upgraded to accommodate larger memory cards if additional video data is required. Some dashboard cams also have cloud storage capabilities that remove the necessity for memory cards. These dashboard cams are connected to a smartphone, Wi-Fi network or both, and can upload data at different intervals.
Hard-wired or wireless cameras are also important to consider. Hardwired models are click here less vulnerable to interference from cellular networks or other sources. They are also more durable and certain models are able to withstand the weather.
Some vans come with dual dash cameras which can 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 come with night vision, which can enhance images in low light conditions and improve visibility for drivers. Many van owners have added this feature to the system. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This is an excellent benefit for van dwellers that spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular with those who love to travel and explore, but it's without risk. People who live in their cars are often at risk of thieves who might target their vehicle and its contents. There are a number of ways to protect your vehicle and its contents but one of the most effective is to install an alarm system. Alarm systems can be linked to your keypad so you'll be alerted in the event of a break-in. They're also great for reducing insurance premiums, which could save you money over the lifetime of your van.
A good alarm system will have an alarm base station, keypads and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Some alarms even have a built-in motion sensor that can detect movement inside your van and notify your mobile. This is a fantastic method to deter thieves and help you catch the thieves before they get to you.
Adding deadlocks to all of your doors is another great option to ensure your van is secure. These are locks that require a key for operation and are more difficult to tamper with than normal locks. It is a good idea to get some that are equipped to operate with an app for smartphones, so you can check the status of your van when you're away.
A lot of van alarms come with an engine immobilizer that disables your vehicle's motor if you use the wrong key to start it. This is a great precaution to consider, but it will not stop a determined thief from removing the whole engine. An alternative is to install a low-power tracker that prevents the engine from starting and sends you the location of your vehicle when it is being moved.
Insurance
Vans are a crucial resource for many businesses and protecting their contents is of paramount importance. A van security system can give peace of mind and reduce the cost of insurance. Insurance companies consider the security measures employed by van owners 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 are also affected by the region in which you live and work, because higher crime rates can lead to an increase in premiums. Insurance providers will also take your van's use into consideration since commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure than personal ones.
Consult your insurer before making any major changes to your van. This could impact the cost of your insurance. Additionally, adding extras to your vehicle that aren't included in the standard will increase the price of your premium. For instance the use of a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a great way to deter thieves, as it will make them think twice about trying to break into your vehicle.
Another important aspect of van life is insurance to cover the equipment and tools you keep in your vehicle in the event that they are stolen. You can purchase comprehensive physical damage coverage along with roadside service plans that cover breakdowns and other emergencies.
When comparing insurance policies it's important to keep in mind that the cheapest policy isn't always the most effective. Compare coverage limits and deductibles as well as other benefits to determine the best policy for your needs. It is worth looking into gap coverage in addition to comprehensive insurance. It will pay the difference between the cash value of your van and the outstanding balance on your loan, if your van is totalled.