How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset that can be used to transport expensive equipment and tools. Security for your van should be a top priority and there are numerous methods you can employ to stop thieves from entering your van and ensure your tools are safe.
Slamlocks locks doors once you close them, which can be useful for couriers who do small drops or are susceptible to not locking the van. Other improvements include security stickers covering windows, tinting or covering them and fitting an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
It is important to protect the contents of vans, since they are used as a vehicle for transportation and storage on the move. The proper van security measures will deter criminals and protect your belongings, allowing you to travel with confidence.
The van's door locks are the first line in defense. They protect the doors and prevent the entry of anyone who is not authorized. Standard locks are often pre-installed and offer a basic protection, but they can be easily bypassed. Upgrading to more advanced security locks that are impervious to cutting, drilling, and picking is an investment in security.
When you are choosing a vanlock you should consider the material, build quality and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This certification ensures that the lock is of top quality which makes it harder to compromise or break. The slamlock is an additional aspect to consider. It automatically locks the doors of the loading area when it closes and requires a key to unlock. This is ideal for couriers that may forget to lock up their vans in between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock, which provides additional security to the doors on the rear and side and helps prevent 'peel and steal attacks.
It is important to clean and lubricate your van locks in order to maintain their functionality and the strength of the mechanism. This will prevent corrosion and rust and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections will enable you to identify indications of wear and damage, and fix them immediately. This will prevent security issues from arising.
In addition to improving the overall security of your vehicle, installing the right security systems can help you save money on insurance for your van. van secure offer favourable terms in exchange for robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
A stronger lock for your van is among the best methods to deter thieves. By installing slam locks or high-strength locks your van's doors will be more secure and less difficult to break into. This is especially important if you intend to use your van to transport expensive tools or other valuable cargo.
The lock is activated automatically once your door is closed. It doesn't require you to press any keys to activate the mechanism. This means it's less likely to be tampered with which makes it ideal for courier drivers or tradespeople who are constantly in and out of their van all day long and might not lock the door after each trip. It also helps to combat the problem of opportunistic theft that occurs when thieves open the lock on your vehicle and take off with anything they can get their hands on and often include the tools you need to complete your job.
There are a number of different kinds of slam locks that come with extra security features, such as anti-drill and anti-pick technology or a steel plate that prevents drilling attacks. Certain models are specifically designed for applications, such as the ones used by multidrop drivers or those who transport lots of valuable items.
Deadlocks are a great alternative for those who require more protection than what is offered by a slamlock. These operate independently from the original locking mechanism of the manufacturer and can only be unlocked by a key supplied with full control by the driver. You can also buy hooklocks, which function similar to a hooklock, but offers additional security through deadlocking bolts that are inserted in the opposite part of the body and is operated with the supplied key.
Dashboard cameras
Include a dash camera into your van if you want it to be more secure and secure. These cameras can assist you in avoiding collisions and accidents when driving, and can also be useful in proving your innocence in case of a traffic offense. These cameras function by converting light signals into electrical signals and then changing these signals into digital data. They can be powered via the battery of your car or by a cigarette-lighter.
Many dashboard cameras on the market have SD cards or flash drives for recording. These devices can overwrite old footage to allow room for new videos. However they can be upgraded to accommodate larger memory cards if additional video data is needed. Some dashboard cameras offer cloud storage, eliminating the necessity for memory card storage. These dashboard cams connect to a smartphone, Wi-Fi network, or both and upload data at different intervals.
Wireless or hard-wired cameras are also important to consider. Hard-wired cameras are less susceptible to interferences from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some models can withstand the weather.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cams. They can capture footage from both the rear and front of the vehicle. This is useful when you reverse in tight spaces or when parking. Certain cameras have night vision which can brighten the images in dim light conditions and enhance visibility. Many van owners choose to add this feature to their systems. Some dashboard cams can be remotely monitored, and this is an enormous benefit for van owners who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming more popular among those who enjoy exploring and travelling, but it is not without risks. People who live in vehicles are often susceptible to theft. Thieves may attack the vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are among the best ways to protect your vehicle and its contents. These alarm systems can be linked to your keypad, so that you will be alerted in the event of a break-in. They're also great for reducing insurance costs, which could save you money over the life of your vehicle.
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 can detect the presence of movement inside your vehicle and alert your mobile. This is a great way to deter thieves and even assist in catching the thieves before they get to you.
The addition of deadlocks to all your doors is a great option to ensure the security of your van. These locks require keys and are more difficult to control than regular locks. The best option is to purchase a lock that is equipped to operate with an app for smartphones, so you can monitor your van when you're away.
A majority of van alarms are equipped with an engine immobilizer which disables the engine of your vehicle if a wrong key is used to start it. This is a sensible step to take, but it won't stop a determined thief from taking away the entire engine. It is safer to utilize a low-power tracker which will stop the engine from starting and will notify you of the location of your vehicle when it is removed.
Insurance
Vans are a crucial resource for many businesses and securing their contents is a top priority. Not only will a well-constructed van security system provide peace of mind, but it can also reduce insurance costs since insurers take the security measures of van owners into account when calculating premiums.
The make, model and year of your van 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 lead to increased rates. Insurance providers will also consider the possibility of using your van, as commercial vehicles are usually more expensive to insure.
Contact your insurance company prior to making any major van mods. This could affect the cost of your insurance. Likewise, adding on any extras to your vehicle that aren't standard can increase the cost of your premium. For instance an Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a simple way to discourage thieves, because it can make them think twice before attempting to break into your van.
Insurance is another essential part of the van's life. It protects the tools and equipment that you keep in your van in case they are stolen. You can purchase complete physical damage insurance and 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 best. Compare the limits of coverage, deductibles and other added advantages to find the most appropriate policy for your needs. In addition to complete coverage, it's worth considering gap insurance as it can cover the difference between your van's actual cash value and any remaining balance on your loan if it's repaid in total.