How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that can transport expensive equipment and tools. It is crucial to ensure that your van is as secure as is possible. There are a myriad of ways you can do this.
Slamlocks lock doors right after you close them. This is a great feature for couriers who make short drop-offs, or are prone forgetting to secure their van. Other options include security stickers, covering or tinting windows and fitting a lockable tool vault.
Security locks
With so many vans being utilized as a means of transport as well as a mobile storage unit, it is vital to secure their contents from theft. The proper van security measures can deter criminals and safeguard your items, allowing you travel with confidence.
Door locks are the primary line of defense, protecting the doors of your van and preventing access by unauthorized persons. Locks that are standard, usually installed by the manufacturer, offer an adequate level of security but are easily manipulated by determined thieves. Upgrading to more advanced security locks that are immune to drilling, cutting and picking is an investment in security.
Considerations when choosing van locks include the material and build quality, as well as whether it's Thatcham-approved. This ensures that the lock is of top quality and more difficult to alter. Other important considerations are the slamlock system, which automatically locks load area doors upon closure and requires keys to open the door which is ideal for couriers who might not lock their vans between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock, that provides reinforcement to side and rear doors and helps prevent 'peel and steal attacks.
It is crucial to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks to maintain their functionality and the integrity of the mechanism. This helps prevent corrosion and rust and promotes smooth operation. Regular inspections will allow you to detect signs of wear and damage and then address them promptly. This can prevent security issues from arising.
Installing the best security system can help you save money on 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 the locks on your van. By installing high-strength or slam locks your van's doors will be more secure and harder to break into. This is especially crucial if your vehicle is used to transport expensive tools or equipment.
The slam lock is activated automatically as soon as your door is closed which means you don't have to press a button to trigger the mechanism. It's less likely to be damaged and is ideal for courier drivers and tradespeople who are in and out their vans throughout the day. They may overlook locking it at the end of each trip. It also helps in tackling the issue of opportunistic burglaries that occurs when thieves open your vehicle's existing lock and run off with whatever they can get their hands on that includes the tools needed for your job.
There are many different types of slamlocks to choose from. Some offer extra security features like anti drill and anti pick technology, or a steelplate which blocks drilling. Certain models are specifically designed for uses, like the ones used by multidrop drivers and those who transport lots of valuable items.
If you're looking for more protection than a lock that slams can provide the option of deadlocks. They function independently of 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 a hooklock, which works similar to a hooklock, but adds additional security by using deadlocking bolts that are inserted in a different section of the body and is controlled by the key supplied.
Dashboard cameras
Include a dash camera into your vehicle if you want it to be more secure and safe. These cameras can aid you in avoiding collisions and accidents while driving. They are also useful in showing your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic violation. They work by converting incoming light into electrical signals and then they transform those signals into digital data. They can be powered by your car's battery or the lighter for your cigarette.
Many of the dashboard cams available on the market have SD cards or flash drives to save recordings. These devices usually overwrite old footage to make room for new recordings, but they can be upgraded using memory cards with high capacity in case you wish to save more video data. Certain dashboard cameras also have cloud storage capabilities, which remove the requirement for memory cards. These types of dashboard cams connect to a smartphone or Wi-Fi network and upload their data at different intervals.
Another aspect to consider is whether the camera is wireless or hard wired. Hardwired models are less vulnerable to interference from cell networks and other sources. They are also more durable and some can withstand the elements.
Some vans come with dual dash cameras that record video from both the front and back of the vehicle. get more info This can be useful when you need to reverse in tight spaces or when you're parked. Some cameras feature night vision that can increase the brightness of the images in dim light conditions and enhance visibility. Many van owners opt to include this feature in their systems. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored, which is a huge benefit for van dwellers who spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular among those who love exploring and travelling however, it is not without dangers. People who live in their cars are frequently at risk of thieves who may target their vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are among the best ways to safeguard your vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems can be linked with your keypad, so you'll receive alerts if anyone breaks into your vehicle. These systems can also lower insurance premiums. This could save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your van.
A good alarm system includes keys, a base and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Some alarm systems have built-in motion sensors that detects movement inside your vehicle. The alarm will send an alert to your phone. This is a great way to deter any potential thieves, and it can even help you spot the criminal before they strike.
Install deadlocks on your van's doors to make it more secure. They require a key and are harder to manipulate than regular locks. A good option is to purchase a lock that is able to be operated with a smartphone app, so you can monitor your van while away.
Many van alarms are also equipped with an engine immobilizer, which will disable the engine of your vehicle if a wrong key is used to start it. This is a great precaution, but it will not stop a determined criminal from who would take the entire engine. It is best to utilize a low-power tracker that will stop the engine from starting and send you the location of your vehicle when it is removed.
Insurance
Vans are an essential resource for many businesses and securing their contents is a top priority. Not only does a robust van security system provide peace of mind, but it can also reduce insurance costs as insurance companies take the security measures of van owners into consideration when calculating premiums.
Your driving record, along with the make, model, and year of your vehicle will also affect the rate of insurance you pay. The area where you live and work can affect your rates too, since higher crime rates could cause higher rates. Insurance providers will also consider the use of your vehicle because commercial vehicles are usually more expensive to insure.
If you're considering making any major changes to your van it is important to speak with your insurance company prior to doing so since this could have an impact on the price of your policy. The cost of insurance will also increase when you add any additional features that aren't part of the standard vehicle. A Thatcham Category 2 -approved dash camera is an effective way to deter vandals, because they'll be more cautious when trying to break into.
Insurance is another essential part of van life. It covers the tools and equipment you keep in your van in case they are stolen. You can buy comprehensive physical damage coverage as well as roadside service plans that cover breakdowns as well as other emergencies.
When comparing insurance policies, it's important to keep in mind that the cheapest option isn't always the best. Compare the limits of coverage along with deductibles, coverage limits and other benefits to determine the most suitable policy that meets your needs. It's worthwhile to consider gap insurance in addition to comprehensive insurance. It will pay the difference between your van's cash value and any outstanding amount on your loan in the event of a total loss to your vehicle.