How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that is worth having, usually carrying expensive equipment and tools. It is essential to make your van as secure as possible. There are many ways you can do this.
Slamlocks locks doors once they are closed they can be very useful for couriers who do short drops or are prone to not locking the van. Other improvements include security stickers covering windows, tinting or covering them and installing the tool vault with a lockable feature.
Security locks
It is essential to safeguard the contents of vans, as they are used both as a vehicle for transportation and storage on the move. The proper van security measures will deter criminals while protecting your belongings. This allows you to travel with peace of mind.
The door locks of the van are the first line of defence. They protect the doors and prevent unauthorised entry. Locks that are standard, usually installed by the manufacturer, provide the most basic protection but can be easily bypassed by determined thieves. Moving to more sophisticated security locks that are impervious to cutting, drilling, and picking is an investment in security.
Considerations when choosing van locks include the quality of the material and construction and whether it's approved by Thatcham. This guarantees that the lock is high-quality and more difficult to alter. The slamlock is an additional aspect to consider. It locks automatically the doors of the load area when it closes and requires a special key to unlock. This is a great option for couriers who not lock their vans between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock which adds reinforcement to side and rear doors and helps prevent 'peel and steal' attacks.
Regular cleaning and lubrication of your van locks are essential to maintain functionality and ensure the integrity of the mechanism. This helps prevent corrosion and rust and helps ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to spot any signs of wear or damage and address these issues promptly, thus making sure that security vulnerabilities are not uncovered.
Installing a security system that is appropriate will save you money on van insurance. Many insurance companies offer favorable terms for the purchase of robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
Strengthening your van's lock is one of the best methods to ward off robbers. Installing slam or high-strength locks will make the van's door more secure and difficult to break into. This is particularly crucial if your vehicle is used to transport expensive cargo or tools.
The slamlock is activated automatically when your door is shut. You don't have to press any keys to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be damaged and is ideal for courier drivers and tradespeople who work out of their vans throughout the day. They might not remember to lock it after every trip. It also assists in fighting the petty thieves who just open the vehicle's lock and steal whatever they can, which includes the tools you need for your work.
There are many different types of slam locks available, with some offering extra security features, for instance anti-drill and anti-pick technology or steel plates that block drilling attacks. Others are suitable for specific applications such as multidrop drivers, or those that transport a lot of valuable goods.
For those who require more security than a standard locks that slam can provide alternatives like deadlocks. They operate independently of the original locking mechanism that is supplied by the manufacturer and are only unlocked by the driver using the key supplied. You can also buy hooklocks that function similarly, but provides extra security with deadlocking bolts that lock in a different section of the body and is operated by the key that comes with it.
Dashboard cameras
If you're looking to make your vehicle more secure and secure, consider adding a dash cam. These cameras can be used to help avoid collisions and accidents when driving. They can also show your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic violation. They work by converting the incoming light into electrical signals and then they convert those signals into digital data. They can be powered by the battery of your vehicle or by an cigarette-lighter.
Many dashboard cameras available on the market include SD cards or flash drive to record. These devices overwrite old footage in order to allow room for new recordings. However security lock for van can be upgraded to support larger memory cards if more video data is needed. Some dashboard cams also have cloud storage features, which can eliminate the necessity for memory cards. These dashboard cameras are connected to a smartphone, Wi-Fi network or both and upload data at various intervals.
Wireless or hard-wired cameras are also worth considering. Hard-wired cameras are less susceptible to interferences from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some are able to stand up to the elements.
Some vans come with dual dash cams. They can capture footage from both the rear and front of the vehicle. This is useful when you need to reverse in tight spaces or when you're in a parking space. Some cameras come with night vision that can increase the brightness of the images in low-light conditions and improve visibility. Many van owners include this feature to the system. Certain dashboard cameras are able to be remotely monitored. This is a great benefit for van owners who are often away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular among those who like to travel and explore, but it's not without risks. People who live in vehicles are often at risk of being robbed. Thieves may take aim at the vehicle and its contents. There are many ways to secure your van and its cargo but one of the best is to install an alarm system. Alarm systems can be linked to your keypad, so you'll receive notifications in the event of a burglary. They also help reduce insurance premiums, which can save you a fortune over the life of your vehicle.
A good alarm system will come with an alarm base station, keypads and entry sensors that guard against door peal. Some alarm systems have a built-in motion sensor that detects movement within your vehicle. This will send an alert to you phone. This is a great way to deter thieves and even assist in catching the thieves before they get to you.
Installing deadlocks on all of your doors is another great way to keep your van secure. They require a key for operation and are more difficult to tamper with than normal locks. You can also get locks that can be operated via a smartphone application. This allows you to check on your vehicle while you're away.
A lot of van alarms include an engine immobilizer that shuts off the motor of your vehicle if you use the wrong key to start it. This is a great precaution to take, but it won't stop a thief determined to removing the whole engine. It is better to utilize a low-power tracker that will stop the engine from running and provide you with the exact location of your vehicle if it is removed.
Insurance
For many companies their vans are crucial resources and safeguarding their contents is an important priority. Not only will a well-constructed van security system give peace of mind, but it also helps reduce insurance costs since 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 impact your insurance rate. Your rates could also be affected by the area where you reside and work since higher crime rates could lead to an increase in rates. Insurance providers will also take the use of your vehicle into consideration as commercial vehicles typically cost more to insure than personal vehicles.
If you're considering making any major changes to your van, it's important to consult with your insurance provider prior to making any changes as it could impact on the policy price. Likewise, adding on any accessories to your vehicle that aren't standard will increase the price of your insurance. A Thatcham Category 2 approved dash camera is a simple way to deter vandals, since they'll think twice before trying to gain entry into.
Another important aspect of van life is insurance to cover the tools and equipment you keep in your vehicle, in the event that they are stolen. You can buy comprehensive physical damage insurance and roadside service plans that cover breakdowns and other emergencies.
It's important to be aware that the cheapest insurance policy isn't always the best. Compare the limits of coverage as well as deductibles and other benefits to find the right policy for you. 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.