How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset that can transport expensive equipment and tools. Making your van secure is a top priority and there are a variety of ways to ward off thieves and ensure your tools are safe.
Slamlocks locks doors once you shut them, which can be useful for couriers that make short drops or are prone to not locking their vans. Other options include security stickers, covering or tinting windows and fitting an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
It is crucial to secure the contents of vans because they serve as a means of transportation as well as mobile storage. The proper van security measures will deter criminals and protect your possessions. This will allow you to travel with confidence.
Door locks are the initial security measure, securing the doors of your van and preventing unauthorized access. Standard locks are often pre-installed and offer a basic protection but they can be easily hacked. Upgrade to more secure locks that are immune to cutting, drilling, and picking is an investment in security.
When choosing a vanlock, you must consider the materials, the build quality and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This designation ensures the lock is of top quality and is more difficult to compromise or break. Other important factors to consider include the slamlock system, which automatically locks load area doors when closed and requires keys to open the door and close them. This is great for couriers who forget to lock their van between deliveries. Hook locks are another option that strengthens the doors on the rear and side to stop 'peel-and-steal' attack.
Regularly cleaning and lubricating 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 help you detect any signs of wear or damage and fix them promptly, preventing security vulnerabilities from emerging.
Alongside improving the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the appropriate security equipment can save you money on your van insurance. Many insurance companies offer favorable terms for the purchase of robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective methods to deter thieves is by strengthening the locks of your van. By installing slam or high-strength locks, your van's doors will be more secure and less difficult to break into. This is especially important if your vehicle is used to transport expensive tools or equipment.
The lock is activated automatically once 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 and is ideal for couriers and tradespeople who are in and out of their van throughout the day long and might forget to lock up after each trip. It also helps combat the problem of opportunistic theft which is when thieves just unlock your vehicle's lock and then take off with whatever they can grab and often include the tools you require to do your job.
There are a number of different kinds of slam locks and some of them come with additional security features, such as anti-drill and anti-pick technology or steel plates that block drilling attacks. Others are suitable for specific purposes such as multidrop drivers, or those that carry a large volume of valuable goods.
For those who want more security than a standard slam lock can offer alternatives like deadlocks. They operate in a different manner from the locking mechanism used by the manufacturer and can only be opened with a supplied key that is fully controlled by the driver. You can also buy a hooklock, which works similar to a hooklock, but offers additional security through a deadlocking bolt that engages in a different section of the body and is controlled by the key supplied.
Dashboard cameras
If you want to make your car more secure and safe think about adding a dash cam. These cameras can be used to prevent collisions and accidents while driving. They can also prove your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic violation. These cameras function by converting light signals into electrical signals and then changing those signals into digital information. They can be powered by the battery in your vehicle or an cigarette-lighter.
Many of the dashboard cams that are available have SD cards or flash drives for saving recordings. These devices typically erase old footage to create space for new videos, but they can be upgraded with memory cards that have high capacity for those who want to save more video information. Certain dashboard cameras also have cloud storage capabilities that can eliminate the necessity for memory cards. These kinds of dashboard cameras connect to the Wi-Fi or smartphone network and upload their data at varying intervals.
Cameras that are hard-wired or wireless are also important to take into consideration. Hardwired models are less vulnerable to interference from cellular networks or other sources. They are also more durable, and some models are able to withstand weather.
Some vans have dual dash cameras which can record video from both the front and back of the vehicle. This is useful when you reverse in tight spaces or while parked. Certain cameras have night vision, which can enhance the images in low light conditions and improve visibility. Many van owners include this feature to the system. Certain dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored, which is an immense benefit for van dwellers who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular among those who are avid travelers and want to explore, but it's without risks. People who live in their vehicles are frequently at risk of thieves who could attack their vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are one of the best ways to protect your van and its contents. These alarm systems can be incorporated with your keypad, so you'll receive notifications if anyone breaks into your vehicle. They can also be helpful in reducing insurance costs, which could save you money over the lifetime of your van.
A good alarm system will come with a base station, keypad and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Some even have a built in motion sensor that will detect movement inside your van and notify your mobile. This is a great way to deter thieves and assist in catching thieves before they do.
The addition of deadlocks to all your doors is a great option to ensure your van is secure. These are locks that require a key for operation, and they're much harder to tamper with than normal locks. There are locks that operate using a smartphone app. This allows you to check on your van while you are away.
Many van alarms are also equipped with an engine immobilizer that will shut down your vehicle's engine if the wrong key is used to start it. This is a sensible step to take, but it won't stop a thief who is determined from taking away the entire engine. It is better to utilize a low-power tracker that stops the engine from starting and will notify you of the exact location of your vehicle if it is relocated.
Insurance
For a lot of businesses their vans are crucial assets and securing their contents is a major priority. Not only will a well-constructed van security system give peace of mind, it can also reduce insurance costs since insurance companies take the security measures of van owners into consideration when calculating their premiums.
Your driving record, as well as the model, make, and year of your vehicle will also affect the rate of insurance you pay. Your rates are also affected by the region in which you reside and work, because higher crime rates can cause an increase in premiums. Insurance providers will also take the use of your van into consideration as commercial vehicles typically cost more to insure than personal ones.
Consult your get more info insurer before making any major changes to your van. This could affect the price of your policy. The cost of insurance may also increase when you add any additional features that aren't included in the standard vehicle. A Thatcham Category 2 approved dash camera is an easy way to deter thieves since they'll think twice before trying to break into.
Insurance is another essential part of life in a van. It protects the tools and other equipment that you keep inside your van in the event they are stolen. You can purchase complete physical damage insurance and roadside service plans that cover breakdowns and other emergencies.
It's important to remember that the most affordable insurance policy isn't always the most effective. Compare coverage limits as well as deductibles and other 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 the van's cash value and any outstanding balance on your loan, in the event of a total loss to your vehicle.