How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset worth having, typically carrying expensive tools and equipment. It is important to make your van as secure as possible. There are a myriad of ways you can do this.
Slamlocks lock doors immediately after you shut them. This is beneficial for couriers that do frequent drops or tend to forget to lock their vans. Other upgrades include security stickers covering or tinting windows, and installing an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
It is essential to safeguard the contents of vans, because they serve as a means of transportation and storage on the move. The right van security measures will deter criminals and protect your items, allowing you take your trip with confidence.
The van's door locks are the first line of defence. They secure the doors and prevent the entry of anyone who is not authorized. Locks that are standard, usually installed by the manufacturer, provide a basic level of protection but can be easily bypassed by determined thieves. Upgrade to security locks that can withstand cutting, drilling, or picking. This is an investment for peace of mind.
The factors to consider when selecting a van lock include the quality of the material and construction, as well as whether it's Thatcham-approved. This guarantees that the lock is of high-quality and is more difficult to compromise. The slamlock is an additional factor to take into. It locks automatically the doors of the loading area when it closes and requires a specific key to unlock. This is ideal for couriers that may forget to lock up their vans between deliveries. Another alternative is the hook lock that provides reinforcement to doors on the rear and side and helps prevent 'peel and steal attacks.
It is crucial to clean and lubricate your van locks in order to keep their functionality intact and the integrity of the mechanism. This will help prevent rust and corrosion and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections will enable you to detect signs of wear and damage, and then address them promptly. This can prevent security issues from arising.
Alongside improving the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the right security system can help you save money on insurance for your van. Many insurers offer favourable terms for the purchase of robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
The strengthening of your van's lock is among the best methods to ward off robbers. By installing high-strength or slam locks, your van's doors will be more secure and less difficult to break into. This is particularly important if your vehicle is used to transport expensive equipment or cargo.
A slam lock works automatically when your door is shut and 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 work out of their vans all day. They may forget to lock it up after every journey. It also helps to combat criminals who can simply open the door of your vehicle and take what they can get, which includes the tools that you need to complete your job.
There are many different types of slamlocks available. Some come with additional security features such as anti drill and anti pick technology, or a steelplate which blocks drilling. Other locks are suitable for specific purposes such as multidrop drivers or those who carry a significant amount of high-value items.
For those who want more security than a lock that slams can provide alternatives like deadlocks. These locks operate independently of the original locking mechanism from the manufacturer and can only be unlocked by the driver using the supplied key. Alternately, you can purchase a hook lock that works in the same way however, it provides extra security with a deadlocking hook bolt which is inserted into the opposing body part and operates with the key supplied under full control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
Add a dash camera to your vehicle if you want it to be more secure and secure. These cameras can help you avoid collisions and accidents while driving. They can also be useful in showing your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic offense. They work by converting incoming light into electrical signals and they then transform those signals into digital data. They can be powered by the vehicle's battery or by the lighter in your cigarette.
Many dashboard cameras available on the market include SD cards or flash drive for recording. These devices erase old footage in order to allow for new recordings. However, they can be upgraded to support larger memory cards when more video data is needed. Certain dashboard cameras also have cloud storage capabilities that eliminate the requirement for memory cards. These dashboard cams connect to a smartphone, a Wi-Fi network or both and upload data at various intervals.
Another aspect to consider is whether the camera is wired or wireless. Hardwired models are less vulnerable to interference from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable and some models are able to withstand weather.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cams that can record video from both the rear and front of the vehicle. This can be useful when you have to reverse into tight spaces or while in a parking space. Some cameras come with night vision, which can brighten images in low-light conditions and improve visibility for the driver. Many van owners opt to add this feature to their systems. Some dashboard cams can be remotely monitored, and this can be an enormous benefit for van owners who spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming more popular among those who love exploring and travelling, but it has its own dangers. People who live in vehicles are usually at risk of being robbed. Thieves could attack the vehicle and its contents. There are a number of ways to secure van security lock your van and its cargo however, one of the most effective is to install an alarm system. These alarm systems can be incorporated with your keypad, which means you'll be notified if someone breaks into your vehicle. They also help reduce insurance premiums, which could save you a fortune over the lifetime of your van.
A good alarm system will come with an alarm base station, keypads and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Some even come with an inbuilt motion sensor that detects any movement in your vehicle and alert your phone. This is a fantastic way to deter thieves and also assist in catching the thieves before they get to you.
Install deadlocks on your van's doors to ensure it's secure. These locks require the use of a key and are more difficult to control than standard locks. A good option is to purchase a lock that is able to be operated with an app for smartphones, so you can check on your vehicle while you're away.
Many van alarms are also 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 security measure, but it will not stop a thief who is determined to who would take the entire engine. Better to install an engine tracker with low power that will stop the engine from running, and will send you the exact location of your vehicle whenever it is being removed.
Insurance
Vans are an essential source for many businesses and the security of their contents is of paramount importance. Not only can a strong van security system provide peace of mind, but it also helps reduce cost of insurance since insurers take the security measures of van owners into consideration when calculating premiums.
The year, make, and model of your vehicle will affect your insurance premiums as will your driving record. The location in which you live and work can also impact your rates as higher crime rates can lead to increased rates. Insurance companies will also take the use of your van into account as commercial vehicles typically cost more to insure than personal ones.
If you're planning to make any major van modifications it is important to speak with your insurance provider prior to making any changes since it could impact on the price of your policy. The cost of insurance will also increase by adding any extras that aren't part of the standard vehicle. For instance the use of a 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 vehicle.
Insurance is another important aspect of the van's life. It protects the tools and other equipment that you store in your van in the event that they are stolen. You can purchase comprehensive physical damage protection, as well as roadside assistance plans to protect you from breakdowns and other emergencies that occur while you're out on the road.
It's important to remember that the cheapest insurance policy doesn't necessarily mean the best. Compare the limits of coverage, deductibles and other added benefits to determine the most suitable policy that meets your requirements. It is worth looking into gap insurance in addition to comprehensive insurance. It will pay the difference between your van's cash value and any outstanding balance on your loan in the event that your vehicle is destroyed.