How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset, often carrying expensive equipment and tools. The security of your van should be a top priority and there are numerous methods you can employ to deter thieves and keep your tools safe.
Slamlocks secure doors when you shut them and are beneficial for couriers who make small drops or are susceptible to not locking their vans. Other upgrades include security stickers, covering or tinting windows and fitting an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
With so many vans being used as both a mode of transport as well as storage units that can be moved around it is crucial to protect their contents against theft. The proper van security measures will deter criminals while protecting your possessions. This allows you to travel with peace of mind.
The door locks of the van are the first line in defense. They secure the doors and block unauthorised entry. Standard locks, which are usually installed by the manufacturer, offer the most basic protection but can be easily bypassed by a determined thief. Moving to more sophisticated security locks that are immune to drilling, cutting and picking is a good investment in security.
When choosing a vanlock, you should take into consideration the material, build quality and if it is certified by Thatcham. This means that the lock is of top quality and is more difficult to compromise. Other important considerations are the slamlock system that automatically locks load area doors after closure and requires a key to open and close them. This is great for couriers who might forget to lock their van between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock, that provides reinforcement to side and rear doors and stops 'peel and take' attacks.
It is essential to clean and lubricate your van locks to maintain their functionality and the integrity of the mechanism. This helps prevent corrosion and rust and helps ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to detect any signs of wear or damage and address them promptly, to prevent security vulnerabilities from arising.
Installing a security system that is appropriate can save you money on van insurance. Many insurance companies recognize the importance of strong security solutions, offering favourable terms and additional coverage options.
Slamlocks
The strengthening of your van's lock is one of the best methods to ward off robbers. Installing slam or high-strength locks will make your van's door more secure and harder to break into. This is especially important if you intend to use your vehicle to transport expensive tools or other valuable cargo.
The slam lock is activated automatically when the door is shut and you don't have to press a key to trigger the mechanism. This means it's less likely to be compromised which makes it ideal for couriers or tradespeople who are constantly in and out of their van throughout the day and may not remember to lock it after each journey. It also helps to combat the issue of opportunistic theft, where thieves simply unlock your vehicle's lock and take off with anything they can grab - which often includes the tools needed to do your job.
There are many different types of slamlocks that are available. Some come with additional security features such as anti drill and anti pick technology, or a steelplate that stops drilling. Other locks are suitable for specific purposes such as multidrop drivers or those that carry a significant amount of high-value items.
If you're looking for more security than a lock that slams can provide the option of deadlocks. They operate independently of the locking mechanism that came that is supplied by the manufacturer and are only unlocked by the driver by using the key supplied. Alternatively, you could purchase hook locks that works similarly, but offers extra security by using a deadlocking hook bolt which connects to an opposing body part and is operated with the supplied key under complete control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
If you want to click here make your car more secure and safe, consider adding a dash camera. These cameras can be used to avoid accidents and collisions when driving. They can also show your innocence in the case of an accident, or traffic infraction. They work by converting light that is incoming into electrical signals and then convert these signals into digital data. They can be powered by the vehicle's battery, or the cigarette lighter.
A majority of the dashboard cameras available on the market have SD cards or flash drives to save recordings. These devices erase old footage in order to allow room for new videos. However, they can be upgraded to accommodate larger memory cards when more video data is needed. Certain dashboard cameras come with cloud storage, which eliminates the need for memory card storage. These types of dashboard cams connect to the Wi-Fi or smartphone network and upload their data at varying intervals.
Another aspect to consider is whether the camera is wireless or hard wired. Hardwired cameras are less prone to interferences from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable and some models are able to withstand weather.
Some vans come with dual dash cams. They can capture footage from both the front and rear of the vehicle. This is useful when reversing in tight spaces, or while parked. Some cameras come with night vision that can increase the brightness of the images in dim light conditions and improve visibility. Many van owners add this feature to their system. Some dashboard cams can be remotely monitored, and this is a huge benefit for van dwellers who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life has become increasingly popular for those who like to travel and explore - but it's not without risks. People who live in their cars are often at risk of thieves who may target their vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are one of the best ways to safeguard your vehicle and its contents. These alarm systems can be linked to your keypad, so that you receive notifications in the event of a burglary. These systems can also reduce insurance premiums. This can save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your vehicle.
A good alarm system includes a base, keypad, and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Certain alarm systems come with a built-in motion sensor that detects movement inside your van. It will then send an alert to your phone. This can be a powerful deterrent for any potential thieves and can aid in identifying the criminal before they get to them.
Installing deadlocks on all of your doors is a great option to keep your van secure. These locks require a key to operate, and they're much harder to tamper with than normal locks. It is a good idea to get some that are able to be operated with a smartphone app, so you can monitor your van when you're away.
Many van alarms also come with an engine immobilizer which disables the vehicle's motor in the event that you use the wrong key to start it. This is a good security measure, but it will not stop a determined thief taking the entire engine. It is better to employ a low-power tracking device that stops the engine from running and send you the location of your vehicle when it is relocated.
Insurance
Vans are a vital source for many businesses and the security of their contents is of paramount importance. A van security system can give peace of mind and reduce insurance costs. Insurers take into account the security measures employed by van owners when calculating premiums.
The make, model and year of your van will impact the cost of insurance and your driving record. The area where you live and work will also affect your rates, as higher crime rates can result in higher rates. Insurance companies will also take the use of your van into account as commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure than personal vehicles.
If you're thinking of making major changes to your van it's essential to talk with your insurer beforehand since this could have an impact on the cost of your policy. Also, adding any extras to your vehicle that aren't standard can increase the cost of your premium. A Thatcham Category 2 certified dash camera is an easy way to deter thieves because they'll be cautious before attempting to gain entry into.
Insurance is another essential part of life in a van. It protects the tools and equipment that you keep in your van in case they are stolen. You can purchase comprehensive physical damage protection as well as roadside assistance plans to take care of breakdowns and other emergencies when you're out on the road.
It's important to remember that the most affordable insurance policy doesn't necessarily mean the best. Compare coverage limits as well as deductibles and other advantages to find the most appropriate policy for your needs. In addition to full coverage, it's worth looking into gap insurance since it will pay for the difference between your vehicle's actual cash value and the remaining balance on your loan if it's totaled.