How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that can be used to transport expensive equipment and tools. Security for your van is a top priority, and there are many methods you can employ to deter thieves and ensure your tools are safe.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as you close them, which can be useful for couriers that make small drops or are susceptible to not locking the van. Other upgrades include security stickers, covering or tinting windows and installing a lockable tool vault.
Security locks
It is essential to safeguard the contents of vans, because they serve as a mode of transport and storage on the move. The proper van security measures can deter criminals and safeguard your items, allowing you take your trip with confidence.
The van's door locks are the first line in defense. They secure the doors and block the entry of anyone who is not authorized. The standard locks are usually pre-installed and offer a basic protection, but they can be easily hacked. Upgrade to more secure locks that are impervious to drilling, cutting and picking is a good investment in security.
When you are choosing a vanlock you must consider the materials, the build quality and if it is certified by Thatcham. This designation ensures the lock is of high-quality and is more difficult to compromise or break. van security locks mobile fitting to consider are the slamlock lock system, which automatically locks doors for loading area after closure and requires a key to open and close them. This is great for couriers who might not lock their vans between deliveries. The hook lock is another option that can be used to secure the side and rear doors to guard against 'peel and steal' attacks.
Regular cleaning and lubrication of your van locks is vital to ensure that the lock functions properly and ensure the integrity of the mechanism. This helps prevent corrosion and rust and helps ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to identify signs of wear and tear, and address them immediately. This will prevent security vulnerabilities from developing.
In addition to enhancing the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the appropriate security equipment can save you money on your van insurance. Many insurance companies are aware of robust security solutions with attractive terms and additional coverage options in return.
Slamlocks
Strengthening your van's lock is one of the best ways to deter robbers. By installing slam or high-strength locks, your van's doors will be more secure and less difficult to break into. This is particularly crucial if your vehicle is used for transporting expensive equipment or cargo.
The slam lock is activated automatically when your door is shut, meaning you don't need to press a button to trigger the mechanism. It's less likely to be tampered and is ideal for courier drivers and tradespeople that are in and out of their vans throughout the day. They may overlook locking it after every trip. It also helps in tackling the issue of opportunistic burglaries, where thieves simply unlock your vehicle's lock and run off with whatever they can get their hands on - which often includes the tools you require to do your job.
There are a number of different kinds of slam locks available, with some offering extra security features, such as anti-drill technology and anti-pick technology, or a steel plate that blocks drilling attacks. Certain models are specifically designed for uses, like those used by multidrop drivers or those who transport lots of valuable goods.
If you're looking for more security than a locks that slam can provide alternatives like deadlocks. They operate in a different manner from the manufacturer's original locking mechanism and can only be opened by a key supplied with full control by the driver. You could also invest in hooklocks that function similar to a hooklock, but provides extra security with deadlocking bolts that are inserted in the opposite part of the body and is controlled by the key supplied.
Dashboard cameras
Include a dash camera into your van if you want it to be more secure and safe. These cameras can help you avoid accidents and collisions when driving, and can also be useful in proving your innocence in case of a traffic violation. These cameras work by converting light that is incoming into electrical signals, and then changing these signals into digital data. These can be powered either by the battery of your vehicle or a cigarette-lighter.
Many of the dashboard cams that are available have SD cards or flash drives to save recordings. These devices can overwrite old footage to allow room for new recordings. However they can be upgraded to support larger memory cards if more video data is required. Some dashboard cameras have cloud storage, removing the requirement for memory card storage. These dashboard cams connect to a smartphone, Wi-Fi network or both, and can upload data at different intervals.
Hard-wired or wireless cameras are also important to take into consideration. Hardwired cameras are less prone to interferences from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some models can withstand the elements.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cameras that can record video from both the front and back of the vehicle. This can be helpful when you need to reverse in tight spaces or when you're in a parking space. Some cameras feature night vision, which can enhance the images in dim light conditions and enhance visibility. Many van owners choose to add this feature to their systems. Certain dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This is an enormous benefit for van owners who spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life has become increasingly popular for those who love to travel and explore, but it's not without risks. People who live in their vehicles are often at risk of thieves who could target their vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are among the best ways to protect your vehicle and its contents. These alarm systems can be linked to your keypad so you'll be alerted in the event of a break-in. These systems can also help reduce the cost of insurance. This can save you thousands of dollars over the course of your vehicle.
A good alarm system has keys, a base and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Some even have an inbuilt motion sensor that can detect movement inside your van and alert your mobile. This can be a powerful deterrent for any potential thieves, and it can even help you spot the criminal before they get to them.
The addition of deadlocks to all your doors is a great way to ensure your van is secure. They require a key to operate and are much more difficult to alter than standard locks. You can also get locks that operate with a smartphone application. This will allow you to check on your vehicle while you're away.
A lot of van alarms come with an engine immobilizer that disables the motor of your vehicle if you use the wrong key to start it. This is a sensible security measure, but it can not stop a thief who is determined to taking the entire engine. An alternative is to use an engine tracker with low power that stops the engine from starting and sends you the exact location of your vehicle whenever it is moved.
Insurance
Vans are an essential source for many businesses, and securing their contents is of paramount importance. Not only can a strong van security system give peace of mind, but it can also lower insurance costs since insurance companies take the security measures of van owners into consideration when calculating premiums.
The year, make, and model of your van will affect the cost of insurance as will your driving record. The location in which you reside and work will also impact your rates as higher crime rates can lead to increased rates. Insurance companies will also take into consideration the use of your vehicle since commercial vehicles are typically more expensive to cover.
Consult your insurer before making any major van mods. This could affect the price of your policy. Also, adding any extras to your vehicle that aren't included in the standard will increase the price of your insurance. For instance, a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a simple way to deter thieves, because it can make them think twice about trying to break into your van.
Another important aspect of van life is insurance to cover the tools and equipment that you keep in your vehicle, in the event of theft. You can buy comprehensive physical damage coverage along with roadside service plans that cover breakdowns and other emergencies.
It's important to remember that the cheapest insurance policy isn't always the most effective. Compare coverage limits as well as deductibles and other benefits to choose the best policy for your needs. In addition to complete coverage, it's worth considering gap insurance as this can pay the difference between your car's actual cash value and the remaining balance on your loan if it's repaid in total.