How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that can transport expensive tools and equipment. It is crucial to ensure that your van is as secure as you can. There are many ways to accomplish this.
Slamlocks locks doors once you shut them and are beneficial for couriers who make small drops or are susceptible to not locking their vans. Other options include a security sticker covering or tinting windows, and installing a vault lockable to tools.
Security locks
It is essential to safeguard the contents of vans since they are used as a means of transportation as well as mobile storage. The proper van security measures will deter criminals and protect your possessions. This allows you to travel in peace.
Door locks are the initial security measure, securing the doors of your van and preventing access by unauthorized persons. Standard locks are often pre-installed and offer a basic protection however, they are easily bypassed. Upgrade to more secure locks that can withstand cutting or drilling. This is a good investment for peace of mind.
When choosing a vanlock, you should consider the quality of the material, its construction and if it is certified by Thatcham. This guarantees that the lock is of high-quality and is more difficult to compromise. Other important considerations are the slamlock lock system, which automatically locks the doors to the load area after closure and requires keys to open the door and close them. This is great for couriers who not lock their vans between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock, which provides additional security to the doors on the rear and side and prevents '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 prevents rust and corrosion and helps ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to identify the signs of wear and tear, and then address them promptly. This will prevent security weaknesses from forming.
Installing the best security system can save you money on van insurance. Many insurance companies are aware of security systems that are robust with attractive terms and additional coverage options in return.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective ways to deter thieves is by strengthening your van's locks. By installing high-strength or slam locks the doors of your van will be more secure and less difficult to break into. This is especially important if your vehicle is used for transporting expensive cargo or tools.
A slam lock works automatically when the door is shut and you don't have to press a button to activate the mechanism. This means it's much less likely to be tampered with, making it ideal for courier drivers or tradespeople who are in and out of their van all day long and might not lock the door after each journey. It also assists in fighting the petty thieves who just open the lock on your vehicle and take whatever they can, including the tools you need to do your job.
There are a number of different types of slam locks that are available and some of them come with additional security features, like anti-drill technology and anti-pick technology, or a steel plate that blocks drilling attacks. Certain models are specifically designed for applications, like the ones used by multidrop drivers or those who transport a lot of valuable items.
If you're looking for more security than a standard locks that slam can provide alternatives like deadlocks. These locks function independently of the locking mechanism that came from the manufacturer and are only be unlocked by the driver using the key provided. You can also purchase a hooklock, which works similarly, but offers additional security through deadlocking bolts that are inserted in a different section of the body and is operated by the supplied key.
Dashboard cameras
If you want to make your car more secure and secure, consider adding a dash camera. These cameras can be used to help avoid collisions and accidents while driving. They can also prove your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic infraction. They work by converting light that is incoming into electrical signals, and then converting these signals into digital data. These can be powered either via the battery of your car or by the cigarette lighter.
Many of the dashboard cams that are available have SD cards or flash drives to save recordings. These devices typically erase old footage to create space for new recordings, but they can be upgraded with high-capacity memory cards if you want to save more video information. Some dashboard cams also have cloud storage capabilities, which remove the need for memory cards. These kinds of dashboard cameras connect to a smartphone or Wi-Fi network and upload their data at different intervals.
Hard-wired or wireless cameras are also important to take into consideration. Hardwired cameras are less prone to interference from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable and certain models are able to withstand the weather.
Some vans come with dual dash cameras which can record video from both the front and back of the vehicle. This is useful when reversing in tight spaces or when parked. Some cameras come with night vision which can brighten the images in dim light conditions and increase visibility. Many van owners include this feature to the system. Certain dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This is an excellent benefit for van owners who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular with those who love to travel and explore, but it's not without risk. People who live in their vehicles are frequently at risk of thieves who may attack their vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are among the best ways to safeguard your van and its contents. These systems can be connected to your keypad, so that you will receive alerts in the event of a burglary. These systems can also help reduce the cost of insurance. This can save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your vehicle.
A good alarm system will have the base station, a keypads and entry sensors that protect against door peal. Certain alarm systems come with a built-in motion sensor that detects movement inside your vehicle. It will then send an alert to your phone. This is a great deterrent to any potential thieves and can help you spot the criminal before they do.
The addition of deadlocks to all your doors is a great option to ensure your van is secure. They require a key to operate and are more difficult to break than regular locks. It is a good idea to purchase a lock that is able to be operated with apps for smartphones, which means you can check the status of your van while away.
Many van alarms also include an engine immobilizer that shuts off the vehicle's motor in the event that you use the wrong key to start it. This is a great security measure, but it will not stop a determined thief who would take the entire engine. Better to have an engine tracker with low power that stops the engine from starting and will notify you of the exact location of your vehicle whenever it's being removed.
Insurance
Vans are a crucial resource for many businesses and the security of their contents is a top concern. A van security system can provide peace of mind and reduce the cost of insurance. Insurers take into account the security measures employed by van owners when calculating their premiums.
The year, model, and make of your van will impact your insurance premiums and your driving record. The area in which you live and work can also impact your rates as higher crime rates can result in higher rates. Insurance providers will also consider the use of your vehicle because commercial vehicles are typically more expensive to insure.
If you're considering making any major van modifications it is important to speak with your insurance provider prior to making any changes because it could have an impact on the price of your policy. The cost of your 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 deter thieves, as it will make them think twice about trying to gain entry into your vehicle.
Insurance is another important aspect of life in a van. It protects the tools and equipment you keep inside your van in the event they're stolen. You can obtain complete physical damage protection, as well as roadside assistance plans to take care of breakdowns and other emergencies when you're on the road.
It's important to remember that the cheapest insurance policy isn't always the best. Compare the limits of coverage, deductibles and other added advantages to find the most appropriate policy for your requirements. It's worthwhile to consider gap insurance in addition to comprehensive insurance. This can pay the difference between the cash value of your van and the outstanding balance on your loan in the event of a total loss to your vehicle.