How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset that can be used to transport expensive equipment and tools. The security of your van is a top priority and there are numerous strategies you can use to stop thieves from entering your van and keep your tools safe.
Slamlocks secure doors when you close them and are beneficial for couriers who make short drops or are prone to forgetting to lock the van. Other improvements include a security stickers covering or tinting the windows and fitting a lockable tools vault.
Security locks
With so many vans being utilized as a means of transportation and storage units that can be moved around it is crucial to secure their contents from theft. The right van security measures will deter criminals and protect your items, allowing you travel with confidence.
The door locks of the van are the first line in defense. They protect the doors and prevent the entry of anyone who is not authorized. Locks that are standard are usually installed and offer a basic protection, but they can be easily smashed. Upgrading to more advanced security locks that are impervious to cutting, drilling, and picking is a good investment in peace of mind.
When selecting a vanlock, you must consider the material, build quality and if it is certified by Thatcham. This ensures that the lock is of high-quality and more difficult to compromise. Other important considerations are the slamlock system that automatically locks load area doors when closed and requires a key to open; this is perfect for couriers who may forget to lock their van between deliveries. The hook lock is another option that can be used to secure the front and side doors to prevent 'peel-and-steal' attacks.
It is crucial to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks to ensure their function and the strength of the mechanism. This helps prevent corrosion and rust and ensures smooth operation. Regular inspections will allow you to spot indications of wear and damage, and address them immediately. This can prevent security weaknesses from forming.
Alongside improving the overall security of your vehicle, installing the appropriate security equipment will help you save money on your van insurance. Many insurers offer favourable terms in exchange for robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
The strengthening of your van's lock is one of the most effective methods to deter thieves. By installing slam locks or high-strength locks the doors of your van will be more secure and difficult to break into. This is especially important if you use your van to transport expensive equipment or other valuable cargo.
The slam lock is activated automatically when your door is shut which means you don't have to press a button to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be tampered, which makes it perfect for courier drivers and tradespeople who work out of their vans throughout the day. They may overlook locking it after each journey. It also helps combat the issue of opportunistic burglaries, where thieves simply unlock your vehicle's lock and take off with anything they can get their hands on that includes the tools needed to do your job.
There are a number of different types of slam locks and some of them come with additional security features, for instance anti-drill and anti-pick technology or steel plates that block drilling attacks. Some are designed for specific uses, like the ones used by multidrop drivers or those who transport lots of valuable items.
Deadlocks are a good alternative for those who require more protection than what a slamlock can provide. They operate independently of the original locking mechanism from the manufacturer and can be unlocked only by the driver by using the key supplied. Alternately, you can invest in a hook lock that works in the same way but provides additional security through a deadlocking hook bolt that engages into an opposing body section and is operated with the supplied key under total control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
Include a dash camera into your vehicle if you want it to be more secure and safer. These cameras can assist you in avoiding accidents and collisions while driving. They are also useful in proving your innocence in case of a traffic violation. They convert incoming light into electrical signals and then transform those signals into digital data. They can be powered by the vehicle's battery or by an cigarette lighter.
Many dashboard cameras on the market have SD cards or flash drives to record. These devices typically overwrite old footage to create space for new recordings, but they can be upgraded with memory cards with high capacity in case you wish to save more video data. Some dashboard cameras offer cloud storage, removing the need for memory card storage. These types of dashboard cams connect to a smartphone or Wi-Fi network and upload their data at various intervals.
Wireless or hard-wired cameras are also worth considering. Hardwired cameras are less prone to interferences from cell networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some models are able to withstand weather.
Some vans come with dual dash cams, which can record footage from both the front and rear of the vehicle. This is helpful when reverses in tight spaces or while parking. Some cameras have night vision, which can brighten images in low-light conditions and improve visibility for the driver. Many van owners add this feature to the system. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This can be an excellent benefit for van owners who spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is getting increasingly popular among those who love exploring and travelling however, it has its own dangers. People who live in their vehicles are often at risk of thieves who may target their vehicle and its contents. There are a number of ways to secure your van and its cargo but one of the most effective is to install an alarm system. These systems can be connected to your keypad, so that you will be alerted 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 includes a base, keypad, and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Some alarm systems have a built-in motion sensor that detects movement inside your van. It will then send an alert to you phone. This is a great way to deter anyone who might be a target and could help you spot the criminal before they do.
Installing deadlocks on all of your doors is another great option to ensure your van is secure. They require keys and are more difficult to operate than conventional locks. You can also purchase locks that can be operated via a smartphone application. This will allow you to monitor your vehicle even when you're away.
Many van alarms also include an engine immobilizer which disables your vehicle's motor if you use the wrong key to start it. This is a sensible precaution, but it will not stop a determined criminal from taking the entire engine. Better to have a low-power tracker which stops the engine from starting, and will send you your vehicle's location when it is relocated.
Insurance
For many businesses vans are essential assets and securing their contents is a major priority. A van security system can provide peace of mind and reduce the cost of insurance. Insurance companies take into consideration the security measures taken by van owners when calculating their premiums.
Your driving history, as well as the model, make, and year of your van, will also affect your insurance rates. The area where you live and work can affect your rates too, as higher crime rates can lead to increased rates. Insurance providers will also consider the possibility of using your van because commercial vehicles are usually more expensive to cover.
If you're considering making any major van modifications it's essential to talk with your insurance company prior to doing so as it could impact on the policy price. Also, adding any extras to your vehicle that aren't included in the standard will increase your premium. For instance an Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a simple way to discourage thieves, since it makes them think twice about attempting to gain entry into your vehicle.
Another important aspect of van life is insurance to protect the tools and equipment that you keep in your vehicle in the event that they are stolen. van security lock can buy comprehensive physical damage insurance along with roadside service plans that cover breakdowns as well as other emergencies.
When comparing insurance policies it's important to remember that the cheapest policy isn't always the best. Compare the limits of coverage, deductibles and other added benefits to find the best policy for your requirements. In addition to comprehensive coverage, it's also worth looking into gap insurance since it will pay for the difference between your vehicle's actual cash value and the remaining amount on your loan if it's repaid in total.