How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that can be used to transport expensive equipment and tools. Making your van secure should be a top priority and there are numerous methods you can employ to stop thieves from entering your van and keep your tools safe.
Slamlocks locks doors once you shut them they can be very useful for couriers who do frequent short trips or are prone to forgetting to lock the van. Other upgrades include security stickers, covering or tinting windows and fitting an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
It is essential to safeguard the contents of vans because they serve as a vehicle for transportation and storage on the move. The proper 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 protect the doors and block unauthorized entry. Standard locks are often pre-installed and offer a basic protection but they can be easily smashed. Upgrade to advanced security locks that are resistant to cutting, drilling, or picking. This is an investment for peace of mind.
When selecting a vanlock, you should take into consideration the material, build quality and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This guarantees that the lock is of top quality and more difficult to alter. The slamlock is an additional consideration. It locks automatically the doors of the load area upon closing and requires a specific key to unlock. This is ideal for couriers who not lock their vans during deliveries. The hook lock is another option, which reinforces doors on the rear and side to prevent 'peel-and-steal' attacks.
It is important to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks to keep their functionality intact and the integrity of the mechanism. This prevents rust and corrosion and ensures smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to detect any signs of wear or damage and fix these issues promptly, thus making sure that security vulnerabilities are not uncovered.
Installing the right security system will save you money on insurance for your van. Many insurance companies offer favorable terms in exchange for robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
The strengthening of your van's lock is among the best methods to deter thieves. Installing high-strength locks or slam locks will make the door of your van more secure and difficult to break into. This is particularly crucial if your vehicle is used to transport expensive tools or equipment.
The lock is activated automatically once your door is closed. It doesn't require you to press any keys to activate the mechanism. This means it's much less likely to be tampered with which makes it ideal for couriers or tradespeople who are constantly in and out of their van throughout the day long and might forget to lock up at the end of each trip. It also helps to combat the petty thieves who just open the vehicle's lock and take what they can, including the tools you need to complete your job.
There are many different types of slam locks that are available that come with extra security features, for instance anti-drill technology and anti-pick technology, or a steel plate that prevents drilling attacks. Some are designed for specific applications, such as those used by multidrop drivers or those who transport lots of valuable goods.
Deadlocks are a good alternative for those who require more protection than what a slamlock can provide. They operate independently from the locking mechanism from the manufacturer and can be unlocked only by the driver by using the key supplied. You can also invest in a hook lock that works in the same way however, it provides extra security through a deadlocking hook bolt that engages into an opposing body section and operates with the key supplied under complete control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
Install a dash camera in your van if you want it to be more secure and secure. These cameras can be used to avoid accidents and collisions when driving. They can also show your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic violation. They work by converting the incoming light into electrical signals and then they transform those signals into digital data. They can be powered by the battery in your car or by a cigarette-lighter.
Many dashboard cameras available on the market include SD cards or flash drives for recording. These devices typically erase old footage to make room for new videos, but they can be upgraded with high-capacity memory cards for those who want to store more video data. Some van security lock dashboard cameras offer cloud storage, removing the necessity for memory card storage. These kinds of dashboard cameras connect to the Wi-Fi or smartphone network and upload their data at various intervals.
Hard-wired or wireless cameras are also important to take into consideration. Hardwired models are less prone to interference from cellular networks or other sources. They are also more durable, and some models can withstand the weather.
Some vans have dual dash cams, which can record footage from both the front and rear of the vehicle. This can be helpful when you need to reverse in tight spaces or while in a parking space. Some cameras feature night vision, which can enhance the images in low-light conditions and improve visibility. Many van owners opt to include this feature in their systems. Some dashboard cams can be remotely monitored, which is an immense benefit for van dwellers who spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular among those who are avid travelers and want to explore - but it's not without its risks. People who live in vehicles are usually susceptible to theft. Thieves can take aim at the vehicle and its contents. There are a variety of ways to secure your van and its cargo, but one of the best is to install an alarm system. Alarm systems can be linked to your keypad so that you be alerted in the event of a break-in. They're also great for reducing insurance costs, which could save you a fortune over the life of your vehicle.
A good alarm system should have the base station, a keypads, and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Some alarm systems have an inbuilt motion sensor that detects movement within your vehicle. It will then send an alert to you phone. This can be a great way to deter potential thieves and help you catch them before they strike.
The addition of deadlocks to all your doors is an excellent option to ensure the security of your van. These locks require the use of a key and are more difficult to operate than conventional locks. You can also get locks that you can operate with a smartphone application. This will allow you to check on your van while you are away.
A lot of van alarms are equipped with an engine immobilizer which will disable your vehicle's engine if the wrong key is used to start it. This is a sensible step to do, but it's not enough to stop a determined thief from taking away the entire engine. It is best to employ a low-power tracking device that stops the engine from running and will notify you of the exact location of your vehicle if it is removed.
Insurance
Vans are a crucial resource for many businesses and securing their contents is a top concern. Not only will a well-constructed van security system provide peace of mind, it can also lower cost of insurance since insurance companies take van owners' security measures into consideration when calculating premiums.
The make, model and year of your van will affect your insurance rates as will your driving record. The location in which you live and work can affect your rates too, since higher crime rates could lead to increased rates. Insurance providers will also consider the possibility of using your van, as commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure.
If you're planning to make any major changes to your van it's essential to talk with your insurance provider prior to making any changes since it could impact on the cost of your policy. Additionally, adding additional features to your vehicle that aren't included in the standard will increase your insurance. A Thatcham Category 2 approved dash camera is a simple way to deter vandals, as they will be cautious before attempting to break in.
Another essential element of van life is insurance to protect the equipment and tools you keep in your vehicle in case they are stolen. You can get comprehensive physical damage protection, as well as roadside assistance plans to cover breakdowns and other emergencies that occur while you're driving.
It's important to remember that the insurance policy with the lowest cost isn't always the most effective. Compare the limits of coverage along with deductibles, coverage limits and other advantages to find the most appropriate policy that meets your needs. In addition to full coverage, it's important to consider gap insurance because this can pay the difference between your vehicle's actual cash value and any remaining balance on your loan, if it's totaled.