How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset that can carry expensive equipment and tools. It is essential to ensure that your van is as secure as is possible. There are a myriad of ways to do this.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as you close them. This is useful for couriers who have short drops, or who are prone forgetting to lock their van. Other improvements include security stickers, covering or tinting windows and installing a lockable tool vault.
Security locks
With so many vans being used as a method of transportation as well as storage units that can be moved around it is essential to protect their contents against theft. The right van security measures can deter criminals and safeguard your belongings, allowing you to take your trip with confidence.
The door locks of the van are the first line of defence. They secure the doors and block unauthorized entry. Locks that are standard are usually installed and provide basic security but they can be easily hacked. Upgrade to more secure locks that are resistant to drilling, cutting and picking is an investment in peace of mind.
When choosing a vanlock, you should take into consideration the material, build quality and if it is certified by Thatcham. This ensures that the lock is of top quality and more difficult to alter. Other important factors to consider include the slamlock lock system, which automatically locks load area doors when closed 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 which provides additional security to the front and side doors and prevents 'peel and steal attacks.
It is essential to clean and lubricate your van locks in order to ensure their function and the strength of the mechanism. This will prevent corrosion and rust and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to spot signs of wear and tear, and address them immediately. This can prevent security weaknesses from forming.
Installing the right security system can save you money on insurance for your van. Many insurance companies offer favorable terms in exchange for robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
Strengthening your van's lock is one of the most effective methods to deter thieves. Installing high-strength locks or slam locks will make your van's door more secure and harder to break into. This is especially important if the vehicle is used for transporting expensive tools or equipment.
A slam lock works automatically as soon as the door is shut and you don't have to press a button to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be compromised, which makes it perfect for couriers and tradespeople who work out of their vans all day. They may overlook locking it after each trip. It also helps in battling the petty thieves who just open the lock on your vehicle and steal whatever they can get, which includes the tools you require for your work.
There are a variety of slamlocks to choose from. Some come with additional security features such as anti drill and anti pick technology, or a steelplate which blocks drilling. Others are suitable for specific purposes such as multidrop drivers, or those that transport a lot of high-value items.
Deadlocks are a great alternative for those who require more protection than what is offered by a slamlock. They function independently of the manufacturer's original locking mechanism and can only be removed with a supplied key with full control by the driver. You can also buy a hook lock that operates in the same way but offers extra security through a deadlocking hook bolt which is inserted into the security locks for vans opposing body part and operates with the key that comes with it under the complete control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
Include a dash camera into your vehicle if you wish for it to be more secure and secure. These cameras can help you avoid collisions and accidents when driving, and are also useful in showing your innocence in the event of a traffic offense. These cameras function by converting light signals into electrical signals and changing the signals into digital information. These can be powered either via the battery of your vehicle or a cigarette-lighter.
A lot of 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 for those who want to save more video data. Some dashboard cameras have cloud storage, removing the necessity for memory card storage. These dashboard cameras are connected to a smartphone, Wi-Fi network or both and upload data at various times.
Another thing to be considered is whether the camera is wireless or hard wired. Hardwired models are less vulnerable to interference from cell networks or other sources. They are also more durable, and some can withstand the elements.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cams that can record video from both the rear and front of the vehicle. This is useful when you need to reverse in tight spaces or when parking. Some cameras come with night vision, which is able to enhance images in low light conditions and increase visibility for drivers. Many van owners include this feature to their system. Certain dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored which is an enormous benefit for van owners who spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming more popular with those who enjoy exploring and traveling however, it comes with its own dangers. People who live in vehicles are usually at risk of theft. Thieves may target the vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are among the best ways to secure your vehicle and its contents. These systems can be connected to your keypad so that you will receive notifications in the event of a burglary. These systems can also reduce the cost of insurance. This could save you thousands of dollars over the life of your vehicle.
A good alarm system will come with the base station, a keypad and entry sensors that protect against door peal. Some even come with a built-in motion sensor that can detect movement inside your van and notify your mobile. This can be a powerful deterrent for anyone who might be a target and could aid in identifying the criminal before they strike.
The addition of deadlocks to all your doors is a great way to ensure your van is secure. They require the use of a key and are more difficult to control than conventional locks. A good option is to choose a lock capable of being operated using a smartphone app, so you can check on your vehicle while you're away.
A majority of van alarms are fitted with an engine immobilizer which will disable your vehicle's engine if the wrong key is used to start it. This is a great security measure, but it will not stop a thief who is determined to taking the entire engine. An alternative is 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 moved.
Insurance
Vans are a vital source for many businesses, and the security of their contents is a top priority. A van security system can give peace of mind as well as reduce the cost of insurance. Insurance companies take into consideration the security measures employed by van owners when calculating their premiums.
Your driving record, along with the make, model, and year of your van, will also affect the rate of insurance you pay. Your rates are also affected by the area where you live and work, because higher crime rates can cause an increase in rates. Insurance companies will also take into consideration the use of your van because commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure.
If you're thinking of making major van modifications it is important to speak with your insurer beforehand since it could impact on the price of your policy. Likewise, adding on any accessories to your vehicle that aren't included in the standard can increase the cost of your premium. A Thatcham Category 2 certified 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 cover the equipment and tools you keep in your vehicle in case they are stolen. You can purchase comprehensive physical damage coverage and roadside service plans that cover breakdowns and other emergencies.
It's important to keep in mind that the insurance policy with the lowest cost isn't always the best. Compare the coverage limits along with deductibles, coverage limits and other advantages to find the most appropriate policy that meets your requirements. In addition to full coverage, it's worth considering gap insurance as it can cover the difference between your vehicle's actual cash value and any remaining balance on your loan, if it's totaled.