How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that can transport expensive tools and equipment. It is important to make your van as secure as possible. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as they are closed. This is useful for couriers that do short drops, or who tend to forget to lock their van. Other options include security stickers, covering or tinting windows and fitting the tool vault with a lockable feature.
security locks for van is important to protect the contents of vans as they are used both as a vehicle for transportation and storage on the move. The right van security measures will deter criminals and protect your possessions. This will allow you to travel in peace.
Door locks are the primary security measure, securing the doors of the van and preventing unauthorized access. Locks that are standard are usually installed and offer basic security however, they are easily bypassed. Upgrade to more secure locks that are immune to drilling, cutting and picking is an investment in peace of mind.
Considerations when choosing a van lock include the material and build quality, as well as whether it's approved by Thatcham. This certification ensures that the lock is of high-quality, making it more difficult to break or compromise. The slamlock is an additional factor to take into. It automatically locks the doors of the load area upon closing and requires a special key to unlock. This is perfect for couriers who overlook locking their vans between deliveries. The hook lock is a different option, which reinforces front and side doors to prevent 'peel-and-steal' attacks.
Regular cleaning and lubrication of your van locks is also essential to maintain functionality and ensure the integrity of the mechanism. This helps prevent corrosion and rust and helps ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections let you spot any signs of wear or damage and fix them immediately, thereby preventing security vulnerabilities from emerging.
Alongside improving the overall security of your vehicle, installing the right security system can save you money on insurance for your van. Many insurers recognise the value of robust security solutions with attractive terms and additional coverage options.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective methods to stop thieves is by strengthening your van's locks. Installing high-strength locks or slam locks will make your van's door more secure and harder to break into. This is particularly crucial if you plan to use your vehicle to transport expensive tools or valuable cargo.
A slam lock works automatically as soon as your door is shut and you don't have to press a button to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be damaged which makes it ideal for courier drivers and tradespeople who are in and out their vans all day. They might overlook locking it after each trip. It also assists in fighting criminals who can simply open the door of your vehicle and steal whatever they can, which includes the tools you need to complete your job.
There are many different kinds of slam locks, with some offering extra security features, like anti-drill and anti-pick technology or a steel plate that prevents drilling attacks. Others are suitable for a specific application like multidrop drivers, or those that carry a large volume of high-value goods.
Deadlocks are an option for those who need more security than an slamlock could provide. These locks function independently of the original locking mechanism from the manufacturer and are be unlocked only by the driver using the key supplied. You can also invest in hook locks that works in the same way however, it provides extra security with a deadlocking hook bolt which connects to an opposing body part and is operated with the key that comes with it under the full control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
Include a dash camera into your van if you want it to be more secure and safer. These cameras can be used to help avoid accidents and collisions when driving. They can also show your innocence in the case of an accident or traffic infraction. They convert incoming light into electrical signals and they then convert these signals into digital data. They can be powered by the battery in your car or by a cigarette-lighter.
A lot of dashboard cameras on the market include SD cards or flash drive to record. These devices typically erase old footage to make room for new recordings, but they can be upgraded using high-capacity memory cards in case you wish to store more video data. Some dashboard cams also have cloud storage capabilities that remove the requirement for memory cards. These types of dashboard cams connect to a smartphone or Wi-Fi network and upload their data at varying intervals.
Another aspect to consider is whether the camera is wireless or hard wired. Hardwired models are less prone to interference 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. They can record footage from both the front and rear of the vehicle. This can be useful when reversing into tight spaces or when you're in a parking space. Some cameras have night vision that can make images appear brighter in low-light conditions and improve visibility for the driver. Many van owners opt to add this feature to their systems. Certain dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This is a great benefit for van owners who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular among those who like to travel and explore, but it's without risk. People who live in their vehicles are often at the mercy of thieves who may take aim at their vehicle and contents. There are a number of ways to protect your vehicle and its contents however, one of the most effective is to install an alarm system. These alarm systems can be linked to your keypad, so that you will receive notifications in the event of a burglary. These systems can also lower insurance premiums. This can save you thousands of dollars over the course of your vehicle.
A good alarm system will have the base station, a keypads and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Certain alarm systems come with an inbuilt motion sensor that detects movement within your vehicle. The alarm will send an alert to you phone. This is a fantastic way to deter thieves and even help you catch the thieves before they get to you.
Add deadlocks to your van's doors to ensure it's secure. These are locks that require a key to operate and are much more difficult to break than regular locks. A good option is to choose a lock equipped to operate with apps for smartphones, which means you can check on your van while away.
A lot of van alarms are equipped with an engine immobilizer which disables the engine of your vehicle if a wrong key is used to start it. This is a sensible step to take, but it won't stop a determined thief from removing the whole engine. It is safer to employ a low-power tracking device which will stop the engine from running and provide you with the exact location of your vehicle if it is removed.
Insurance
For many companies their vans are crucial resources and safeguarding their contents is a major priority. Not only does a robust van security system give peace of mind, but it can also lower cost of insurance since insurance companies take the security measures of van owners into account when calculating premiums.
The year, model, and make of your van will affect your insurance premiums as will your driving record. The area where you live and work can also impact your rates because higher crime rates could lead to increased rates. Insurance companies will also take into consideration the possibility of using your van, as commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to cover.
Check with your insurance provider prior to making any major modifications to your van. This could impact the price of your policy. Additionally, adding extras to your vehicle that aren't standard will increase your insurance. For instance, a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a great way to discourage thieves, as it will make them think twice about attempting to break into your van.
Another essential element of van life is insurance to cover the equipment and tools you keep in your vehicle, in the event that they are stolen. You can get complete physical damage protection and roadside assistance plans to protect you from breakdowns and other emergencies that occur while you're out on the road.
When comparing insurance policies, it's important to remember that the cheapest policy isn't always the most effective. Compare coverage limits, deductibles, and other benefits to choose the best policy for your needs. It is worth looking into gap insurance in addition to comprehensive insurance. It will pay the difference between the van's cash value and any outstanding balance on your loan in the event that your vehicle is destroyed.