How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset worth having, typically carrying expensive tools and equipment. It is essential to make your van as secure as you can. There are a myriad of ways you can do this.
Slamlocks secure doors when they are closed and are useful for couriers that make short drops or are prone to not locking the van. Other improvements include security stickers covering windows or tinting them and fitting the tool vault with a lockable feature.
Security locks
It is important to protect the contents of vans, since they are used as a mode of transport and storage on the move. The proper van security measures can deter criminals as well as protect your possessions, allowing you to embark on your journeys with confidence.
The door locks of the van are the first line in defense. They protect the doors and ward off the entry of anyone who is not authorized. Standard locks are often pre-installed and provide basic security however, they are easily bypassed. Upgrade to security locks that resist cutting, drilling, or picking. This is a good investment for peace of mind.
The factors to consider when selecting van locks include the material and the build quality, as well as whether it's Thatcham-approved. This means that the lock is of top quality, making it more difficult to break or compromise. The slamlock is an additional consideration. It locks automatically the doors of the loading area when it is closed and requires a specific key to unlock. This is ideal for couriers that may overlook locking their vans between deliveries. Another alternative is the hook lock that provides reinforcement to front and side doors and prevents 'peel and steal attacks.
It is important to clean and lubricate your van locks in order to ensure their function and the integrity of the mechanism. This stops corrosion and rust and helps ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to identify signs of wear and damage and fix them immediately. This can prevent security weaknesses from forming.
In addition to improving the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the appropriate security equipment can help you save money on your van insurance. Many insurance companies are aware of security systems that are robust, offering favourable terms and additional coverage options in return.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective ways to deter thieves is strengthening the locks of your van. By installing slam or high-strength locks your van's doors will be more secure and difficult to break into. This is especially crucial if your vehicle is used for transporting expensive cargo or tools.
The slamlock is activated automatically when your door is closed. It doesn't require you to press any keys to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be tampered, which makes it perfect for couriers and tradespeople that are in and out of their vans all day. They might forget to lock it up at the end of each journey. It also helps to combat the issue of opportunistic theft which is when thieves just open the lock on your vehicle and then take off with whatever they can grab - which often includes the tools needed to do your job.
There are many different types of slam locks available and some of them come with additional security features, for instance anti-drill and anti-pick technology or steel plates that block drilling attacks. Certain models are specifically designed for applications, such as those used by multidrop drivers and those who transport lots of valuable items.
For those who require more protection than a lock that slams can provide, there are options like deadlocks. These operate independently from the locking mechanism used by the manufacturer and can only be removed with a key that is supplied with full control by the driver. Alternatively, you could buy hook locks, which operates in the same way but offers extra security with a deadlocking hook bolt which connects to an opposing body part and operates with the key supplied under total control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
If you're looking to make your vehicle more secure and safe, consider adding a dash camera. These cameras can aid you in avoiding accidents and collisions while driving. They can also help in proving your innocence in case of an accident or traffic offense. These cameras function by converting light that is incoming into electrical signals and converting these signals into digital data. They can be powered by the battery in your car or by an cigarette-lighter.
Many of the dashboard cams available on the market include SD cards or flash drives to save recordings. These devices usually overwrite old footage to make room for new videos, but they can be upgraded using high-capacity memory cards for those who want to save more video information. Some dashboard cams also have cloud storage capabilities, which 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.
Hard-wired or wireless cameras are also worth considering. Hardwired cameras are less prone to interferences from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some are able to endure 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 reverse in tight spaces, or while parked. Some cameras have night vision, which is able to make images appear brighter in low-light conditions and increase visibility for the driver. Many van owners have added this feature to their system. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This can be a great benefit for van owners who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming more popular among those who love exploring and travelling, but it comes with its own dangers. The people who live in vehicles are often susceptible to theft. Thieves may attack the vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are one of the best ways to safeguard your vehicle and its contents. These systems can be integrated with your keypad, so you'll be notified if someone is able to break into your vehicle. They can also be helpful in reducing insurance costs, which could save you a fortune over the life of your vehicle.
A good alarm system has an alarm base, keypad and entry sensors to guard against door peal. van security locks fitted come with built-in motion sensors that detects movement within your vehicle. This will send an alert to your phone. This can be a great way to deter thieves and also help you catch them before they strike.
Adding deadlocks to all of your doors is a great option to ensure the security of your van. They require a key for operation, and they're much harder to alter than standard locks. A good option is to purchase a lock that is capable of being operated using apps for smartphones, which means you can monitor your van when you're away.
van security locks fitted of van alarms are equipped with an engine immobilizer, which will disable the engine of your vehicle if a wrong key is used to start it. This is a sensible step to do, but it's not enough to stop a thief determined to taking away the entire engine. It is best to utilize a low-power tracker that stops the engine from running and provide you with the location of your vehicle when it is removed.
Insurance
Vans are a vital source for many businesses and the security of their contents is a top concern. Not only will a well-constructed van security system provide peace of mind, it can also reduce insurance costs as insurers take van owners' security measures into consideration when calculating premiums.
Your driving record, along with the model, make, and year of your vehicle will also affect the rate of insurance you pay. The area in which you live and work can also affect your rates, as higher crime rates can lead to increased rates. Insurance providers will also take the use of your van into consideration as commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure than personal vehicles.
If you're thinking of making major van modifications, it's important to consult with your insurer beforehand as this could have an impact on the cost of your policy. The cost of your insurance may also increase when you add any additional features that aren't included in the standard vehicle. A Thatcham Category 2 certified dash camera is an effective way to deter thieves because they'll be more cautious when trying to break in.
Insurance is another essential part of the van's life. It protects the tools and other equipment that you keep inside your van in the event they are stolen. You can buy comprehensive physical damage insurance and roadside service plans that cover breakdowns as well as other emergencies.
It's important to be aware that the insurance policy with the lowest cost doesn't necessarily mean the best. Compare the coverage limits, deductibles, and other benefits to determine the right policy for you. In addition to comprehensive coverage, it's also worth looking into gap insurance since this can pay the difference between your van's actual cash value and the remaining balance on your loan if it's repaid in total.