How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that can transport expensive tools and equipment. It is essential to ensure that your van is as secure as you can. There are a variety of ways to do this.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as you shut them, which can be useful for couriers that make small drops or are susceptible to not locking the van. Other upgrades include security stickers covering or tinting the windows, and installing an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
It is crucial to secure the contents of vans as they are used both as a vehicle for transportation as well as mobile storage. The proper van security measures can deter criminals and safeguard your belongings, allowing you to take your trip with confidence.
The van's door locks are the first line in defence. They secure the doors and ward off the entry of anyone who is not authorized. Locks that are standard, usually installed by the manufacturer, offer the most basic protection but are easily manipulated by a determined thief. Upgrade to more secure locks that are resistant to cutting or drilling. This is a good investment in security that will give you peace of mind.
When selecting a vanlock, you should consider the material, build quality and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This means that the lock is of top quality, making it more difficult to break or compromise. The slamlock is a further aspect to consider. It locks automatically the doors of the load area when it closes and requires a specific key to unlock. This is a great option for couriers who may overlook locking their vans in between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock, which adds reinforcement to doors on the rear and side and prevents 'peel and steal' attacks.
It is crucial to clean and lubricate your van locks in order to maintain their functionality and the strength of the mechanism. This will stop rust and corrosion, and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to detect the signs of wear and tear, and then address them promptly. This can prevent security issues from arising.
Installing the best security system can help you save 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 best methods to deter thieves. By installing slam or high-strength locks your van's doors will be more secure and difficult to break into. This is especially important if the van is used to transport expensive tools or equipment.
The slam lock is activated automatically when your door is closed and you don't have to press a key to trigger the mechanism. It's less likely to be damaged which makes it ideal for courier drivers and tradespeople who are in and out of their vans all day. They might not remember to lock it after every journey. It also helps in tackling the problem of opportunistic theft, where thieves simply open your vehicle's existing lock and run off with whatever they can grab and often include the tools you need for your job.
There are many different types of slamlocks available. Some come with additional security features like anti drill and anti pick technology or a steelplate that blocks drilling. Other locks are suitable for specific applications, such as multidrop drivers or those who transport a lot of high-value items.
Deadlocks are an alternative for those who require more security than a slamlock can provide. They operate in a different manner from the original locking mechanism of the manufacturer and can only be opened by a key supplied with full control by the driver. You can also purchase a hooklock, which works similarly, but provides extra security with deadlocking bolts that lock in a different section of the body and is operated by the supplied key.
Dashboard cameras
Install a dash camera in your van if you want it to be more secure and safer. These cameras can assist you in avoiding collisions and accidents when driving, and can also be useful in showing your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic violation. These cameras function by converting light incoming into electrical signals, and then changing the signals into digital information. They can be powered by the battery of your vehicle or by an cigarette-lighter.
Many of the dashboard cams available on the market have SD cards or flash drives to save recordings. These devices can overwrite old footage to make room for new videos. However they can be upgraded to accommodate larger memory cards if additional video data is required. Some dashboard cameras have cloud storage, eliminating the necessity for memory card storage. These dashboard cams connect to a smartphone, Wi-Fi network or both and upload data at different intervals.
Cameras that are hard-wired or wireless are also worth considering. Hardwired cameras are less vulnerable to interferences from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some models can withstand the elements.
Some vans come with dual dash cameras that can record video from the front and back of the vehicle. This is helpful when reverses in tight spaces, or while in a parking spot. Some cameras feature night vision that can increase the brightness of the images in low light conditions and increase visibility. Many van owners include this feature to their system. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored, and this is a huge benefit for van owners who spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life has become increasingly popular for those who love to travel and explore, but it's without risks. People who live in vehicles are often at risk of theft. Thieves could target the vehicle and its contents. There are many ways to secure your van and its cargo however, one of the best is an alarm system. These systems can be integrated with your keypad, meaning you'll receive alerts if anyone breaks into your vehicle. They're also great for reducing insurance costs, which could save you a fortune over the life of your van.
A good alarm system should have an alarm base station, keypad and entry sensors that guard against door peal. Some alarms even have an inbuilt motion sensor that detects the presence of movement inside your vehicle and send an alert to your mobile. This is a great deterrent to anyone who might be a target and can aid in identifying the criminal before they do.
Adding deadlocks to all of your doors is another great method to ensure the security of your van. They require a key and are harder to manipulate than standard locks. You can also purchase locks that operate using a smartphone app. This allows you to monitor your vehicle while you're away.
Many van alarms are also fitted with an engine immobilizer that will shut down the engine of your vehicle if a wrong key is used to start it. TheKeyLab is a good security measure, but it will not stop a determined criminal from who would take the entire engine. Better to use a low-power tracker which will stop the engine from running and will notify you of the exact location of your vehicle whenever it is relocated.
Insurance
For many businesses, their vans are vital assets and securing their contents is a major priority. A van security system can provide peace of mind and lower insurance costs. Insurers take into account the security measures employed by van owners when calculating premiums.
Your driving record, as well as the make, model and year of your vehicle will also affect the rate of insurance you pay. Your rates could also be affected by the region in which you live and work, as higher crime rates may cause an increase in rates. Insurance companies will also take the use of your vehicle into consideration as commercial vehicles generally cost more to insure than personal ones.
Consult your insurer before making any major changes to your van. This could affect the cost of your insurance. The cost of insurance will also increase if you add any extras that aren't included in the standard vehicle. A Thatcham Category 2 certified dash camera is an effective way to deter vandals, because they'll be cautious before attempting to gain entry into.
Insurance is a crucial aspect of life in a van. It protects the tools and other equipment that you keep in your van in case they're stolen. You can get comprehensive physical damage protection, as well as roadside assistance plans to cover breakdowns and other emergencies when you're out on the road.
When comparing insurance policies it's worth bearing in mind that the cheapest option isn't always the best. Compare the limits of coverage, deductibles, and other benefits to determine the right policy for you. It's worthwhile to consider gap coverage in addition to comprehensive insurance. This can pay the difference between your cash value of your van and the outstanding balance on your loan if your van is totalled.