How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset that can be used to transport expensive tools and equipment. It is important to make your van as secure as is possible. There are a variety of ways to do this.
Slamlocks locks doors once they are closed and are beneficial for couriers who make frequent short trips or are prone to forgetting to lock the van. Other options include security stickers covering windows, tinting or covering them and fitting the tool vault with a lockable feature.
Security locks
With so many vans being used as a method of transportation as well as storage space mobile it is essential to safeguard their contents from theft. The proper security measures for your van will deter criminals and protect your possessions. This allows you to travel with peace of mind.
Door locks are the initial line of defence, securing the doors of the van and preventing access by unauthorized persons. Standard locks are often pre-installed and offer a basic protection however, they are easily bypassed. Upgrade to advanced security locks that are resistant to cutting, drilling, or picking. This is a wise investment in security that will give you peace of mind.
When choosing a van lock include the material and build quality and whether it's approved by Thatcham. This ensures that the lock is of top quality and is more difficult to compromise. Other important aspects to consider are the slamlock system, which automatically locks load area doors upon closure and requires the use of a key to open them; this is perfect for couriers who might forget to lock their van between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock, which adds reinforcement to front and side doors and stops 'peel and take attacks.
Regularly cleaning and lubricating your van locks is vital to ensure that the lock functions properly and ensure the integrity of the mechanism. This will prevent rust and corrosion, and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections will allow you to identify signs of wear and tear, and then address them promptly. This will prevent security weaknesses from forming.
In addition to enhancing the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the appropriate security equipment can help you save money on your van insurance. Many insurers offer favourable terms in exchange for robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
A stronger lock for your van is among the best methods to deter thieves. Installing slam or high-strength locks will make the van's door more secure and less difficult to break into. This is particularly crucial if you plan to use your van to transport expensive tools or other valuable cargo.
The slamlock is activated automatically when your door is shut. You don't have to press any keys to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be tampered, which makes it perfect for courier drivers and tradespeople that work out of their vans all day. They may not remember to lock it after each trip. It also helps to combat the problem of opportunistic theft which is when thieves just open your vehicle's existing lock and run off with whatever they can get their hands on and often include the tools you need to do your job.
There are many different kinds of slam locks that are available, with some offering extra security features, like anti-drill technology and anti-pick technology, or a steel plate that blocks drilling attacks. Some are suited for specific purposes like multidrop drivers or those who transport a lot of high-value items.
Deadlocks are an option for those who need more protection than what a slamlock can provide. They operate in a different manner from the locking mechanism used by the manufacturer and can only be removed by a key supplied with full control by the driver. You can also buy a hook lock that operates exactly the same way, but offers extra security with a deadlocking hook bolt which is inserted into the opposing body part and operates with the key supplied under full control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
If you want to make your car more secure and secure think about adding a dash cam. These cameras can help you avoid collisions and accidents when driving, and can also be useful in proving your innocence in case of an accident or traffic offense. These cameras work by converting light signals into electrical signals, and then converting the signals into digital information. These can be powered either by the battery of your vehicle or a cigarette-lighter.
A majority of the dashboard cameras available on the market include SD cards or flash drives to save recordings. These devices erase old footage in order to allow room for new recordings. However they can be upgraded to accept larger memory cards if additional video data is needed. Some dashboard cameras offer cloud storage, eliminating the necessity for memory card storage. These types of dashboard cameras connect to the Wi-Fi or smartphone network and upload their data at different intervals.
Wireless or hard-wired cameras are also important to consider. Hardwired models are less prone to interference from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable and some models can withstand the weather.
Some vans have dual dash cameras which can record video from the front and back of the vehicle. This can be useful when reversing into tight spaces or when parking. Certain cameras come with night vision, which is able to brighten images in low-light conditions and improve visibility for the driver. Many van owners have added this feature to the system. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This is a great benefit for van owners who spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life has become increasingly popular for those who like to travel and explore, but it's not without risks. People who live in their vehicles are frequently at risk of thieves who might take aim at their vehicle and contents. Alarm systems are among the best ways to safeguard your vehicle and its contents. These systems can be integrated with your keypad, which means you'll receive notifications if anyone is able to break into your vehicle. They're also great for reducing insurance premiums, which could save you money over the life of your van.
A good alarm system has a base, keypad, and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Certain alarm systems come with a built-in motion sensor that detects movement inside your vehicle. This will send an alert to your phone. This is a great way to deter potential thieves and also assist in catching them before they strike.
Install deadlocks on your van's doors to ensure it's secure. These locks require a key to operate, and they're much harder to alter than standard locks. There are locks that you can operate via a smartphone application. This allows you to monitor your vehicle while you're away.
A majority of van alarms are fitted with an engine immobilizer, that will shut down the engine of your vehicle in the event that the wrong key is used to start it. This is a sensible security measure, but it will not stop a determined criminal from who would take the entire engine. Better to have a low-power tracker which will stop the engine from running, and will send you the exact location of your vehicle whenever it is being removed.
Insurance
For many companies vans are essential resources, and protecting their contents is a top priority. Not only does a robust van security system give peace of mind, but it can also lower insurance costs as insurers take the security measures of van owners into consideration when calculating their premiums.
Your driving history, as well as the make, model and year of your vehicle will also impact the rate of insurance you pay. The area in which you reside and work will also affect your rates, because higher crime rates could cause higher rates. Insurance companies also take the use of your vehicle into account as click here commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure than personal ones.
Check with your insurance provider prior to making any major van mods. This could affect the price of your policy. Likewise, adding on any accessories to your vehicle that aren't standard will increase the price of your insurance. For instance, a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a simple way to discourage thieves, since it makes them think twice about attempting to break into your vehicle.
Insurance is another important aspect of van life. It covers the tools and equipment that you store inside your van in the event they are stolen. You can purchase comprehensive physical damage coverage along with roadside service plans that cover breakdowns and other emergencies.
It's important to keep in mind that the most affordable insurance policy isn't always the most effective. Compare the limits of coverage, deductibles, and other benefits to choose the best policy for your needs. It's worth considering gap insurance in addition to comprehensive insurance. This will cover the difference between your van's cash value and any outstanding balance on your loan if your van is totalled.