How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset worth having, typically carrying expensive equipment and tools. It is important to ensure that your van is as secure as you can. There are a variety of ways to do this.
Slamlocks lock doors immediately after they are closed. This is beneficial for couriers who have frequent drops or are prone forgetting to lock their vans. Other options include a security stickers covering or tinting the windows and fitting a vault lockable to tools.
Security locks
It is essential to safeguard the contents of vans, since they are used as a means of transportation as well as mobile storage. The proper van security measures will deter criminals and protect your possessions. This allows you to travel with confidence.
The van's door locks are the first line in defence. They secure the doors and prevent unauthorised entry. Standard locks, which are usually installed by the manufacturer, provide a basic level of protection but are easily manipulated by a determined thief. Moving to more sophisticated security locks that are immune to drilling, cutting, and picking is an investment in security.
When selecting a vanlock, you should consider the material, build quality and if it is certified by Thatcham. This guarantees that the lock is of top quality and more difficult to compromise. The slamlock is an additional factor to take into. It automatically locks the doors of the loading area when it is closed and requires a special key to unlock. This is a great option for couriers who may forget to lock up their vans between deliveries. The hook lock is a different option that can be used to secure the front and side doors to prevent 'peel-and-steal' attacks.
It is crucial to clean and lubricate your van locks to ensure their function and the strength of the mechanism. This will help prevent corrosion and rust, and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections will enable you to spot signs of wear and damage and then address them promptly. This will prevent security issues from arising.
In addition to enhancing the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the right security system can save you money on insurance for your van. Many insurance companies offer favorable conditions in exchange for high-quality security solutions.
Slamlocks
Strengthening your van's lock is one of the best methods to ward off robbers. By installing slam or high-strength locks your van's doors will be more secure and less difficult to break into. This is particularly important if your vehicle is used for transporting expensive equipment or cargo.
The slamlock activates automatically when your door is closed. You don't need to press any keys to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be compromised and is ideal for couriers and tradespeople that are in and out their vans all day. They may overlook locking it at the end of each journey. It also helps combat the problem of opportunistic theft, where thieves simply open the lock on your vehicle and then take off with whatever they can grab and often include the tools you need to do 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 which prevents drilling. Some are suited for specific purposes such as multidrop drivers or those who carry a large volume of valuable goods.
If you're looking for more security than a locks that slam can provide alternatives like deadlocks. They operate independently of the original locking mechanism from the manufacturer and are only be unlocked by the driver using the key provided. Alternately, you can invest in hook locks that operates in the same way but provides additional security with a deadlocking hook bolt that is inserted into the opposing body part and is operated using the key that comes with it under the full control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
If you're looking to make your van more secure and safe, consider adding a dash camera. These cameras can be used to avoid accidents and collisions when driving. They can also demonstrate your innocence in the case of an accident, or traffic violation. They work by converting incoming light into electrical signals, and then they convert those signals into digital data. They can be powered by the vehicle's battery or a lighter for your cigarette.
A majority of the dashboard cameras available on the market have SD cards or flash drives to save recordings. These devices can overwrite old footage in order to allow room for new recordings. However, they can be upgraded to accommodate larger memory cards if more video data is needed. Certain dashboard cameras come with cloud storage, which eliminates the necessity for memory card storage. These types of dashboard cameras connect to either a Wi-Fi or smartphone and upload their data at varying intervals.
Another aspect to consider is whether the camera is wired or wireless. Hardwired cameras are less prone to interferences 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 cameras which can record video from the front and back of the vehicle. This can be useful when reversing into tight spaces or when parked. Certain cameras have night vision, which can enhance the images in low-light conditions and improve visibility. Many van owners add this feature to their system. Some dashboard cams can be remotely monitored and this can be a huge benefit for van dwellers who spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is getting increasingly popular with those who enjoy exploring and travelling However, it has its own dangers. People who live in their cars are often at the mercy of thieves who may target their vehicle and its contents. There are a number of ways to secure your van and its cargo, but one of the best is to install an alarm system. These systems can be connected to your keypad, so that you will be alerted in the event of a break-in. These systems can also lower the cost of insurance. This could save you thousands of dollars over the life of your vehicle.
A good alarm system should have an alarm base station, keypads, and entry sensors that protect against door peal. Certain alarm systems come with built-in motion sensors that detects movement within your van. This will send an alert to your phone. This can be a powerful deterrent for anyone who might be a target and could assist you in identifying a criminal before they get to them.
Add deadlocks to your van's doors to ensure it's secure. These locks require check here a key and are harder to control than regular locks. You can also purchase locks that can be operated with a smartphone application. This will allow you to monitor your vehicle while you're away.
A lot of van alarms include an engine immobilizer that disables the vehicle's motor in the event that you use the wrong key to start it. This is a good precaution, but it will not stop a determined criminal from removing the entire engine. It is best to employ a low-power tracking device that will stop the engine from starting and will notify you of the exact location of your vehicle if it is removed.
Insurance
For many businesses, their vans are vital resources and safeguarding their contents is an important priority. Not only can a strong van security system provide peace of mind, but it also helps reduce insurance costs since insurance companies take van owners' security measures into consideration when calculating their premiums.
Your driving record, along with the make, model, and year of your van, will also affect your insurance rates. The location in which 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 use of your van since commercial vehicles are typically more expensive to insure.
If you're planning to make any major modifications to your van it is important to speak with your insurance company prior to doing so as this could have an impact on the policy price. The cost of insurance will also increase by adding any extras that aren't included in the standard vehicle. For instance an Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a simple way to deter thieves, because it can make them think twice about attempting to break into your van.
Another essential element of van life is insurance that covers the tools and equipment that you keep in your vehicle, in case they are stolen. You can obtain comprehensive physical damage protection, as well as roadside assistance plans that will cover breakdowns and other emergencies that occur while you're out on the road.
It's important to be aware that the most affordable insurance policy isn't always the most effective. Compare the limits of coverage as well as deductibles and other benefits to find the best policy for your needs. In addition to complete coverage, it's 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 is totalled.