How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that is worth having, usually carrying expensive equipment and tools. It is essential to make your van as secure as possible. There are a variety of ways you can do this.
Slamlocks lock doors immediately after they are closed. This is beneficial for couriers that do short drops, or who are prone forgetting to lock their vans. Other improvements include security stickers covering windows or tinting them and fitting a lockable tool vault.
Security locks
With so many vans being used as a method of transport as well as a mobile storage unit it is crucial to protect their contents against theft. The proper van security measures will deter criminals and protect your belongings, allowing you to travel with confidence.
The door locks of the van are the first line in defence. They protect the doors and prevent the entry of anyone who is not authorized. The standard locks are usually pre-installed and provide basic security but they can be easily smashed. Upgrade to more secure locks that are immune to drilling, cutting and picking is an investment in peace of mind.
When you are choosing a vanlock you should consider the material, build quality and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This certification ensures that the lock is of high-quality and is more difficult to break or compromise. The slamlock is a further aspect to consider. It locks automatically the doors of the loading area when it is closed and requires a special key to unlock. This is ideal for couriers that may forget to lock up their vans in between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock, which provides additional security to the front and side doors and helps prevent 'peel and steal' attacks.
It is crucial to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks to ensure their function and the integrity of the mechanism. This will prevent rust and corrosion, and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections help you spot any signs of wear or damage and fix these issues promptly, thus preventing security vulnerabilities from emerging.
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
A stronger lock for your van is one of the most effective ways to deter robbers. By installing slam or high-strength locks, your van's doors will be more secure and difficult to break into. This is particularly important if you intend to use your vehicle to transport expensive tools or valuable cargo.
A slam lock operates automatically as soon as your door is shut and you don't have to press a button to activate the mechanism. This means it's much less likely to be compromised which makes it ideal for couriers and tradespeople who are in and out of their van every day long and might not lock the door after each trip. It also helps in tackling the problem of opportunistic theft which is when thieves just unlock your vehicle's lock and run off with whatever they can get their hands on - which often includes the tools needed for your job.
There are a variety of slamlocks to choose from. Some have additional security features such as anti-drill and anti-pick technology, or a steelplate that blocks drilling. Certain locks are specifically designed for applications, such as those used by multidrop drivers and for those who transport lots of valuable goods.
Deadlocks are a great alternative for those who require more protection than what is offered by a slamlock. These operate independently from the original locking mechanism of the manufacturer and can only be unlocked by a key supplied under full control of the driver. You could also invest in hooklocks, which function in the same manner but adds additional security by using deadlocking bolts that are inserted in an opposing section of the body and is controlled by the key supplied.
Dashboard cameras
Add a dash camera to your van if you want it to be more secure and safe. These cameras can be used to avoid collisions and accidents when driving. They can also demonstrate your innocence in the case of an accident, or traffic infraction. These cameras function by converting light that is incoming into electrical signals and converting the signals into digital information. They can be powered by the vehicle's battery, or an lighter for your cigarette.
A majority of the dashboard cameras that are available have SD cards or flash drives to save recordings. These devices typically erase old footage to create space for new recordings, but they can be upgraded using memory cards that have high capacity if you want to save more video data. Some dashboard cameras also come with cloud storage capabilities that can eliminate the necessity for memory cards. security locks for van are connected to a smartphone, a Wi-Fi network or both, and can upload data at various times.
Cameras that are hard-wired or wireless are also worth considering. Hardwired cameras are less prone to interferences from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some models are able to withstand weather.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cams, which can record footage from both the rear and front of the vehicle. This is helpful when reverses in tight spaces or while parking. Some cameras have night vision, which is able to make images appear brighter in low-light conditions and improve visibility for drivers. Many van owners choose to add this feature to their systems. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored which is an enormous benefit for van dwellers who are often away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular among those who like to travel and explore - but it's not without risks. People who live in their cars are often at risk of thieves who might take aim at their vehicle and contents. There are many ways to protect your vehicle and its contents but one of the most effective is 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 reduce the cost of insurance. This can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your vehicle.
A good alarm system should have a base station, keypad and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Some alarms even have a built in motion sensor that detects the presence of movement inside your vehicle and send an alert to your phone. van security lock can be a powerful deterrent for anyone who might be a target and could help you spot the criminal before they get to them.
Install deadlocks on your van's doors to make it more secure. They require the use of a key and are more difficult to operate than standard locks. You can also get locks that you can operate via a smartphone application. This allows you to check on your van while you are away.
A lot of van alarms come with an engine immobilizer which disables the vehicle's motor in the event that you use the wrong key to start it. This is a great precaution to consider, but it will not stop a thief who is determined from taking away the entire engine. Better to install a low-power tracker that prevents the engine from starting, and will send you the location of your vehicle when it is being moved.
Insurance
For many companies their vans are crucial resources, and protecting their contents is a top priority. Not only can a strong van security system provide peace of mind, but it can also lower insurance costs as insurers take van owners' security measures into consideration when calculating their 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 are also affected by the area where you live and work, as higher crime rates may lead to an increase in premiums. Insurance providers will also consider the possibility of using your van because commercial vehicles are usually more expensive to insure.
If you're planning to make any major van modifications it is important to speak with your insurer beforehand since it could have an impact on the cost of your policy. The cost of your insurance could also rise if you add any extras that aren't part of the standard vehicle. For instance an Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a simple way to deter thieves, as it will make them think twice before attempting to break into your vehicle.
Another crucial aspect of van life is insurance that covers the equipment and tools you keep in your vehicle, in case they are stolen. You can get complete physical damage protection, as well as roadside assistance plans that take care of breakdowns and other emergencies when you're driving.
When comparing insurance policies it's worth bearing in mind that the cheapest policy isn't always the most effective. Compare coverage limits, deductibles and other added benefits to determine the most suitable policy that meets your requirements. In addition to complete coverage, it's worth looking into gap insurance since it can cover the difference between your van's actual cash value and any remaining balance on your loan, if it is totalled.