How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset that can carry expensive tools and equipment. Security for your van is a top priority and there are numerous methods you can employ to deter thieves and ensure your tools are safe.
Slamlocks locks doors once you close them and are useful for couriers that make small drops or are susceptible to not locking the van. 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 and mobile storage. The proper van security measures can deter criminals and safeguard your items, allowing you embark on your journeys with confidence.
The door locks of the van are the first line of defense. They secure the doors and ward off unauthorized entry. Standard locks, which are usually installed by the manufacturer, offer an adequate level of security but can be easily bypassed by a few determined thieves. Upgrade to 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 the right van lock include quality of the material and construction and whether it's certified by Thatcham. This guarantees that the lock is of high-quality and more difficult to compromise. The slamlock is a further consideration. It locks automatically the doors of the load area upon closing and requires a special key to unlock. This is a great option for couriers that may not lock their vans between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock, which adds reinforcement to doors on the rear and side and stops 'peel and take' attacks.
Regularly cleaning and lubricating your van locks is also crucial to keep them functioning and ensure the reliability of the mechanism. This will stop corrosion and rust and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to detect indications of wear and tear, and then address them promptly. This can prevent security vulnerabilities from developing.
Alongside improving the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the right security systems will help you save money on insurance for your van. Many insurance companies are aware of strong security solutions, offering favourable terms and additional coverage options.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective ways to stop thieves is by strengthening the locks on your van. By installing slam locks or high-strength locks, your van's doors will be more secure and less difficult to break into. This is especially important if your vehicle is used to transport expensive cargo or tools.
The slam lock is activated automatically when your door is shut and you don't have to press a key to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be damaged which makes it ideal for courier drivers and tradespeople who work out of their vans throughout the day. They may forget to lock it up after each trip. It also helps to combat the issue of opportunistic theft which is when thieves just unlock your vehicle's lock and take off with anything they are able to grab - which often includes the tools you need to do your job.
There are a variety of slamlocks available. Some offer extra security features such as anti-drill and anti-pick technology, or a steelplate which stops drilling. Certain locks are specifically designed for applications, like the ones used by multidrop drivers and for those who transport a lot of valuable goods.
Deadlocks are a good option for those who need more protection than what is offered by a slamlock. These operate independently from the manufacturer's original locking mechanism and can only be removed by a key supplied with full control by the driver. You can also purchase hooklocks that function similar to a hooklock, but provides extra security with a deadlocking bolt that engages in the opposite part of the body and is operated with the supplied key.
Dashboard cameras
If you're looking to make your vehicle more secure and secure think about adding a dash cam. These cameras can aid you in avoiding collisions and accidents when driving, and can also be useful in proving your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic offense. They work by converting incoming light into electrical signals and then they convert those signals into digital data. They can be powered by your car's battery, or the lighter in your cigarette.
A lot of dashboard cameras on the market have SD cards or flash drive for recording. These devices typically overwrite old footage to make room for new videos, but they can be upgraded with high-capacity memory cards for those who want to store more video data. Certain dashboard cameras come with cloud storage, eliminating the requirement for memory card storage. These dashboard cams connect to a smartphone, Wi-Fi network or both and upload data at various times.
Another aspect to be considered is whether the camera is wired or wireless. Hardwired models are less prone to interference from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some can stand up to the elements.
Some vans come with dual dash cams. They can capture footage from both the front and rear of the vehicle. This can be helpful when you need to reverse in tight spaces or when you're in a parking space. Certain cameras come with night vision, which is able to brighten images in low-light conditions and increase visibility for the driver. Many van owners choose to include this feature in their systems. 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 is becoming increasingly popular among those who love to travel and explore - but it's not without risk. People who live in their cars are often at the mercy of thieves who might take aim at their vehicle and contents. Alarm systems are one of the best ways to secure your vehicle and its contents. These alarm systems can be linked to your keypad, so that you receive notifications in the event of a break-in. These systems can also lower insurance premiums. van security systems could save you thousands of dollars over the life of your vehicle.
A good alarm system will have a base station, keypad and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Certain alarm systems come with an inbuilt motion sensor that detects movement within your van. The alarm will send an alert to you phone. This can be a powerful deterrent for anyone who might be a target and can assist you in identifying a criminal before they strike.
Add deadlocks to your van's doors to make it more secure. These locks require the use of a key and are more difficult to manipulate than regular locks. A good option is to purchase a lock that is equipped to operate with an app for smartphones, so you can check on your van while away.
A lot of van alarms come with an engine immobilizer that disables the motor of your vehicle if you use the wrong key to start it. This is a sensible precaution, but it will not stop a determined thief who would take the entire engine. It is best to employ a low-power tracking device that stops the engine from starting and send you the position of your vehicle once it is removed.
Insurance
For many businesses, their vans are vital resources and safeguarding their contents is a major priority. A van security system can give peace of mind and reduce the cost of insurance. Insurance companies consider the security measures taken by van owners when calculating premiums.
The make, model and year of your vehicle will affect your insurance rates as will your driving record. The area in which you reside and work will affect your rates too, because higher crime rates could cause higher rates. Insurance companies will also take the use of your van into consideration since 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 cost of your insurance. Additionally, adding extras to your vehicle that aren't standard can increase the cost of your insurance. A Thatcham Category 2 -approved dash camera is a simple way to deter vandals, since they'll think twice before trying to gain entry into.
Insurance is a crucial aspect of life in a van. It protects the tools and equipment that you store in your van in the event that they are stolen. You can purchase complete physical damage protection as well as roadside assistance plans that cover breakdowns and other emergencies while you're out on the road.
When comparing insurance policies, it's important to keep in mind that the cheapest policy isn't always the most effective. Compare coverage limits as well as deductibles and other benefits to find the right policy for you. In addition to comprehensive coverage, it's also worth looking into gap insurance since it can cover the difference between your vehicle's actual cash value and the remaining balance on your loan, if it is totalled.