How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that is worth having, usually carrying expensive tools and equipment. Security for your van is a top priority, and there are many strategies you can use to ward off thieves and keep your tools safe.
Slamlocks lock doors immediately after they are closed. This is a great feature for couriers who make frequent drops or tend to forget to lock their van. Other improvements include a security stickers covering or tinting the windows and fitting an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
With the increasing number of vans used as a method of transport as well as a mobile storage unit it is essential to secure their contents from theft. The right van security measures will deter criminals and protect your possessions, allowing you to embark on your journeys with confidence.
The van's door locks are the first line of defence. They protect the doors and block unauthorised entry. Standard locks, which are usually installed by the manufacturer, offer an adequate level of security but can be easily bypassed by determined thieves. Upgrade to more secure locks that are resistant to cutting, drilling, or picking. This is an investment for peace of mind.
When choosing a vanlock, you should consider the materials, the 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 consideration. It automatically locks the doors of the load area upon closing and requires a key to unlock. This is a great option for couriers that may overlook locking their vans between deliveries. The hook lock is a different option, which reinforces doors on the rear and side to guard against 'peel and steal' attacks.
It is important to clean and lubricate your van locks to keep their functionality intact and the strength of the mechanism. This helps prevent corrosion and rust and helps ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections let you identify any signs of damage or wear and address these issues promptly, thus preventing security vulnerabilities from emerging.
Installing a security system that is appropriate can save you money on insurance for your van. Many insurers offer favourable terms for the purchase of robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
A stronger lock for your van is one of the best ways to deter robbers. By installing slam or high-strength locks your van's doors will be more secure and harder to break into. This is particularly important if your vehicle is used for transporting expensive equipment or cargo.
The lock is activated automatically once your door is closed. It doesn't require you to press any keys to activate the mechanism. This means it's less likely to be compromised which makes it ideal for courier drivers or tradespeople who are constantly in and out of their van all day and may not remember to lock it after each trip. It also helps combat the issue of opportunistic burglaries that occurs when thieves open your vehicle's existing lock and run off with whatever they are able to grab - which often includes the tools you require for your job.
There are a number of different kinds of slam locks, with some offering extra security features, like anti-drill and anti-pick technologies or a steel plate that blocks drilling attacks. Certain models are specifically designed for applications, such as the ones used by multidrop drivers and those who transport lots of valuable items.
For those who require more protection than a lock that slams can provide alternatives like deadlocks. These locks operate independently of the locking mechanism that came from the manufacturer and are only unlocked by the driver by using the key provided. Alternatively, you could buy a hook lock that works similarly, but offers extra security through deadlocking hook bolts that is inserted into the opposite body section and operates with the key supplied under complete control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
Add a dash camera to your vehicle if you wish for it to be more secure and secure. These cameras can be used to avoid collisions and accidents when driving. They can also show your innocence in the case of an accident, or traffic violation. These cameras work by converting light incoming into electrical signals, and then converting these signals into digital data. They can be powered by your vehicle's battery or by an lighter in your cigarette.
A majority of the dashboard cameras available on the market include SD cards or flash drives to save recordings. These devices can overwrite old footage in order to allow room for new videos. However they can be upgraded to accommodate larger memory cards when more video data is needed. Some dashboard cams also have cloud storage features, which eliminate the necessity for memory cards. These types of dashboard cameras connect to either a Wi-Fi or smartphone and upload their data at various intervals.
Another aspect to consider is whether the camera is wireless or hard wired. Hard-wired cameras are less susceptible to interferences from cellular networks and other sources. van secure are also more durable and some are able to stand up to the elements.
Some vans come with dual dash cams, which can record video from both the rear and front of the vehicle. This is useful when reversing into tight spaces or when in a parking space. Certain cameras have night vision that can increase the brightness of the images in low light conditions and increase visibility. Many van owners choose to include this feature in their systems. Some dashboard cams can be remotely monitored, and this can be an immense benefit for van owners who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.

Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular with those who love to travel and explore, but it's without its risks. People who live in their cars are frequently at risk of thieves who may attack their vehicle and its contents. There are a variety of ways to secure your van and its cargo, but one of the best is an alarm system. These systems can be integrated with your keypad, meaning you'll receive alerts if anyone gets into your vehicle. They can also be helpful in reducing insurance premiums, which could save you money over the life of your van.
A good alarm system has keys, a base and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Some even come with a built-in motion sensor that can detect the presence of movement inside your vehicle and alert your mobile. This is a fantastic way to deter thieves and also assist in catching the thieves before they get to you.
Add deadlocks to your van's doors to make it more secure. They require a key to operate, and they're much harder to tamper with than normal locks. You can also purchase locks that operate using a smartphone app. This allows you to check on your vehicle while you're away.
A lot of van alarms come with an engine immobilizer which disables the motor of your vehicle if you use the wrong key to start it. This is a sensible security measure, but it will not stop a thief who is determined to removing the entire engine. An alternative is to use a low-power tracker which prevents the engine from starting and sends you the location of your vehicle when it is moved.
Insurance
For many businesses, their vans are vital resources, and protecting their contents is a top priority. Not only can a strong van security system give peace of mind, but it can also lower cost of insurance since insurers take van owners' security measures into consideration when calculating premiums.
Your driving history, as well as the make, model and year of your vehicle, will also affect the rate of insurance you pay. The location in which you reside and work will also affect your rates, because higher crime rates could lead to increased rates. Insurance providers will also take the use of your vehicle into consideration as commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure than personal vehicles.
Contact your insurance company prior to making any major modifications to your van. This could affect the cost of your insurance. The cost of your insurance will also increase when you add any additional features that aren't covered by the standard vehicle. For instance the use of a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a great method to deter thieves because it can make them think twice about attempting to break into your van.
Insurance is another essential part of life in a van. It protects the tools and other equipment that you store inside your van in the event they are stolen. You can buy comprehensive physical damage coverage along with roadside service plans that cover breakdowns as well as other emergencies.
When comparing insurance policies it's worth bearing in mind that the most affordable option isn't always the best. Compare the coverage limits as well as deductibles and other benefits to determine the best policy for your needs. In addition to comprehensive coverage, it's also important to consider gap insurance because it will pay for the difference between your car's actual cash value and the remaining balance on your loan, if it's totaled.