How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset that can transport expensive equipment and tools. It is essential to ensure that your van is as secure as possible. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this.
Slamlocks lock doors right after you shut them. This is beneficial for couriers that do frequent drops or tend to forget to lock their van. Other options include a security stickers, covering or tinting the windows and fitting an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
It is essential to safeguard the contents of vans because they serve as a mode of transport and storage on the move. The right van security measures can deter criminals and safeguard your items, allowing you travel with confidence.
Door locks are the primary line of defense, protecting the doors of your van and preventing unauthorized access. Standard locks are often pre-installed and offer basic security but they can be easily hacked. Moving to more sophisticated security locks that are immune to drilling, cutting, and picking is an investment in security.
When choosing a vanlock, you should take into consideration the material, build quality and if it is certified by Thatcham. This certification ensures that the lock is of top quality, making it more difficult to break or compromise. The slamlock is a further aspect to consider. It automatically locks the doors of the loading area when it is closed and requires a key to unlock. This is ideal for couriers who may not lock their vans between deliveries. Another alternative is the hook lock, which provides additional security to the side and rear doors and prevents 'peel and steal' attacks.
Regular cleaning and lubrication of your van locks is crucial to keep them functioning and ensure the integrity of the mechanism. This helps prevent corrosion and rust and ensures smooth operation. Regular inspections help you detect any signs of wear or damage and address them promptly, preventing security vulnerabilities from emerging.
Alongside improving the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the right security system will help you save money on insurance for your van. Many insurance companies offer favorable terms for the purchase of robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective methods to deter thieves is strengthening the locks of your van. 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 equipment or other valuable cargo.
The slamlock activates automatically when your door is closed. You don't need to press any keys to activate the mechanism. This means it's much less likely to be compromised which makes it ideal for courier drivers or tradespeople who are constantly in and out of their van throughout the day long and forget to lock up at the end of each trip. It also helps combat the problem of opportunistic theft that occurs when thieves unlock your vehicle's lock and run off with whatever they are able to grab - which often includes the tools needed to do your job.
There are many different types of slamlocks that are available. Some come with additional security features like anti drill and anti pick technology, or a steelplate that blocks drilling. Certain models are specifically designed for uses, like those used by multidrop drivers or those who transport a lot of valuable items.
For those who require more protection than a lock that slams can provide the option of deadlocks. These operate independently from the locking mechanism used by the manufacturer and can only be opened with a supplied key with full control by the driver. You can also buy a hook lock that operates in the same way but offers extra security with deadlocking hook bolts that connects to an opposing body part and is operated using the supplied key under complete control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
If you want to make your van more secure and safe think about adding a dash camera. These cameras can help you avoid accidents and collisions while driving, and they are also useful in proving your innocence in case of a traffic offense. They convert incoming light into electrical signals, and then convert these signals into digital data. They can be powered by your vehicle's battery or the lighter in your cigarette.
Many of the dashboard cams available on the market include SD cards or flash drives for saving recordings. These devices can overwrite old footage to make room for new videos. However, they can be upgraded to accept larger memory cards if additional video data is required. Some dashboard cameras also come with cloud storage capabilities, which eliminate the necessity for memory cards. These kinds of dashboard cameras connect to either a Wi-Fi or smartphone and upload their data at different intervals.
Hard-wired or wireless cameras are also important to consider. Hard-wired models are less susceptible to interference from cell networks and other sources. They are also more durable and some are able to stand up to the elements.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cameras which can record video from both the front and back of the vehicle. This can be helpful when reversing into tight spaces or when in a parking space. Some cameras feature night vision, which can enhance the images in dim light conditions and increase visibility. Many van owners have added this feature to their system. Certain dashboard cameras are able to be remotely monitored. This is an enormous benefit for van owners who spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming more popular among those who love exploring and travelling, but it comes with its own dangers. People who live in their cars are frequently at risk of thieves who could attack their vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are among the best ways to secure your van and its contents. These alarm systems can be linked to your keypad so that you will be alerted in the event of a burglary. They can also be helpful in reducing insurance premiums, which can save you money over the lifetime of your van.
A good alarm system comes with an alarm base, keypad and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Some alarms even have an inbuilt motion sensor that can detect movement inside your van and alert your phone. This is a great way to deter potential thieves and also help you catch thieves before they do.
Add deadlocks to your van's doors to make it more secure. These are locks that require a key to operate, and they're much harder to tamper with than normal locks. The best option is to purchase a lock that is able to be operated with apps for smartphones, which means you can monitor your van when you're away.
A lot of van alarms include an engine immobilizer which disables your vehicle's motor if you use the wrong key to start it. This is a sensible step to consider, but it will not stop a thief determined to taking the entire engine. An alternative is to have an engine tracker with low power that will stop the engine from running, and will send you the exact location of your vehicle whenever it is being moved.
Insurance
Vans are a vital resource for many businesses and securing their contents is of paramount importance. A van security system can provide peace of mind and reduce insurance costs. Insurers take into account the security measures implemented by van owners when calculating premiums.
Your driving history, as well as the make, model and year of your van, will also affect your insurance rates. The location in which you live and work will also affect your rates, as higher crime rates can cause higher rates. Insurance companies will also take the use of your van into consideration as commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure than personal ones.
If you're considering making any major van modifications it's essential to talk with your insurance provider prior to making any changes since it could have an impact on the cost of your policy. Also, adding any accessories to your vehicle that aren't standard will increase your premium. For instance an Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a simple way to deter thieves, as it will make them think twice about trying to gain entry into your vehicle.
Insurance is another important aspect of van life. It covers the tools and equipment that you store in your van in case they're stolen. You can obtain complete physical damage protection as well as roadside assistance plans that will protect you from breakdowns and other emergencies that occur while you're driving.
It's important to remember that the most affordable insurance policy isn't always the most effective. Compare coverage limits, deductibles and other added benefits to find the best policy that meets your requirements. In addition to full coverage, it's worth considering gap insurance as this can pay the difference between your vehicle's actual cash value and any remaining amount on your loan if it's totaled.