How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that can carry expensive tools and equipment. Security for your van is an absolute priority and there are numerous ways to deter thieves and keep your tools safe.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as you shut them. This is a great feature for couriers that do frequent drops or are prone forgetting to lock their van. Other upgrades include security stickers covering or tinting windows, and installing an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
With so many vans being used as both a mode of transportation and storage units that can be moved around, it is vital to secure their contents from theft. The right van security measures can deter criminals as well as protect your possessions, allowing you to travel with confidence.
The door locks of the van are the first line of defence. They secure the doors and block unauthorised entry. Standard locks are often pre-installed and provide basic security however, they are easily hacked. Upgrading to more advanced security locks that are resistant to drilling, cutting, and picking is an investment in peace of mind.
Considerations when choosing van locks include the material and the build quality and whether it's Thatcham-approved. This designation ensures the lock is of top quality, making it more difficult to compromise or break. The slamlock is an additional consideration. It automatically locks the doors of the load area when it is closed and requires a key to unlock. This is ideal for couriers that may forget to lock up their vans between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock, which provides additional security to the doors on the rear and side and prevents 'peel and steal' attacks.
It is important to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks to ensure their function and the strength of the mechanism. This will prevent corrosion and rust, and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections let you spot any signs of damage or wear and address them immediately, thereby to prevent security vulnerabilities from arising.
Installing the right security system will 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 most effective methods to deter thieves. Installing slam or high-strength locks will make the van's door more secure and difficult to break into. This is particularly important if you intend to use your van to transport expensive equipment or valuable cargo.
The slamlock is activated automatically when your door is shut. It doesn't require you to press any keys to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be compromised, which makes it perfect for courier drivers and tradespeople that are in and out of their vans all day. They may forget to lock it up after every trip. It also helps in tackling the problem of opportunistic theft, where thieves simply unlock your vehicle's lock and then take off with whatever they can grab - which often includes the tools needed to do your job.
There are a number of different kinds of slam locks available, with some offering extra security features, such as anti-drill and anti-pick technology or steel plates that block drilling attacks. Some are suited for a specific application like multidrop drivers, or those that carry a large volume of valuable goods.
Deadlocks are an option for those who need more protection than what an slamlock could provide. They operate in a different manner from the locking mechanism used by the manufacturer and can only be removed with a supplied key that is fully controlled by the driver. You can also purchase a hooklock, which works similar to a hooklock, but provides extra security with deadlocking bolts that lock in an opposing section of the body and is controlled by the key supplied.
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 help avoid collisions and accidents while driving. They can also show your innocence in the case of an accident, or traffic violation. These cameras function by converting light that is incoming into electrical signals, and then convert these signals into digital data. They can be powered by the vehicle's battery or the cigarette lighter.
A majority of the dashboard cameras that are available have SD cards or flash drives for saving recordings. These devices usually overwrite old footage to make room for new recordings, however they can be upgraded using memory cards with high capacity for those who want to save more video data. Some dashboard cams also have cloud storage capabilities, which eliminate the requirement for memory cards. These kinds of dashboard cameras connect to either a Wi-Fi or smartphone and upload their data at varying intervals.
Cameras that are hard-wired or wireless are also important to consider. Hardwired cameras are less vulnerable to interferences from cell networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some models can withstand the weather.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cams, which can record footage from both the front and rear of the vehicle. This is useful when reversing in tight spaces or while parking. Some cameras come with night vision that can enhance images in low light conditions and enhance visibility for drivers. Many van owners choose to include this feature in their systems. Some dashboard cams can be remotely monitored, and this can be a huge benefit for van owners who spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular with those who enjoy traveling and exploring however, it has its own risks. People who live in their vehicles are often at the mercy of thieves who might attack their vehicle and its contents. There are a number of ways to protect your vehicle and its contents, but one of the most effective is an alarm system. Alarm systems can be linked with your keypad, so you'll receive notifications if anyone breaks into your vehicle. They're also great for reducing insurance premiums, which can save you a fortune over the lifetime of your vehicle.
A good alarm system should have an alarm base station, keypads, and entry sensors that protect against door peal. Some even come with a built-in motion sensor that will detect movement inside your van and notify your mobile. This can be a powerful deterrent for anyone who might be a target and could aid in identifying the criminal before they get to them.
Add deadlocks to your van's doors to make it more secure. van security locks require a key to operate and are much more difficult to break than regular locks. A good option is to purchase a lock that is capable of being operated using apps for smartphones, which means you can check the status of your vehicle while you're away.
A majority of van alarms are equipped with an engine immobilizer which will disable your vehicle's engine if the wrong key is used to start it. This is a great precaution to consider, but it will not stop a thief who is determined from taking the entire engine. A better measure is to install a low-power tracker that stops the engine from starting and will notify you of your vehicle's location when it's being relocated.
van security locks
For many companies their vans are crucial resources and safeguarding their contents is a top priority. Not only can a strong van security system give peace of mind, but it can also lower insurance costs since insurers take van owners' security measures into consideration when calculating premiums.
The year, make, and model of your van will impact the cost of insurance, as will your driving record. Your rates are also affected by the location in which you reside and work because higher crime rates can result in an increase in rates. Insurance providers will also take the use of your vehicle into consideration as commercial vehicles generally cost more to insure than personal ones.
Consult your insurer before making any major modifications to your van. This could impact the price of your policy. The cost of insurance may also increase when you add any additional features that aren't covered by the standard vehicle. For instance an Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a simple method to deter thieves since it makes them think twice before attempting to break into your van.
Insurance is another essential part of the van's life. It protects the tools and equipment that you keep inside your van in the event they're stolen. You can buy comprehensive physical damage coverage and roadside service plans that cover breakdowns as well as other emergencies.
It's important to be aware that the most affordable insurance policy isn't always the best. Compare coverage limits and deductibles as well as other benefits to find the best policy for your needs. It's worthwhile to consider gap insurance in addition to comprehensive insurance. This will cover the difference between the value of the van's cash and any outstanding balance on your loan in the event of a total loss to your vehicle.