How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset, often carrying expensive tools and equipment. It is crucial to ensure that your van is as secure as you can. There are a myriad of ways you can do this.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as they are closed they can be very useful for couriers who do small drops or are susceptible to not locking their vans. Other upgrades include security stickers covering windows, tinting or covering them and installing an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
It is essential to safeguard the contents of vans because they serve as a vehicle for transportation and mobile storage. The proper van security measures will deter criminals while also protecting your possessions. This allows you to travel in peace.
The door locks of the van are the first line in defense. They secure the doors and block unauthorized entry. Locks that are standard are usually installed and offer a basic protection, but they can be easily hacked. Upgrade to advanced security locks that resist cutting, drilling, or picking. This is an investment in security that will give you peace of mind.
When you are choosing a vanlock you should consider the quality of the material, its construction and if it is certified by Thatcham. This certification ensures that the lock is of high-quality, making it more difficult to compromise or break. Other important aspects to consider are the slamlock lock system, which automatically locks load area doors upon closure and requires the use of a key to open them and close them. This is great for couriers who might not lock their vans between deliveries. Hook locks are another option that strengthens the front and side doors to prevent 'peel-and-steal' attacks.
Regularly cleaning and lubricating your van locks is also essential to maintain functionality and ensure the integrity of the mechanism. This will prevent corrosion and rust and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to detect any signs of wear or damage and address them promptly, making sure that security vulnerabilities are not uncovered.
Installing the best security system can help you save money on insurance for your van. Many insurers recognise the value of security systems that are robust, offering favourable terms and additional coverage options in return.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective methods to deter thieves is strengthening your van's locks. Installing high-strength locks or slam locks will make the van's door more secure and less difficult to break into. This is particularly important if your vehicle is used to transport expensive tools or equipment.
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 that it's less likely to be tampered with and is ideal for couriers or tradespeople who are in and out of their van all day long and might not lock the door at the end of each trip. It also helps combat the issue of opportunistic theft which is when thieves just open your vehicle's existing lock and run off with whatever they can grab - which often includes the tools you require to do your job.
There are a number of different types of slam locks that are available that come with extra security features, for instance anti-drill and anti-pick technology or a steel plate that blocks drilling attacks. Others are suitable for specific purposes such as multidrop drivers, or those that carry a large volume of high-value goods.
For those who require more protection than a slam lock can offer, there are options like deadlocks. They operate in a different manner from the manufacturer's original locking mechanism and can only be opened with a key that is supplied with full control by the driver. You can also purchase a hooklock, which works similarly, but offers additional security through deadlocking bolts that are inserted in the opposite part of the body and is operated by the key that comes with it.
Dashboard cameras
Install a dash camera in your vehicle if you wish for it to be more secure and safer. These cameras can aid you in avoiding collisions and accidents while driving. They are also useful in proving your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic offense. These cameras work by converting light incoming into electrical signals, and then convert these signals into digital data. They can be powered by your car's battery or a cigarette lighter.
Many dashboard cameras on the market come with SD cards or flash drive for recording. These devices can overwrite old footage 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 capabilities, which remove the requirement for memory cards. These types of dashboard cams connect to the Wi-Fi or smartphone network and upload their data at varying intervals.
Cameras that are hard-wired or wireless are also important to take into consideration. 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 have dual dash cams, which can record footage from both the front and rear of the vehicle. This can be helpful when reversing into tight spaces or when you're parked. Some cameras come with night vision, which can brighten images in low-light conditions and enhance visibility for the driver. Many van owners opt 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 are often away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular with those who are avid travelers and want to explore - but it's not without risk. People who live in their cars are often at risk of thieves who may attack their vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are among the best ways to secure your vehicle and its contents. These systems can be connected to your keypad, so you'll be alerted in the event of a break-in. They also help reduce insurance premiums, which could save you a fortune over the lifetime of your vehicle.
A good alarm system has an alarm base, keypad and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Certain alarm systems come with built-in motion sensors that detects movement within your van. It will then send an alert to your phone. This is a great deterrent to anyone who is a potential thief and could help you spot the criminal before they get to them.
Installing deadlocks on all of your doors is a great method to keep your van secure. They require keys and are more difficult to manipulate than conventional locks. There are locks that can be operated via a smartphone application. This will allow you to monitor your vehicle even when you're away.
A lot of van alarms are fitted with an engine immobilizer, that will shut down the engine of your vehicle if a wrong key is used to start it. This is a sensible precaution, but it will not stop a determined criminal from who would take the entire engine. A better measure is to install a low-power tracker that stops the engine from starting, and will send you the exact location of your vehicle whenever it is being moved.
Insurance
For many businesses their vans are crucial resources, and protecting their contents is a top priority. Not only does a robust van security system give peace of mind, it can also reduce cost of insurance since insurance companies take the security measures of van owners into consideration when calculating their premiums.
The year, make, and model of your van will impact your insurance rates, as will your driving record. Your rates are also affected by the location in which you reside and work since higher crime rates could result in an increase in rates. Insurance companies will also take into consideration the possibility of using your van, as commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure.
Check with your insurance provider prior to making any major changes to your van. van side door security could affect the price of your policy. The cost of insurance will also increase if you add any extras that aren't included in the standard vehicle. A Thatcham Category 2 approved dash camera is an easy way to deter vandals, because they'll be more cautious when trying to break into.
Another essential element of van life is insurance to protect the equipment and tools you keep in your vehicle in the event of theft. You can get comprehensive physical damage protection and roadside assistance plans that will cover breakdowns and other emergencies when you're driving.
It's important to be aware that the cheapest insurance policy isn't always the most effective. Compare the limits of coverage along with deductibles, coverage limits and other advantages to find the most appropriate policy that meets your requirements. In addition to complete coverage, it's worth considering gap insurance as it will pay for the difference between your car's actual cash value and any remaining amount on your loan if it is totalled.