How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that can be used to transport expensive equipment and tools. The security of your van is a top priority and there are a variety of ways to ward off thieves and ensure your tools are safe.
Slamlocks lock doors right after you shut them. This is useful for couriers who make short drop-offs, or tend to forget to lock their vans. Other options include security stickers covering windows, tinting or covering them and installing a lockable tool vault.
Security locks
It is crucial to secure the contents of vans as they are used both as a vehicle for transportation and mobile storage. van security hook locks will deter criminals while also protecting your possessions. This allows you to travel with peace of mind.
Door locks are the first line of defence, securing the doors of the van and preventing access by unauthorized persons. Standard locks are often pre-installed and offer basic security, but they can be easily bypassed. Moving to more sophisticated security locks that are resistant to drilling, cutting, and picking is a good investment in peace of mind.
When choosing van locks include the material and build quality, as well as whether it's Thatcham-approved. This ensures that the lock is high-quality and more difficult to compromise. The slamlock is a further factor to take into. It locks automatically the doors of the loading area when it is closed and requires a specific key to unlock. This is perfect for couriers that may forget to lock up their vans in between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock which provides additional security to the front and side doors and prevents 'peel and steal' attacks.
Regularly cleaning and lubricating your van locks is also essential to maintain functionality and ensure the strength of the mechanism. This prevents rust and corrosion and helps ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections will enable you to identify indications of wear and tear, and then address them promptly. security lock for van will prevent security issues from arising.
Alongside improving the overall security of your vehicle, installing the right security system can save you money on insurance for your van. Many insurers recognise the value of robust security solutions providing favorable terms and additional coverage options.
Slamlocks
A stronger lock for your van is among the best methods to deter thieves. Installing slam or high-strength locks will make the van's door more secure and harder to break into. This is particularly crucial if your vehicle is used to transport expensive cargo or tools.
The lock is activated automatically once your door is closed. You don't need to press any keys to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be tampered which makes it ideal for couriers and tradespeople who are in and out of their vans all day. They may not remember to lock it at the end of each journey. It also helps to combat the issue of opportunistic burglaries that occurs when thieves open the lock on your vehicle and take off with anything they can get their hands on and often include the tools you require for your job.
There are many different types of slam locks 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 who carry a large volume of high-value items.
For those who require more security than a standard lock that slams can provide the option of deadlocks. They function independently of the original locking mechanism of the manufacturer and can only be unlocked with a key that is supplied with full control by the driver. Alternately, you can buy a hook lock that works in the same way but provides additional security by using a deadlocking hook bolt that connects to an opposing body part and is operated with the key that comes with it under the total control of the driver.
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 accidents and collisions while driving, and they can also help in showing your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic offense. They work by converting incoming light into electrical signals and then convert those signals into digital data. They can be powered by your vehicle's battery or by a lighter in your cigarette.
A majority of the dashboard cameras available on the market have SD cards or flash drives for saving recordings. These devices typically overwrite old footage to create space for new recordings, but they can be upgraded using memory cards that have high capacity for those who want to store more video data. Some dashboard cameras offer cloud storage, which eliminates the necessity for memory card storage. These dashboard cams connect to a smartphone, a Wi-Fi network or both, and can upload data at various times.
Wireless or hard-wired cameras are also important to consider. Hard-wired cameras are less susceptible to interference from cellular 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 the front and back of the vehicle. This is useful when reversing in tight spaces, or while in a parking spot. Certain cameras have night vision that can increase the brightness of the images in low light conditions and increase visibility. Many van owners have added this feature to the system. Certain dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored, which is a huge benefit for van dwellers who spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life has become increasingly popular for those who like to travel and explore, but it's without risk. People who live in their vehicles are frequently at risk of thieves who could take aim at their vehicle and contents. Alarm systems are one of the best ways to secure your van and its contents. Alarm systems can be linked with your keypad, so you'll be notified if someone is able to break into your vehicle. They can also be helpful in reducing insurance premiums, which can save you money over the lifetime of your van.
A good alarm system will have the base station, a keypads and entry sensors that guard against door peal. Some even come with a built-in motion sensor that can detect any movement in your vehicle and notify your phone. This is a great way to deter anyone who is a potential thief and could assist you in identifying a criminal before they do.
Add deadlocks to your van's doors to make it more secure. They require keys and are more difficult to control than conventional locks. It is a good idea to purchase a lock that is equipped to operate with apps for smartphones, which means you can monitor your vehicle while you're away.
A lot of van alarms include an engine immobilizer that disables the motor of your vehicle if you use the wrong key to start it. This is a great precaution to consider, but it will not stop a determined thief from taking the entire engine. It is best to utilize a low-power tracker that stops the engine from starting and send you the position of your vehicle once it is removed.
Insurance
Vans are an essential source for many businesses, and protecting their contents is a top concern. Not only can a strong van security system provide peace of mind, it can also reduce insurance costs as insurers take the security measures of van owners into account when calculating premiums.
Your driving record, as well as the make, model and year of your vehicle will also impact your insurance rate. The location in which you reside and work will affect your rates too, because higher crime rates could lead to increased rates. Insurance companies will also take the use of your van into account as commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure than personal ones.
Check with your insurance provider prior to making any major changes to your van. This could affect the price of your policy. The cost of your insurance could also rise by adding any extras that aren't part of the standard vehicle. For instance an Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a simple way to deter thieves, as it will make them think twice about attempting to break into your vehicle.
Another important aspect of van life is insurance that covers the equipment and tools you keep in your vehicle in the event that they are stolen. You can buy complete physical damage insurance along with roadside service plans that cover breakdowns as well as other emergencies.
It's important to remember that the most affordable insurance policy doesn't necessarily mean the best. Compare coverage limits and deductibles as well as other benefits to find the right policy for you. It's worthwhile to consider gap insurance in addition to comprehensive insurance. This can pay the difference between your value of the van's cash and any outstanding balance on your loan, if your van is totalled.