How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset that can be used to transport expensive tools and equipment. It is important to make your van as secure as possible. There are a myriad of ways to accomplish this.
Slamlocks lock doors immediately after they are closed. This is useful for couriers who have short drops, or who are prone forgetting to secure their van. Other upgrades include security sticker, covering or tinting the windows and fitting a vault lockable to tools.
Security locks
It is important to protect the contents of vans as they are used both as a means of transportation as well as mobile storage. The proper van security measures can deter criminals and safeguard your possessions, allowing you to embark on your journeys with confidence.
The van's door locks are the first line in defence. They secure the doors and block unauthorised entry. Locks that are standard, usually installed by the manufacturer, provide an adequate level of security however they are easily manipulated by a few determined thieves. Upgrade to security locks that are resistant to cutting, drilling, or picking. This is a good investment in security that will give you peace of mind.
When selecting a vanlock, you should consider the quality of the material, its construction and if it is certified by Thatcham. This means that the lock is high-quality and is more difficult to compromise. The slamlock is an additional aspect to consider. It locks automatically the doors of the loading area when it is closed and requires a specific key to unlock. The Key Lab is perfect for couriers that may forget to lock up their vans during deliveries. The hook lock is another option that can be used to secure the side and rear doors to prevent 'peel-and-steal' attacks.
It is crucial to clean and lubricate your van locks in order to keep their functionality intact and the integrity of the mechanism. This stops corrosion and rust and ensures smooth operation. Regular inspections let you identify any signs of wear or damage and address them immediately, thereby to prevent security vulnerabilities from arising.
Installing the best security system can save you money on van insurance. Many insurance companies recognize the importance of security systems that are robust with attractive terms and additional coverage options.
Slamlocks
A stronger lock for your van is one of the most effective methods to ward off robbers. By installing high-strength or slam locks the doors of your van will be more secure and less difficult to break into. This is particularly important if your van is used to transport expensive tools or equipment.
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 compromised which makes it ideal for couriers and tradespeople that are in and out of their vans throughout the day. They may forget to lock it up at the end of each journey. It also helps to combat the problem of opportunistic theft, where thieves simply open the lock on your vehicle and then take off with whatever they can get their hands on that includes the tools you need for your job.
There are many different types of slam locks available, with some offering extra security features, such as anti-drill and anti-pick technologies or a steel plate that blocks drilling attacks. Certain locks are specifically designed for applications, such as the ones used by multidrop drivers and those who transport lots of valuable items.
If you're looking for more security than a standard locks that slam can provide alternatives like deadlocks. They operate in a different manner from the locking mechanism used by the manufacturer and can only be opened with a supplied key with full control by the driver. Alternatively, you could invest in hook locks, which operates similarly, however, it provides extra security by using deadlocking hook bolts that is inserted into the opposing body section and operates with the supplied key under complete control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
Add a dash camera to your van if you want it to be more secure and safe. These cameras can aid you in avoiding accidents and collisions while driving. They can also help in showing your innocence in the event of a traffic offense. They work by converting incoming light into electrical signals, and then they transform those signals into digital data. These can be powered either via the battery of your car or by the cigarette lighter.
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 accept larger memory cards when more video data is required. Some dashboard cameras also come with cloud storage capabilities, which eliminate the need for memory cards. These types of dashboard cameras connect to a smartphone or Wi-Fi network and upload their data at various intervals.
Another aspect to take into consideration is whether the camera is wireless or hard wired. Hardwired models are less vulnerable to interference from cell networks and other sources. They are also more durable and some are able to withstand the elements.
Some vans have dual dash cams that can record footage from both the front and rear of the vehicle. This is useful when you need to reverse in tight spaces or while parking. Some cameras feature 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. Some dashboard cams can be remotely monitored, which is a huge benefit for van dwellers who spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular among those who like to travel and explore - but it's not without risks. The people who live in vehicles are often at risk of theft. Thieves could target the vehicle and its contents. There are a number of ways to protect your vehicle and its cargo but one of the best is to install an alarm system. These systems can be integrated with your keypad, which means you'll receive alerts if anyone gets into your vehicle. They're also great for reducing insurance premiums, which could save you money over the lifetime of your vehicle.
A good alarm system will have a base station, keypad and entry sensors that protect against door peal. Some alarm systems have built-in motion sensors that detects movement inside your van. The alarm will send an alert to your phone. This is a great deterrent to anyone who is a potential thief and could aid in identifying the criminal before they strike.
The addition of deadlocks to all your doors is a great option to keep your van secure. These are locks that require a key to operate and are much more difficult to tamper with than normal locks. You can also purchase locks that you can operate via a smartphone application. This allows you to monitor your vehicle while you're away.
A lot of van alarms are fitted with an engine immobilizer which disables the engine of your vehicle in the event that the wrong key is used to start it. This is a sensible security measure, but it will not stop a thief who is determined to removing the entire engine. Better to use an engine tracker with low power that prevents the engine from starting and will notify you of the exact location of your vehicle whenever it is being removed.
Insurance
Vans are an essential resource for many businesses and securing their contents is a top concern. Not only can a strong van security system provide peace of mind, it also helps reduce insurance costs 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 could also be affected by the region in which you reside and work since higher crime rates could lead to an increase in premiums. Insurance providers will also consider the use of your vehicle, as commercial vehicles are usually more expensive to insure.
If you're thinking of making major changes to your van it's essential to talk with your insurance company prior to doing so as it could impact on the cost of your policy. Likewise, adding on any additional features to your vehicle that aren't included in the standard can increase the cost of your premium. A Thatcham Category 2 certified dash camera is an easy way to deter vandals, since they'll think twice before trying to gain entry into.
Insurance is another important aspect of van life. It protects the tools and equipment that you keep inside your van in the event they are stolen. You can buy comprehensive physical damage coverage as well as roadside service plans that cover breakdowns as well as other emergencies.
When comparing insurance policies, it's worth bearing in mind that the cheapest policy isn't always the best. Compare the limits of coverage as well as deductibles and other benefits to find the best policy for your needs. It is worth looking into gap coverage 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 in the event of a total loss to your vehicle.