How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset that can be used to transport expensive tools and equipment. It is essential to make your van as secure as you can. There are a variety of ways to do this.
Slamlocks lock doors right after you close them. This is a great feature for couriers who have frequent drops or tend to forget to secure their van. Other improvements include a security stickers, covering or tinting the windows and fitting a vault lockable to tools.
Security locks
It is important to protect the contents of vans, because they serve as a vehicle for transportation and mobile storage. The proper security measures for your van will deter criminals and protect your belongings. This allows you to travel in peace.
The van's door locks are the first line of defense. They protect the doors and ward off unauthorized entry. Standard locks, often pre-installed by the manufacturer, offer an adequate level of security but can be easily bypassed by a determined thief. Upgrade to more secure locks that are impervious 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 guarantees that the lock is of top quality and more difficult to compromise. Other important considerations are the slamlock system, which automatically locks doors for loading area when closed and requires the use of a key to open them which is ideal for couriers who not lock their vans between deliveries. Hook locks are another option, which reinforces front and side doors to guard against 'peel and steal' attacks.
It is essential to clean and lubricate your van locks to ensure their function and the integrity of the mechanism. This will prevent corrosion and rust, and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to spot indications of wear and damage and then address them promptly. This can prevent security weaknesses from forming.
Installing a security system that is appropriate can help you save money on insurance for your van. Many insurance companies offer favorable terms in exchange for robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
A stronger lock for your van is one of the most effective ways to deter robbers. Installing slam or high-strength locks will make the van's door more secure and less difficult to break into. This is particularly important if you use your van to transport expensive tools or other valuable cargo.
The slamlock activates automatically when your door is shut. It doesn't require you to press any keys to activate the mechanism. This means that it's less likely to be compromised and is ideal for couriers and tradespeople who are in and out of their van every day long and might forget to lock up after each journey. It also helps in battling criminals who can simply open the lock on your vehicle and take whatever they can, which includes the tools you require to complete your job.
There are many different kinds of slam locks available that come with extra security features, like anti-drill technology and anti-pick technology, or steel plates that block drilling attacks. Certain locks are specifically designed for uses, like the ones used by multidrop drivers and for those who transport a lot of valuable goods.
For those who want more security than a standard slam lock can offer, there are options like deadlocks. These operate independently from the original locking mechanism of the manufacturer and can only be removed with a supplied key under full control of the driver. You could also invest in hooklocks, which function similar to a hooklock, but offers additional security through a deadlocking bolt that engages in an opposing section of the body and is operated by the key that comes with it.
Dashboard cameras
If you're looking to make your van more secure and safe think about adding a dash cam. 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 infraction. They work by converting the incoming light into electrical signals and then they convert these signals into digital data. They can be powered by your car's battery or by the lighter in your cigarette.
Many dashboard cameras on the market come with SD cards or flash drive to record. These devices usually overwrite old footage to create space for new videos, but they can be upgraded using memory cards that have high capacity for those who want to save more video data. Some dashboard cameras offer cloud storage, eliminating the requirement for memory card storage. These dashboard cams are connected to a smartphone, Wi-Fi network or both and upload data at different intervals.
Another thing to take into consideration is whether the camera is wireless or hard wired. Hardwired cameras are less vulnerable to interferences from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some models are able to withstand weather.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cameras that record video from the front and back of the vehicle. This can be useful when reversing into tight spaces or when you're parked. Some cameras come with night vision, which is able to enhance images in low light conditions and improve visibility for drivers. Many van owners have added this feature to their system. Some dashboard cams can be remotely monitored, which is an enormous benefit for van dwellers who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular among those who love to travel and explore, but it's without risk. The people who live in vehicles are often at risk of being robbed. Thieves could take aim at the vehicle and its contents. There are a number of ways to secure your van and its contents but one of the most effective is an alarm system. These systems can be connected to your keypad, so that you be alerted in the event of a break-in. These systems can also help reduce insurance premiums. This can save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your van.
A good alarm system comes with a base, keypad, and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Certain alarm systems come with built-in motion sensors that detects movement inside your vehicle. The alarm will send an alert to your phone. This is a great way to deter anyone who might be a target and can assist you in identifying a criminal before they get to them.
Adding deadlocks to all of your doors is another great method to ensure the security of your van. They require keys and are more difficult to control than conventional locks. The best option is to purchase a lock that is able to be operated with a smartphone app, so you can check on your van when you're away.
Many van alarms are also 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 great precaution to consider, but it will not stop a determined thief from taking away the entire engine. Better to use a low-power tracker which prevents the engine from starting more info and sends you the exact location of your vehicle whenever it is being removed.
Insurance
Vans are a crucial resource for many businesses and securing their contents is a top concern. Not only does a robust van security system provide peace of mind, but it also helps reduce cost of insurance since insurers take van owners' security measures into account when calculating premiums.
Your driving record, along with the make, model, and year of your vehicle will also impact your insurance rate. Your rates will also be affected by the location in which you reside and work, since higher crime rates could lead to an increase in rates. Insurance companies may also take into account the use of your vehicle, as commercial vehicles are usually more expensive to cover.
Consult your insurer before making any major modifications to your van. This could impact the cost of your insurance. The cost of insurance will also increase when you add any additional features that aren't included in the standard vehicle. For instance, a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is an easy way to deter thieves, as it will make them think twice about trying to break into your van.
Another crucial aspect of van life is insurance to cover the tools and equipment you keep in your vehicle, in case they are stolen. You can get comprehensive physical damage protection as well as roadside assistance plans to protect you from breakdowns and other emergencies while you're driving.
It's important to keep in mind that the most affordable insurance policy doesn't necessarily mean the best. Compare the limits of coverage, deductibles and other added benefits to determine the most suitable policy that meets your needs. It's worth considering gap coverage in addition to comprehensive insurance. It will pay the difference between your value of the van's cash and any outstanding balance on your loan in the event that your vehicle is destroyed.