How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that can carry expensive equipment and tools. Making your van secure should be a top priority and there are numerous methods you can employ to deter thieves and ensure your tools are safe.
Slamlocks locks doors once you shut them and are useful for couriers that make frequent short trips or are prone to not locking the van. Other upgrades include security stickers covering windows, tinting or covering them and installing the tool vault with a lockable feature.
Security locks
With so many vans being utilized as a means of transportation and a mobile storage unit, it is vital to safeguard their contents from theft. The right van security measures can deter criminals as well as protect your belongings, allowing you to travel with confidence.
The door locks of the van are the first line of defence. They protect the doors and prevent unauthorized entry. Locks that are standard, usually installed by the manufacturer, offer a basic level of protection but are easily manipulated by determined thieves. Upgrade to security locks that resist cutting or drilling. This is a wise investment in security that will give you peace of mind.
When selecting a vanlock, you should consider the materials, the build quality and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This designation ensures the lock is of high-quality and is more difficult to break or compromise. Other important aspects to consider are the slamlock lock system, which automatically locks the doors to the load area after 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. The hook lock is another option that can be used to secure the front and side doors to prevent 'peel-and-steal' attacks.
Regular cleaning and lubrication of your van locks is essential to maintain functionality and ensure the strength 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 fix them immediately. This will prevent security issues from arising.
Installing the best security system will save you money on van insurance. Many insurance companies are aware of security systems that are robust, offering favourable terms and additional coverage options.
Slamlocks
Strengthening your van's lock is one of the best methods to ward off robbers. Installing slam or high-strength locks will make your van's door more secure and difficult to break into. This is particularly important if your vehicle is used to transport expensive cargo or tools.
A slam lock operates automatically as soon as the door is shut which means you don't have to press a button to activate the mechanism. This means it's much less likely to be compromised which makes it ideal for couriers or tradespeople who are constantly in and out of their van all day long and might not remember to lock it after each journey. It also helps to combat the issue of opportunistic burglaries which is when thieves just unlock your vehicle's lock and take off with anything they are able to grab and often include the tools needed to do your job.
There are many different kinds of slam locks that are available and some of them come with additional security features, for instance anti-drill and anti-pick technologies or a steel plate that prevents drilling attacks. Other locks are suitable for specific applications, such as multidrop drivers or those that carry a significant amount of valuable goods.
For those who want more security than a standard lock that slams can provide, there are options like deadlocks. These locks operate independently of the original locking mechanism from the manufacturer and can only be unlocked by the driver by using the supplied key. You can also purchase hooklocks, which function in the same manner but provides extra security with a deadlocking bolt that engages in a different section of the body and is operated with the key supplied.
Dashboard cameras
If you want to make your vehicle more secure and secure think about adding a dash cam. These cameras can be used to help avoid accidents and collisions when driving. They can also show your innocence in the case of an accident, or traffic infraction. They work by converting light signals into electrical signals, and then convert these signals into digital data. These can be powered either by the battery in your vehicle or by a 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 create space for new recordings, however they can be upgraded with high-capacity memory cards for those who want to store more video data. Certain dashboard cameras also have cloud storage capabilities that eliminate the need for memory cards. These kinds of dashboard cameras connect to either a Wi-Fi or smartphone and upload their data at varying intervals.
Wireless or hard-wired cameras are also worth considering. Hard-wired models are less susceptible to interference 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 cams. They can capture footage from both the rear and front of the vehicle. This is useful when you reverse in tight spaces or when parking. Certain cameras have night vision which can brighten the images in low-light conditions and increase visibility. Many van owners choose to include this feature in their systems. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This can be an excellent benefit for van dwellers that spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming more popular with those who enjoy traveling and exploring however, it comes with its own risks. People who live in their cars are often at the mercy of thieves who may take aim at their vehicle and contents. Alarm systems are among the best ways to protect your vehicle and its contents. These alarm systems can be linked to your keypad, so that you will receive alerts in the event of a burglary. These systems can also lower insurance premiums. This can save you thousands of dollars over the course of your vehicle.
A good alarm system includes an alarm base, keypad and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Certain alarm systems come with an inbuilt motion sensor that detects movement within your van. This will send an alert to you phone. This can be a powerful deterrent for anyone who might be a target and can assist you in identifying a criminal before they get to them.
Installing deadlocks on all of your doors is a great way to ensure the security of your van. They require a key and are harder to manipulate than standard locks. You can also get locks that can be operated via a smartphone application. This will allow you to check on your vehicle even when you're away.
A majority of van alarms are fitted with an engine immobilizer which will disable your vehicle's engine if the wrong key is used to start it. This is a good measure to consider, but it will not stop a thief determined to taking the entire engine. An alternative is to install an engine tracker with low power that stops the engine from starting and sends you the exact location of your vehicle whenever it is removed.
Insurance
For a lot of businesses vans are essential resources and safeguarding their contents is an important priority. Not only does a robust van security system give peace of mind, but it can also reduce cost of insurance since insurers take van owners' security measures into account when calculating premiums.
Your driving history, as well as the make, model and year of your van will also affect the rate of insurance you pay. Your rates will also be affected by the location in which you reside and work because higher crime rates can lead to an increase in premiums. Insurance companies also take the use of your vehicle into account as commercial vehicles generally cost more to insure than personal vehicles.
Check with your insurance provider prior to making any major changes to your van. This could impact the cost of your insurance. Likewise, adding on any accessories to your vehicle that aren't standard will increase your premium. For instance the use of a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is an easy way to deter thieves, since it makes them think twice about attempting to gain entry into your vehicle.
Another essential element of van life is insurance to cover the equipment and tools you keep in your vehicle in the event that they are stolen. You can get comprehensive physical damage protection, as well as roadside assistance plans to cover breakdowns and other emergencies that occur while you're out on the road.
It's important to keep in mind that the cheapest insurance policy doesn't necessarily mean the best. Compare the coverage limits and deductibles as well as other benefits to choose the best policy for your needs. It's more info worth considering gap coverage in addition to comprehensive insurance. This will cover the difference between your cash value of your van and the outstanding amount on your loan if your van is totalled.