How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset, often carrying expensive equipment and tools. Security for your van should be a top priority, and there are many ways to deter thieves and keep your tools safe.
Slamlocks lock doors immediately after they are closed. This is beneficial for couriers who make short drop-offs, or are prone forgetting to lock their vans. Other improvements include security stickers covering windows, tinting or covering them and fitting the tool vault with a lockable feature.
Security locks
With the increasing number of vans used as both a mode of transport as well as storage units that can be moved around it is crucial to protect their contents against theft. The right van security measures will deter criminals and protect your belongings. This allows you to travel with peace of mind.
Door locks are the first line of defense, protecting the doors of the van and preventing unauthorized access. Locks that are standard are usually installed and provide basic security however, they are easily hacked. Upgrade to more secure locks that are resistant to cutting or drilling. This is a good investment for peace of mind.
Considerations when choosing a van lock include the material and build quality, as well as whether it's certified by Thatcham. This guarantees that the lock is high-quality and more difficult to compromise. Other important aspects to consider are the slamlock system that automatically locks the doors to the load area after closure and requires the use of a key to open them; this is perfect for couriers who might not lock their vans between deliveries. The hook lock is a different option that can be used to secure the side and rear doors to stop 'peel-and-steal' attack.
It is essential to clean and lubricate your van locks in order to keep their functionality intact and the strength of the mechanism. This prevents rust and corrosion and helps ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections will allow you to identify the signs of wear and damage and then address them promptly. This can prevent security issues from arising.
In addition to enhancing the overall security of your vehicle, installing the appropriate security equipment can save you money on insurance for your van. Many insurance companies offer favorable conditions in exchange for high-quality security solutions.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective methods to stop thieves is by strengthening the locks of your van. Installing high-strength locks or slam locks will make the van's door more secure and less difficult to break into. This is particularly crucial if you plan to use your vehicle to transport expensive tools or other valuable cargo.
The slamlock is activated automatically when your door is shut. You don't have to press any keys to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be compromised, which makes it perfect for courier drivers and tradespeople who are in and out their vans all day. They may not remember to lock it at the end of each journey. It also helps to combat the problem of opportunistic theft, where thieves simply open your vehicle's existing lock and then take off with whatever they can get their hands on and often include the tools needed to do your job.
There are many different types of slamlocks to choose from. Some have additional security features such as anti drill and anti pick technology or a steelplate that blocks drilling. Certain models are specifically designed for applications, such as those used by multidrop drivers and for those who transport a lot of valuable goods.
Deadlocks are a good option for those who need more security than an slamlock could provide. They operate in a different manner from the original locking mechanism of the manufacturer and can only be opened with a supplied key that is fully controlled by the driver. You can also buy hook locks that operates similarly, but provides additional security by using deadlocking hook bolts that connects to an opposite body section and is operated with the key that comes with it under the complete control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
Include a dash camera into your vehicle if you wish for it to be more secure and safe. These cameras can be used to prevent collisions and accidents when driving. They can also show your innocence in the case of an accident, or traffic infraction. These cameras function by converting light that is incoming into electrical signals and then converting these signals into digital data. They can be powered by the battery in your car or by a cigarette-lighter.
Many dashboard cameras available on the market include SD cards or flash drives to record. These devices overwrite old footage in order to allow room for new videos. However they can be upgraded to support larger memory cards if additional video data is required. Some dashboard cameras offer cloud storage, removing the need for memory card storage. These types of dashboard cams connect to either a Wi-Fi or smartphone and upload their data at various intervals.
Another feature to consider is whether the camera is wireless or hard wired. Hardwired cameras are less prone 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 that record video from both the front and back of the vehicle. This is useful when you have to reverse into tight spaces or while parked. Some cameras come with night vision that can increase the brightness of the images in low light conditions and enhance visibility. Many van owners add this feature to their system. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This is an excellent benefit for van owners who spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular with those who enjoy exploring and travelling, but it has its own dangers. People who live in vehicles are usually at risk of theft. Thieves may target the vehicle and its contents. There are vehicle security locks of ways to protect your vehicle and its cargo, but one of the best is to install an alarm system. These alarm systems can be incorporated with your keypad, which means you'll receive alerts if anyone is able to break into your vehicle. These systems can also reduce the cost of insurance. This could save you thousands of dollars over the course of your van.
A good alarm system comes with an alarm base, keypad and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Some even come with an inbuilt motion sensor that detects movement inside your van and notify your mobile. This is a great way to deter thieves and assist in catching them before they strike.
Install deadlocks on your van's doors to make it more secure. These are locks that require a key to operate and are much more difficult to break than regular locks. There are locks that can be operated using a smartphone app. 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 your vehicle's engine if the wrong key is used to start it. This is a good measure to take, but it won't stop a thief determined to removing the whole engine. An alternative is to have an engine tracker with low power that stops the engine from starting, and will send you the location of your vehicle when it is moved.
Insurance
Vans are an essential source for many businesses, and the security of their contents is a top concern. van security doors can provide peace of mind and reduce insurance costs. Insurers take into account the security measures employed by van owners when calculating premiums.
Your driving record, along with the model, make, and year of your vehicle, will also affect the rate of insurance you pay. The location in which you live and work can also impact your rates since higher crime rates could cause higher rates. Insurance companies will also take into consideration the possibility of using your van because commercial vehicles are usually more expensive to insure.
Contact your insurance company prior to making any major changes to your van. This could affect the price of your policy. The cost of insurance will also increase when you add any additional features that aren't part of the standard vehicle. A Thatcham Category 2 certified dash camera is a simple way to deter thieves because they'll think twice before trying to break into.
Insurance is another essential part of the van's life. It covers the tools and equipment that you store inside your van in the event they're stolen. You can obtain complete physical damage protection and roadside assistance plans to take care of breakdowns and other emergencies when you're out on the road.
It's important to remember that the insurance policy with the lowest cost isn't always the most effective. Compare the coverage limits as well as deductibles and other advantages to find the most appropriate policy for your requirements. It's worth considering gap coverage in addition to comprehensive insurance. It will pay the difference between your van's cash value and any outstanding balance on your loan, if your van is totalled.