Let's Get It Out Of The Way! 15 Things About Van Secure We're Sick Of Hearing
How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset worth having, typically carrying expensive tools and equipment. It is essential to ensure that your van is as secure as is possible. There are a myriad of ways to accomplish this.
van security lock once they are closed, which can be useful for couriers who do small drops or are susceptible to not locking their vans. Other improvements include security stickers covering windows or tinting them and installing the tool vault with a lockable feature.
Security locks
It is important to protect the contents of vans as they are used both as a mode of transport and storage on the move. The proper van security measures can deter criminals and safeguard your items, allowing you travel with confidence.
Door locks are the first security measure, securing the doors of the van and preventing unauthorized access. Locks that are standard, usually installed by the manufacturer, offer the most basic protection however they are easily manipulated by determined thieves. Moving to more sophisticated security locks that are impervious to drilling, cutting and picking is an investment in peace of mind.
When choosing van locks include the material and build quality, as well as whether it's certified by Thatcham. This guarantees that the lock is high-quality and is more difficult to compromise. Other important factors to consider include the slamlock lock system, which automatically locks load area doors when closed and requires a key to open and close them. This is great for couriers who may not lock their vans between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock which provides additional security to the front and side doors and prevents 'peel and steal attacks.
It is crucial to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks in order to ensure their function and the strength of the mechanism. This will prevent corrosion and rust, and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to spot any signs of damage or wear and address these issues promptly, thus preventing security vulnerabilities from emerging.
Installing the right security system can help you save money on van insurance. Many insurance companies offer favorable terms in exchange for robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective ways to deter thieves is by strengthening the locks of your van. 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 the van is used to transport expensive tools or equipment.
The slamlock is activated automatically when your door is shut. It doesn't require you to press any keys 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 forget to lock up after each journey. It also helps in tackling the issue of opportunistic burglaries that occurs when thieves unlock your vehicle's lock and run off with whatever they can grab and often include the tools needed for your job.
There are a variety of slamlocks to choose from. Some have additional security features such as anti drill and anti pick technology or a steelplate that prevents drilling. Some are designed for specific uses, like those used by multidrop drivers or those who transport a lot of valuable goods.
Deadlocks are a good alternative for those who require more protection than what an slamlock could provide. These locks operate independently from the locking mechanism from the manufacturer and are only be unlocked by the driver by using the key provided. Alternatively, you could buy hook locks, which operates exactly the same way, but provides additional security by using a deadlocking hook bolt which connects to an opposite body section and is operated using the key supplied under complete control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
If you're looking to make your car more secure and secure think about adding a dash camera. These cameras can be used to help avoid collisions and accidents while driving. They can also demonstrate your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic infraction. These cameras function by converting light that is incoming into electrical signals and changing the signals into digital information. They can be powered by your vehicle's battery or an lighter for your cigarette.
Many of the dashboard cams that are available have SD cards or flash drives to save recordings. These devices typically erase old footage to create space for new recordings, however they can be upgraded using memory cards with high capacity for those who want to save more video information. Certain dashboard cameras come with cloud storage, which eliminates the requirement for memory card storage. These types of dashboard cameras connect to the Wi-Fi or smartphone network and upload their data at various intervals.
Hard-wired or wireless cameras are also worth considering. Hardwired models are less prone to interference from cell networks or other sources. They are also more durable and some models can endure the elements.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cams. They can record video from both the front and rear of the vehicle. This can be helpful when you have to reverse into tight spaces or when parked. Certain cameras come with night vision, which can enhance images in low light conditions and enhance visibility for drivers. Many van owners add this feature to their system. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This can be an excellent benefit for van owners who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is getting increasingly popular among those who love exploring and travelling However, it has its own dangers. People who live in their vehicles are frequently at risk of thieves who could target their vehicle and its contents. There are a variety of ways to protect your vehicle and its contents but one of the best is to install an alarm system. These alarm systems can be incorporated with your keypad, which means you'll be notified if someone is able to break into your vehicle. They also help reduce insurance premiums, which could save you money over the life of your van.
A good alarm system will come with the base station, a keypad and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Some even come with an inbuilt motion sensor that can detect the presence of movement inside your vehicle and notify your mobile. This can be a powerful deterrent for any potential thieves and could aid in identifying the criminal before they strike.
The addition of deadlocks to all your doors is an excellent option to keep your van secure. These are locks that require a key for operation and are much more difficult to tamper with than normal locks. The best option is to get some that are equipped to operate with an app for smartphones, so you can check on your vehicle while 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 sensible step to take, but it won't stop a thief who is determined from taking away the entire engine. Better to use a low-power tracker that stops the engine from starting and sends you the exact location of your vehicle whenever it is moved.
Insurance
Vans are a vital source for many businesses, and securing their contents is a top concern. Not only will a well-constructed van security system give peace of mind, but it can also lower insurance costs since insurers take van owners' security measures into consideration when calculating their premiums.
The year, make, and model of your van will affect your insurance rates, as will your driving record. The location in which you live and work can affect your rates too, as higher crime rates can cause higher rates. Insurance providers will also take the use of your vehicle into account as commercial vehicles generally cost more to insure than personal ones.
If you're thinking of making major modifications to your van it's essential to talk with your insurance provider prior to making any changes as it could have an impact on the price of your policy. Also, adding any extras to your vehicle that aren't included in the standard will increase your premium. A Thatcham Category 2 approved dash camera is an easy way to deter vandals, as they will be more cautious when trying to break into.
Another important aspect of van life is insurance that covers the tools and equipment you keep in your vehicle, in the event of theft. You can get comprehensive physical damage protection and roadside assistance plans that will cover breakdowns and other emergencies while you're driving.
It's important to keep in mind that the cheapest insurance policy isn't always the best. Compare coverage limits and deductibles as well as other benefits to determine the right policy for you. It's worthwhile to consider gap insurance in addition to comprehensive insurance. It will pay the difference between your cash value of your van and the outstanding balance on your loan in the event that your vehicle is destroyed.