How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset that can carry expensive tools and equipment. It is essential to make your van as secure as you can. There are many ways to accomplish this.
Slamlocks lock doors immediately after you shut them. This is a great feature for couriers that do short drop-offs, or are prone forgetting to lock their van. Other options include security stickers covering windows or tinting them and installing the tool vault with a lockable feature.
Security locks
With so many vans being used as a method of transport as well as storage units that can be moved around, it is vital to safeguard their contents from theft. The proper 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 defence, securing the doors of your van and preventing unauthorized access. Standard locks, often pre-installed by the manufacturer, offer a basic level of protection but can be easily bypassed by determined thieves. Upgrade to more secure locks that are immune to cutting, drilling, and picking is a good investment in peace of mind.
When choosing a van lock include the material and the build quality and whether it's approved by Thatcham. This means that the lock is of top quality and more difficult to alter. The slamlock is another important consideration. It automatically locks the doors of the loading area upon closing and requires a key to unlock. This is ideal for couriers who may forget to lock up their vans in between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock which adds reinforcement to doors on the rear and side and prevents 'peel and steal attacks.
It is essential to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks to maintain their functionality and the integrity of the mechanism. This will prevent corrosion and rust and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections help you detect any signs of damage or wear and address them promptly, making sure that security vulnerabilities are not uncovered.
Alongside improving the overall security of your vehicle, installing the right security system will help you save money on insurance for your van. Many insurers offer favourable terms for the purchase of robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective methods to deter thieves is by strengthening the locks of your van. Installing slam or high-strength locks will make your van's door more secure and harder to break into. This is particularly crucial if you plan to use your vehicle to transport expensive tools or valuable cargo.
The slam lock is activated automatically when the door is shut and you don't have to press a key to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be tampered, which makes it perfect for couriers and tradespeople who are in and out of their vans throughout the day. They might not remember to lock it at the end of each journey. It also helps in tackling the issue of opportunistic theft, where thieves simply unlock your vehicle's lock and then take off with whatever they can get their hands on - which often includes the tools you require for your job.
There are a variety of slamlocks that are available. Some come with 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 or those who transport lots of valuable goods.
Deadlocks are a good option for those who need more protection than what is offered by a slamlock. These operate independently from the manufacturer's original locking mechanism and can only be unlocked with a supplied key that is fully controlled by the driver. Alternatively, you could purchase hook locks that operates similarly, however, it provides extra security with deadlocking hook bolts that is inserted into the opposite body section and operates with the key supplied under total control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
If you're looking to make your vehicle more secure and safe, consider adding a dash camera. These cameras can aid you in avoiding collisions and accidents while driving, and they can also help in showing your innocence in the event of a traffic offense. They convert incoming light into electrical signals, and then transform those signals into digital data. They can be powered by your car's battery, or an cigarette lighter.
A majority of the dashboard cameras available on the market include SD cards or flash drives for saving recordings. These devices overwrite old footage to allow room for new recordings. However they can be upgraded to support larger memory cards when more video data is needed. Some dashboard cams also have cloud storage capabilities, which can eliminate the necessity for memory cards. These types of dashboard cams connect to either a Wi-Fi or smartphone and upload their data at varying intervals.
Another aspect to be considered is whether the camera is wireless or hard wired. Hardwired cameras are less prone to interferences from cell networks and other sources. They are also more durable and some models can withstand the weather.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cameras which can record video from both the front and back of the vehicle. This is useful when reversing in tight spaces or when parked. Some cameras feature night vision which can brighten the images in dim light conditions and enhance visibility. Many van owners add this feature to the system. Certain dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This can be an excellent benefit for van dwellers that spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is getting increasingly popular among those who enjoy exploring and travelling, but it is not without dangers. People who live in vehicles are usually at risk of being robbed. Thieves could attack the vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are among the best ways to protect your vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems can be linked to your keypad so that you receive alerts in the event of a burglary. They're also great for reducing insurance premiums, which can save you money over the lifetime of your van.
A good alarm system includes keys, a base and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Some alarm systems have an inbuilt motion sensor that detects movement inside your van. It will then send an alert to your phone. This can be a powerful deterrent for anyone who is a potential thief, and it can even help you spot the criminal before they get to them.
Add deadlocks to your van's doors to make it more secure. These are locks that require a key for operation and are more difficult to tamper with than normal locks. The best option is to purchase a lock that is equipped to operate with a smartphone app, so you can check the status of your van while away.
A lot of van alarms include an engine immobilizer that disables the motor of your vehicle if you use the wrong key to start it. This is a good precaution, but it will not stop a determined criminal from who would take the entire engine. A better measure is to install a low-power tracker which will stop the engine from running and will notify you of your vehicle's location when it's being relocated.
Insurance
For many companies, their vans are vital assets and securing their contents is a major priority. Not only can a strong van security system give peace of mind, but it can also lower insurance costs as insurers take the security measures of van owners into account when calculating premiums.
Your driving record, along with the model, make, and year of your van will also affect the rate of insurance you pay. The area in which you live and work will also impact your rates because higher crime rates could lead to increased rates. Insurance companies may also take into account the possibility of using your van because commercial vehicles are usually more expensive to insure.
Consult your insurer before making any major modifications to your van. This could affect the cost of your insurance. The cost of your insurance could also rise by adding any extras that aren't included in the standard vehicle. A Thatcham Category 2 approved dash camera is an easy method to deter thieves, because they'll be more cautious when trying to break in.
Another important aspect of van life is insurance to protect the equipment and tools you keep in your vehicle in the event of theft. You can purchase complete physical damage protection and roadside assistance plans that take care of breakdowns and other emergencies while you're driving.
When comparing insurance policies, it's worth bearing in mind that the most affordable option isn't always the best. Compare the limits of coverage along with deductibles, coverage limits and other advantages to find the most appropriate policy for your needs. In addition to comprehensive coverage, it's also worth looking into gap insurance since this can pay the difference between your car's here actual cash value and any remaining amount on your loan if it's repaid in total.