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 possible. There are a myriad of ways you can do this.
Slamlocks lock doors immediately after you shut them. This is beneficial for couriers who have frequent drops or are prone forgetting to lock their van. Other improvements include security stickers, covering or tinting windows and fitting 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 means of transportation and mobile storage. The right van security measures will deter criminals while protecting your belongings. This will allow you to travel in peace.
The van's door locks are the first line in defense. They protect the doors and ward off unauthorized entry. Locks that are standard are usually installed and offer a basic protection but they can be easily bypassed. Upgrade to more secure locks that are resistant to cutting, drilling, and picking is a good investment in peace of mind.
When selecting a vanlock, you should consider the material, build quality and if it is certified by Thatcham. This designation ensures the lock is of high-quality which makes it harder to compromise or break. The slamlock is another important aspect to consider. It locks automatically the doors of the loading area when it is closed and requires a key to unlock. This is a great option for couriers who not lock their vans during deliveries. Another option is the hook lock, which adds reinforcement to front and side doors and helps prevent 'peel and steal' attacks.
It is important to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks in order to keep their functionality intact and the integrity of the mechanism. This helps prevent corrosion and rust and ensures smooth operation. Regular inspections will enable you to spot signs of wear and tear, and address them immediately. This will prevent security vulnerabilities from developing.
In addition to enhancing the overall security of your vehicle, installing the right security systems will help you save money on insurance for your van. Many insurers offer favourable terms for the purchase of robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
The strengthening of your van's lock is among the best methods to ward off robbers. Installing security van uk -strength locks or slam locks will make the van's door more secure and harder to break into. This is especially important if your vehicle is used for transporting expensive tools or equipment.
A slam lock works automatically when your door is shut which means you don't have to press a button to trigger the mechanism. This means it's much less likely to be stolen and is ideal for couriers or tradespeople who are constantly in and out of their van every day long and might not lock the door after each trip. It also helps in tackling the issue of opportunistic burglaries that occurs when thieves open your vehicle's existing lock and run off with whatever they can get their hands on and often include the tools needed to do your job.
There are many different kinds of slam locks that come with extra security features, like anti-drill and anti-pick technology or a steel plate that blocks drilling attacks. Others are suitable for specific applications like multidrop drivers or those that transport a lot of high-value items.
For those who want more security than a lock that slams can provide the option of deadlocks. They operate independently of the original locking mechanism that is supplied by the manufacturer and are only be unlocked by the driver using the key provided. You could also invest in hooklocks, which function in the same manner but offers additional security through deadlocking bolts that are inserted in an opposing section of the body and is controlled by the key that comes with it.
Dashboard cameras
Add a dash camera to your vehicle if you want it to be more secure and secure. These cameras can aid you in avoiding collisions and accidents while driving. They can also help in proving your innocence in case of an accident or traffic offense. They convert incoming light into electrical signals, and then they transform those signals into digital data. They can be powered by the vehicle's battery or the cigarette lighter.
A lot of dashboard cameras on the market include SD cards or flash drive for recording. These devices overwrite old footage in order to make room for new videos. However, they can be upgraded to accommodate larger memory cards if more video data is required. Some dashboard cams also have cloud storage capabilities that remove the necessity for memory cards. These dashboard cams connect to a smartphone, Wi-Fi network or both, and can upload data at various intervals.
Another feature to take into consideration is whether the camera is wired or wireless. Hardwired cameras are less vulnerable to interference from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some are able to withstand the elements.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cameras that can record video from both the front and back of the vehicle. This is useful when you reverse in tight spaces or while in a parking spot. Some cameras come with night vision, which can enhance images in low light conditions and enhance visibility for drivers. Many van owners choose to include this feature in their systems. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This can be a great benefit for van owners who spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular with those who are avid travelers and want to explore - but it's not without its risks. People who live in their vehicles are often at risk of thieves who could attack their vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are one of the best ways to safeguard your vehicle and its contents. These systems can be connected to your keypad so you'll receive alerts in the event of a break-in. These systems can also reduce insurance premiums. This can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your van.
A good alarm system should have an alarm base station, keypads and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Some alarms even have a built-in motion sensor that will detect any movement in your vehicle and alert your mobile. This is a great way to deter anyone who is a potential thief and can help you spot the criminal before they strike.
Installing deadlocks on all of your doors is an excellent way to keep your van secure. They require the use of a key and are more difficult to control than regular locks. A good option is to choose a lock able to be operated with apps for smartphones, which means you can check the status of your vehicle while 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 sensible step to do, but it's not enough to stop a thief who is determined from taking away the entire engine. Better to install a low-power tracker which stops the engine from starting and sends you the exact location of your vehicle whenever it is removed.
Insurance
Vans are a vital source for many businesses and the security of their contents is of paramount importance. Not only will a well-constructed van security system give peace of mind, it can also lower cost of insurance since insurance companies take the security measures of van owners into consideration when calculating their premiums.
Your driving record, along with the model, make, and year of your vehicle will also affect your insurance rates. The area where you live and work can also affect your rates, because higher crime rates could lead to increased rates. Insurance providers will also take the use of your van into account as commercial vehicles typically cost more to insure than personal vehicles.
Consult your insurer before making any major van mods. This could impact the price of your policy. Likewise, adding on any accessories to your vehicle that aren't standard will increase the price of your premium. For instance the use of a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a great way to deter thieves, as it will make them think twice about attempting to break into your van.
Insurance is a crucial aspect of life in a van. It covers the tools and equipment that you store in your van in case they are stolen. You can purchase comprehensive physical damage insurance as well as roadside service plans that cover breakdowns and other emergencies.
It's important to be aware that the cheapest insurance policy isn't always the most effective. Compare the limits of coverage, deductibles and other added advantages to find the most appropriate policy that meets your requirements. It is worth looking into gap coverage in addition to comprehensive insurance. This will cover the difference between your cash value of your van and the outstanding balance on your loan, in the event of a total loss to your vehicle.