How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset, often carrying expensive tools and equipment. The security of your van should be a top priority and there are numerous ways to deter thieves and keep your tools safe.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as you close them. This is useful for couriers who make frequent drops or tend to forget to secure their van. Other improvements include a security stickers, covering or tinting the windows and fitting a vault lockable to tools.
Security locks
It is important to protect the contents of vans, since they are used as a means of transportation and storage on the move. The right van security measures will deter criminals and protect your possessions, allowing you to travel with confidence.
The van's door locks are the first line of defense. They secure the doors and block unauthorized entry. Standard locks, often pre-installed by the manufacturer, provide the most basic protection but can be easily bypassed by a determined thief. Upgrade to security locks that are resistant to cutting, drilling, or picking. This is a good investment to ensure your security.
When choosing a vanlock, you should take into consideration the quality of the material, its construction and if it is certified by Thatcham. This means that the lock is of top quality which makes it harder to break or compromise. Other important aspects to consider are the slamlock lock system, which automatically locks load area doors when closed and requires keys to open the door; this is perfect for couriers who might forget to lock their van between deliveries. The hook lock is another option, which reinforces side and rear doors to prevent 'peel-and-steal' attacks.
It is essential to clean and lubricate your van locks to keep their functionality intact and the integrity of the mechanism. This helps prevent corrosion and rust and promotes smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to identify indications of wear and tear, and fix them immediately. This will stop security issues from arising.
In addition to enhancing the overall security of your vehicle, installing the right security systems will help you save money on your van insurance. Many insurance companies recognize the importance of robust security solutions with attractive terms and additional coverage options.
Slamlocks
Strengthening your van's lock is one of the best ways to deter robbers. By installing slam locks or high-strength locks your van's doors will be more secure and difficult to break into. This is particularly important if your van is used to transport expensive tools or equipment.
The slam lock is activated automatically when the door is shut and you don't have to press a key to activate the mechanism. This means it's much less likely to be tampered with which makes it ideal for couriers or tradespeople who are in and out of their van every day long and might not remember to lock it at the end of each trip. It also helps in tackling the issue of opportunistic theft that occurs when thieves unlock your vehicle's lock and then take off with whatever they can get their hands on - which often includes the tools you require to complete your job.
There are a number of different kinds of slam locks that are available and some of them come with additional security features, for instance anti-drill technology and anti-pick technology, or a steel plate that blocks drilling attacks. Certain locks are specifically designed for applications, like those used by multidrop drivers and for those who transport a lot of valuable goods.
Deadlocks are a good alternative for those who require more security than an slamlock could provide. They function independently of the locking mechanism used by the manufacturer and can only be opened with a key that is supplied with full control by the driver. You could also invest in hooklocks, which function similar to a hooklock, but adds additional security by using deadlocking bolts that lock in the opposite part of the body and is operated with the key that comes with it.
Dashboard cameras
Add a dash camera to your vehicle if you wish for it to be more secure and safe. These cameras can be used to prevent collisions and accidents while driving. They can also prove your innocence in the case of an accident or traffic infraction. They work by converting light signals into electrical signals and changing those signals into digital information. These can be powered either via the battery of your vehicle or the cigarette lighter.
Many dashboard cameras available on the market have SD cards or flash drive for recording. These devices overwrite old footage to allow room for new videos. However, they can be upgraded to support larger memory cards if additional video data is required. Certain dashboard cameras come with cloud storage, which eliminates the requirement for memory card storage. ford van security door locks connect to a smartphone, a Wi-Fi network, or both and upload data at different intervals.
Hard-wired or wireless cameras are also worth considering. Hardwired cameras are less prone to interferences from cell networks and other sources. They are also more durable and certain models are able to withstand the weather.
Some vans come with dual dash cams that can record footage from both the rear and front of the vehicle. This is useful when reversing in tight spaces or while in a parking spot. Some cameras feature night vision that can increase the brightness of the images in dim light conditions and improve visibility. Many van owners choose to add this feature to their systems. Certain dashboard cameras are able to be remotely monitored. This is a great benefit for van dwellers that are often away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is getting increasingly popular among those who enjoy exploring and travelling However, it is not without dangers. People who reside in vehicles are frequently at risk of theft. Thieves can attack the vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are among the best ways to secure your van and its contents. Alarm systems can be linked with your keypad, so you'll be notified if someone gets into your vehicle. These systems can also help reduce the cost of insurance. This could save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your vehicle.
A good alarm system has a base, keypad, and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Some alarms even have an inbuilt motion sensor that will detect any movement in your vehicle and alert 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 ensure it's secure. They require the use of a key and are more difficult to operate than conventional locks. You can also purchase locks that operate using a smartphone app. This allows you to monitor your vehicle while you're away.
Many van alarms also include an engine immobilizer which disables the vehicle's motor in the event that you use the wrong key to start it. This is a great security measure, but it will not stop a determined thief taking the entire engine. Better to install a low-power tracker that prevents the engine from starting and sends you your vehicle's location when it is removed.
Insurance
Vans are an essential source for many businesses and protecting 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 insurance companies take the security measures of van owners into account when calculating premiums.
Your driving record, as well as the model, make, and year of your vehicle will also affect your insurance rates. Your rates are also affected by the region in which you reside and work as higher crime rates may result in an increase in rates. Insurance companies will also take into consideration the use of your van, as commercial vehicles are typically more expensive to insure.
If you're planning to make any major van modifications, it's important to consult with your insurer beforehand as this could have an impact on the policy price. Additionally, adding additional features to your vehicle that aren't standard will increase your insurance. For instance an Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a simple way to discourage thieves, since it makes them think twice about trying to break into your vehicle.
Another important aspect of van life is insurance to protect the tools and equipment you keep in your vehicle in case they are stolen. You can purchase complete physical damage protection and roadside assistance plans that cover breakdowns and other emergencies while you're on the road.
When comparing insurance policies it's important to keep in mind that the cheapest policy isn't always the best. Compare coverage limits and deductibles as well as other benefits to determine the best policy for your needs. It's worthwhile to consider 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.