How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that is worth having, usually carrying expensive tools and equipment. It is important to ensure that your van is as secure as you can. There are a myriad of ways you can do this.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as they are closed, which can be beneficial for couriers who make short drops or are prone to not locking the van. Other upgrades include security stickers covering windows, tinting or covering them and fitting an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
It is essential to safeguard the contents of vans as they are used both as a vehicle for transportation and storage on the move. The proper security measures for your van will deter criminals while protecting your possessions. This will allow you to travel with peace of mind.
The door locks of the van are the first line in defence. They secure the doors and prevent the entry of anyone who is not authorized. Locks that are standard are usually installed and provide basic security but they can be easily hacked. Upgrade to advanced security locks that can withstand cutting, drilling, or picking. This is a good investment to ensure your security.
When choosing van locks include the material and build quality and whether it's approved by Thatcham. This guarantees that the lock is of high-quality and more difficult to compromise. The slamlock is another important consideration. It automatically locks the doors of the loading area when it closes and requires a key to unlock. This is perfect for couriers who may forget to lock up their vans between deliveries. The hook lock is a different option, which reinforces doors on the rear and side to prevent 'peel-and-steal' attacks.
It is essential to clean and lubricate your van locks to maintain their functionality and the integrity of the mechanism. This helps prevent corrosion and rust and helps ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections will allow you to spot signs of wear and tear, and fix them immediately. This will stop security weaknesses from forming.
Alongside improving the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the right security system can save you money on your van insurance. 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 slam or high-strength locks will make the door of your van more secure and difficult to break into. This is especially important if you use your vehicle to transport expensive tools or valuable cargo.
A slam lock operates automatically as soon as the door is shut and you don't have to press a button to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be damaged, which makes it perfect for couriers and tradespeople that are in and out their vans all day. They might overlook locking it after every trip. It also helps to combat opportunistic thieves who simply open the door of your vehicle and take what they can get, which includes the tools you need to complete 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 which prevents drilling. Other locks are suitable for specific applications, such as multidrop drivers or those that transport a lot of high-value items.
Deadlocks are an alternative for those who require more security than a slamlock can provide. These locks function independently of the locking mechanism that came from the manufacturer and are only be unlocked by the driver using the key provided. You can also buy hooklocks that function in the same manner but provides extra security with deadlocking bolts that are inserted in the opposite part of the body and is controlled by the key supplied.
Dashboard cameras
If you want to make your vehicle more secure and secure, consider adding a dash camera. These cameras can be used to avoid collisions and accidents while driving. They can also show your innocence in the case of an accident, or traffic violation. They work by converting incoming light into electrical signals, and then transform those signals into digital data. They can be powered by your vehicle's battery or the lighter for your cigarette.
Many of the dashboard cams that are available have SD cards or flash drives for saving recordings. These devices can overwrite old footage to allow room for new recordings. However, they can be upgraded to support larger memory cards if more video data is required. Some dashboard cams also have cloud storage capabilities, which remove the need for memory cards. These types of dashboard cams connect to a smartphone or Wi-Fi network and upload check here their data at different intervals.
Wireless or hard-wired cameras are also important to consider. Hardwired cameras are less vulnerable to interferences from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable and some can endure the elements.
Some vans have dual dash cams. They can capture footage from both the front and rear of the vehicle. This is useful when you need to reverse in tight spaces or when in a parking space. Certain cameras have night vision that can increase the brightness of the images in low-light conditions and increase visibility. Many van owners choose to add this feature to their systems. Some dashboard cams can be remotely monitored, which is a huge benefit for van dwellers who are often away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming more popular among those who love exploring and traveling However, it is not without dangers. People who live in vehicles are usually at risk of theft. Thieves could take aim at the vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are among the best ways to protect your vehicle and its contents. These systems can be integrated with your keypad, so you'll receive notifications if anyone gets into your vehicle. These systems can also lower the cost of insurance. This could save you thousands of dollars over the course of your vehicle.
A good alarm system includes a base, keypad, and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Some alarm systems have an inbuilt motion sensor that detects movement within your vehicle. This will send an alert to you phone. This is a great way to deter anyone who is a potential thief and could help you spot the criminal before they get to them.
Install deadlocks on your van's doors to make it more secure. They require a key for operation and are much more difficult to tamper with than normal locks. A good 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 also include an engine immobilizer that shuts off 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 thief who would take the entire engine. It is safer to use a low-power tracking device that will stop the engine from starting and send you the location of your vehicle when it is relocated.
Insurance
For a lot of businesses vans are essential assets and securing their contents is a major priority. A van security system can give peace of mind and lower the cost of insurance. Insurance companies consider the security measures employed by van owners when calculating their premiums.
Your driving history, as well as the make, model and year of your van will also impact your insurance rates. The area in which you live and work can affect your rates too, because higher crime rates could lead to increased rates. Insurance companies will also take into consideration the use of your van, as commercial vehicles are usually more expensive to cover.
Contact your insurance company prior to making any major van mods. This could impact the price of your policy. Additionally, adding extras to your vehicle that aren't included in the standard can increase the cost of your premium. For instance, a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is an easy way to deter thieves, as it will make them think twice before attempting to break into your vehicle.
Insurance is another essential part of van life. It protects the tools and other equipment that you keep inside your van in the event they're stolen. You can get complete physical damage protection and roadside assistance plans that take care of breakdowns and other emergencies that occur while you're driving.
It's important to be aware that the cheapest insurance policy isn't always the most effective. Compare the limits of coverage and deductibles as well as other benefits to determine the best policy for your needs. In addition to full coverage, it's worth looking into gap insurance since it can cover the difference between your vehicle's actual cash value and any remaining balance on your loan, if it's totaled.