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 is possible. There are a myriad of ways to accomplish this.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as you close them they can be very useful for couriers that make frequent short trips or are prone to not locking the van. Other improvements include a security sticker, covering or tinting the windows and fitting a vault lockable to tools.
Security locks
With the increasing number of vans utilized as a means of transportation as well as a mobile storage unit it is crucial to protect their contents against theft. The right van security measures will deter criminals while protecting your possessions. This allows you to travel with confidence.
Door locks are the initial line of defence, securing the doors of the van and preventing access by unauthorized persons. Standard locks are often pre-installed and offer a basic protection however, they are easily smashed. Upgrading to van security locks mobile fitting advanced security locks that are immune to cutting, drilling, and picking is an investment in peace of mind.
When choosing a van lock include the material and build quality, as well as whether it's certified by Thatcham. This designation ensures the lock is of top quality which makes it harder to compromise or break. The slamlock is a further consideration. It automatically locks the doors of the loading area when it is closed and requires a key to unlock. This is ideal for couriers that may overlook locking their vans during deliveries. Hook locks are another option that can be used to secure the side and rear doors to guard against 'peel and steal' attacks.
It is important to clean and lubricate your van locks in order to keep their functionality intact and the strength of the mechanism. This will stop corrosion and rust, and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections will allow you to identify the signs of wear and damage and then address them promptly. This will prevent security weaknesses from forming.
Installing the best security system will save you money on insurance for your van. Many insurance companies offer favorable terms for the purchase of robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
A stronger lock for your van is among the best methods to deter thieves. By installing high-strength or slam locks the doors of your van will be more secure and harder to break into. This is particularly important if the vehicle is used for transporting expensive equipment or cargo.
The slamlock activates automatically when your door is shut. You don't need to press any keys to activate the mechanism. This means it's much less likely to be tampered with and is ideal for couriers and tradespeople who are constantly in and out of their van throughout the day long and not lock the door after each trip. It also helps in tackling the issue of opportunistic burglaries that occurs when thieves unlock your vehicle's lock and then take off with whatever they are able to grab - which often includes the tools you need for your job.
There are a number of different kinds of slam locks available that come with extra security features, for instance anti-drill technology and anti-pick technology, or steel plates that block drilling attacks. Some are designed for specific uses, like those used by multidrop drivers and those who transport lots of valuable items.
Deadlocks are a great alternative for those who require more security than an slamlock could provide. These locks function independently of the original locking mechanism that is supplied by the manufacturer and are only unlocked by the driver using the key supplied. Alternatively, you could purchase hook locks that works in the same way however, it provides extra security through a deadlocking hook bolt that engages into an opposing body section and operates with the supplied key under full control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
If you want to make your car more secure and safe, consider adding a dash cam. These cameras can aid you in avoiding accidents and collisions while driving. They are also useful in proving your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic violation. They work by converting the incoming light into electrical signals and then convert these signals into digital data. They can be powered by the vehicle's battery, or a cigarette lighter.
Many of the dashboard cams available on the market include SD cards or flash drives for saving recordings. These devices usually overwrite old footage to make room for new videos, but they can be upgraded with high-capacity memory cards if you want to store more video data. Some dashboard cameras also come with cloud storage capabilities that eliminate the need for memory cards. These kinds of dashboard cameras connect to a smartphone or Wi-Fi network and upload their data at varying intervals.
Another thing to take into consideration is whether the camera is wireless or hard wired. Hardwired cameras are less vulnerable to interferences from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and certain models are able to withstand the weather.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cams. They can record video from both the front and rear of the vehicle. This is useful when reversing in tight spaces or while parked. Certain cameras have night vision that can increase the brightness of the images in low-light conditions and enhance visibility. Many van owners choose to add this feature to their systems. Certain dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This is a great benefit for van dwellers that spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular with those who enjoy traveling and exploring however, it is not without dangers. People who live in their vehicles are frequently at risk of thieves who may target their vehicle and its contents. There are a number of ways to secure your van and its contents but one of the best is an alarm system. Alarm systems can be linked with your keypad, which means you'll be notified if someone gets into your vehicle. They also help reduce insurance premiums, which can save you a fortune over the lifetime of your van.
A good alarm system will have a base station, keypads, and entry sensors that guard against door peal. Some even come with a built in motion sensor that will detect any movement in your vehicle and alert your phone. This is a fantastic way to deter thieves and even assist in catching them before they strike.
Add deadlocks to your van's doors to ensure it's secure. These are locks that require a key for operation, and they're much harder to break than regular locks. There are locks that can be operated via a smartphone application. This will allow you to check on your vehicle while you're away.
Many van alarms also come with an engine immobilizer which 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 thief who is determined to who would take the entire engine. A better measure is to have a low-power tracker that prevents the engine from starting and sends you the location of your vehicle when it is removed.
Insurance
For a lot of businesses, their vans are vital resources and safeguarding their contents is a major priority. Not only does a robust van security system give peace of mind, it also helps reduce insurance costs as insurers take the security measures of van owners into consideration when calculating premiums.
The year, model, and make of your vehicle will affect your insurance rates and your driving record. Your rates could also be affected by the region in which you reside and work, as higher crime rates may cause an increase in rates. Insurance companies will also take your van's use into account as commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure than personal ones.
If you're thinking of making major modifications to your van it is important to speak with your insurance company prior to doing so because this could have an impact on the price of your policy. cargo van security door locks of your insurance will also increase when you add any additional features that aren't covered by the standard vehicle. For instance, a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a simple method to deter thieves because it can make them think twice before attempting to break into your van.
Another crucial aspect of van life is insurance to protect the equipment and tools you keep in your vehicle in the event that they are stolen. You can purchase complete physical damage insurance along with roadside service plans that cover breakdowns as well as other emergencies.
It's important to keep in mind that the most affordable insurance policy doesn't necessarily mean the best. Compare coverage limits, deductibles and other added benefits to determine the most suitable policy for your needs. It's worth considering 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.