How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset, often carrying expensive tools and equipment. Security for your van is a top priority, and there are many strategies you can use to ward off thieves and keep your tools safe.
Slamlocks lock doors immediately after you shut them. This is a great feature for couriers who have frequent drops or tend to forget to lock their vans. Other upgrades include security stickers covering windows, tinting or covering them and fitting an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
It is important to protect the contents of vans, because they serve as a mode of transport and storage on the move. The right van security measures will deter criminals and protect your belongings, allowing you to embark on your journeys with confidence.
The door locks of the van are the first line of defense. They protect the doors and ward off unauthorised entry. Locks that are standard are usually installed and offer a basic protection but they can be easily smashed. Upgrade to more secure locks that are impervious to drilling, cutting and picking is an investment in security.
The factors to consider when selecting a van lock include the material and the build quality, as well as whether it's approved by Thatcham. This means that the lock is of high-quality which makes it harder to compromise or break. Other important considerations are the slamlock system, which automatically locks doors for loading area after closure and requires a key to open which is ideal for couriers who not lock their vans between deliveries. Hook locks are another option that can be used to secure the front and side doors to stop 'peel-and-steal' attack.
Regularly cleaning and lubricating your van locks is vital to ensure that the lock functions properly and ensure the strength of the mechanism. This stops corrosion and rust and helps ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to spot any signs of wear or damage and fix them immediately, thereby preventing security vulnerabilities from emerging.
Installing the best security system can help you save money on insurance for your van. Many insurance companies offer favorable conditions in exchange for high-quality security solutions.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective methods to deter thieves is 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 especially crucial if you plan to use your van to transport expensive equipment or other valuable cargo.
The lock is activated automatically once your door is shut. It doesn't require you to press any keys to activate the mechanism. This means that it's less likely to be stolen which makes it ideal for couriers or tradespeople who are in and out of their van all day long and not remember to lock it at the end of each trip. It also helps to combat the issue of opportunistic theft, where thieves simply open your vehicle's existing lock and take off with anything they can get their hands on and often include the tools you require for your job.
There are a number of different types of slam locks and some of them come with additional security features, for instance anti-drill and anti-pick technologies or a steel plate that blocks drilling attacks. Other locks are suitable for a specific application such as multidrop drivers or those who carry a significant amount of high-value goods.
Deadlocks are an alternative for those who require more protection than what a slamlock can provide. These locks function independently from the locking mechanism that is supplied by the manufacturer and are only unlocked by the driver by using the key provided. You could also invest in hooklocks that function in the same manner but adds additional security by using deadlocking bolts that are inserted in the opposite part of the body and is operated with the key supplied.
Dashboard cameras
If you want to make your car more secure and safe think about adding a dash cam. These cameras can assist you in avoiding accidents and collisions while driving, and they can also be useful in proving your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic offense. They work by converting incoming light into electrical signals and then they convert these signals into digital data. They can be powered by the battery in your vehicle or an cigarette-lighter.
A majority of the dashboard cameras available on the market have SD cards or flash drives to save recordings. These devices can overwrite old footage in order to allow room for new recordings. However they can be upgraded to accept larger memory cards when more video data is required. Some dashboard cameras have cloud storage, which eliminates the need for memory card storage. These dashboard cameras are connected to a smartphone, a Wi-Fi network or both and upload data at various times.
Another aspect to be considered is whether the camera is wireless or hard wired. Hardwired cameras are less vulnerable 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 video from both the rear and front of the vehicle. van security doors The Key Lab can be useful when you need to reverse in tight spaces or when parking. Certain cameras come with night vision, which can make images appear brighter in low-light conditions and improve visibility for drivers. Many van owners opt to include this feature in their systems. Some dashboard cams can be remotely monitored and this is an enormous benefit for van dwellers who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life has become increasingly popular for those who love to travel and explore - but it's not without risk. The people who reside in vehicles are frequently at risk of being robbed. Thieves can take aim at the vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are among the best ways to safeguard your van and its contents. These alarm systems can be linked to your keypad, so that you will receive alerts in the event of a break-in. They're also great for reducing insurance premiums, which could save you money over the life of your vehicle.
A good alarm system includes a base, keypad, and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Some even come with a built-in motion sensor that detects movement inside your van and notify your phone. This is a fantastic way to deter thieves and also assist in catching thieves before they do.
Installing deadlocks on all of your doors is another great way to keep your van secure. These locks require a key to operate, and they're much harder to tamper with than normal locks. A good option is to get some that are capable of being operated using a smartphone app, so you can check on your van while away.
A majority of van alarms are fitted with an engine immobilizer which will disable the engine of your vehicle if a wrong key is used to start it. This is a sensible precaution, but it will not stop a determined criminal from who would take the entire engine. It is better to utilize a low-power tracker that will stop the engine from running and provide you with the location of your vehicle when it is relocated.
Insurance
Vans are a vital source for many businesses and securing their contents is of paramount importance. A van security system will give peace of mind and lower insurance costs. Insurance companies consider the security measures taken by van owners when calculating premiums.
Your driving record, as well as the make, model and year of your vehicle, will also affect the rate of insurance you pay. Your rates will also be affected by the region in which you reside and work, as higher crime rates may lead to an increase in premiums. Insurance providers will also consider the use of your vehicle because commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure.
Consult your insurer before making any major van mods. This could impact the price of your policy. Also, adding any additional features to your vehicle that aren't standard will increase your insurance. For instance, a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is an easy way to discourage thieves, since it makes them think twice before attempting to break into your vehicle.
Another crucial aspect of van life is insurance to protect the equipment and tools you keep in your vehicle, in the event of theft. You can get comprehensive physical damage protection, as well as roadside assistance plans that will protect you from breakdowns and other emergencies when you're on the road.
When comparing insurance policies it's worth bearing in mind that the cheapest policy isn't always the most effective. Compare the coverage limits along with deductibles, coverage limits and other advantages to find the most appropriate policy that meets your needs. It is worth looking into gap coverage in addition to comprehensive insurance. This can pay the difference between your van's cash value and any outstanding amount on your loan in the event that your vehicle is destroyed.