How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset that can transport expensive tools and equipment. The security of your van is a top priority and there are numerous methods you can employ to deter thieves and ensure your tools are safe.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as you shut them. This is beneficial for couriers that do short drops, or who tend to forget to secure their van. Other improvements include a security stickers, covering or tinting the windows, and installing a vault lockable to tools.
Security locks
It is crucial to secure the contents of vans, because they serve as a mode of transport and storage on the move. The right van security measures can deter criminals as well as protect your items, allowing you travel with confidence.
Door locks are the first line of defence, securing the doors of the van and preventing unauthorized access. Standard locks, often pre-installed by the manufacturer, offer the most basic protection but are easily manipulated by determined thieves. Upgrade to more secure locks that are impervious to drilling, cutting and picking is a good investment in security.
When you are choosing a vanlock you should consider the materials, the build quality and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This means that the lock is of high-quality which makes it harder to break or compromise. The slamlock is another important factor to take into. It automatically locks the doors of the loading area when it is closed and requires a specific key to unlock. This is ideal for couriers who overlook locking their vans in between deliveries. Another alternative is the hook lock that provides reinforcement to doors on the rear and side and prevents 'peel and steal' attacks.
It is crucial to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks to ensure their function and the strength of the mechanism. This prevents rust and corrosion and ensures smooth operation. Regular inspections will allow you to identify signs of wear and damage and then address them promptly. This can prevent security vulnerabilities from developing.
Alongside improving the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the appropriate security equipment will help you save money on insurance for your van. Many insurance companies offer favorable terms for the purchase of robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective methods to deter thieves is by strengthening the locks on your van. Installing slam or high-strength locks will make your van's door more secure and harder to break into. This is particularly important if you intend to use your van to transport expensive equipment or valuable cargo.
A slam lock works automatically when your door is shut, meaning you don't need to press a key to trigger the mechanism. This means that it's less likely to be compromised which makes it ideal for couriers or tradespeople who are constantly in and out of their van all day long and might not lock the door at the end of each trip. It also assists in fighting the petty thieves who just open the vehicle's lock and steal whatever they can, which includes the tools you require to complete your job.
There are many different types of slam locks that are available, with some offering extra security features, for instance anti-drill and anti-pick technology or a steel plate that blocks drilling attacks. Certain locks are specifically designed for applications, such as those used by multidrop drivers and for those who transport lots of valuable items.
If you're looking for more security than a standard lock that slams can provide alternatives like deadlocks. These locks function independently of the locking mechanism that came from the manufacturer and are only be unlocked by the driver by using the key provided. You can also buy a hook lock that operates exactly the same way, but offers extra security with deadlocking hook bolts that connects to an opposite body section and operates with the supplied key under full control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
If you're looking to make your van more secure and secure you should consider installing a dash camera. These cameras can be used to avoid collisions and accidents when driving. They can also prove your innocence in the case of an accident or traffic infraction. These cameras function by converting light signals into electrical signals and then changing those signals into digital information. They can be powered by your car's battery or a lighter for your cigarette.
A lot of dashboard cameras on the market have SD cards or flash drives to record. These devices typically erase old footage to create space for new recordings, however they can be upgraded using high-capacity memory cards for those who want to store more video data. Some dashboard cameras have cloud storage, removing the need for memory card storage. These dashboard cams are connected to a smartphone, a Wi-Fi network, or both and upload data at various times.
Wireless or hard-wired cameras are also worth considering. Hard-wired cameras are less susceptible to interference from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable and some models are able to withstand weather.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cameras which can record video from both the front and back of the vehicle. This is useful when reversing in tight spaces or while parked. Certain cameras come with night vision that can make images appear brighter in low-light conditions and increase visibility for the driver. Many van owners choose to add this feature to their systems. Certain dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored, and this can be an enormous benefit for van owners who are often away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life has become increasingly popular for those who like to travel and explore - but it's not without its risks. People who live in their vehicles are often at risk of thieves who might target their vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are one of the best ways to safeguard your vehicle and its contents. These alarm systems can be incorporated with your keypad, so you'll receive notifications if anyone breaks into your vehicle. They can also be helpful in reducing insurance premiums, which could save you money over the lifetime of your van.
A good alarm system has keys, a base and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Some even have a built in motion sensor that can detect the presence of movement inside your vehicle and notify your phone. This is a great deterrent to anyone who might be a target and can assist you in identifying a criminal before they get to them.
The addition of deadlocks to all your doors is an excellent way to keep your van secure. ford transit security locks are locks that require a key for operation and are more difficult to break than regular locks. A good option is to get some that are capable of being operated using a smartphone app, so you can check the status of your van when you're away.
A lot of van alarms are fitted with an engine immobilizer that will shut down the engine of your vehicle in the event that the wrong key is used to start it. This is a great precaution to do, but it's not enough to stop a thief determined to taking the entire engine. It is safer to employ a low-power tracking device which will stop the engine from starting and provide you with the location of your vehicle when it is moved.
Insurance
For many businesses vans are essential resources, and protecting their contents is an important priority. A van security system can give peace of mind and reduce insurance costs. 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 affect your insurance rate. van security locks fitted could also be affected by the region in which you reside and work because higher crime rates can cause an increase in premiums. Insurance companies also take your van's use into consideration since commercial vehicles generally cost more to insure than personal vehicles.
Contact your insurance company prior to making any major changes to your van. This could affect the price of your policy. Likewise, adding on any additional features to your vehicle that aren't standard will increase your insurance. A Thatcham Category 2 -approved dash camera is an effective way to deter vandals, as they will be cautious before attempting to gain entry into.
Another important aspect of van life is insurance to protect the tools and equipment you keep in your vehicle, in the event of theft. You can buy comprehensive physical damage coverage and roadside service plans that cover breakdowns as well as other emergencies.
It's important to keep in mind that the most affordable insurance policy isn't always the most effective. Compare coverage limits, deductibles and other added benefits to find the best policy for your needs. In addition to complete coverage, it's worth looking into gap insurance since it can cover the difference between your vehicle's actual cash value and any remaining amount on your loan if it is totalled.