How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset worth having, typically carrying expensive tools and equipment. It is crucial to make your van as secure as is possible. There are a myriad of ways to accomplish this.
Slamlocks lock doors right after you shut them. This is beneficial for couriers who have frequent drops or tend to forget to lock their vans. Other options include a security sticker, covering or tinting the windows and fitting a vault lockable to tools.
Security locks
It is crucial to secure the contents of vans, since they are used as a means of transportation and mobile storage. The right van security measures will deter criminals and protect your possessions, allowing you to embark on your journeys with confidence.
Door locks are the primary line of defense, protecting the van's doors and preventing unauthorized access. The standard locks are usually pre-installed and offer basic security, but they can be easily smashed. Upgrade to security locks that resist cutting, drilling, or picking. This is a wise investment in security that will give you peace of mind.
When selecting a vanlock, you must consider the material, build quality and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This means that the lock is of top quality and more difficult to alter. Other important considerations are the slamlock system, which automatically locks the doors to the load area upon closure and requires a key to open and close them. This is great for couriers who not lock their vans between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock which adds reinforcement to front and side doors and prevents 'peel and steal' attacks.
Regular cleaning and lubrication of your van locks is also essential to maintain functionality and ensure the reliability of the mechanism. This stops corrosion and rust and promotes smooth operation. Regular inspections will allow you to identify indications of wear and tear, and fix them immediately. This can prevent security weaknesses from forming.
Installing the right security system will save you money on van insurance. Many insurance companies recognize the importance of robust security solutions with attractive terms and additional coverage options.
Slamlocks
The strengthening of your van's lock is one of the most effective 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 especially crucial if your vehicle is used for transporting expensive cargo or tools.
The slamlock activates automatically when your door is shut. You don't have to press any keys to activate the mechanism. This means it's less likely to be tampered with and is ideal for courier drivers or tradespeople who are in and out of their van all day long and might forget to lock up after each journey. It also helps to combat criminals who can simply open the lock on your vehicle and steal whatever they can, including the tools you need to complete your job.
There are a number of different kinds of slam locks that are available that come with extra security features, like anti-drill and anti-pick technologies or steel plates that block drilling attacks. Some are suited for specific applications like multidrop drivers, or those that carry a significant amount of high-value goods.
Deadlocks are a good alternative for those who require more protection than what a slamlock can provide. They function independently of the manufacturer's original locking mechanism and can only be removed with a key that is supplied with full control by the driver. Alternately, you can buy a hook lock, which operates exactly the same way, however, it provides extra security through a deadlocking hook bolt which engages into an opposite body section and is operated with the supplied key under complete control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
If you're looking to make your vehicle more secure and secure you should consider installing a dash camera. These cameras can be used to help avoid accidents and collisions when driving. They can also show your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic violation. They work by converting light incoming into electrical signals and converting these signals into digital data. These can be powered either by the battery of your vehicle or by an cigarette-lighter.
Many dashboard cameras on the market come with SD cards or flash drive for recording. These devices typically overwrite old footage to make room for new recordings, but they can be upgraded with memory cards with high capacity in case you wish to save more video data. Certain dashboard cameras also have cloud storage features, which eliminate the necessity for memory cards. These types of dashboard cameras connect to either a Wi-Fi or smartphone and upload their data at varying intervals.
Hard-wired or wireless cameras are also important to take into consideration. Hard-wired cameras are less susceptible to interferences from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable and some can withstand the elements.
Some vans have dual dash cameras that record video from both the front and back of the vehicle. This can be useful when reversing into tight spaces or when you're in a parking space. Some cameras feature night vision that can increase the brightness of the images in dim light conditions and improve visibility. Many van owners opt to include this feature in their systems. Certain dashboard cameras are able to be remotely monitored. This can be an excellent benefit for van owners who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is getting increasingly popular with those who enjoy traveling and exploring however, it has its own dangers. 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 systems can be connected to your keypad, so that you will receive notifications in the event of a burglary. These systems can also lower the cost of insurance. This could save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your van.
A good alarm system should have a base station, keypads, and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Some even have a built in motion sensor that can detect movement inside your van and send an alert to your mobile. This is a great way to deter thieves and even help you catch the thieves before they get to you.
Install deadlocks on your van's doors to make it more secure. These locks require keys and are more difficult to operate than standard locks. There are locks that operate using a smartphone app. This allows you to check on your vehicle while you're away.
A lot of van alarms 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 precaution, but it will not stop a determined thief taking the entire engine. It is better to use a low-power tracking device that stops the engine from running and provide you with the position of your vehicle once it is moved.
Insurance
Vans are an essential source for many businesses and the security of their contents is a top priority. Not only will a well-constructed van security system provide peace of mind, but it also click here helps reduce insurance costs since insurance companies take the security measures of van owners into account when calculating premiums.
Your driving record, along with the model, make, and year of your van will also affect the rate of insurance you pay. The area in which you reside and work will also affect your rates, because higher crime rates could lead to increased rates. Insurance companies may also take into account the use of your vehicle because commercial vehicles are typically more expensive to insure.
If you're planning to make any major modifications to your van it's essential to talk with your insurance company prior to doing so since this could have an impact on the cost of your policy. Also, adding any additional features to your vehicle that aren't included in the standard will increase the price of your insurance. For instance an Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is an easy way to deter thieves, as it will make them think twice about trying to gain entry into your vehicle.
Another essential element of van life is insurance to cover the equipment and tools you keep in your vehicle, in case they are stolen. You can obtain comprehensive physical damage protection, as well as roadside assistance plans to cover breakdowns and other emergencies when you're on the road.
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 benefits to find the right policy for you. It's worth considering gap coverage in addition to comprehensive insurance. This can pay the difference between the value of the van's cash and any outstanding balance on your loan, in the event that your vehicle is destroyed.