How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset that can be used to transport expensive equipment and tools. It is essential to ensure that your van is as secure as is possible. There are a myriad of ways you can do this.
Slamlocks lock doors right after you shut them. This is useful for couriers who have frequent drops or are prone forgetting to secure their van. Other improvements include a security stickers, covering or tinting the windows, and installing a lockable tools vault.
Security locks
With so many vans being utilized as a means of transportation and a mobile storage unit it is crucial to safeguard their contents from theft. The right van security measures can deter criminals as well as protect your possessions, allowing you to take your trip with confidence.
Door locks are the first security measure, securing the van's doors and preventing access by unauthorized persons. Standard locks, often pre-installed by the manufacturer, offer a basic level of protection however they are easily manipulated by a determined thief. Upgrading to more advanced security locks that are resistant to drilling, cutting and picking is an investment in peace of mind.
When you are choosing a vanlock you should take into consideration the quality of the material, its construction and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This certification ensures that the lock is of high-quality and is more difficult to compromise or break. The slamlock is an additional aspect to consider. It automatically locks the doors of the load area when it closes and requires a specific key to unlock. This is perfect for couriers who overlook locking their vans during deliveries. Hook locks are another option that can be used to secure the side and rear doors to stop 'peel-and-steal' attack.
It is essential to clean and lubricate your van locks in order to maintain their functionality and the integrity of the mechanism. This will prevent rust and corrosion, and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to identify indications of wear and damage, and then address them promptly. This can prevent security issues from arising.
In addition to enhancing the overall security of your vehicle, installing the right security system can save you money on insurance for your van. Many insurance companies recognize the importance of strong security solutions, offering favourable terms and additional coverage options in return.
Slamlocks
The strengthening of your van's lock is one of the best methods to deter thieves. By installing slam locks or high-strength locks the doors of your van will be more secure and difficult to break into. This is particularly important if you intend to use your van to transport expensive tools or other valuable cargo.
A slam lock operates automatically when your door is closed which means you don't have to press a key to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be tampered, which makes it perfect for couriers and tradespeople that are in and out of their vans throughout the day. They might forget to lock it up after every journey. It also helps combat the problem of opportunistic theft which is when thieves just open your vehicle's existing lock and then take off with whatever they can grab - which often includes the tools you need for your job.
There are many different types of slam locks and some of them come with additional security features, such as anti-drill and anti-pick technology or steel plates that block drilling attacks. Others are suitable for specific purposes, such as multidrop drivers or those who carry a large volume of high-value items.
For those who require more protection than a locks that slam can provide alternatives like deadlocks. These locks function independently of the locking mechanism that came from the manufacturer and can be unlocked only by the driver by using the key provided. You can also buy a hooklock, which works in the same manner but offers additional security through deadlocking bolts that lock in a different section of the body and is operated by the key supplied.
Dashboard cameras
Include a dash camera into your van if you want it to be more secure and safer. These cameras can be used to prevent collisions and accidents when driving. They can also demonstrate your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic infraction. They work by converting incoming light into electrical signals and then convert these signals into digital data. They can be powered by the battery in your car or by a cigarette-lighter.
Many dashboard cameras available on the market come with SD cards or flash drives to record. These devices overwrite old footage in order to allow for new videos. However, they can be upgraded to support larger memory cards when more video data is needed. Some dashboard cameras have cloud storage, removing the necessity for memory card storage. These dashboard cameras are connected to a smartphone, a Wi-Fi network or both, and can upload data at various intervals.
Hard-wired or wireless cameras are also important to take into consideration. Hard-wired models are less susceptible to interference from cellular networks or other sources. They are also more durable, and some models can withstand the weather.
Some vans have dual dash cameras that can record video from the front and back of the vehicle. This is useful when reversing into tight spaces or when in a parking space. Some cameras come with night vision, which can enhance the images in low-light conditions and enhance visibility. Many van owners opt to include this feature in their systems. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This can be an enormous benefit for van owners who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular with those who enjoy exploring and traveling however, it comes with its own dangers. People who live in their cars are frequently at risk of thieves who may attack their vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are one of the best ways to secure your vehicle and its contents. These systems can be integrated with your keypad, meaning you'll receive notifications if anyone is able to break into your vehicle. These systems can also help reduce insurance premiums. This could save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your van.
A good alarm system will come with an alarm base station, keypads and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Certain alarm systems come with an inbuilt motion sensor that detects movement inside your vehicle. The alarm will send an alert to your phone. This is a great way to deter anyone who might be a target and can help you spot the criminal before they do.
Install deadlocks on your van's doors to make it more secure. These locks require keys and are more difficult to control than regular locks. It is a good idea to get some click here that are capable of being operated using an app for smartphones, so you can check the status of your van while 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 sensible security measure, but it will not stop a thief who is determined to who would take the entire engine. It is safer to utilize a low-power tracker that will stop the engine from running and send you the position of your vehicle once it is moved.
Insurance
For many businesses, their vans are vital assets and securing their contents is an important priority. A van security system can give peace of mind as well as reduce insurance costs. Insurers take into account the security measures taken by van owners when calculating premiums.
Your driving history, as well as the model, make, and year of your van, will also affect your insurance rates. Your rates will also be affected by the location in which you reside and work, since higher crime rates could lead to an increase in rates. Insurance providers will also take the use of your vehicle into consideration since commercial vehicles typically cost more to insure than personal ones.
If you're considering making any major modifications to your van it's essential to talk with your insurance provider prior to making any changes as it could impact on the price of your policy. The cost of your insurance will also increase by adding any extras that aren't included in the standard vehicle. A Thatcham Category 2 certified dash camera is an effective way to deter vandals, since they'll think twice before trying to gain entry into.
Another essential element of van life is insurance to cover the tools and equipment that you keep in your vehicle in the event that they are stolen. You can buy comprehensive physical damage insurance along with roadside service plans that cover breakdowns as well as other emergencies.
It's important to remember that the cheapest insurance policy isn't always the most effective. Compare the coverage limits as well as deductibles and other benefits to find the best policy that meets your needs. It's worthwhile to consider gap coverage in addition to comprehensive insurance. This will cover the difference between the cash value of your van and the outstanding amount on your loan if your van is totalled.