13 Things About Van Secure You May Not Have Known
13 Things About Van Secure You May Not Have Known
Blog Article
How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that is worth having, usually carrying expensive equipment and tools. Security for your van is a top priority and there are a variety of methods you can employ to stop thieves from entering your van and keep your tools safe.
Slamlocks locks doors once they are closed they can be very beneficial for couriers who make frequent short trips or are prone to not locking their vans. Other upgrades include security sticker covering or tinting the windows and fitting a lockable tools vault.
Security locks
It is crucial to secure the contents of vans, as they are used both as a vehicle for 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 access by unauthorized persons. Locks that are standard, usually installed by the manufacturer, provide a basic level of protection but are easily manipulated by determined thieves. Upgrading to more advanced security locks that are resistant to cutting, drilling, and picking is a good investment in peace of mind.
When selecting a vanlock, you must consider 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 break or compromise. The slamlock is an additional factor to take into. It automatically locks the doors of the loading area when it closes and requires a special key to unlock. This is perfect for couriers that may overlook locking their vans between deliveries. Hook locks are another option, which reinforces front and side doors to stop 'peel-and-steal' attack.
Regularly cleaning and lubricating your van locks is also essential to maintain functionality and ensure the strength of the mechanism. This will prevent corrosion and rust, and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections will enable you to detect the signs of wear and damage and fix them immediately. This can prevent security issues from arising.
In addition to enhancing the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the right security systems can save you money on your van insurance. Many insurers recognise the value of robust security solutions, offering favourable terms and additional coverage options.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective ways to deter thieves is by strengthening your van's locks. Installing slam or high-strength locks will make the door of your van more secure and difficult to break into. This is especially important if the van is used to transport expensive tools or equipment.
The lock is activated automatically once your door is closed. It doesn't require you to press any keys to activate the mechanism. This means it's less likely to be tampered with, making it ideal for couriers and tradespeople who are constantly in and out of their van every day long and might not lock the door after each trip. It also helps to combat opportunistic thieves who simply open the lock on your vehicle and steal whatever they can, including the tools that you need for your work.
There are many different types of slamlocks that are available. Some have additional security features such as anti-drill and anti-pick technology, or a steelplate that blocks drilling. Others are suitable for specific applications like multidrop drivers, or those that transport a lot of high-value items.
Deadlocks are an option for those who need more security than is offered by a slamlock. These locks operate independently from the locking mechanism from the manufacturer and are be unlocked only by the driver using the key provided. You can also purchase hooklocks that function similarly, but offers additional security through a deadlocking bolt that engages in an opposing section of the body and is controlled by the key supplied.
Dashboard cameras
Add a dash camera to your van if you want it to be more secure and safer. These cameras can aid you in avoiding accidents and collisions when driving, and are also useful in proving your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic offense. They work by converting light signals into electrical signals and then changing these signals into digital data. They can be powered by your vehicle's battery or by an cigarette lighter.
A lot of dashboard cameras on the market have SD cards or flash drive for recording. These devices can overwrite old footage to allow for new videos. However they can be upgraded to accept larger memory cards if additional video data is required. Some dashboard cameras have cloud storage, which eliminates the need for memory card storage. These kinds of dashboard cameras connect to the Wi-Fi or smartphone network and upload their 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 and other sources. They are also more durable and some can stand up to the elements.
Some vans have dual dash cams, which can record footage from both the front and rear of the vehicle. This is helpful when reverses in tight spaces or when parking. Some cameras have night vision, which can enhance images in low light conditions and enhance visibility for drivers. Many van owners opt to include this feature in their systems. Certain dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. 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 risk. People who live in their cars are often at the mercy of thieves who could target their vehicle and its contents. There are a variety of ways to secure your van and its contents, but one of the most effective is to install an alarm system. These systems can be integrated with your keypad, so you'll receive notifications if anyone breaks into your vehicle. These systems can also help reduce the cost of insurance. This could save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your van.
A good alarm system comes with keys, a base and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Some alarms even have an inbuilt motion sensor that will detect the presence of movement inside your vehicle and send an alert to your phone. This is a great way to deter any potential thieves and can help you spot the criminal before they get to them.
Adding deadlocks to all of your doors is another great option to keep your van secure. These locks require keys and are more difficult to operate than conventional locks. You can also purchase locks that can be operated using a smartphone app. This allows you to monitor your vehicle even when you're away.
A lot of van alarms are equipped with an engine immobilizer that will shut down your vehicle's engine if the wrong key is used to start it. This is a good measure to take, but it won't stop a determined thief from taking away the entire engine. It is better to employ a low-power tracking device which will stop the engine from starting and send you the exact location of your vehicle if it is removed.
Insurance
Vans are an essential source for many businesses and the security of their contents is a top concern. A van security system can provide peace of mind and lower insurance costs. Insurance companies consider the security measures implemented by van owners when calculating their premiums.
The year, make, and model of your van will affect your insurance rates as will your driving record. Your rates will also be affected by the area where you reside and work, as higher crime rates may result in an increase in rates. Insurance providers will also take the use of your vehicle into consideration as commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure than personal ones.
Contact your insurance company prior to making any major changes to your van. website This could affect the cost of your insurance. The cost of insurance will also increase if you add any extras that aren't part of the standard vehicle. A Thatcham Category 2 approved dash camera is a simple method to deter thieves, since they'll be more cautious when trying to break into.
Another crucial aspect of van life is insurance to cover the equipment and tools you keep in your vehicle, in the event of theft. You can purchase comprehensive physical damage protection, as well as roadside assistance plans that take care of breakdowns and other emergencies while you're out on the road.
When comparing insurance policies it's important to remember that the most affordable option isn't always the best. Compare the coverage limits as well as deductibles and other benefits to find the best policy for your needs. It is worth looking into gap coverage in addition to comprehensive insurance. This can pay the difference between the van's cash value and any outstanding balance on your loan if your van is totalled.