How to Make Your Van Secure

A van is a valuable asset that can carry expensive tools and equipment. Making your van secure should be a top priority and there are a variety of strategies you can use to deter thieves and keep your tools safe.

Slamlocks secure doors when they are closed, which can be useful for couriers that make short drops or are prone to not locking the van. Other improvements include security stickers, covering or tinting windows and fitting the tool vault with a lockable feature.

Security locks

With the increasing number of vans used as both a mode of transportation and a mobile storage unit, it is vital to secure their contents from theft. The proper security measures for your van will deter criminals and protect your possessions. This will allow you to travel with peace of mind.

Door locks are the first security measure, securing the doors of the van and preventing access by unauthorized persons. Locks that are standard are usually installed and offer a basic protection but they can be easily bypassed. Upgrade to security locks that can withstand cutting, drilling, or picking. This is an investment for peace of mind.

When you are choosing a vanlock you should take into consideration the materials, the build quality and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This ensures that the lock is of high-quality and is more difficult to compromise. The slamlock is another important consideration. It automatically locks the doors of the load area when it is closed and requires a specific key to unlock. This is a great option for couriers that may forget to lock up their vans during deliveries. Another alternative is the hook lock which adds reinforcement to side and rear doors and stops 'peel and take attacks.

Regularly cleaning and lubricating your van locks are crucial to keep them functioning and ensure the integrity of the mechanism. This will prevent rust and corrosion, and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections will enable you to spot the signs of wear and damage, and then address them promptly. This will prevent security vulnerabilities from developing.

Alongside improving the overall security of your vehicle, installing the appropriate security equipment can help you save money on insurance for your van. Many insurance companies are aware of strong security solutions, offering favourable terms and additional coverage options.

Slamlocks

The strengthening of your van's lock is one of the most effective ways to deter robbers. Installing slam or high-strength locks will make the door of your van more secure and harder to break into. This is especially important if the vehicle is used for transporting expensive tools or equipment.

The lock is activated automatically once your door is closed. You don't need to press any keys to activate the mechanism. This means it's less likely to be compromised which makes it ideal for courier drivers or tradespeople who are in and out of their van throughout the day long and might forget to lock up after each journey. It also helps to combat the problem of opportunistic theft that occurs when thieves unlock your vehicle's lock and then take off with whatever they can grab and often include the tools you need to do your job.

There are a variety of slamlocks to choose from. Some come with additional security features such as anti-drill and anti-pick technology, or a steelplate which prevents drilling. Some are designed for specific uses, like the ones used by multidrop drivers or those who transport lots of valuable goods.

Deadlocks are a great alternative for those who require more protection than what is offered by a slamlock. These locks function independently of the locking mechanism that came from the manufacturer and are only be unlocked by the driver using the key provided. You can also purchase hooklocks, which function similarly, but offers additional security through a deadlocking bolt that engages in an opposing section of the body and is operated by the key that comes with it.

Dashboard cameras

Install a dash camera in your van if you want it to be more secure and safer. These cameras can assist you in avoiding accidents and collisions while driving. They are also useful in showing your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic offense. They work by converting light that is incoming into electrical signals, and then converting these signals into digital data. They can be powered by the vehicle's battery or by a lighter for your cigarette.

A majority of the dashboard cameras that are available have SD cards or flash drives to save recordings. These devices typically erase old footage to make room for new videos, but they can be upgraded using memory cards with high capacity if you want to store more video data. Certain dashboard cameras also have cloud storage capabilities, which can eliminate the need for memory cards. get more info These dashboard cameras are connected to a smartphone, Wi-Fi network, or both and upload data at various intervals.

Hard-wired or wireless 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 certain models are able to withstand the weather.

Some vans are equipped with dual dash cameras that can record video from both the front and back of the vehicle. This is useful when reversing in tight spaces or when parked. Some cameras come with night vision that can make images appear brighter in low-light conditions and improve visibility for drivers. Many van owners opt to add this feature to their systems. Certain dashboard cameras are able to be remotely monitored. This can be an excellent benefit for van owners who are often away from their vehicles.

Alarms

Van life is becoming increasingly popular with those who like to travel and explore - but it's not without risks. People who live in their cars are frequently at risk of thieves who might attack their vehicle and its contents. There are many ways to protect your vehicle and its cargo however, one of the best is to install an alarm system. These alarm systems can be incorporated with your keypad, which means you'll receive notifications if anyone breaks into your vehicle. They can also be helpful in reducing insurance premiums, which can save you a fortune over the life of your vehicle.

A good alarm system should have the base station, a keypads and entry sensors that protect against door peal. Some alarms even have a built in motion sensor that can detect movement inside your van and alert your phone. This can be a great way to deter thieves and help you catch them before they strike.

Adding deadlocks to all of your doors is an excellent option to ensure the security of your van. They require a key and are harder to control than regular locks. There are locks that operate using a smartphone app. This allows you to check on your van while you are away.

Many van alarms also include an engine immobilizer that disables your vehicle's motor if you use the wrong key to start it. This is a great security measure, but it can not stop a determined thief taking the entire engine. It is better to utilize a low-power tracker that will stop the engine from starting and will notify you of the position of your vehicle once it is relocated.

Insurance

For many businesses their vans are crucial resources and safeguarding their contents is a major priority. Not only does a robust van security system give peace of mind, but it can also lower insurance costs as insurers take van owners' security measures into consideration when calculating their premiums.

The make, model and year of your vehicle will affect your insurance premiums as will your driving record. Your rates could also be affected by the location in which you reside and work because higher crime rates can cause an increase in rates. Insurance companies will also take the use of your van into consideration since commercial vehicles generally cost more to insure than personal ones.

Check with your insurance provider prior to making any major changes to your van. This could impact the price of your policy. Also, adding any accessories to your vehicle that aren't included in the standard can increase the cost of your insurance. For instance, a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a great method to deter thieves as it will make them think twice about trying to break into your vehicle.

Another important aspect of van life is insurance to protect the tools and equipment that you keep in your vehicle in the event of theft. You can purchase complete physical damage insurance as well as roadside service plans that cover breakdowns and other emergencies.

When comparing insurance policies it's worth bearing in mind that the cheapest policy isn't necessarily the best. Compare coverage limits and deductibles as well as other 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 van's actual cash value and the remaining amount on your loan if it's totaled.