How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that can carry expensive equipment and tools. It is important to ensure that your van is as secure as possible. There are many ways to accomplish this.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as you close them, which can be useful for couriers that make short drops or are prone to not locking their vans. Other options include security stickers, covering or tinting windows and fitting an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
It is crucial to secure the contents of vans, since they are used as a vehicle for transportation and mobile storage. The proper van security measures can deter criminals as well as protect your possessions, allowing you to embark on your journeys with confidence.
The door locks of the van are the first line of defense. They protect the doors and ward off the entry of anyone who is not authorized. The standard locks are usually pre-installed and offer a basic protection, but they can be easily bypassed. Moving to more sophisticated security locks that are resistant to cutting, drilling, and picking is a good investment in peace of mind.
When choosing a vanlock, you must consider the quality of the material, its construction and if it is certified by Thatcham. This designation ensures the lock is of high-quality and is more difficult to break or compromise. The slamlock is a further aspect to consider. It automatically locks the doors of the loading area upon closing and requires a specific key to unlock. This is perfect for couriers who not lock their vans during deliveries. Another option is the hook lock which adds reinforcement to doors on the rear and side and helps prevent 'peel and steal attacks.
Regular cleaning and lubrication of your van locks is crucial to keep them functioning and ensure the reliability of the mechanism. This will help prevent corrosion and rust and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections let you detect any signs of wear or damage and fix these issues promptly, thus preventing security vulnerabilities from emerging.
Alongside improving the overall security of your vehicle, installing the right security systems can save you money on your van insurance. Many insurance companies offer favorable conditions in exchange for high-quality security solutions.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective methods to deter thieves is strengthening the locks on your van. By installing high-strength or slam locks the doors of your van will be more secure and less difficult to break into. This is particularly important if your van is used to transport expensive equipment or cargo.
The slam lock is activated automatically as soon as your door is closed which means you don't have to press a key to activate the mechanism. This means that it's less likely to be tampered with which makes it ideal for couriers and tradespeople who are in and out of their van all day long and might not lock the door after each journey. It also helps to combat the petty thieves who just open the lock on your vehicle and steal whatever they can, which includes the tools that you need to do your job.
There are many different types of slamlocks available. 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 applications, like those 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 a slamlock can provide. These locks function independently of the locking mechanism that came that is supplied by the manufacturer and are be unlocked only by the driver by using the supplied key. The Key Lab can also purchase a hook lock that works exactly the same way, but provides additional security with a deadlocking hook bolt which engages into an opposing body section and is operated with the supplied key under complete control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
Include a dash camera into your van if you want it to be more secure and secure. These cameras can be used to prevent collisions and accidents when driving. They can also show your innocence in the case of an accident or traffic violation. They convert incoming light into electrical signals, and they then convert these signals into digital data. They can be powered by the vehicle's battery or by the cigarette lighter.
A lot of dashboard cameras on the market come with SD cards or flash drive to record. These devices can overwrite old footage in order to allow for new recordings. However, they can be upgraded to accommodate larger memory cards if more video data is required. Some dashboard cameras offer cloud storage, eliminating the requirement for memory card storage. These types of dashboard cameras connect to the Wi-Fi or smartphone network and upload their data at different intervals.
Another feature to be considered is whether the camera is wired or wireless. Hard-wired models are less susceptible to interference from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some models can withstand the weather.
Some vans have dual dash cams. They can capture footage from both the front and rear of the vehicle. This can be useful when you need to reverse in tight spaces or when you're in a parking space. Some cameras come with night vision that can brighten images in low-light conditions and improve visibility for drivers. Many van owners choose to add this feature to their systems. Some dashboard cams can be remotely monitored, and this is an enormous benefit for van dwellers who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming more popular among those who love traveling and exploring, but it comes with its own risks. People who live in vehicles are usually at risk of being robbed. Thieves may attack the vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are one of the best ways to protect your vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems can be linked with your keypad, which means you'll receive alerts if anyone breaks into your vehicle. These systems can also lower insurance premiums. This could save you thousands of dollars over the course of your vehicle.
A good alarm system will have the base station, a keypads and entry sensors that guard against door peal. Some alarms even have a built in motion sensor that can detect the presence of movement inside your vehicle and notify your mobile. This is a great way to deter anyone who might be a target and can assist you in identifying a criminal before they get to them.
Install deadlocks on your van's doors to make it more secure. They require a key to operate and are much more difficult to break than regular locks. It is a good idea to purchase a lock that is capable of being operated using apps for smartphones, which means you can check on your van while away.
A lot of van alarms come with 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 to do, but it's not enough to stop a thief determined to removing the whole engine. An alternative is to use an engine tracker with low power that prevents the engine from starting and sends you the location of your vehicle when it is removed.
Insurance
For many companies vans are essential resources and safeguarding their contents is a top priority. A van security system can give peace of mind and lower the cost of insurance. Insurance companies consider the security measures implemented by van owners when calculating premiums.
Your driving record, along with the make, model, and year of your van will also impact your insurance rate. The location in which you reside and work will also impact your rates because higher crime rates could cause higher rates. Insurance providers will also consider the possibility of using your van since commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure.
If you're planning to make any major changes to your van, it's important to consult with your insurer beforehand as this could have an impact on the policy price. Likewise, adding on any extras to your vehicle that aren't standard will increase your insurance. A Thatcham Category 2 approved dash camera is an easy way to deter thieves since they'll be more cautious when trying to gain entry into.
Insurance is a crucial aspect of van life. It covers the tools and equipment that you store in your van in case they are stolen. You can buy complete physical damage insurance as well as roadside service plans that cover breakdowns and other emergencies.
When comparing insurance policies, it's important to remember that the cheapest option isn't always the best. Compare the coverage limits, deductibles, and other benefits to find the right policy for you. It is worth looking into gap coverage in addition to comprehensive insurance. This can pay the difference between the value of the van's cash and any outstanding amount on your loan if your van is totalled.