How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that is worth having, usually carrying expensive tools and equipment. Security for your van should be a top priority, and there are many ways to deter thieves and ensure your tools are safe.
Slamlocks lock doors right after you close them. This is beneficial for couriers who have short drops, or who tend to forget to secure their van. Other improvements include security stickers covering windows, tinting or covering them and fitting an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
It is crucial to secure the contents of vans as they are used both as a means of transportation and mobile storage. The proper van security measures will deter criminals and protect your items, allowing you embark on your journeys with confidence.
Door locks are the first security measure, securing the doors of your van and preventing access by unauthorized persons. Standard locks, often pre-installed by the manufacturer, offer the most basic protection but can be easily bypassed by a determined thief. Upgrade to more secure locks that are immune to drilling, cutting, and picking is a good investment in security.
The factors to consider when selecting the right van lock include quality of the material and construction, as well as whether it's approved by Thatcham. This means that the lock is of top quality, making it more difficult to compromise or break. Other important aspects to consider are the slamlock lock system, which automatically locks load area doors when closed and requires keys to open the door and close them. This is great for couriers who might not lock their vans between deliveries. Hook locks are another option that can be used to secure the front and side doors to stop 'peel-and-steal' attack.
It is essential to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks in order to ensure their function and the strength of the mechanism. This will help prevent rust and corrosion and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to detect signs of wear and tear, and fix them immediately. This will stop security issues from arising.
Installing cargo van security door locks that is appropriate will save you money on van insurance. Many insurance companies offer favorable conditions in exchange for high-quality security solutions.
Slamlocks
Strengthening your van's lock is one of the best ways to deter robbers. By installing slam locks or high-strength locks your van's doors will be more secure and harder to break into. This is particularly important if your van is used to transport expensive tools or equipment.
The slamlock activates automatically when your door is shut. It doesn't require you to press any keys to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be compromised which makes it ideal for courier drivers and tradespeople that are in and out their vans all day. They may overlook locking it at the end of each journey. It also helps to combat the issue of opportunistic theft which is when thieves just open the lock on your vehicle and then take off with whatever they are able to grab and often include the tools needed to do your job.
There are many different kinds of slam locks and some of them come with additional security features, such as anti-drill technology and anti-pick technology, or steel plates that block drilling attacks. Some are suited for specific purposes 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 under full control of the driver. You could also invest in hooklocks that function in the same manner but adds additional security by using deadlocking bolts that lock in the opposite part of the body and is operated with the key supplied.
Dashboard cameras
If you want to make your van more secure and secure you should consider installing a dash cam. These cameras can be used to help avoid collisions and accidents when driving. They can also show your innocence in the case of an accident, or traffic infraction. They work by converting the incoming light into electrical signals, and then they transform those signals into digital data. They can be powered by your car's battery, or the lighter for your cigarette.
A majority of the dashboard cameras available on the market include SD cards or flash drives for saving recordings. These devices typically overwrite old footage to create space for new recordings, however they can be upgraded using high-capacity memory cards for those who want to save more video data. Certain dashboard cameras come with cloud storage, eliminating the need for memory card storage. These types of dashboard cameras connect to a smartphone or Wi-Fi network and upload their data at different intervals.
Another aspect to take into consideration is whether the camera is wired or wireless. 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 have dual dash cameras that record video from the front and back of the vehicle. This can be helpful when you have to reverse into tight spaces or when in a parking space. Some cameras have night vision, which is able to enhance images in low light conditions and improve visibility for drivers. Many van owners add this feature to their system. Certain dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored, and this can be an enormous benefit for van owners who spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular among those who like to travel and explore, but it's without its risks. People who live in their vehicles are often at risk of thieves who could attack their vehicle and its contents. There are a number of ways to protect your vehicle and its cargo, but one of the most effective is an alarm system. These alarm systems can be incorporated with your keypad, meaning you'll receive alerts if anyone gets into your vehicle. They also help reduce insurance premiums, which could save you money over the lifetime of your vehicle.
A good alarm system has keys, a base and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Some alarm systems have built-in motion sensors that detects movement within your vehicle. This will send an alert to your phone. This is a great deterrent to anyone who is a potential thief and can assist you in identifying a criminal before they do.
Add deadlocks to your van's doors to make it more secure. These locks require a key to operate and are much more difficult to tamper with than normal locks. You can also get locks that can be operated using a smartphone app. This will allow you to monitor your vehicle while you're away.
A majority of van alarms are equipped with an engine immobilizer that will shut down the engine of your vehicle in the event that the wrong key is used to start it. This is a great security measure, but it will not stop a thief who is determined to removing the entire engine. A better measure is to install a low-power tracker that stops the engine from starting and will notify you of the location of your vehicle when it is being relocated.
Insurance
For many businesses vans are essential resources and safeguarding their contents is a major priority. Not only can a strong van security system give peace of mind, but it also helps reduce cost of insurance since insurance companies take van owners' security measures into account when calculating premiums.
The make, model and year of your van will affect your insurance rates, as will your driving record. Your rates could also be affected by the location in which you reside and work since higher crime rates could lead to an increase in premiums. Insurance companies may also take into account the use of your vehicle, as commercial vehicles are typically more expensive to insure.
Contact your insurance company prior to making any major modifications to your van. This could affect the price of your policy. The cost of insurance will also increase by adding any extras that aren't included in the standard vehicle. For instance an Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is an easy method to deter thieves since it makes them think twice about trying to gain entry into your vehicle.
Insurance is another essential part of the van's life. It covers the tools and equipment you keep in your van in the event that they are stolen. You can purchase comprehensive physical damage insurance along with roadside service plans that cover breakdowns and other emergencies.
It's important to be aware that the insurance policy with the lowest cost isn't always the most effective. Compare coverage limits along with deductibles, coverage limits and other benefits to determine the most suitable policy for your needs. In addition to full coverage, it's worth considering gap insurance as it will pay for the difference between your car's actual cash value and any remaining balance on your loan, if it's repaid in total.