How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that can be used to transport expensive tools and equipment. Making your van secure is a top priority, and there are many ways to stop thieves from entering your van and keep your tools safe.
Slamlocks secure doors when you close them and are beneficial for couriers who make short drops or are prone to not locking the van. Other improvements include a security sticker, covering or tinting the windows, and installing a lockable tools vault.
Security locks
It is crucial to secure the contents of vans, as they are used both as a mode of transport and storage on the move. The right van security measures will deter criminals while protecting your possessions. This allows you to travel in peace.
The van's door locks are the first line in defence. They protect the doors and block unauthorised entry. The standard locks are usually pre-installed and provide basic security however, they are easily smashed. Upgrading to more advanced security locks that are resistant to drilling, cutting and picking is a good investment in peace of mind.
Considerations when choosing a van lock include the material and build quality and whether it's Thatcham-approved. This means that the lock is of high-quality which makes it harder to break or compromise. The slamlock is a further aspect to consider. It locks automatically the doors of the load area when it is closed and requires a special key to unlock. This is a great option for couriers that may not lock their vans during deliveries. The hook lock is a different option that strengthens the doors on the rear and side to guard against 'peel and steal' attacks.
It is important to clean and lubricate your van locks in order to keep their functionality intact and the integrity of the mechanism. This will prevent corrosion and rust, and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections let you identify any signs of damage or wear and address them immediately, thereby making sure that security vulnerabilities are not uncovered.
In addition to improving the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the right security system can help you save money on insurance for your van. Many insurers offer favourable terms for the purchase of robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
Strengthening your van's lock is one of the best ways to deter robbers. Installing high-strength locks or slam 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 equipment or cargo.
The slamlock is activated automatically when your door is shut. You don't have to press any keys to activate the mechanism. This means it's much less likely to be compromised and is ideal for courier drivers or tradespeople who are constantly in and out of their van all day long and might not remember to lock it after each journey. It also helps to combat the issue of opportunistic burglaries which is when thieves just unlock your vehicle's lock and take off with anything they can grab that includes the tools needed to do your job.
There are a variety of slamlocks to choose from. Some have additional security features such as anti drill and anti pick technology, or a steelplate that blocks drilling. Some are suited for specific purposes, such as multidrop drivers, or those that carry a significant amount of high-value goods.
Deadlocks are a great option for those who need more protection than what is offered by a slamlock. They operate independently from the locking mechanism from the manufacturer and are be unlocked only by the driver by using the supplied key. Alternatively, you could purchase a hook lock that operates similarly, but provides additional security by using a deadlocking hook bolt that engages into an opposing body section and operates with the key supplied under full control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
Include a dash camera into your van if you want it to be more secure and safe. These cameras can help you avoid accidents and collisions while driving, and they are also useful in showing your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic violation. They work by converting light signals into electrical signals and then convert those signals into digital information. They can be powered via the battery more info of your car or by an cigarette-lighter.
Many of the dashboard cams that are available have SD cards or flash drives to save recordings. These devices typically overwrite old footage to create space for new videos, but they can be upgraded with memory cards that have high capacity in case you wish to save more video information. Certain dashboard cameras also have cloud storage capabilities, which eliminate the necessity for memory cards. These dashboard cams connect to a smartphone, Wi-Fi network, or both and upload data at different intervals.
Another aspect to consider is whether the camera is wireless or hard wired. Hardwired cameras are less vulnerable to interferences from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable and some models can endure the elements.
Some vans have dual dash cameras which can record video from both the front and back of the vehicle. This can be helpful when you need to reverse in tight spaces or while in a parking space. Some cameras come with night vision which can brighten the images in low light conditions and increase visibility. Many van owners opt to add this feature to their systems. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored, and this is an enormous benefit for van dwellers who spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life has become increasingly popular for those who like to travel and explore - but it's not without risks. People who reside in vehicles are frequently at risk of theft. Thieves could target the 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, which means you'll receive alerts if anyone is able to break into your vehicle. They can also be helpful in reducing insurance premiums, which could save you money over the life of your vehicle.
A good alarm system comes with an alarm base, keypad and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Some even come with a built-in motion sensor that detects the presence of movement inside your vehicle and send an alert to your phone. This is a great deterrent to anyone who might be a target and could aid in identifying the criminal before they do.
Add deadlocks to your van's doors to ensure it's secure. These locks require a key to operate, and they're much harder to break than regular locks. It is a good idea to get some that are able to be operated with apps for smartphones, which means you can check on your vehicle while you're away.
Many van alarms also come with an engine immobilizer that shuts off the vehicle's motor in the event that you use the wrong key to start it. This is a great precaution, but it will not stop a determined criminal from taking the entire engine. A better measure is to use a low-power tracker that prevents the engine from starting and sends you the exact location of your vehicle whenever it's being relocated.
Insurance
Vans are an essential resource for many businesses and securing their contents is a top priority. Not only does a robust van security system give peace of mind, but it also helps reduce cost of insurance since insurers take van owners' security measures into account when calculating premiums.
Your driving history, as well as the model, make, and year of your van, will also affect your insurance rate. Your rates are also affected by the area where you reside and work, because higher crime rates can cause an increase in rates. Insurance companies may also take into account the use of your van because commercial vehicles are generally 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. Additionally, adding additional features to your vehicle that aren't standard will increase the price of your premium. For instance, a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a simple way to discourage thieves, because it can make them think twice about attempting to break into your van.
Another essential element of van life is insurance to cover the equipment and tools you keep in your vehicle, in case they are stolen. You can obtain complete physical damage protection, as well as roadside assistance plans that protect you from breakdowns and other emergencies when you're out on the road.
When comparing insurance policies it's important to keep in mind that the most affordable option isn't always the best. Compare the limits of coverage, deductibles, and other benefits to determine the right policy for you. It's worth considering gap coverage in addition to comprehensive insurance. This will cover the difference between your cash value of your van and the outstanding balance on your loan if your van is totalled.