How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that is worth having, usually carrying expensive tools and equipment. It is essential to make your van as secure as possible. There are a myriad of ways to do this.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as you shut them, which can be useful for couriers who do short drops or are prone to not locking the van. Other options include a security sticker covering or tinting the windows and fitting a vault lockable to tools.
Security locks
With the increasing number of vans utilized as a means of transportation as well as storage units that can be moved around it is crucial to safeguard their contents from theft. The proper van security measures can deter criminals and safeguard your possessions, allowing you to take your trip with confidence.
The van's door locks are the first line in defense. They protect the doors and block the entry of anyone who is not authorized. Standard locks, often pre-installed by the manufacturer, provide an adequate level of security however they are easily manipulated by a few determined thieves. Moving to more sophisticated security locks that are resistant 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 and whether it's approved by Thatcham. This certification ensures that the lock is of high-quality which makes it harder to compromise or break. Other important considerations are the slamlock system that automatically locks the doors to the load area upon closure and requires a key to open; this is perfect for couriers who may forget to lock their van between deliveries. The hook lock is a different option that can be used to secure the side and rear doors to guard against 'peel and steal' attacks.
It is important to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks to maintain their functionality and the strength of the mechanism. This will stop rust and corrosion and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections will allow you to spot signs of wear and damage and then address them promptly. This will stop security vulnerabilities from developing.
Alongside improving the overall security of your vehicle, installing the right security systems will help you save money on insurance for your van. Many insurers recognise the value of security systems that are robust, offering favourable terms and additional coverage options in return.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective ways to stop thieves is by strengthening the locks on your van. Installing slam or high-strength locks will make the van's door more secure and difficult to break into. This is especially important if your vehicle is used to transport expensive tools or equipment.
A slam lock operates automatically as soon as the door is shut and you don't have to press a key to activate the mechanism. This means that it's less likely to be tampered with, making it ideal for couriers and tradespeople who are constantly in and out of their van throughout the day long and forget to lock up at the end of each trip. It also helps to combat the problem of opportunistic theft that occurs when thieves open your vehicle's existing lock and take off with anything they can grab that includes the tools you need for your job.
There are a variety of slamlocks that are available. Some offer extra security features like anti-drill and anti-pick technology or a steelplate that prevents drilling. Others are suitable for specific purposes like multidrop drivers or those that carry a significant amount of high-value goods.
For those who want more security than a standard slam lock can offer the option of deadlocks. They operate independently from the locking mechanism that is supplied by the manufacturer and are only be unlocked by the driver using the key provided. Alternatively, you could invest in a hook lock that works in the same way but offers extra security by using deadlocking hook bolts that engages into an opposing body part and is operated with the key that comes with it under the total control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
Add a dash camera to your vehicle if you want it to be more secure and safe. These cameras can aid you in avoiding collisions and accidents while driving. They are also useful in showing your innocence in the event of a traffic offense. They convert incoming light into electrical signals and then they transform those signals into digital data. They can be powered by your vehicle's battery or an lighter for your cigarette.
A majority of the dashboard cameras available on the market have SD cards or flash drives for saving recordings. These devices erase old footage to allow room for new videos. However, they can be upgraded to accommodate larger memory cards when more video data is needed. Certain dashboard cameras come with cloud storage, which eliminates the need for memory card storage. These kinds of dashboard cameras connect to a smartphone or Wi-Fi network and upload their data at varying intervals.
Another aspect to take into consideration is whether the camera is wireless or hard wired. Hardwired models are less vulnerable to interference from cellular networks and other sources. click the following article are also more durable, and some models can withstand the weather.
Some vans have dual dash cameras which can record video from the front and back of the vehicle. This is useful when you reverse in tight spaces or when in a parking spot. Some cameras have night vision that can make images appear brighter in low-light conditions and increase visibility for the driver. Many van owners choose to add this feature to their systems. Certain dashboard cameras are able to be remotely monitored. This can be an excellent benefit for van dwellers that spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming more popular among those who enjoy exploring and traveling, but it has its own risks. The people who live in vehicles are often at risk of being robbed. Thieves may target the vehicle and its contents. There are many ways to secure your van and its cargo but one of the best is to install an alarm system. These systems can be integrated with your keypad, so you'll receive alerts if anyone is able to break into your vehicle. They also help reduce insurance premiums, which can save you money over the life of your vehicle.
A good alarm system will have an alarm base station, keypads and entry sensors that protect against door peal. Some even have an inbuilt motion sensor that can detect movement inside your van and send an alert to your phone. This is a great way to deter thieves and even help you catch them before they strike.
Adding deadlocks to all of your doors is an excellent method to ensure the security of your van. They require the use of a key and are more difficult to operate than standard locks. The best option is to get some that are able to be operated with apps for smartphones, which means you can check on your van when you're away.
A lot of van alarms are fitted with an engine immobilizer, which disables the engine of your vehicle in the event that the wrong key is used to start it. This is a good measure to consider, but it will not stop a thief determined to taking the entire engine. A better measure is to install a low-power tracker which will stop the engine from running and sends you your vehicle's location when it is relocated.
Insurance
Vans are a vital source for many businesses and securing their contents is a top concern. Not only does a robust van security system give peace of mind, but it can also lower insurance costs since insurers take van owners' security measures into consideration when calculating premiums.
The year, model, and make of your van will affect the cost of insurance and your driving record. The location in which you reside and work will also impact your rates since higher crime rates could result in higher rates. Insurance companies will also take into consideration the use of your van since commercial vehicles are usually more expensive to insure.
Consult your insurer before making any major modifications to your van. This could affect the cost of your insurance. Likewise, adding on any accessories to your vehicle that aren't standard can increase the cost of your premium. A Thatcham Category 2 certified dash camera is an easy way to deter vandals, as they will think twice before trying to break into.
Insurance is another important aspect of van life. It protects the tools and equipment you keep inside your van in the event they're stolen. You can get complete physical damage protection, as well as roadside assistance plans that will cover breakdowns and other emergencies that occur while you're driving.
It's important to be aware that the cheapest insurance policy isn't always the best. Compare coverage limits as well as deductibles and other benefits to find the best policy for your needs. In addition to complete coverage, it's important to consider gap insurance because it can cover the difference between your car's actual cash value and the remaining amount on your loan if it is totalled.