The Main Problem With Van Secure, And How To Fix It
How to Make Your Van SecureA van is an asset worth having, typically carrying expensive tools and equipment. It is essential to ensure that your van is as secure as possible. There are a myriad of ways to do this.
Slamlocks lock doors right after they are closed. This is a great feature for couriers who have short drop-offs, or tend to forget to lock their vans. Other improvements include a security stickers, covering or tinting the windows, and installing a lockable tools vault.
Security locks
It is important to protect the contents of vans as they are used both as a means of transportation and storage on the move. The right van security measures will deter criminals and protect your items, allowing you take your trip with confidence.
The van's door locks are the first line of defence. They secure the doors and prevent unauthorized entry. Standard locks, which are usually installed by the manufacturer, offer an adequate level of security however they are easily manipulated by a determined thief. Upgrading to more advanced security locks that are resistant to drilling, cutting and picking is an investment in security.
Considerations when choosing van locks include the material and the build quality and whether it's certified by Thatcham. This means that the lock is of top quality and is more difficult to break or compromise. Other important aspects to consider are the slamlock system, which automatically locks load area doors when closed and requires a key to open; this is perfect for couriers who may not lock their vans between deliveries. The hook lock is another option that strengthens the front and side doors to prevent 'peel-and-steal' attacks.
It is important to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks in order to ensure their function and the integrity of the mechanism. This stops corrosion and rust and promotes smooth operation. Regular inspections will enable you to identify 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 insurers recognise the value of strong security solutions providing favorable terms and additional coverage options.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective ways to deter thieves is strengthening your van's locks. Installing high-strength locks or slam locks will make the van's door more secure and difficult to break into. This is particularly important if you use your vehicle to transport expensive tools or valuable cargo.
The slam lock is activated automatically as soon as your door is shut and you don't have to press a button to trigger the mechanism. It's less likely to be damaged which makes it ideal for couriers and tradespeople who are in and out of their vans all day. They might forget to lock it up after every journey. It also helps to combat opportunistic thieves who simply open the vehicle's lock and steal whatever they can, including the tools you require for your work.
There are many different types of slamlocks to choose from. Some offer extra security features such as anti drill and anti pick technology or a steelplate that blocks drilling. Other locks are suitable for specific purposes like multidrop drivers or those who transport a lot of high-value goods.
For those who require more protection than a locks that slam can provide, there are options like deadlocks. They function independently of the manufacturer's original locking mechanism and can only be removed with a supplied key with full control by the driver. Alternately, you can invest in hook locks, which operates in the same way however, it provides extra security by using deadlocking hook bolts that engages into an opposing body section and operates with the supplied key under full control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
Add a dash camera to your vehicle if you wish for it to be more secure and safer. These cameras can help you avoid accidents and collisions while driving, and they are also useful in proving your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic violation. These cameras work by converting light signals into electrical signals, and then changing the signals into digital information. They can be powered by the vehicle's battery or by the lighter for your cigarette.
Many here dashboard cameras available on the market have SD cards or flash drives for recording. These devices typically erase old footage to make room for new videos, but they can be upgraded using memory cards with high capacity for those who want to save more video data. Some dashboard cameras offer cloud storage, eliminating the necessity for memory card storage. These dashboard cams connect to a smartphone, a 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 some are able to endure the elements.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cams, which can record video from both the front and rear of the vehicle. This is useful when you reverse in tight spaces or while parked. Some cameras feature night vision, which can enhance the images in low-light conditions and enhance visibility. Many van owners choose to add this feature to their systems. Certain dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This can be an enormous benefit for van dwellers that are often away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is getting increasingly popular among those who love exploring and travelling however, it is not without risks. People who live in vehicles are usually susceptible to theft. Thieves may target the 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 systems can be connected to your keypad so you'll be alerted in the event of a break-in. These systems can also lower insurance premiums. This could save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your van.
A good alarm system will have an alarm base station, keypad and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Certain alarm systems come with an inbuilt motion sensor that detects movement within your van. It will then send an alert to you phone. This can be a great way to deter thieves and even help you catch the thieves before they get to you.
Add deadlocks to your van's doors to ensure it's secure. These locks require a key for operation and are much more difficult to break than regular locks. The best option is to purchase a lock that is capable of being operated using an app for smartphones, so you can monitor your vehicle while you're away.
A lot of van alarms come with an engine immobilizer which disables your vehicle's motor if you use the wrong key to start it. This is a great precaution to take, but it won't stop a thief determined to removing the whole engine. Better to have an engine tracker with low power that will stop the engine from running and will notify you of your vehicle's location when it is relocated.
Insurance
For a lot of businesses vans are essential assets and securing their contents is a major priority. Not only can a strong van security system provide peace of mind, but it can also lower insurance costs since insurers take the security measures of van owners into account when calculating premiums.
The year, make, and model of your van will impact the cost of insurance, as will your driving record. The location in which you live and work will also impact your rates as higher crime rates can lead to increased rates. Insurance companies will also take the use of your van into consideration since commercial vehicles generally cost more to insure than personal ones.
If you're considering making any major van modifications it's essential to talk with your insurance company prior to doing so as it could have an impact on the price of your policy. The cost of insurance may also increase when you add any additional features that aren't part of the standard vehicle. For instance an Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is an easy method to deter thieves as it will make them think twice before attempting to break into your van.
Another crucial aspect of van life is insurance that covers the tools and equipment you keep in your vehicle in case they are stolen. You can obtain comprehensive physical damage protection and roadside assistance plans that will protect you from breakdowns and other emergencies that occur while you're driving.
It's important to remember that the insurance policy with the lowest cost doesn't necessarily mean the best. Compare coverage limits, deductibles and other added benefits to determine the most suitable policy for your needs. In addition to full coverage, it's worth looking into gap insurance since it can cover the difference between your vehicle's actual cash value and the remaining amount on your loan if it's repaid in total.