How to Make Your Van Secure

A van is an asset that is worth having, usually carrying expensive tools and equipment. It is crucial to make your van as secure as possible. There are a myriad of ways you can do this.

Slamlocks lock doors as soon as they are closed. This is useful for couriers who make frequent drops or tend to forget to lock their vans. Other options include security stickers covering windows or tinting them and installing a lockable tool vault.

Security locks

It is essential to safeguard the contents of vans as they are used both as a vehicle for transportation and mobile storage. The proper van security measures will deter criminals and protect your belongings. This allows you to travel with confidence.

The van's door locks are the first line of defence. They protect the doors and ward off unauthorised entry. The standard locks are usually pre-installed and offer a basic protection however, they are easily smashed. Upgrade to security locks that can withstand cutting or drilling. This is a good investment for peace of mind.

When choosing van locks include the quality of the material and construction and whether it's certified by Thatcham. This certification ensures that the lock is of high-quality, making it more difficult to break or compromise. The slamlock is an additional factor to take into. It automatically locks the doors of the load area upon closing and requires a key to unlock. This is perfect for couriers who may overlook locking their vans between deliveries. Another alternative is the hook lock, which provides additional security to the side and rear doors and prevents 'peel and steal attacks.

Regular cleaning and lubrication of your van locks is also vital to ensure that the lock functions properly and ensure the reliability of the mechanism. This prevents rust and corrosion and helps ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections will enable you to identify indications of wear and tear, and fix them immediately. This can prevent security vulnerabilities from developing.

Installing a security system that is appropriate can help you save money on van insurance. Many insurance companies offer favorable terms for the purchase of robust security solutions.

Slamlocks

A stronger lock for your van is one of the most effective methods to deter thieves. Installing high-strength locks or slam locks will make your van's door more secure and difficult to break into. This is particularly important if the vehicle is used for transporting expensive tools or equipment.

The slamlock activates automatically when your door is closed. You don't need to press any keys to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be tampered, which makes it perfect for courier drivers and tradespeople who work out of their vans all day. They might forget to lock it up at the end of each journey. It also helps in tackling the problem of opportunistic theft which is when thieves just open the lock on your vehicle and run off with whatever they are able to grab - which often includes the tools you require to complete your job.

There are many different types of slamlocks available. Some offer extra security features like anti drill and anti pick technology, or a steelplate which stops drilling. Some are designed for specific applications, such as those used by multidrop drivers and those who transport lots of valuable goods.

For those who require more security than a standard slam lock can offer alternatives like deadlocks. They operate independently from the locking mechanism that is supplied by the manufacturer and are be unlocked only by the driver using the key supplied. You could also invest in hooklocks that function similar to a hooklock, but provides extra security with deadlocking bolts that are inserted in an opposing section of the body and is operated with the key supplied.

Dashboard cameras

If you want to make your van more secure and safe, consider adding a dash cam. These cameras can be used to prevent collisions and accidents while driving. They can also prove your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic infraction. These cameras work by converting light signals into electrical signals and changing these signals into digital data. They can be powered by the battery in your car or by an cigarette-lighter.

Many dashboard cameras on the market come with SD cards or flash drives for recording. These devices typically erase old footage to make room for new recordings, however they can be upgraded using memory cards with high capacity if you want to save more video information. Some dashboard cams also have cloud storage features, which can eliminate the requirement for memory cards. These dashboard cams are connected to a smartphone, a Wi-Fi network or both, and can upload data at various intervals.

Another aspect to consider is whether the camera is wireless or hard wired. Hardwired models are less prone to interference from cell networks or other sources. They are also more durable, and some models can endure the elements.

Some vans come with 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 parking. Some cameras feature night vision, which can enhance the images in dim light conditions and increase visibility. Many van owners have added this feature to their system. Certain dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This is an excellent benefit for van owners who are often away from their vehicles.

Alarms

Van life is becoming more popular with those who enjoy traveling and exploring However, it comes with its own risks. People who live in their cars are often at risk of thieves who might attack their vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are one of the best ways to secure your vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems can be linked with your keypad, which means you'll receive notifications if anyone is able to break into your vehicle. These systems can also help reduce the cost of insurance. This can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your vehicle.

A good alarm system will have the base station, a keypad and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Some even come with a built-in motion sensor that detects movement inside your van and notify your mobile. This is a great way to deter anyone who is a potential thief and could aid in identifying the criminal before they strike.

The addition of deadlocks to all your doors is another great way to ensure the security of your van. They require a key to operate and are much more difficult to alter than standard locks. A good option is to purchase a lock that is 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 equipped with an engine immobilizer, which will disable the engine of your vehicle in the event that the wrong key is used to start it. This is a great precaution to take, but it won't stop a thief determined to taking the entire engine. A better measure is to have a low-power tracker which stops the engine from starting and sends you the location of your vehicle when it's being moved.

Insurance

For many companies, their vans are vital resources, and protecting their contents is an important priority. Not only does a robust van security system provide peace of mind, it can also lower insurance costs since insurance companies take the security measures of van owners into consideration when calculating premiums.

The make, model and year of your van will affect the cost of insurance, as will your driving record. Your rates could also be affected by the location in which get more info you reside and work, as higher crime rates may cause an increase in premiums. Insurance companies will also take into consideration the use of your vehicle, as commercial vehicles are typically more expensive to cover.

Contact your insurance company prior to making any major van mods. This could affect the cost of your insurance. The cost of insurance could also rise if you add any extras that aren't part of the standard vehicle. 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 the van's life. It protects the tools and other equipment you keep in your van in the event that they are stolen. You can buy comprehensive physical damage insurance along with roadside service plans that cover breakdowns as well as other emergencies.

It's important to keep in mind that the cheapest insurance policy doesn't necessarily mean the best. Compare coverage limits, deductibles and other added benefits to determine the most suitable policy for your requirements. 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 totaled.