How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset, often carrying expensive equipment and tools. Making your van secure is an absolute priority and there are numerous ways to deter thieves and keep your tools safe.
Slamlocks lock doors immediately after you shut them. This is beneficial for couriers who have short drop-offs, or tend to forget to lock their vans. Other upgrades include security stickers covering windows or tinting them and fitting a lockable tool vault.
Security locks
With the increasing number of vans utilized as a means of transport as well as storage units that can be moved around, it is vital to secure their contents from theft. The proper security measures for your van will deter criminals while also protecting your belongings. This allows you to travel in peace.
Door locks are the initial line of defense, protecting the doors of your van and preventing unauthorized access. Locks that are standard, usually installed by the manufacturer, provide an adequate level of security but 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 peace of mind.
Considerations when choosing a van lock include the material and build quality and whether it's certified by Thatcham. This means that the lock is of high-quality and is more difficult to compromise. The slamlock is an additional consideration. It automatically locks the doors of the load area upon closing and requires a special key to unlock. This is ideal for couriers that may overlook locking their vans between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock which adds reinforcement to side and rear doors and stops 'peel and take attacks.
It is crucial to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks to maintain their functionality and the strength of the mechanism. This stops corrosion and rust and promotes smooth operation. Regular inspections will allow you to detect signs of wear and damage and fix them immediately. This will stop security vulnerabilities from developing.
Installing the best security system will save you money on insurance for your van. Many insurance companies are aware of robust security solutions providing favorable terms and additional coverage options in return.
Slamlocks
Strengthening your van's lock is among the best ways to deter robbers. By installing slam locks or high-strength locks your van's doors will be more secure and difficult to break into. This is particularly crucial if your vehicle is used for transporting expensive tools or equipment.
A slam lock operates automatically as soon as your door is shut and you don't have to press a key to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be compromised and is ideal for courier drivers and tradespeople who are in and out of their vans all day. They may overlook locking it after every trip. It also helps to combat criminals who can simply open the lock on your vehicle and steal whatever they can, which includes the tools you require to do your job.
There are many different kinds of slam locks and some of them come with additional security features, for instance anti-drill and anti-pick technology or steel plates that block drilling attacks. Other locks are suitable for specific applications like multidrop drivers, or those that carry a significant amount of valuable goods.
Deadlocks are a great option for those who need more protection than what an slamlock could provide. They operate in a different manner from the original locking mechanism of the manufacturer and can only be unlocked with a key that is supplied with full control by the driver. Alternatively, you could buy hook locks that operates in the same way but offers extra security through a deadlocking hook bolt which connects to an opposite body section and is operated with the key that comes with it under the total control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
Install a dash camera in your vehicle if you want it to be more secure and safe. These cameras can help you avoid accidents and collisions when driving, and can also help in proving your innocence in the event of a traffic violation. These cameras work by converting light that is incoming into electrical signals and changing these signals into digital data. They can be powered by the vehicle's battery or by a cigarette lighter.
Many of the dashboard cams available on the market have SD cards or flash drives for saving recordings. These devices erase old footage in order to allow room for new recordings. However, they can be upgraded to accommodate larger memory cards if additional video data is needed. Some dashboard cams also have cloud storage capabilities that eliminate the necessity for memory cards. These kinds of dashboard cameras connect to the Wi-Fi or smartphone network and upload their data at varying intervals.
Hard-wired or wireless cameras are also important to consider. Hard-wired models are less susceptible to interference from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable and some models can withstand the weather.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cams. They can record footage from both the rear and front of the vehicle. This can be useful when you have to reverse into tight spaces or when parking. Some cameras come with night vision, which can brighten images in low-light conditions and increase visibility for drivers. Many van owners choose to add this feature to their systems. Some dashboard cams can be remotely monitored and this is a huge benefit for van owners who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is getting increasingly popular among those who enjoy exploring and travelling however, it comes with its own risks. The people who live in vehicles are often at risk of theft. Thieves can attack the vehicle and its contents. There are many ways to secure your van and its cargo but one of the most effective is an alarm system. Alarm systems can be linked to your keypad, so that you receive notifications in the event of a break-in. They also help reduce insurance premiums, which can save you money over the life of your van.
A good alarm system should have the base station, a keypad and entry sensors that protect against door peal. Some even have a built-in motion sensor that can detect movement inside your van and alert your phone. This is a great deterrent to anyone who might be a target and can assist you in identifying a criminal before they do.
Installing deadlocks on all of your doors is an excellent method to ensure the security of your van. They require a key for operation, and they're much harder to tamper with than normal locks. A good option is to choose a lock able to be operated with a smartphone app, so you can monitor your vehicle while you're away.
A lot of van alarms are fitted with an engine immobilizer, that will shut down your vehicle's engine if the wrong key is used to start it. This is a sensible security measure, but it can not stop a determined thief who would take the entire engine. please click the up coming article is safer to employ a low-power tracking device which will stop the engine from starting and send you the exact location of your vehicle if it is moved.
Insurance
For many companies their vans are crucial assets and securing their contents is a major priority. Not only does a robust van security system provide peace of mind, it also helps reduce cost of insurance since insurance companies take van owners' security measures into consideration when calculating their premiums.
The make, model and year of your vehicle will affect your insurance rates, as will your driving record. Your rates are also affected by the area where you reside and work because higher crime rates can cause an increase in premiums. Insurance providers will also consider the use of your van, as commercial vehicles are typically more expensive to cover.
If you're considering making any major changes to your van it's essential to talk with your insurance provider prior to making any changes as it could have an impact on the price of your policy. Additionally, adding extras to your vehicle that aren't included in the standard can increase the cost of your premium. For instance an Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is an easy way to discourage thieves, because it can make them think twice about attempting to gain entry into your vehicle.
Another crucial aspect of van life is insurance to cover the tools and equipment that you keep in your vehicle, in case they are stolen. You can buy comprehensive physical damage coverage as well as roadside service plans that cover breakdowns and other emergencies.
When comparing insurance policies it's worth bearing in mind that the cheapest option isn't always the best. Compare the coverage limits, deductibles, and other benefits to choose the best policy for your needs. In addition to complete coverage, it's worth considering gap insurance as it will pay for the difference between your car's actual cash value and the remaining balance on your loan if it is totalled.