How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that can transport expensive tools and equipment. Making your van secure is an absolute priority and there are a variety of methods you can employ to ward off thieves and ensure your tools are safe.
Slamlocks locks doors once you shut them and are beneficial for couriers who make small drops or are susceptible to forgetting to lock the van. Other upgrades include security stickers covering windows, tinting or covering them and installing the tool vault with a lockable feature.
Security locks
It is crucial to secure the contents of vans as they are used both as a mode of transport and mobile storage. The right van security measures will deter criminals and protect your belongings, allowing you to travel with confidence.
Door locks are the primary security measure, securing the doors of the van and preventing access by unauthorized persons. Standard locks, often pre-installed by the manufacturer, provide the most basic protection but can be easily bypassed by a determined thief. Upgrade to more secure locks that are impervious to cutting, drilling, and picking is an investment in peace of mind.
When choosing a van lock include the material and build quality, as well as whether it's Thatcham-approved. This guarantees that the lock is of high-quality and more difficult to alter. The slamlock is another important consideration. It automatically locks the doors of the loading area when it closes and requires a specific key to unlock. This is ideal for couriers that may forget to lock up their vans in between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock, that provides reinforcement to side and rear doors and helps prevent 'peel and steal attacks.
Regular cleaning and lubrication of your van locks is also essential to maintain functionality and ensure the strength of the mechanism. This prevents rust and corrosion and helps ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections will allow you to spot the signs of wear and damage and then address them promptly. This will stop security weaknesses from forming.
Installing the best security system will save you money on van insurance. Many insurers offer favourable conditions in exchange for high-quality security solutions.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective ways to stop thieves is by strengthening your van's locks. By installing slam or high-strength locks the doors of your van will be more secure and less difficult to break into. This is particularly important if you use your van to transport expensive tools or valuable cargo.
A slam lock operates automatically when your door is closed and you don't have to press a button to activate the mechanism. This means it's much less likely to be compromised which makes it ideal for couriers and tradespeople who are in and out of their van throughout the day long and not lock the door after each journey. It also helps to combat the issue of opportunistic burglaries that occurs when thieves open the lock on your vehicle and then take off with whatever they can grab that includes the tools you need to complete your job.
There are many different types of slamlocks that are available. Some have additional security features such as anti-drill and anti-pick technology, or a steelplate that stops drilling. Others are suitable for specific applications like multidrop drivers or those that carry a significant amount of high-value items.
Deadlocks are a good alternative for those who require more protection than what an slamlock could provide. These locks function independently from the locking mechanism that is supplied by the manufacturer and are be unlocked only by the driver by 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 a different section of the body and is operated with the supplied key.
Dashboard cameras
If you're looking to make your van more secure and safe, consider adding a dash camera. These cameras can be used to avoid accidents and collisions when driving. They can also show your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic violation. They work by converting incoming light into electrical signals and they then convert these signals into digital data. They can be powered via the battery of your vehicle or a cigarette-lighter.
A majority of the dashboard cameras available on the market include SD cards or flash drives for saving recordings. These devices typically overwrite old footage to create space for new recordings, but they can be upgraded using memory cards that have high capacity in case you wish to store more video data. Some dashboard cameras offer cloud storage, eliminating the need for memory card storage. These dashboard cameras are connected to a smartphone, Wi-Fi network or both and upload data at various times.
Cameras that are hard-wired or wireless are also important to take into consideration. Hardwired cameras are less prone to interference from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some models are able to withstand weather.
van security doors The Key Lab have dual dash cameras that record video from the front and back of the vehicle. This is useful when you reverse in tight spaces or when parking. Some cameras come with night vision that can enhance images in low light conditions and increase visibility for drivers. Many van owners opt to include this feature in their systems. Certain dashboard cameras are able to be remotely monitored. This can be an enormous benefit for van dwellers that spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular among those who are avid travelers and want to explore, but it's not without risk. People who live in their cars are often at risk of thieves who may take aim at their vehicle and contents. There are many ways to secure your van and its cargo but one of the best is an alarm system. These alarm systems can be linked to your keypad so that you receive notifications in the event of a burglary. They're also great for reducing insurance costs, which could save you money over the life of your van.
A good alarm system should have the base station, a keypads and entry sensors that guard against door peal. Some even have an inbuilt motion sensor that detects the presence of movement inside your vehicle and send an alert to your mobile. This is a great way to deter anyone who might be a target and could help you spot the criminal before they get to them.
Add deadlocks to your van's doors to make it more secure. These locks require a key for operation, and they're much harder to alter than standard locks. You can also purchase locks that you can operate via a smartphone application. This will allow you to monitor your vehicle while you're away.
A lot of van alarms come with an engine immobilizer that shuts off your vehicle's motor if you use the wrong key to start it. This is a great security measure, but it can not stop a determined thief taking the entire engine. It is better to use a low-power tracking device that will stop the engine from starting and provide you with the exact location of your vehicle if it is moved.
Insurance
For a lot of businesses, their vans are vital resources, and protecting their contents is a top priority. A van security system can provide peace of mind as well as reduce insurance costs. Insurance companies take into consideration the security measures taken by van owners when calculating premiums.
Your driving history, as well as the make, model, and year of your vehicle will also affect the rate of insurance you pay. Your rates are also affected by the region in which you live and work, because higher crime rates can cause an increase in rates. Insurance companies may also take into account the use of your van, as commercial vehicles are typically more expensive to insure.
Check with your insurance provider prior to making any major changes to your van. This could affect the price of your policy. The cost of insurance may also increase by adding any extras that aren't covered by the standard vehicle. For instance, a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a simple way to deter thieves, as it will make them think twice about trying to break into your van.
Insurance is another important aspect of the van's life. It covers the tools and equipment that you store in your van in case they are stolen. You can buy comprehensive physical damage coverage along with roadside service plans that cover breakdowns as well as other emergencies.
It's important to be aware that the cheapest insurance policy doesn't necessarily mean the best. Compare the coverage limits, deductibles and other added benefits to determine the most suitable policy that meets your requirements. In addition to full coverage, it's worth looking into gap insurance since it will pay for the difference between your van's actual cash value and the remaining amount on your loan if it is totalled.