10 Tell-Tale Symptoms You Must Know To Buy A Van Secure
How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that can transport expensive equipment and tools. The security of your van is an absolute priority and there are a variety of ways to deter thieves and ensure your tools are safe.
Slamlocks lock doors immediately after they are closed. This is useful for couriers who make short drop-offs, or tend to forget to lock their vans. Other upgrades include security stickers covering or tinting windows, and installing a vault lockable to tools.
Security locks
It is essential to safeguard the contents of vans, because they serve as a vehicle for transportation and storage on the move. The proper security measures for your van will deter criminals and protect your belongings. This allows you to travel with peace of mind.
The door locks of the van are the first line of defence. They secure the doors and ward off unauthorized entry. The standard locks are usually pre-installed and offer a basic protection but they can be easily smashed. Upgrade to more secure locks that are immune to drilling, cutting and picking is an investment in peace of mind.
When selecting a vanlock, you must consider the material, build quality and if it is certified by Thatcham. This designation ensures the lock is of top quality which makes it harder to break or compromise. Other important aspects to consider are the slamlock lock system, which automatically locks the doors to the load area when closed and requires the use of a key to open them; this is perfect for couriers who might not lock their vans between deliveries. The hook lock is a different option that strengthens the side and rear doors to prevent 'peel-and-steal' attacks.
It is essential to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks to maintain their functionality and the integrity of the mechanism. This stops corrosion and rust and helps ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections help you identify any signs of damage or wear and address them promptly, preventing security vulnerabilities from emerging.
In addition to improving the overall security of your vehicle, installing the appropriate security equipment can help you save money on your van insurance. Many insurance companies offer favorable terms for the purchase of robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective ways to deter thieves is strengthening the locks on your van. By installing slam locks or high-strength locks the doors of your van will be more secure and harder to break into. This is particularly important if your vehicle is used for transporting expensive tools or equipment.
A slam lock works automatically as soon as your door is shut and you don't have to press a button to activate the mechanism. This means that it's less likely to be compromised which makes it ideal for couriers or tradespeople who are in and out of their van every day long and might not remember to lock it after each trip. It also helps to combat the problem of opportunistic theft, where thieves simply unlock your vehicle's lock and run off with whatever they can get their hands on that includes the tools you require to complete your job.
There are a number of different types of slam locks available and some of them come with additional security features, such as anti-drill and anti-pick technologies or a steel plate that blocks drilling attacks. Some are suited for a specific application, such as multidrop drivers, or those that carry a significant amount of high-value items.
Deadlocks are a great alternative for those who require more protection than what a slamlock can provide. These locks function independently from the locking mechanism that is supplied by the manufacturer and are be unlocked only by the driver using the supplied key. Alternatively, you could buy hook locks, which operates in the same way but offers extra security through deadlocking hook bolts that engages into an opposite body section and is operated with the supplied key under total control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
If you want to make your vehicle more secure and safe, consider adding a dash camera. These cameras can aid you in avoiding accidents and collisions when driving, and are also useful in proving your innocence in case of a traffic violation. They work by converting incoming light into electrical signals and then they convert these signals into digital data. They can be powered by your vehicle's battery or an lighter for your cigarette.
Many of the dashboard cams available on the market include SD cards or flash drives for saving recordings. These devices typically erase old footage to create space for new recordings, but they can be upgraded with high-capacity memory cards if you want to save more video data. Certain dashboard cameras come with cloud storage, which eliminates the requirement for memory card storage. These dashboard cams connect to a smartphone, a Wi-Fi network or both and upload data at various times.
Another thing to consider is whether the camera is wired or wireless. Hard-wired cameras are less susceptible to interferences from cellular networks and other sources. van security locks fitted are also more durable, and some are able to endure the elements.
Some vans have dual dash cameras that record video from both the front and back of the vehicle. This is useful when you have to reverse into tight spaces or when you're parked. Some cameras come with night vision which can brighten the images in dim light conditions and improve visibility. Many van owners choose to add this feature to their systems. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored and this is an immense benefit for van dwellers who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming more popular among those who enjoy traveling and exploring however, it comes with its own risks. People who live in their vehicles are often at risk of thieves who may target their vehicle and its 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 incorporated with your keypad, so you'll receive alerts if anyone is able to break into your vehicle. These systems can also lower the cost of insurance. This could save you thousands of dollars over the course of your vehicle.
A good alarm system will have an alarm base station, keypad and entry sensors that protect against door peal. Some alarms even have a built-in motion sensor that detects the presence of movement inside your vehicle and send an alert to your mobile. This is a fantastic way to deter potential thieves and help you catch them before they strike.
Install deadlocks on your van's doors to ensure it's secure. They require a key and are harder to operate than regular locks. You can also purchase locks that you can operate using a smartphone app. This allows you to check on your vehicle even when you're away.
A lot of van alarms are fitted with an engine immobilizer which will disable your vehicle's engine if the wrong key is used to start it. This is a sensible step to take, but it won't stop a thief determined to removing the whole engine. An alternative is to use a low-power tracker that stops the engine from starting, and will send you the exact location of your vehicle whenever it is being relocated.
Insurance
Vans are a vital source for many businesses, and protecting their contents is of paramount importance. Not only can a strong van security system provide peace of mind, it can also reduce insurance costs as insurers take van owners' security measures into consideration when calculating their premiums.
The year, make, and model of your van will impact your insurance rates and your driving record. ford transit security locks in which you reside and work will also impact your rates because higher crime rates could result in higher rates. Insurance companies will also take the use of your van into consideration as commercial vehicles typically cost more to insure than personal ones.
Consult your insurer before making any major van mods. This could impact the cost of your insurance. Also, adding any accessories to your vehicle that aren't standard will increase the price of your premium. A Thatcham Category 2 certified dash camera is an easy way to deter thieves as they will be cautious before attempting to break in.
Insurance is a crucial aspect of the van's life. It protects the tools and equipment that you store inside your van in the event they are stolen. You can purchase comprehensive physical damage coverage and roadside service plans that cover breakdowns as well as other emergencies.
When comparing insurance policies it's worth bearing in mind that the most affordable option isn't always the most effective. Compare van security locks fitted of coverage, deductibles, and other benefits to determine the right policy for you. In addition to complete coverage, it's worth considering gap insurance as this can pay the difference between your vehicle's actual cash value and the remaining amount on your loan if it's repaid in total.