12 Facts About Van Secure To Get You Thinking About The Water Cooler
How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset, often carrying expensive tools and equipment. It is essential to make your van as secure as you can. There are many ways to do this.
Slamlocks locks doors once you close them and are beneficial for couriers who make small drops or are susceptible to not locking their vans. Other options include a security stickers covering or tinting the windows, and installing a vault lockable to tools.
Security locks
With so many vans being used as both a mode of transportation and storage space mobile, it is vital to protect their contents against theft. The proper van security measures will deter criminals while also protecting your possessions. This allows you to travel with confidence.
Door locks are the first line of defence, securing the van's doors and preventing unauthorized access. The standard locks are usually pre-installed and offer basic security but they can be easily smashed. Upgrading to more advanced security locks that are immune to drilling, cutting, and picking is a good investment in security.
The factors to consider when selecting a van lock include the material and build quality and whether it's certified by Thatcham. This ensures that the lock is of top quality and more difficult to alter. Other important aspects to consider are the slamlock system that 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. Hook locks are another option that can be used to secure the doors on the rear and side to guard against 'peel and steal' attacks.
It is crucial to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks to ensure their function and the strength of the mechanism. This will prevent rust and corrosion and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections will allow you to identify indications of wear and tear, and address them immediately. This will stop security vulnerabilities from developing.
Installing a security system that is appropriate can save you money on van insurance. Many insurance companies are aware of security systems that are robust, offering favourable terms and additional coverage options.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective methods to deter thieves is by strengthening the locks of your van. Installing slam or high-strength locks will make the door of your van more secure and harder to break into. This is especially important if the vehicle is used to transport expensive cargo or tools.
A slam lock works automatically as soon as your door is closed and you don't have to press a key to trigger the mechanism. It's less likely to be tampered which makes it ideal for couriers and tradespeople who are in and out of their vans all day. They might overlook locking it at the end of each journey. It also helps to combat the issue of opportunistic burglaries, where thieves simply open your vehicle's existing lock and run off with whatever they are able to grab and often include the tools needed to do your job.
There are a number of different types of slam locks and some of them come with additional security features, for instance anti-drill technology and anti-pick technology, 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 an alternative for those who require more protection than what a slamlock can provide. They operate independently of the locking mechanism that came from the manufacturer and are only unlocked by the driver using the key supplied. Alternatively, you could purchase a hook lock that works similarly, however, it provides extra security with deadlocking hook bolts that engages into an opposite body section and is operated using the supplied key under full control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
If you want to make your van more secure and safe, consider adding a dash cam. These cameras can be used to help avoid collisions and accidents when driving. ford van security locks can also show your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic infraction. They work by converting the incoming light into electrical signals, and then they transform those signals into digital data. They can be powered by the vehicle's battery or a lighter in your cigarette.
A majority of the dashboard cameras available on the market have SD cards or flash drives for saving recordings. These devices typically erase old footage to make room for new recordings, but they can be upgraded with memory cards that have high capacity in case you wish to store more video data. Some dashboard cameras also come with cloud storage capabilities that remove the need for memory cards. These types of dashboard cams connect to the Wi-Fi or smartphone network and upload their data at varying intervals.
Cameras that are hard-wired or wireless are also important to take into consideration. Hard-wired cameras are less susceptible to interferences from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable and some can withstand the elements.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cameras that can record video from the front and back of the vehicle. This is helpful when reverses in tight spaces or when parking. Certain cameras come with night vision, which can make images appear brighter in low-light conditions and enhance visibility for the driver. Many van owners opt to add this feature to their systems. Certain 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 increasingly popular with those who like to travel and explore, but it's without its risks. People who live in their vehicles are often at the mercy of thieves who might attack their vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are one of the best ways to protect your vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems can be linked to your keypad, so that you will be alerted in the event of a break-in. These systems can also reduce the cost of insurance. This can save you thousands of dollars over the course of your vehicle.
A good alarm system has a base, keypad, and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Certain alarm systems come with built-in motion sensors that detects movement within your van. This will send an alert to you phone. This is a great way to deter any potential thieves and could assist you in identifying a criminal before they get to them.
Adding deadlocks to all of your doors is another great method to keep your van secure. They require the use of a key and are more difficult to control than conventional locks. A good option is to choose a lock equipped to operate with a smartphone app, so you can monitor your van when you're away.
A lot of van alarms come with an engine immobilizer which disables the motor of your vehicle if you use the wrong key to start it. This is a sensible step to take, but it won't stop a thief determined to removing the whole engine. It is best to utilize a low-power tracker which will stop the engine from starting and send you the location of your vehicle when it is moved.
Insurance
Vans are a crucial source for many businesses and securing their contents is a top concern. A van security system can provide peace of mind and lower insurance costs. Insurance companies consider the security measures taken by van owners when calculating their premiums.
Your driving history, as well as the make, model, and year of your vehicle, will also affect your insurance rates. The area where you live and work will also affect your rates, because higher crime rates could 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 vehicles.
If you're thinking of making major modifications to your van it is important to speak with your insurance company prior to doing so as it could impact on the policy price. Likewise, adding on any extras to your vehicle that aren't standard can increase the cost of your premium. A Thatcham Category 2 approved dash camera is an easy method to deter thieves, as they will be cautious before attempting to gain entry into.
Insurance is another essential part of life in a van. It covers the tools and equipment you keep inside your van in the event they are stolen. You can obtain complete physical damage protection, as well as roadside assistance plans to protect you from breakdowns and other emergencies while you're on the road.
It's important to be aware that the most affordable insurance policy doesn't necessarily mean the best. Compare coverage limits along with deductibles, coverage limits and other benefits to determine the most suitable policy that meets your needs. It's worth considering gap coverage in addition to comprehensive insurance. This will cover the difference between the cash value of your van and the outstanding balance on your loan in the event that your vehicle is destroyed.