The 10 Most Scariest Things About Van Secure
How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset that can carry expensive equipment and tools. It is important to make your van as secure as possible. There are a myriad of ways you can do this.
Slamlocks lock doors immediately after you shut them. This is beneficial for couriers who make frequent drops or are prone forgetting to secure their van. Other options include security stickers, covering or tinting windows and fitting an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
It is crucial to secure the contents of vans because they serve as a means of transportation and storage on the move. The right van security measures will deter criminals and protect your belongings, allowing you to travel with confidence.
Door locks are the initial line of defence, securing the doors of your van and preventing access by unauthorized persons. Locks that are standard, usually installed by the manufacturer, offer the most basic protection but are easily manipulated by a determined thief. Upgrade to more secure locks that resist cutting or drilling. This is a good investment in security that will give you peace of mind.
When selecting a vanlock, you must consider the quality of the material, its construction and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This ensures that the lock is of high-quality and is more difficult to compromise. The slamlock is a further factor to take into. It automatically locks the doors of the loading area when it is closed and requires a specific key to unlock. This is a great option for couriers who forget to lock up their vans during deliveries. Hook locks are another option that can be used to secure the doors on the rear and side to stop 'peel-and-steal' attack.
Regularly cleaning and lubricating your van locks is also vital to ensure that the lock functions properly and ensure the reliability of the mechanism. This will help prevent rust and corrosion and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections will allow you to identify the signs of wear and damage and address them immediately. This can prevent security vulnerabilities from developing.
Alongside improving the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the right security systems can help you save money on insurance for your van. Many insurance companies offer favorable conditions in exchange for high-quality security solutions.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective methods to stop thieves is by strengthening the locks of your van. Installing high-strength locks or slam locks will make the van's door more secure and less difficult to break into. This is particularly crucial if your vehicle is used for transporting expensive tools or equipment.
The lock is activated automatically once your door is shut. It doesn't require you to press any keys to activate the mechanism. This means it's much less likely to be tampered with which makes it ideal for couriers or tradespeople who are in and out of their van every day long and might not lock the door after each trip. It also helps in tackling the issue of opportunistic theft, where thieves simply open your vehicle's existing lock and then take off with whatever they can grab and often include the tools needed to complete your job.
There are a number of different types of slam locks 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 specific applications such as multidrop drivers or those who carry a significant amount of valuable goods.
For those who require more protection than a lock that slams can provide the option of deadlocks. They function independently of the original locking mechanism of the manufacturer and can only be opened by a key supplied that is fully controlled by the driver. Alternatively, you could buy hook locks, which operates exactly the same way, but provides additional security with a deadlocking hook bolt that connects to an opposing body section and is operated with the key that comes with it under the complete control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
Install a dash camera in your vehicle if you wish for it to be more secure and safer. These cameras can be used to help avoid collisions and accidents when driving. They can also prove your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic violation. These cameras function by converting light incoming into electrical signals and changing these signals into digital data. van security locks mobile fitting can be powered by your car's battery or by the lighter in your cigarette.
A lot of dashboard cameras on the market include SD cards or flash drive to record. These devices usually overwrite old footage to make room for new recordings, but they can be upgraded using memory cards with high capacity for those who want to save more video data. Some dashboard cameras have cloud storage, which eliminates the necessity for memory card storage. These dashboard cams connect to a smartphone, a Wi-Fi network or both and upload data at different intervals.
Another aspect to be considered is whether the camera is wireless or hard wired. Hardwired cameras are less vulnerable to interferences from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some can endure the elements.
Some vans have dual dash cameras that can record video from both the front and back of the vehicle. This is useful when you reverse in tight spaces or while in a parking spot. Some cameras feature night vision, which can enhance the images in low-light conditions and enhance visibility. Many van owners add this feature to their system. Certain dashboard cameras are able to be remotely monitored. This can be an excellent benefit for van dwellers that spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular with those who enjoy traveling and exploring however, it is not without dangers. People who live in their vehicles are often at risk of thieves who may take aim at their vehicle and contents. There are a number of ways to protect your vehicle and its contents, but one of the most effective is to install an alarm system. These systems can be integrated with your keypad, meaning you'll be notified if someone breaks into your vehicle. They're also great for reducing insurance premiums, which can save you money over the life of your vehicle.
A good alarm system will have a base station, keypad and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Some even come with a built in motion sensor that can detect any movement in your vehicle and notify your phone. This is a great deterrent to anyone who is a potential thief and can aid in identifying the criminal before they strike.
The addition of deadlocks to all your doors is a great way to ensure the security of your van. These are locks that require a key for operation and are much more difficult to break than regular locks. The best option is to get some that are equipped to operate with a smartphone app, so you can monitor your vehicle while you're away.
Many van alarms also include an engine immobilizer that shuts off the motor of your vehicle if you use the wrong key to start it. This is a good security measure, but it can not stop a determined criminal from removing the entire engine. An alternative is to install a low-power tracker which stops the engine from starting, and will send you your vehicle's location when it is being removed.
Insurance
For many businesses their vans are crucial resources and safeguarding their contents is a top priority. A van security system will give peace of mind and reduce insurance costs. Insurance companies take into consideration the security measures implemented by van owners when calculating premiums.
The year, model, and make of your van will affect the cost of insurance, as will your driving record. Your rates will also be affected by the region in which you live and work, as higher crime rates may result in an increase in rates. Insurance companies will also take the use of your van into consideration as commercial vehicles typically cost more to insure than personal vehicles.
Check with your insurance provider prior to making any major modifications to your van. This could affect the cost of your insurance. The cost of insurance will also increase when you add any additional features that aren't part of the standard vehicle. A Thatcham Category 2 approved dash camera is an easy method to deter thieves, because they'll be cautious before attempting to break into.
Another crucial aspect of van life is insurance to cover the tools and equipment that you keep in your vehicle in the event that they are stolen. You can purchase comprehensive physical damage insurance as well as roadside service plans that cover breakdowns and other emergencies.
It's important to remember that the most affordable insurance policy doesn't necessarily mean the best. Compare the coverage limits and deductibles as well as other benefits to find the best policy for your needs. It's worth considering gap insurance in addition to comprehensive insurance. This will cover the difference between your value of the van's cash and any outstanding balance on your loan if your van is totalled.