The Biggest Issue With Van Secure And What You Can Do To Fix It
How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset that can transport expensive equipment and tools. It is essential to ensure that your van is as secure as possible. There are many ways to accomplish this.
Slamlocks lock doors right after you shut them. This is beneficial for couriers who make frequent drops or tend to forget to lock their van. Other options include a security stickers covering or tinting windows, and installing a vault lockable to tools.
Security locks
With so many vans being used as a method of transportation and storage space mobile, it is vital to safeguard their contents from theft. The proper van security measures can deter criminals and safeguard your possessions, allowing you to embark on your journeys with confidence.
Door locks are the first security measure, securing the van's doors and preventing unauthorized access. The standard locks are usually pre-installed and provide basic security but they can be easily hacked. Upgrade to advanced security locks that are resistant to cutting, drilling, or picking. This is a good investment in security that will give you peace of mind.
When you are choosing a vanlock you should take into consideration the material, build quality and if it is certified by Thatcham. This certification ensures that the lock is of high-quality which makes it harder to break or compromise. The slamlock is a further 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 not lock their vans in between deliveries. The hook lock is a different option that strengthens the side and rear doors to stop 'peel-and-steal' attack.
Regularly cleaning and lubricating your van locks is also essential to maintain functionality and ensure the integrity of the mechanism. This stops corrosion and rust and helps ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections let you identify any signs of wear or damage and fix these issues promptly, thus preventing security vulnerabilities from emerging.
In addition to improving the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the appropriate security equipment will help you save money on your 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. Installing high-strength locks or slam locks will make your van's door more secure and harder to break into. This is especially crucial if your vehicle is used for transporting expensive equipment or cargo.
A slam lock works automatically as soon as your door is shut, meaning you don't need to press a button to activate the mechanism. This means it's less likely to be compromised, making it ideal for couriers and tradespeople who are constantly in and out of their van every day long and might forget to lock up after each trip. It also assists in fighting criminals who can simply open the lock on your vehicle and steal whatever they can, including the tools that you need for your work.
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 a steel plate that prevents drilling attacks. Some are designed for specific uses, like those used by multidrop drivers and those who transport lots of valuable goods.
Deadlocks are a good alternative for those who require more security than an slamlock could provide. These operate independently from the manufacturer's original locking mechanism and can only be removed with a supplied key under full control of the driver. You can also purchase hooklocks that function similarly, but provides extra security with deadlocking bolts that lock in the opposite part of the body and is operated with the key supplied.
Dashboard cameras
Install a dash camera in your van if you want it to be more secure and safer. These cameras can be used to avoid collisions and accidents when driving. They can also show your innocence in the case of an accident or traffic violation. They work by converting 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 for your cigarette.
Many dashboard cameras on the market have SD cards or flash drives for recording. These devices typically erase old footage to make room for new recordings, but they can be upgraded with high-capacity memory cards in case you wish to save more video data. Some dashboard cameras offer cloud storage, eliminating the need for memory card storage. These dashboard cams are connected to a smartphone, Wi-Fi network or both and upload data at various times.
Hard-wired or wireless cameras are also worth considering. Hard-wired cameras are less susceptible to interferences from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some models can withstand the weather.
Some vans have dual dash cams, which can capture footage from both the front and rear of the vehicle. This is useful when reversing in tight spaces or while in a parking spot. Some cameras feature night vision, which can enhance the images in low light conditions and improve visibility. Many van owners add this feature to the system. Certain dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This can be an enormous benefit for van owners who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life has become increasingly popular for those who are avid travelers and want to explore, but it's without risk. People who live in their vehicles are often at the mercy of thieves who may take aim at their vehicle and contents. There are many ways to secure your van and its contents however, one of the best is an alarm system. These alarm systems can be incorporated with your keypad, which means you'll receive notifications if anyone gets into your vehicle. These systems can also lower insurance premiums. This can save you thousands of dollars over the course of your van.
A good alarm system includes keys, a base and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Some alarm systems have a built-in motion sensor that detects movement within your vehicle. This will send an alert to your phone. This can be a great 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 the use of a key and are more difficult to control than standard locks. A good option is to choose a lock capable of being operated using an app for smartphones, so you can check the status of your van while away.
Many van alarms also come with an engine immobilizer that disables the motor of your vehicle if you use the wrong key to start it. This is a sensible precaution, but it will not stop a determined thief taking the entire engine. It is safer to use a low-power tracking device which will stop the engine from running and provide you with the exact location of your vehicle if it is moved.
Insurance
For a lot of businesses their vans are crucial resources, and protecting their contents is a major priority. Not only can a strong van security system give peace of mind, but it can also reduce insurance costs as insurers take van owners' security measures into account when calculating premiums.
Your driving record, as well as the make, model and year of your van will also affect your insurance rates. Your rates could also be affected by the area where you live and work, since higher crime rates could cause an increase in premiums. Insurance companies may also take into account the possibility of using your van since commercial vehicles are typically more expensive to cover.
If you're thinking of making major van modifications it's essential to talk with your insurance provider prior to making any changes because it could impact on the cost of your policy. Likewise, adding on any extras to your vehicle that aren't included in the standard can increase the cost of your insurance. For instance the use of a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a simple way to deter thieves, since it makes them think twice about trying to gain entry into your vehicle.
Another important aspect of van life is insurance that covers the tools and equipment that you keep in your vehicle, in the event that they are stolen. You can buy complete physical damage insurance as well as 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 the coverage limits, deductibles and other added benefits to determine the most suitable policy that meets your needs. In addition to comprehensive coverage, it's also worth looking into gap insurance since it can cover the difference between your van's actual cash value and the remaining balance on your loan if it's totaled.