Three Common Reasons Your Van Secure Isn't Working (And Solutions To Resolve It)
How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset worth having, typically carrying expensive equipment and tools. It is crucial to ensure that your van is as secure as you can. There are many ways to do this.
Slamlocks secure doors when they are closed and are beneficial for couriers who make frequent short trips or are prone to not locking the van. Other upgrades include security stickers covering windows or tinting them and fitting an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
With the increasing number of vans used as both a mode of transportation and storage space mobile, it is vital to safeguard their contents from theft. The proper van security measures will deter criminals while also protecting your possessions. This allows you to travel with peace of mind.
The door locks of the van are the first line of defence. They protect the doors and ward off the entry of anyone who is not authorized. Locks that are standard, usually installed by the manufacturer, offer the most basic protection but can be easily bypassed by determined thieves. Upgrade to more secure locks that are resistant to cutting, drilling, and picking is an investment in security.
When choosing a vanlock, you should take into consideration the material, build quality and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This designation ensures the lock is of top quality and is more difficult to break or compromise. Other important considerations are the slamlock system that automatically locks the doors to the load area upon closure and requires a key to open and close them. This is great for couriers who may forget to lock their van between deliveries. The hook lock is another option that can be used to secure the front and side doors to guard against 'peel and steal' attacks.
It is important to clean and lubricate your van locks to ensure their function and the integrity of the mechanism. This will stop rust and corrosion, and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections will allow you to identify signs of wear and damage and address them immediately. This will prevent security weaknesses from forming.
Installing the best security system can help you save money on insurance for your van. Many insurance companies are aware of security systems that are robust providing favorable terms and additional coverage options in return.
Slamlocks
Strengthening your van's lock is one of the most effective methods to deter thieves. By installing slam locks or high-strength locks your van's doors will be more secure and less difficult to break into. This is especially important if your van is used to transport expensive cargo or tools.
A slam lock works automatically when your door is closed which means you don't have to press a key to trigger the mechanism. This means that it's less likely to be tampered with and is ideal for courier drivers or tradespeople who are in and out of their van all day long and not lock the door after each journey. It also helps in tackling the issue of opportunistic burglaries which is when thieves just unlock your vehicle's lock and then take off with whatever they can get their hands on that includes the tools you need for your job.
There are a variety of slamlocks that are available. Some have additional security features like anti-drill and anti-pick technology or a steelplate that prevents drilling. Certain locks are specifically designed for uses, like those used by multidrop drivers and those who transport lots of valuable items.
Deadlocks are an alternative for those who require more security than is offered by a slamlock. These locks function independently of the locking mechanism that came from the manufacturer and are be unlocked only by the driver using the key supplied. Alternately, you can buy hook locks, which operates exactly the same way, but offers extra security through deadlocking hook bolts that engages into an opposite body section and is operated with the key that comes with it under the full control of the driver.
delivery driver security locks
Install a dash camera in your vehicle if you want it to be more secure and safe. These cameras can be used to avoid collisions and accidents while driving. They can also show your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic infraction. These cameras function by converting light that is incoming into electrical signals, and then converting those signals into digital information. They can be powered by the vehicle's battery or a lighter for your cigarette.
Many of the dashboard cams available on the market have SD cards or flash drives to save recordings. cargo van security door locks erase old footage in order to allow for new recordings. However they can be upgraded to accept larger memory cards if additional video data is required. Certain dashboard cameras also have cloud storage capabilities, which can eliminate the need for memory cards. These dashboard cams are connected to a smartphone, a Wi-Fi network, or both and upload data at various times.
Another aspect to be considered is whether the camera is wired or wireless. Hardwired cameras are less prone to interferences from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some models are able to withstand weather.
Some vans have dual dash cams. They can record video from both the rear and front of the vehicle. This is helpful when reverses in tight spaces, or while parking. Some cameras come with night vision, which can enhance images in low light conditions and enhance visibility for drivers. Many van owners include this feature to the system. Some dashboard cams can be remotely monitored which is an immense benefit for van owners 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 risk. People who live in their vehicles are often at risk of thieves who might take aim at their vehicle and contents. Alarm systems are one of the best ways to protect your vehicle and its contents. These systems can be connected to your keypad so that you will receive alerts in the event of a burglary. They also help reduce insurance premiums, which can save you a fortune over the life of your van.
A good alarm system will come with the base station, a keypads, and entry sensors that protect against door peal. Some even have an inbuilt motion sensor that will detect movement inside your van and send an alert to your mobile. This can be a powerful deterrent for anyone who is a potential thief and can help you spot the criminal before they do.
Install deadlocks on your van's doors to make it more secure. They require a key and are harder to control than regular locks. You can also purchase locks that you can operate via a smartphone application. This will allow you to monitor your van while you are away.
Many van alarms also come with an engine immobilizer that shuts off 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 removing the entire engine. An alternative is to have an engine tracker with low power that will stop the engine from running and sends you your vehicle's location when it's being moved.
Insurance
Vans are a vital resource for many businesses and securing their contents is of paramount importance. A van security system will give peace of mind and reduce the cost of insurance. Insurance companies consider the security measures implemented by van owners when calculating their premiums.
Your driving record, along with the model, make, and year of your vehicle will also affect the rate of insurance you pay. Your rates could also be affected by the region in which you reside and work as higher crime rates may lead to an increase in premiums. Insurance companies will also take into consideration the use of your van because commercial vehicles are typically more expensive to cover.
Check with your insurance provider prior to making any major van mods. This could impact the cost of your insurance. The cost of insurance could also rise when you add any additional features that aren't part of the standard vehicle. For instance, a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is an easy way to discourage thieves, as it will make them think twice about attempting to break into your van.
Another important aspect of van life is insurance to protect the tools and equipment that you keep in your vehicle in the event that they are stolen. You can obtain comprehensive physical damage protection as well as roadside assistance plans that protect you from breakdowns and other emergencies when you're on the road.
It's important to remember that the most affordable insurance policy isn't always the best. Compare coverage limits, deductibles and other added benefits to find the best policy that meets your requirements. In addition to full coverage, it's worth looking into gap insurance since this can pay the difference between your car's actual cash value and the remaining balance on your loan, if it's repaid in total.