9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Van Secure
How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset worth having, typically carrying expensive equipment and tools. Security for your van is a top priority, and there are many strategies you can use to ward off thieves and keep your tools safe.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as you shut them. This is beneficial for couriers who have frequent drops or tend to forget to lock their van. Other upgrades include security stickers, covering or tinting windows and installing a lockable tool vault.
Security locks
With the increasing number of vans utilized as a means of transportation and storage units that can be moved around it is crucial to secure their contents from theft. The proper van security measures can deter criminals as well as protect your items, allowing you embark on your journeys with confidence.
The van's door locks are the first line of defense. They secure the doors and ward off unauthorised entry. Standard locks are often pre-installed and offer a basic protection but they can be easily hacked. Upgrading to more advanced security locks that are resistant to cutting, drilling, and picking is an investment in peace of mind.
When selecting a vanlock, you should take into consideration the quality of the material, its construction and if it is certified by Thatcham. This ensures that the lock is of high-quality and more difficult to alter. The slamlock is an additional aspect to consider. It locks automatically the doors of the load area when it is closed and requires a special key to unlock. This is a great option for couriers who may not lock their vans between deliveries. Another alternative is the hook lock, which adds reinforcement to front and side doors and prevents 'peel and steal' attacks.
Regular cleaning and lubrication of your van locks are vital to ensure that the lock functions properly and ensure the integrity of the mechanism. This will stop corrosion and rust, and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections help you detect any signs of wear or damage and address them immediately, thereby making sure that security vulnerabilities are not uncovered.
Installing the right security system can save you money on van insurance. Many insurance companies offer favorable terms for the purchase of robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective ways to stop thieves is by strengthening the locks on your van. By installing slam or high-strength locks your van's doors will be more secure and less difficult to break into. This is especially important if you intend to use your van to transport expensive equipment or other valuable cargo.
The slamlock activates automatically when your door is closed. It doesn't require you to press any keys to activate the mechanism. This means it's less likely to be tampered with and is ideal for couriers and tradespeople who are constantly in and out of their van all day and may forget to lock up after each journey. It also helps to combat the problem of opportunistic theft which is when thieves just open your vehicle's existing lock and take off with anything they can get their hands on that includes the tools needed for your job.
There are many different types of slam locks available that come with extra security features, for instance anti-drill and anti-pick technologies or a steel plate that prevents drilling attacks. Some are suited for a specific application, such as multidrop drivers or those who carry a significant amount of high-value goods.
If you're looking for more security than a standard locks that slam can provide the option of deadlocks. They operate independently from the locking mechanism from the manufacturer and can be unlocked only by the driver by using the key provided. You can also buy hooklocks, which function similar to a hooklock, but adds additional security by using deadlocking bolts that lock in the opposite part of the body and is operated with the key that comes with it.
Dashboard cameras
If you want to make your van more secure and secure, consider adding a dash cam. These cameras can be used to help avoid accidents and collisions when driving. They can also prove your innocence in the case of an accident or traffic infraction. These cameras work by converting light incoming into electrical signals and then convert those signals into digital information. They can be powered by the battery of your vehicle or the cigarette lighter.
van security locks on the market come with SD cards or flash drive to record. These devices typically erase old footage to create space for new videos, 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 requirement for memory card storage. These types of dashboard cameras connect to either a Wi-Fi or smartphone and upload their data at varying intervals.
Hard-wired or wireless cameras are also worth considering. Hard-wired cameras are less susceptible to interferences from cell networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some are able to endure the elements.
Some vans come with dual dash cams, which can record footage from both the front and rear of the vehicle. This is helpful when reverses in tight spaces, or while parking. Some cameras feature night vision that can increase the brightness of the images in low light conditions and improve visibility. Many van owners choose to add this feature to their systems. Some dashboard cams can be remotely monitored and this is a huge benefit for van dwellers who are often away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular among those who are avid travelers and want to explore - but it's not without its risks. People who reside in vehicles are frequently at risk of theft. Thieves could target the vehicle and its contents. There are many ways to secure your van and its cargo, but one of the best is to install an alarm system. These alarm systems can be linked to your keypad so that you will be alerted in the event of a burglary. They're also great for reducing insurance premiums, which could save you money over the lifetime of your van.
A good alarm system includes an alarm base, keypad and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Some alarm systems have a built-in motion sensor that detects movement inside your vehicle. This will send an alert to you phone. This can be a powerful deterrent for anyone who might be a target, and it can even assist you in identifying a criminal before they do.
Install deadlocks on your van's doors to make it more secure. These locks require a key to operate and are more difficult to alter than standard locks. You can also get locks that can be operated via a smartphone application. This will allow you to monitor your van while you are 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 do, but it's not enough to stop a determined thief from taking the entire engine. A better measure is to use a low-power tracker which prevents the engine from starting, and will send you the exact location of your vehicle whenever it is relocated.
Insurance
Vans are a vital resource for many businesses and the security of 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 implemented by van owners when calculating their premiums.
Your driving record, along with the model, make, and year of your vehicle will also affect your insurance rates. Your rates could also be affected by the area where you reside and work as higher crime rates may cause an increase in premiums. Insurance companies may also take into account the possibility of using your van because commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure.
If you're thinking of making major changes to your van it's essential to talk with your insurance company prior to doing so as it could have an impact on the price of your policy. Likewise, adding on any extras to your vehicle that aren't included in the standard will increase the price of your insurance. A Thatcham Category 2 certified dash camera is an effective way to deter vandals, because they'll be cautious before attempting to gain entry into.
Insurance is a crucial aspect of van life. It protects the tools and other equipment you keep inside your van in the event they are stolen. You can purchase complete physical damage insurance and roadside service plans that cover breakdowns and other emergencies.
It's important to keep in mind that the insurance policy with the lowest cost doesn't necessarily mean the best. Compare coverage limits as well as deductibles and other benefits to determine the best policy for your needs. In addition to comprehensive coverage, it's also worth considering gap insurance as this can pay the difference between your van's actual cash value and the remaining balance on your loan if it's totaled.