Solutions To Issues With Van Secure
How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that can carry expensive tools and equipment. It is important to ensure that your van is as secure as is possible. There are a variety of ways you can do this.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as you shut them, which can be useful for couriers that make short drops or are prone to not locking their vans. Other improvements include a security sticker covering or tinting the windows, and installing a vault lockable to tools.
Security locks
It is crucial to secure the contents of vans as they are used both as a mode of transport and storage on the move. security locks for vans will deter criminals and protect your possessions, allowing you to take your trip with confidence.
The door locks of the van are the first line of defence. They protect the doors and ward off unauthorized entry. Standard locks, which are usually installed by the manufacturer, offer a basic level of protection but are easily manipulated by a few determined thieves. Upgrade to 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 selecting a vanlock, you should take into consideration the quality of the material, its construction and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This means that the lock is of high-quality, making it more difficult to compromise or break. The slamlock is another important aspect to consider. It automatically locks the doors of the load area upon closing and requires a specific key to unlock. This is perfect for couriers that may overlook locking their vans between deliveries. Another alternative is the hook lock that provides reinforcement to side and rear doors and helps prevent 'peel and steal' attacks.
It is essential to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks to keep their functionality intact and the integrity of the mechanism. This will prevent corrosion and rust and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to identify any signs of wear or damage and fix them promptly, preventing security vulnerabilities from emerging.
In addition to improving the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the right security system can save you money on your van insurance. Many insurers recognise the value of robust security solutions, offering favourable terms and additional coverage options.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective ways to deter thieves is strengthening your van's locks. 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 your vehicle is used to transport expensive cargo or tools.
The slamlock activates automatically when your door is closed. You don't have to press any keys to activate the mechanism. This means it's less likely to be compromised and is ideal for courier drivers or tradespeople who are constantly in and out of their van all day long and forget to lock up after each journey. It also helps to combat the issue of opportunistic theft, where thieves simply unlock your vehicle's lock and take off with anything they can grab - which often includes the tools you need to complete your job.
There are many different types of slam locks that are available and some of them come with additional security features, for instance anti-drill and anti-pick technologies or a steel plate that prevents drilling attacks. Some are suited for specific applications such as multidrop drivers, or those that carry a large volume of high-value items.
Deadlocks are a good option for those who need more protection than what an slamlock could provide. These locks function independently from the locking mechanism that is supplied by the manufacturer and are only be unlocked by the driver by using the supplied key. Alternatively, you could invest in a hook lock that operates similarly, but provides additional security with a deadlocking hook bolt that engages into an opposing body section and operates with the key supplied under full 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 prevent collisions and accidents while driving. They can also show your innocence in the case of an accident or traffic infraction. These cameras function by converting light signals into electrical signals and changing the signals into digital information. They can be powered by your car's battery or by the lighter in your cigarette.
A majority of the dashboard cameras available on the market have SD cards or flash drives to save recordings. These devices overwrite old footage to make room for new videos. However, they can be upgraded to accommodate larger memory cards when more video data is needed. Some dashboard cameras also come with cloud storage features, which remove the need for memory cards. These dashboard cams connect to a smartphone, a Wi-Fi network, or both and upload data at various intervals.
Another feature to be considered is whether the camera is wired or wireless. Hardwired cameras are less vulnerable to interferences from cell networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some can endure the elements.
Some vans come with dual dash cams that can capture footage from both the rear and front of the vehicle. This is useful when you have to reverse into tight spaces or when parked. Some cameras feature night vision, which can enhance the images in dim light conditions and increase visibility. Many van owners opt to include this feature in their systems. Some dashboard cams can be remotely monitored and this is a huge benefit for van owners who spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life has become increasingly popular for those who love to travel and explore, but it's without risk. People who live in vehicles are often at risk of being robbed. Thieves could take aim at the vehicle and its contents. There are a variety of ways to protect your vehicle and its cargo, but one of the most effective is to install an alarm system. These systems can be connected to your keypad, so that you will be alerted in the event of a burglary. They can also be helpful in reducing insurance premiums, which can save you money over the life of your vehicle.
A good alarm system has keys, a base and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Some even have an inbuilt motion sensor that detects any movement in your vehicle and alert your phone. This is a great way to deter anyone who is a potential thief and can assist you in identifying a criminal before they do.
Add deadlocks to your van's doors to make it more secure. They require a key and are harder to control than regular locks. There are locks that can be operated using a smartphone app. This allows you to check on your vehicle even when you're away.
A majority of van alarms are fitted with an engine immobilizer that will shut down the engine of your vehicle in the event that the wrong key is used to start it. This is a great precaution to do, but it's not enough to stop a determined thief from taking the entire engine. It is safer to use a low-power tracking device that stops the engine from starting and provide you with the location of your vehicle when it is moved.
Insurance
For many companies vans are essential resources, and protecting their contents is a top priority. A van security system can give peace of mind and reduce the cost of insurance. Insurance companies consider the security measures employed by van owners when calculating their premiums.
Your driving history, as well as the make, model and year of your van, will also affect the rate of insurance you pay. The area in which you live and work will affect your rates too, since higher crime rates could lead to increased rates. Insurance companies will also take into consideration the use of your van because commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure.
Consult your insurer before making any major van mods. This could affect the price of your policy. Also, adding any accessories to your vehicle that aren't included in the standard will increase the price of your premium. A Thatcham Category 2 certified dash camera is an effective way to deter vandals, because they'll be more cautious when trying to break into.
Insurance is a crucial aspect of the van's life. It protects the tools and other equipment that you keep in your van in the event that they're stolen. You can get complete physical damage protection as well as roadside assistance plans that will take care of breakdowns and other emergencies while you're on the road.
When comparing insurance policies, it's worth bearing in mind that the cheapest option isn't always the best. Compare coverage limits along with deductibles, coverage limits and other benefits to find the best policy that meets your needs. In addition to complete coverage, it's worth looking into gap insurance since it will pay for the difference between your vehicle's actual cash value and any remaining balance on your loan if it is totalled.