How to Make Your Van Secure

A van is an asset that can be used to transport expensive tools and equipment. The security of your van is an absolute priority, and there are many ways to ward off thieves and keep your tools safe.

Slamlocks lock doors as soon as they are closed, which can be beneficial for couriers who make short drops or are prone to not locking their vans. Other improvements include a security sticker covering or tinting the windows and fitting a lockable tools vault.

Security locks

It is crucial to secure the contents of vans since they are used as a means of transportation and storage on the move. The proper van security measures can deter criminals and safeguard your possessions, allowing you to travel with confidence.

The van's door locks are the first line in defence. They secure the doors and ward off unauthorized entry. Standard locks, often pre-installed by the manufacturer, provide the most basic protection but can be easily bypassed by determined thieves. Upgrade to advanced security locks that resist cutting, drilling, or picking. This is a wise investment to ensure your security.

Considerations when choosing van locks include the quality of the material and construction, as well as whether it's Thatcham-approved. This ensures that the lock is of high-quality and more difficult to alter. The slamlock is an additional aspect to consider. It automatically locks the doors of the load area upon closing and requires a special key to unlock. This is ideal for couriers who may forget to lock up their vans between deliveries. Hook locks are another option, which reinforces doors on the rear and side to guard against 'peel and steal' attacks.

Regularly cleaning and lubricating your van locks is vital to ensure that the lock functions properly and ensure the strength of the mechanism. This will prevent rust and corrosion, and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to detect indications of wear and damage and address them immediately. This will stop security issues from arising.

In addition to improving the overall security of your vehicle, installing the appropriate security equipment can save you 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 deter thieves is by strengthening your van's locks. By installing slam locks or high-strength locks, your van's doors will be more secure and difficult to break into. This is particularly important if the vehicle is used for transporting expensive tools or equipment.

A slam lock operates automatically as soon as your door is closed which means you don't have to press a button to trigger the mechanism. This means that it's less likely to be compromised and is ideal for couriers and tradespeople who are in and out of their van every day long and not lock the door after each journey. It also helps in battling opportunistic thieves who simply open the lock on your vehicle and steal whatever they can, including the tools you require for your work.

There are many different types of slam locks available and some of them come with additional security features, like anti-drill technology and anti-pick technology, or a steel plate that blocks drilling attacks. Some are suited for specific purposes like multidrop drivers, or those that carry a large volume of valuable goods.

For those who require more security than a locks that slam can provide alternatives like deadlocks. They operate independently from the locking mechanism from the manufacturer and are only be unlocked by the driver by using the key provided. You can also purchase a hook lock that operates exactly the same way, but provides additional security with a deadlocking hook bolt which engages into an opposing body section and is operated with the key that comes with it under the full control of the driver.

Dashboard cameras

If you want to make your vehicle more secure and safe you should consider installing a dash cam. These cameras can aid you in avoiding collisions and accidents while driving. They are also useful in showing your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic offense. They work by converting light incoming into electrical signals and then convert these signals into digital data. They can be powered by your car's battery or by a lighter in your cigarette.

Many of the dashboard cams available on the market have SD cards or flash drives for saving recordings. These devices can overwrite old footage to make room for new videos. However they can be upgraded to accommodate larger memory cards if additional video data is needed. Certain dashboard cameras also have cloud storage features, which eliminate the requirement for memory cards. These types of dashboard cameras connect to either a Wi-Fi or smartphone and upload their data at various intervals.

Another thing to consider is whether the camera is wired or wireless. Hard-wired models are less susceptible to interference from cellular networks or other sources. They are also more durable and some models can withstand the weather.

Some vans are equipped with dual dash cams, which can capture footage from both the rear and front of the vehicle. This is helpful when reverses in tight spaces or when parking. Some cameras feature night vision that can increase the brightness of the images in low-light conditions and enhance visibility. Many van owners have added this feature to the system. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This can be a great benefit for van owners who spend long periods away from their vehicles.

Alarms

Van life is becoming increasingly popular among those who enjoy exploring and traveling however, it is not without risks. People who live in their vehicles are often at risk of thieves who could attack their vehicle and its contents. There are a variety of ways to protect your vehicle and its contents however, one of the best is an alarm system. Alarm systems can be linked with your keypad, meaning you'll receive alerts if anyone breaks into your vehicle. These systems can also lower insurance premiums. This can save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your vehicle.

A good alarm system should have an alarm base station, keypads, and entry sensors that protect against door peal. Certain alarm systems come with a built-in motion sensor that detects movement inside your van. The alarm will send an alert to your phone. This can be a powerful deterrent for anyone who is a potential thief and can aid in identifying the criminal before they get to them.

Installing deadlocks on all of your doors is another great way to ensure your van is secure. These are locks that require a key for operation and are much more difficult to alter than standard locks. You can also purchase locks that can be operated via a smartphone application. This will allow you to check on your vehicle even when you're away.

A lot of van alarms are equipped with an engine immobilizer, which disables your vehicle's engine if the wrong key is used to start it. This is a sensible security measure, but it will not stop a thief who is determined to who would take the entire engine. It is safer to utilize a low-power tracker which will stop the engine from running and provide you with the exact location of your vehicle if it is relocated.

Insurance

For many businesses vans are essential resources, and protecting their contents is a major priority. A van security system can website provide peace of mind and reduce insurance costs. Insurance companies take into consideration the security measures implemented by van owners when calculating premiums.

Your driving record, as well as the make, model, and year of your van, will also affect your insurance rate. Your rates will also be affected by the area where you reside and work, because higher crime rates can cause an increase in rates. Insurance providers will also consider the use of your vehicle, as commercial vehicles are typically more expensive to cover.

If you're thinking of making major van modifications it is important to speak with your insurer beforehand as this could have an impact on the policy price. The cost of your insurance may also increase by adding any extras that aren't part of the standard vehicle. For instance the use of a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a great method to deter thieves since it makes them think twice about attempting to break into your vehicle.

Another important aspect of van life is insurance to cover the equipment and tools you keep in your vehicle, in case they are stolen. You can buy comprehensive physical damage insurance and roadside service plans that cover breakdowns and other emergencies.

When comparing insurance policies it's worth bearing in mind that the cheapest policy isn't necessarily the best. Compare the coverage limits as well as deductibles and other benefits to determine the most suitable policy for your needs. In addition to comprehensive coverage, it's also worth looking into gap insurance since it will pay for the difference between your car's actual cash value and any remaining amount on your loan if it's totaled.