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 should be a top priority and there are a variety of methods you can employ to stop thieves from entering your van and ensure your tools are safe.
Slamlocks locks doors once you close them they can be very useful for couriers who do short drops or are prone to forgetting to lock the van. Other improvements include security stickers, covering or tinting windows and installing a lockable tool vault.
Security locks
With the increasing number of vans used as a method of transportation and storage units that can be moved around it is crucial to protect their contents against theft. The right van security measures can deter criminals as well as protect your items, allowing you embark on your journeys with confidence.
Door locks are the initial line of defense, protecting the doors of your van and preventing access by unauthorized persons. Standard locks, often pre-installed by the manufacturer, provide an adequate level of security but can be easily bypassed by a few determined thieves. Upgrade to more secure locks that are resistant to drilling, cutting, and picking is an investment in peace of mind.
When selecting a vanlock, you should consider the quality of the material, its construction and if it is certified by Thatcham. This certification ensures that the lock is of high-quality and is more difficult to break or compromise. Other important factors to consider include the slamlock system, which automatically locks doors for loading area after closure and requires a key to open; this is perfect for couriers who may forget to lock their van between deliveries. The hook lock is a different option that strengthens the doors on the rear and side to stop 'peel-and-steal' attack.
Regular cleaning and lubrication of your van locks is also essential to maintain functionality and ensure the reliability of the mechanism. This will help prevent corrosion and rust and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections will allow you to spot the signs of wear and damage, and address them immediately. This will prevent security vulnerabilities from developing.
Installing the right security system can save you money on van insurance. Many insurance companies offer favorable conditions in exchange for high-quality security solutions.
Slamlocks
Strengthening your van's lock is one of the most effective methods to deter thieves. Installing high-strength locks or slam locks will make the van's door more secure and harder to break into. This is particularly important if you use your vehicle to transport expensive tools or other valuable cargo.
The slamlock activates automatically when your door is shut. It doesn't require you to press any keys to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be compromised, which makes it perfect for couriers and tradespeople who are in and out their vans throughout the day. They may forget to lock it up at the end of each trip. It also helps to combat the problem of opportunistic theft, where thieves simply open your vehicle's existing lock and run off with whatever they can grab - which often includes the tools needed for your job.
There are a variety of slamlocks to choose from. Some have additional security features such as anti drill and anti pick technology, or a steelplate which stops drilling. Certain models are specifically designed for applications, like the ones used by multidrop drivers and those who transport lots of valuable items.
Deadlocks are a great option for those who need more protection than what a slamlock can provide. They operate independently of the original locking mechanism from the manufacturer and can be unlocked only by the driver by using the supplied key. You could also invest in hooklocks that function similarly, but adds additional security by using a deadlocking bolt that engages in an opposing section of the body and is operated by the key supplied.
Dashboard cameras
If you're looking to make your car more secure and safe think about adding a dash camera. These cameras can assist you in avoiding collisions and accidents when driving, and can also help in proving your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic violation. They work by converting light that is incoming into electrical signals, and then converting those signals into digital information. They can be powered by your car's battery, or an cigarette lighter.
Many of the dashboard cams available on the market include SD cards or flash drives for saving recordings. These devices typically erase old footage to create space for new videos, but they can be upgraded with high-capacity memory cards if you want to store more video data. Certain dashboard cameras come with cloud storage, which eliminates the necessity for memory card storage. These types of dashboard cams connect to either a Wi-Fi or smartphone and upload their data at various intervals.
Wireless or hard-wired cameras are also important to consider. Hard-wired models are less susceptible to interference from cell networks or other sources. They are also more durable, and some models can endure the elements.
Some vans have dual dash cameras that can record video from both the front and back of the vehicle. This is helpful when reverses in tight spaces or when parking. Some cameras come with night vision, which can enhance the images in dim light conditions and improve visibility. Many van owners add this feature to their system. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored which is a huge benefit for van owners who are often away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular with those who love to travel and explore - but it's not without risk. The people who live in vehicles are often susceptible to theft. Thieves may take aim at the vehicle and its contents. There are a number of ways to secure your van and its contents however, one of the most effective is to install an alarm system. These systems can be integrated with your keypad, which means you'll be notified if someone breaks into your vehicle. They're also great for reducing insurance costs, which could save you money over the life of your van.
A good alarm system should have the base station, a keypads and entry sensors that protect against door peal. Some alarms even have a built in motion sensor that detects movement inside your van and notify your phone. This can be a powerful deterrent for anyone who is a potential thief and can help you spot the criminal before they strike.
Adding deadlocks to all of your doors is an excellent option to ensure the security of your van. These locks require a key and are harder to manipulate than standard locks. You can also purchase locks that can be operated via a smartphone application. This will allow you to check on your van while you are away.
A lot of van alarms are equipped with an engine immobilizer, which will disable the engine of your vehicle if a wrong key is used to start it. This is a great precaution to consider, but it will not stop a thief determined to taking the entire engine. It is safer to use a low-power tracking device which will stop the engine from running and will notify you of the location of your vehicle when it is moved.
Insurance
Vans are a vital resource for many businesses and protecting their contents is a top concern. A van security system can provide peace of mind and reduce insurance costs. Insurance companies consider the security measures taken by van owners when calculating their premiums.
The make, model and year of your van will impact your insurance premiums, as will your driving record. Your rates will also be affected by the region in which you reside and work, as higher crime rates may result in an increase in rates. Insurance providers will also consider the possibility of using your van, as commercial vehicles are typically more expensive to cover.
If you're thinking of making major changes to your van it's essential to talk with your insurance company prior to doing so since it could have an impact on the price of your policy. The cost of insurance may also increase by adding any extras that aren't part of the standard vehicle. For ford van security , a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a simple method to deter thieves because it can make them think twice before attempting to gain entry into your vehicle.
Insurance is another essential part of van life. It covers the tools and equipment you keep inside your van in the event they're stolen. You can purchase complete physical damage insurance along with roadside service plans that cover breakdowns as well as other emergencies.
When comparing insurance policies, it's important to keep in mind that the cheapest policy isn't always the best. Compare coverage limits along with deductibles, coverage limits and other benefits to find the best policy for your needs. In addition to full coverage, it's important to consider gap insurance because it can cover the difference between your van's actual cash value and any remaining amount on your loan if it's totaled.