The Comprehensive Guide To Van Secure
How to Make Your Van SecureA van is a valuable asset that can carry expensive tools and equipment. It is essential to make your van as secure as you can. There are a myriad of ways you can do this.
Slamlocks lock doors immediately after you close them. This is a great feature for couriers who make short drops, or who are prone forgetting to lock their van. Other improvements include security stickers covering windows, tinting or covering them and installing an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
With the increasing number of vans used as a method of transport as well as a mobile storage unit, it is vital to safeguard their contents from theft. The proper security measures for your van will deter criminals while also protecting your possessions. This will allow you to travel with peace of mind.
The door locks of the van are the first line of defence. They secure the doors and block the entry of anyone who is not authorized. Standard locks are often pre-installed and offer a basic protection however, they are easily smashed. Upgrade to more secure locks that resist cutting, drilling, or picking. This is a wise investment for peace of mind.
When selecting a vanlock, you must consider the material, build quality and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This ensures that the lock is of top quality and is more difficult to compromise. The slamlock is an additional consideration. It locks automatically the doors of the loading area when it closes and requires a special key to unlock. This is ideal for couriers who may forget to lock up their vans in between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock, which provides additional security to the side and rear doors and prevents 'peel and steal' attacks.
Regularly cleaning and lubricating your van locks is also vital to ensure that the lock functions properly and ensure the reliability of the mechanism. This will stop rust and corrosion and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections help you spot any signs of wear or damage and address them promptly, to prevent security vulnerabilities from arising.
Installing a security system that is appropriate can help you save money on van insurance. Many insurance companies offer favorable terms in exchange for robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective methods to deter thieves is by strengthening your van's locks. By installing high-strength or slam locks, your van's doors will be more secure and harder to break into. This is especially crucial if your vehicle is used to transport expensive equipment or cargo.
A slam lock works automatically as soon as the door is shut and you don't have to press a button to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be tampered and is ideal for courier drivers and tradespeople that are in and out their vans throughout the day. They might not remember to lock it at the end of each journey. It also assists in fighting criminals who can simply open the lock on your vehicle and take whatever they can get, which includes the tools you require for your work.
There are a number of different types of slam locks available and some of them come with additional security features, such as anti-drill technology and anti-pick technology, or a steel plate that blocks drilling attacks. Some are designed for specific uses, like the ones used by multidrop drivers and for those who transport a lot of valuable items.
For those who want more security than a standard slam lock can offer, there are options like deadlocks. These locks function independently from the locking mechanism that is supplied by the manufacturer and are only be unlocked by the driver using the supplied key. You could also invest in hooklocks that function in the same manner but adds additional security by using a deadlocking bolt that engages in a different section of the body and is controlled by the supplied key.
Dashboard cameras
Include a dash camera into your vehicle if you wish for it to be more secure and safer. These cameras can assist you in avoiding accidents and collisions while driving. They can also be useful in proving your innocence in case of an accident or traffic offense. These cameras function by converting light that is incoming van security locks fitted into electrical signals and changing the signals into digital information. They can be powered by the vehicle's battery or by a cigarette lighter.
A majority of the dashboard cameras available on the market include SD cards or flash drives to save recordings. These devices overwrite old footage in order to allow for new videos. However they can be upgraded to accept larger memory cards if more video data is needed. Some dashboard cameras also come with cloud storage capabilities, which eliminate the requirement for memory cards. These kinds of dashboard cameras connect to the Wi-Fi or smartphone network and upload their data at various intervals.
Another thing to consider is whether the camera is wireless or hard wired. Hardwired models are less prone to interference from cell networks or other sources. They are also more durable and certain models are able to withstand the weather.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cams. They can record video from both the front and rear of the vehicle. This can be helpful when you have to reverse into tight spaces or while in a parking space. Some cameras come with night vision that can make images appear brighter in low-light conditions and increase visibility for drivers. Many van owners add this feature to the system. Certain dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored and this is a huge benefit for van dwellers who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming more popular among those who love exploring and traveling, but it comes with its own dangers. People who live in their vehicles are often at the mercy of thieves who may attack their 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 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 comes with a base, keypad, and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Some even come with a built in motion sensor that will detect movement inside your van and send an alert to your mobile. This is a great method to deter thieves and assist in catching thieves before they do.
Install deadlocks on your van's doors to ensure it's secure. These locks require a key and are harder to control than conventional locks. You can also purchase locks that operate with a smartphone application. This will allow you to check on your van while you are away.
Many van alarms are also fitted with an engine immobilizer, which disables the engine of your vehicle in the event that the wrong key is used to start it. This is a great security measure, but it can not stop a determined thief who would take the entire engine. It is better to use a low-power tracking device that stops the engine from starting and send you the position of your vehicle once it is moved.
Insurance
For a lot of businesses, their vans are vital resources, and protecting their contents is a major priority. Not only will a well-constructed van security system give peace of mind, but it also helps reduce cost of insurance since insurance companies take van owners' security measures into consideration when calculating premiums.
Your driving record, along with the make, model, and year of your van, will also affect the rate of insurance you pay. Your rates will also be affected by the area where you reside and work, since higher crime rates could result in an increase in premiums. Insurance companies also take your van's use into consideration as commercial vehicles generally cost more to insure than personal ones.
Consult your insurer before making any major van mods. This could impact the price of your policy. Also, adding any additional features to your vehicle that aren't standard will increase the price of your premium. A Thatcham Category 2 approved dash camera is an easy way to deter thieves since they'll be cautious before attempting to break in.
Insurance is another essential part of van life. It protects the tools and equipment you keep inside your van in the event they are stolen. You can obtain comprehensive physical damage protection, as well as roadside assistance plans that will protect you from breakdowns and other emergencies while you're out on the road.
It's important to keep in mind that the most affordable insurance policy doesn't necessarily mean the best. Compare the coverage limits, deductibles and other added benefits to find the best policy that meets 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 the remaining amount on your loan if it is totalled.