How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that can carry expensive equipment and tools. Making your van secure is an absolute priority and there are numerous strategies you can use to ward off thieves and ensure your tools are safe.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as they are closed they can be very useful for couriers who do small drops or are susceptible to not locking the van. Other upgrades include security stickers covering windows, tinting or covering them and installing a lockable tool vault.
Security locks
With so many vans being used as a method of transport as well as storage units that can be moved around it is crucial to protect their contents against theft. The proper van security measures can deter criminals as well as protect your belongings, allowing you to take your trip with confidence.
Door locks are the first security measure, securing the doors of your van and preventing access by unauthorized persons. ford van security locks that are standard, usually installed by the manufacturer, offer an adequate level of security but can be easily bypassed by a few determined thieves. Moving to more sophisticated security locks that are immune to cutting, drilling, and picking is an investment in security.
When selecting a vanlock, you should take into consideration the quality of the material, its construction and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This ensures that the lock is of top quality and more difficult to alter. Other important aspects to consider are the slamlock lock system, which automatically locks doors for loading area when closed and requires a key to open; this is perfect for couriers who might forget to lock their van between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock that provides reinforcement to front and side doors and stops 'peel and take attacks.
It is important to clean and lubricate your van locks to maintain their functionality and the strength of the mechanism. This will prevent corrosion and rust, and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to detect any signs of wear or damage and fix them immediately, thereby preventing security vulnerabilities from emerging.
Installing the right security system can save you money on insurance for your van. Many insurance companies are aware of robust security solutions with attractive terms and additional coverage options.
Slamlocks
A stronger lock for your van is one of the best methods to ward off robbers. By installing slam locks 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 valuable cargo.
The slam lock is activated automatically when your door is shut, meaning you don't need to press a button to activate the mechanism. This means that it's less likely to be stolen and is ideal for couriers or tradespeople who are in and out of their van throughout the day long and forget to lock up after each journey. It also helps in battling the petty thieves who just open the vehicle's lock and steal whatever they can, including the tools you require to complete your job.
There are many different kinds of slam locks available that come with extra security features, for instance anti-drill technology and anti-pick technology, or a steel plate that prevents drilling attacks. Other locks are suitable for a specific application, such as multidrop drivers or those that transport a lot of high-value goods.
Deadlocks are an option for those who need more security than a slamlock can provide. They operate independently from the locking mechanism from the manufacturer and can be unlocked only by the driver using the supplied key. Alternately, you can buy a hook lock that operates similarly, however, it provides extra security with deadlocking hook bolts that is inserted into the opposing body section and is operated with the key that comes with it under the full control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
If you're looking to make your car more secure and safe you should consider installing a dash camera. These cameras can assist you in avoiding accidents and collisions when driving, and are also useful in proving your innocence in case of an accident or traffic violation. They work by converting light signals into electrical signals and then converting those signals into digital information. These can be powered either by the battery in your vehicle or a cigarette-lighter.
Many of the dashboard cams available on the market include SD cards or flash drives for saving recordings. These devices typically overwrite old footage to create space for new videos, but they can be upgraded with memory cards that have high capacity for those who want to save more video data. Some dashboard cameras also come with cloud storage features, which remove the requirement for memory cards. These dashboard cams connect to a smartphone, Wi-Fi network, or both and upload data at different intervals.
Wireless or hard-wired cameras are also worth considering. Hard-wired models are less susceptible to interference from cell networks or other sources. They are also more durable, and some are able to stand up to the elements.
Some vans have dual dash cameras that record video from both the front and back of the vehicle. This can be useful when you have to reverse into tight spaces or while in a parking space. Some cameras have night vision, which can brighten images in low-light conditions and improve visibility for drivers. Many van owners choose to include this feature in their systems. Certain dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This is a great benefit for van owners who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life has become increasingly popular for those who love to travel and explore - but it's not without its risks. People who live in their vehicles are often at the mercy of thieves who may take aim at their vehicle and contents. There are many ways to secure your van and its contents but one of the best is an alarm system. These alarm systems can be linked to your keypad, so you'll receive notifications in the event of a burglary. They also help reduce insurance costs, which could save you money over the life of your van.
A good alarm system will come with the base station, a keypads, and entry sensors that guard against door peal. Some alarm systems have built-in motion sensors that detects movement inside your vehicle. The alarm will send an alert to you phone. This can be a great way to deter thieves and even assist in catching them before they strike.
Add deadlocks to your van's doors to make it more secure. They require a key for operation, and they're much harder to break than regular locks. The best option is to get some that are capable of being operated using an app for smartphones, so you can check the status of your van when you're away.
A lot of van alarms are equipped with an engine immobilizer that will shut down the engine of your vehicle if a wrong key is used to start it. This is a sensible security measure, but it will not stop a determined thief taking the entire engine. It is better to utilize a low-power tracker that stops the engine from running and will notify you of the exact location of your vehicle if it is moved.
Insurance
Vans are a vital resource for many businesses and protecting their contents is a top concern. Not only does a robust van security system provide peace of mind, it can also reduce cost of insurance since insurance companies take van owners' security measures into consideration when calculating their premiums.
Your driving record, along with the make, model, and year of your vehicle will also affect the rate of insurance you pay. The area where you live and work can also affect your rates, because higher crime rates could cause higher rates. Insurance companies may also take into account the use of your vehicle because commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure.
Consult your insurer before making any major modifications to your van. This could impact the price of your policy. Also, adding any additional features to your vehicle that aren't standard will increase your insurance. A Thatcham Category 2 -approved dash camera is an effective method to deter thieves, as they will be more cautious when trying to break into.
Another important aspect of van life is insurance that covers the tools and equipment that you keep in your vehicle in the event of theft. You can get comprehensive physical damage protection and roadside assistance plans to 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 isn't always the best. Compare coverage limits and deductibles as well as other benefits to find the best policy for your needs. In addition to complete coverage, it's important to consider gap insurance because it can cover the difference between your vehicle's actual cash value and the remaining balance on your loan if it's repaid in total.