How to Make Your Van Secure

A van is an asset that can be used to transport expensive tools and equipment. It is essential to ensure that your van is as secure as is possible. There are many ways to do this.

Slamlocks secure doors when they are closed they can be very useful for couriers who do small drops or are susceptible to not locking the van. Other options include security stickers, covering or tinting windows and installing the tool vault with a lockable feature.

Security locks

It is important to protect the contents of vans, as they are used both as a means of transportation and storage on the move. The proper van security measures can deter criminals and safeguard your items, allowing you embark on your journeys with confidence.

Door locks are the initial line of defense, protecting the doors of the van and preventing access by unauthorized persons. Standard locks, often pre-installed by the manufacturer, provide a basic level of protection but can be easily bypassed by a determined thief. Upgrade to more secure locks that are immune to drilling, cutting, and picking is an investment in security.

When selecting a vanlock, you must consider the materials, the build quality and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This means that the lock is high-quality and more difficult to compromise. Other important factors to consider include the slamlock system, which automatically locks doors for loading area when closed and requires a key to open and close them. This is great for couriers who might not lock their vans between deliveries. Hook locks are another option that strengthens the side and rear doors to guard against 'peel and steal' attacks.

Regular cleaning and lubrication of your van locks is also crucial to keep them functioning and ensure the integrity of the mechanism. This helps prevent corrosion and rust and promotes smooth operation. Regular inspections will allow you to spot indications of wear and damage and fix them immediately. This can prevent security weaknesses from forming.

In addition to improving the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the appropriate security equipment will help you save money on insurance for your van. Many insurers recognise the value of security systems that are robust, offering favourable terms and additional coverage options.

Slamlocks

A stronger lock for your van is among the best methods to ward off robbers. By installing slam or high-strength locks the doors of your van will be more secure and harder to break into. This is particularly important if the vehicle is used to transport expensive equipment or cargo.

The slam lock is activated automatically when the door is shut and you don't have to press a button to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be damaged and is ideal for courier drivers and tradespeople who work out of their vans all day. They may forget to lock it up after each journey. It also helps to combat opportunistic thieves who simply open the lock on your vehicle and take whatever they can, including the tools you need for your work.

There are a variety of slamlocks to choose from. Some have additional security features like anti-drill and anti-pick technology, or a steelplate that prevents drilling. Others are suitable for a specific application such as multidrop drivers, or those that carry a significant amount of valuable goods.

Deadlocks are an option for those who need more protection than what an slamlock could provide. They operate in a different manner from the locking mechanism used by the manufacturer and can only be removed by a key supplied under full control of the driver. You could also invest in hooklocks that function in the same manner but provides extra security with deadlocking bolts that are inserted in the opposite part of the body and is operated by the key supplied.

Dashboard cameras

Add a dash camera to your van if you want it to be more secure and secure. These cameras can aid you in avoiding collisions and accidents while driving. They can also help in proving your innocence in case of a traffic offense. These cameras function by converting light incoming into electrical signals and changing those signals into digital information. They can be powered by your car's battery, or an lighter for your cigarette.

Many of the dashboard cams available on the market have SD cards or flash drives for saving recordings. These devices erase old footage to allow for new videos. However they can be upgraded to accommodate larger memory cards if additional video data is required. Some dashboard cameras also come with cloud storage capabilities, which eliminate the necessity for memory cards. These dashboard cams connect to a smartphone, a Wi-Fi network or both, and can upload data at various intervals.

Cameras that are hard-wired or wireless are also important to consider. Hardwired models are less prone to interference from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable and some are able to endure the elements.

Some vans are equipped with dual dash cams. They can record video from both the front and rear of the vehicle. This can be useful when you have to reverse into tight spaces or while parked. Some cameras have night vision that can brighten images in low-light conditions and increase visibility for the driver. Many van owners opt to add this feature to their systems. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored which is an immense benefit for van owners who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.

Alarms

Van life is getting increasingly popular among those who love traveling and exploring However, it comes with its own dangers. People who live in their vehicles are often at the mercy of thieves who could take aim at their vehicle and contents. Alarm systems are one of the best ways to secure your vehicle and its contents. These systems can be connected to your keypad, so you'll receive alerts in the event of a break-in. They can also be helpful in reducing insurance premiums, which could save you money over the lifetime of your van.

A good alarm system has an alarm base, keypad and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Some even come with a built in motion sensor that can detect any movement in your vehicle and alert your phone. This is a fantastic method to deter thieves and also assist in catching the thieves before they get to you.

Install deadlocks on your van's doors to make it more secure. They require a key and are harder to control than conventional locks. It is a good idea to choose a lock able to be operated with a smartphone app, so you can monitor your van when you're away.

A majority of van alarms are fitted with an engine immobilizer, which disables the engine of your vehicle if a wrong key is used to start it. This is a sensible step to consider, but it will not stop a thief who is determined from taking away the entire engine. An alternative is to install an engine tracker with low power that prevents the engine from starting and will notify you of your vehicle's location when it is being relocated.

Insurance

For a lot of businesses vans are essential assets and securing their contents is a major priority. A van security van deadlock kits system can provide peace of mind and reduce the cost of insurance. Insurers take into account the security measures implemented by van owners when calculating their premiums.

The make, model and year of your van will affect the cost of insurance and your driving record. The area where you live and work can also affect your rates, as higher crime rates can cause higher rates. Insurance providers will also consider the use of your vehicle, as commercial vehicles are typically more expensive to cover.

Contact your insurance company prior to making any major modifications to your van. This could impact the price of your policy. The cost of your insurance may also increase if you add any extras that aren't covered by the standard vehicle. A Thatcham Category 2 -approved dash camera is an effective way to deter thieves since they'll think twice before trying to break into.

Another essential element of van life is insurance that covers the tools and equipment that you keep in your vehicle in the event of theft. You can buy comprehensive physical damage coverage along with roadside service plans that cover breakdowns and other emergencies.

When comparing insurance policies, it's important to keep in mind that the cheapest policy isn't necessarily the best. Compare the limits of coverage as well as deductibles and other benefits to determine the right policy for you. It is worth looking into gap coverage in addition to comprehensive insurance. It will pay the difference between your value of the van's cash and any outstanding balance on your loan in the event that your vehicle is destroyed.