How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset worth having, typically carrying expensive tools and equipment. It is important to ensure that your van is as secure as possible. There are a myriad of ways to do this.
Slamlocks locks doors once they are closed, which can be useful for couriers that make short drops or are prone to not locking the van. Other improvements include security stickers covering windows or tinting them and fitting a lockable tool vault.
Security locks
With the increasing number of vans utilized as a means of transport as well as storage units that can be moved around it is crucial to secure their contents from theft. The right van security measures will deter criminals and protect your belongings. This allows you to travel in peace.
Door locks are the primary line of defense, protecting the doors of the van and preventing unauthorized access. Standard locks are often pre-installed and offer basic security however, they are easily smashed. Upgrade to more secure locks that are resistant to cutting or drilling. This is an investment in security that will give you peace of mind.
When selecting a vanlock, you must consider the materials, the build quality and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This certification ensures that the lock is of high-quality, making it more difficult to break or compromise. ford van security door locks are the slamlock lock system, which automatically locks the doors to the load area upon closure and requires a key to open and close them. This is great for couriers who forget to lock their van between deliveries. Hook locks are another option that strengthens the side and rear doors to prevent 'peel-and-steal' attacks.
It is important to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks in order to ensure their function and the strength of the mechanism. This prevents rust and corrosion and helps ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to spot any signs of wear or damage and fix these issues promptly, thus making sure that security vulnerabilities are not uncovered.
Alongside improving the overall security of your vehicle, installing the right security system can help you save money on your van insurance. Many insurance companies offer favorable conditions in exchange for high-quality security solutions.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective methods to stop thieves is by strengthening your van's locks. By installing high-strength or slam locks the doors of your van will be more secure and less difficult to break into. This is especially important if you use your van to transport expensive equipment or valuable cargo.
The slam lock is activated automatically as soon as your door is shut which means you don't have to press a key to trigger the mechanism. It's less likely to be compromised which makes it ideal for courier drivers and tradespeople that are in and out of their vans throughout the day. They might overlook locking it at the end of each journey. It also helps to combat the petty thieves who just open the lock on your vehicle and take whatever they can get, which includes the tools that you need for your work.
There are many different types of slamlocks available. Some have additional security features like anti drill and anti pick technology or a steelplate that prevents drilling. Some are designed for specific applications, such as the ones used by multidrop drivers or those who transport a lot of valuable goods.
If you're looking for more security than a lock that slams can provide alternatives like deadlocks. These operate independently from the original locking mechanism of the manufacturer and can only be unlocked with a supplied key with full control by the driver. You can also buy hook locks, which operates exactly the same way, however, it provides extra security through deadlocking hook bolts that is inserted into the opposite body section and is operated with the key that comes with it under the complete control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
Install a dash camera in your vehicle if you wish for it to be more secure and secure. 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 the incoming light into electrical signals, and then transform those signals into digital data. They can be powered by your car's battery or an lighter for your cigarette.
A majority of the dashboard cameras available on the market include SD cards or flash drives for saving recordings. These devices usually overwrite old footage to create space for new recordings, however they can be upgraded using memory cards with high capacity if you want to save more video information. Some dashboard cameras have cloud storage, eliminating the need for memory card storage. These types of dashboard cams connect to a smartphone or Wi-Fi network and upload their data at varying intervals.
Hard-wired or wireless cameras are also worth considering. Hardwired models are less vulnerable to interference from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable and some models can withstand the weather.
Some vans come with dual dash cams that can record footage from both the rear and front of the vehicle. This can be helpful when you need to reverse in tight spaces or when parked. Certain cameras come with night vision, which is able to brighten images in low-light conditions and enhance visibility for the driver. Many van owners include this feature to their system. Some dashboard cams 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 becoming increasingly popular with those who love to travel and explore - but it's not without risks. The people who reside in vehicles are frequently susceptible to theft. Thieves could target the vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are one of the best ways to protect your van and its contents. Alarm systems can be linked with your keypad, which means you'll receive notifications if anyone is able to break into your vehicle. They can also be helpful in reducing insurance costs, which could save you a fortune over the life of your vehicle.
A good alarm system includes keys, a base and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Some alarm systems have built-in motion sensors that detects movement inside your van. It will then send an alert to your phone. This is a great deterrent to anyone who is a potential thief, and it can even help you spot the criminal before they get to them.
Adding deadlocks to all of your doors is a great method to ensure your van is secure. These locks require a key for operation and are more difficult to tamper with than normal locks. You can also purchase locks that can be operated with a smartphone application. This will allow you to monitor your vehicle while you're away.
Many van alarms also include an engine immobilizer that shuts off the motor of your vehicle if you use the wrong key to start it. This is a good precaution, but it will not stop a determined criminal from taking the entire engine. It is safer to utilize a low-power tracker which will stop the engine from starting and send you the exact location of your vehicle if it is removed.
Insurance
For a lot of businesses, their vans are vital assets and securing their contents is an important priority. A van security system will give peace of mind and reduce insurance costs. Insurance companies take into consideration the security measures taken by van owners when calculating premiums.
The year, model, and make of your vehicle will affect your insurance rates and your driving record. The area where you reside and work will also impact your rates as higher crime rates can lead to increased rates. Insurance companies will also take into consideration the use of your vehicle, as commercial vehicles are usually more expensive to insure.
If you're thinking of making major changes to your van it's essential to talk with your insurance company prior to doing so because this could have an impact on the price of your policy. Also, adding any accessories to your vehicle that aren't standard can increase the cost of your insurance. For instance the use of a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a great way to discourage thieves, as it will make them think twice about attempting to break into your van.
Another important aspect of van life is insurance to cover the tools and equipment that you keep in your vehicle, in case they are stolen. You can buy complete physical damage insurance and roadside service plans that cover breakdowns as well as other emergencies.
It's important to be aware that the insurance policy with the lowest cost isn't always the best. Compare coverage limits and deductibles as well as other benefits to find the best policy for your needs. It's worth considering gap coverage in addition to comprehensive insurance. It will pay the difference between the cash value of your van and the outstanding balance on your loan if your van is totalled.