13 Things About Van Secure You May Not Have Considered
13 Things About Van Secure You May Not Have Considered
Blog Article
How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset that can be used to transport expensive equipment and tools. Security for your van is a top priority, and there are many strategies you can use to stop thieves from entering your van and keep your tools safe.
Slamlocks lock doors right after you shut them. This is beneficial for couriers that do short drop-offs, or tend to forget to secure their van. Other options include security stickers covering windows, tinting or covering them and installing the tool vault with a lockable feature.
Security locks
With the increasing number of vans used as both a mode of transportation as well as a mobile storage unit, it is vital to secure their contents from theft. The proper security measures for your van will deter criminals while protecting your belongings. This allows 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 unauthorised entry. Standard locks, often pre-installed by the manufacturer, provide an adequate level of security but can be easily bypassed by determined thieves. Upgrading to more advanced security locks that are immune to drilling, cutting, and picking is a good investment in security.
When selecting a vanlock, you should consider the quality of the material, its construction and if it is certified by Thatcham. This means that the lock is of high-quality and is more difficult to compromise. Other important considerations are the slamlock lock system, which automatically locks doors for loading area upon closure and requires the use of a key to open them; this is perfect for couriers who may forget to lock their van between deliveries. The hook lock is a different option that can be used to secure the front and side doors to guard against 'peel and steal' attacks.
It is important to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks to ensure their function and the integrity of the mechanism. This helps prevent corrosion and rust and promotes smooth operation. Regular inspections will enable you to spot indications of wear and tear, and address them immediately. This will stop security issues from arising.
Installing the best security system can save you money on insurance for your van. Many insurance companies recognize the importance of robust security solutions, offering favourable terms and additional coverage options in return.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective methods to deter thieves is by strengthening the locks of your van. By installing slam or high-strength locks, your van's doors will be more secure and less difficult to break into. This is particularly important if your vehicle is used to transport expensive equipment or cargo.
The slamlock is activated automatically when your door is closed. You don't have to press any keys to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be tampered and is ideal for couriers and tradespeople who are in and out of their vans all day. They might overlook locking it after every trip. It also helps combat the problem of opportunistic theft which is when thieves just unlock your vehicle's lock and run off with whatever they can get their hands on and often include the tools needed to do your job.
There are many different types of slam locks that come with extra security features, for instance anti-drill 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 carry a large volume of high-value items.
Deadlocks are a good option for those who need more security than is offered by a slamlock. They operate in a different manner from the original locking mechanism of the manufacturer and can only be unlocked by a key supplied under full control of the driver. You can also purchase hooklocks that function similarly, but adds additional security by using deadlocking bolts that are inserted in a different section of the body and is operated with the key that comes with it.
Dashboard cameras
Include a dash camera into your vehicle if you wish for it to be more secure and safer. These cameras can be used to prevent collisions and accidents when driving. They can also prove your innocence in the case of an accident, or traffic infraction. These cameras function by converting light that is incoming into electrical signals and then changing the signals into digital information. They can be powered by the battery in your vehicle or an cigarette-lighter.
A majority of the dashboard cameras available on the market have SD cards or flash drives for saving recordings. These devices typically overwrite old footage to make room for new videos, but they can be upgraded with memory cards with high capacity for those who want to save more video information. Some dashboard cameras also come with cloud storage capabilities that remove the need for memory cards. These dashboard cameras are connected to a smartphone, Wi-Fi network or both and upload data at different intervals.
Another aspect to be considered is whether the camera is wireless or hard wired. Hard-wired cameras are less susceptible to interferences from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some models can withstand the weather.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cams, which can capture footage from both the front and rear of the vehicle. This is useful when reversing in tight spaces, or while parking. Certain cameras have night vision, which can enhance the images in dim light conditions and improve visibility. Many van owners add this feature to the system. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored which is a huge benefit for van dwellers who are often away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming more popular among those who enjoy exploring and travelling however, it has its own risks. People who live in vehicles are usually at risk of theft. Thieves can attack the vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are one of the best ways to secure your van and its contents. These systems can be connected to your keypad, so that you receive notifications in the event of a break-in. They can also be helpful in reducing insurance premiums, which can save you a fortune over the life of your vehicle.
A good alarm system comes with keys, a base and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Some even have an inbuilt motion sensor that can detect movement inside your van and notify your mobile. This is a great way to deter anyone who might be a target and could assist you in identifying a criminal before they do.
Install deadlocks on your van's doors to ensure it's secure. These locks require keys and are more difficult to operate than standard locks. There are locks that operate using a smartphone app. This allows you to check on your van while you are away.
Many van alarms are also equipped with an engine immobilizer, which disables your vehicle's engine if the wrong key is used to start it. This is a sensible step to consider, but it will not stop a determined thief from taking away the entire engine. Better to install a low-power tracker which will stop the engine from running and will notify you of the exact location of your vehicle whenever it is removed.
Insurance
For a lot of businesses, their vans are vital resources and safeguarding their contents is an important priority. A van security system will give peace of mind and reduce the cost of insurance. Insurance companies consider the security measures employed by van owners when calculating their premiums.
The year, model, and make of your van will affect the cost of insurance, as will your driving record. The location in which you reside and work will affect your rates too, as higher crime rates can lead to increased rates. Insurance providers will also take the use of your van into consideration as commercial vehicles generally cost more to insure than personal ones.
If you're considering making any major modifications to your van it's essential to talk with your more info insurance provider prior to making any changes since it could have an impact on the policy price. Likewise, adding on any accessories to your vehicle that aren't included in the standard will increase the price of your premium. For instance, a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a simple way to discourage thieves, because it can make them think twice before attempting to break into your vehicle.
Insurance is a crucial aspect of the van's life. It covers the tools and equipment that you keep in your van in the event that they are stolen. You can purchase comprehensive physical damage insurance as well as roadside service plans that cover breakdowns as well as other emergencies.
It's important to keep in mind that the cheapest insurance policy doesn't necessarily mean the best. Compare the coverage limits, deductibles and other added benefits to determine the most suitable policy for your needs. It is worth looking into gap coverage in addition to comprehensive insurance. This can pay the difference between your van's cash value and any outstanding balance on your loan in the event of a total loss to your vehicle.