The Most Significant Issue With Van Secure, And What You Can Do To Fix It
The Most Significant Issue With Van Secure, And What You Can Do To Fix It
Blog Article
How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset worth having, typically carrying expensive equipment and tools. Making your van secure should be a top priority, and there are many methods you can employ to deter thieves and protect your tools.
Slamlocks secure doors when you shut them and are useful for couriers who do short drops or are prone to not locking their vans. Other upgrades include security stickers covering windows, tinting or covering them and installing an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
It is crucial to secure the contents of vans, since they are used as a mode of transport and mobile storage. The right van security measures can deter criminals and safeguard your items, allowing you take your trip with confidence.
The van's door locks are the first line in defense. They secure the doors and block unauthorised entry. Standard locks, which are usually installed by the manufacturer, provide the most basic protection but can be easily bypassed by a determined thief. Moving to more sophisticated security locks that are immune to cutting, drilling, and picking is an investment in peace of mind.
The factors to consider when selecting van locks include the material and the build quality and whether it's approved by Thatcham. This ensures that the lock is of high-quality and more difficult to alter. The slamlock is an additional factor to take into. It locks automatically the doors of the loading area when it is closed and requires a specific key to unlock. This is perfect for couriers who may not lock their vans between deliveries. The hook lock is a different option, which reinforces front and side doors to guard against 'peel and steal' attacks.
It is crucial to clean and lubricate your van locks in order to ensure their function and the integrity of the mechanism. This will prevent corrosion and rust and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections will allow you to spot indications of wear and damage, and fix them immediately. This will stop security vulnerabilities from developing.
In addition to improving the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the right security systems can help you save money on insurance for your van. Many insurance companies are aware of strong 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 high-strength or slam locks, your van's doors will be more secure and less difficult to break into. This is particularly important if your vehicle is used for transporting expensive tools or equipment.
The slamlock activates automatically when your door is closed. You don't need to press any keys to activate the mechanism. This means it's much less likely to be compromised and is ideal for couriers and tradespeople who are in and out of their van every day long and might not remember to lock it after each trip. It also helps to combat the issue of opportunistic burglaries which is when thieves just open your vehicle's existing lock and then take off with whatever they are able to grab that includes the tools needed to do your job.
There are many different types of slamlocks that are available. Some have additional security features like anti drill and anti pick technology, or a steelplate which blocks drilling. Some are suited for specific purposes like multidrop drivers or those that carry a significant amount of high-value items.
For those who want more security than a standard slam lock can offer alternatives like deadlocks. These operate independently from the locking mechanism used by the manufacturer and can only be unlocked by a key supplied under full control of the driver. Alternatively, you could purchase a hook lock that operates exactly the same way, but provides additional security with a deadlocking hook bolt which is inserted into the opposite body section and operates with the supplied key under complete control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
If you're looking to make your van more secure and safe you should consider installing a dash cam. These cameras can assist you in avoiding accidents and collisions when driving, and can also be useful in proving your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic offense. These cameras work by converting light that is incoming into electrical signals and then convert these signals into digital data. They can be powered by the vehicle's battery or an cigarette lighter.
Many of the dashboard cams that are available have SD cards or flash drives for saving recordings. These devices typically erase old footage to create space for new videos, but they can be upgraded using memory cards with high capacity if you want to save more video information. Some dashboard cameras also come with cloud storage capabilities, which remove the need for memory cards. These dashboard cameras are connected to a smartphone, a Wi-Fi network or both and upload data at different intervals.
Hard-wired or wireless cameras are also important to take into consideration. Hardwired cameras are less vulnerable to interferences from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some models are able to withstand weather.
Some vans have dual dash cams, which can record video from both the rear and front of the vehicle. This is helpful when reverses in tight spaces, or while parked. Some cameras come with night vision, which is able to make images appear brighter in low-light conditions and improve visibility for the driver. Many van owners include this feature to the system. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This is a great benefit for van dwellers that are often away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming more popular among those who love traveling and exploring however, it comes with its own risks. People who live in their vehicles are often at risk of thieves who could take aim at their vehicle and contents. Alarm systems are one of the best ways to protect your van and its contents. These systems can be integrated with your keypad, so you'll receive alerts if anyone breaks into your vehicle. These systems can also reduce insurance premiums. This can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your van.
A good alarm system will have a base station, keypads, and entry sensors that guard against door peal. Some even come with a built in motion sensor that can detect the presence of movement inside your vehicle and alert your mobile. This can be a powerful deterrent for anyone who might be a target and can assist you in identifying a criminal before they do.
Adding deadlocks to all of your doors is an excellent way to keep your van secure. These locks require keys and are more difficult to control than conventional locks. You can also purchase locks that you can operate via a smartphone application. This will allow you to monitor your vehicle even when you're away.
A majority of van alarms are fitted 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 thief who is determined from taking the entire engine. It is safer to use a low-power tracking device that stops the engine from starting and send you the position of your vehicle once it is removed.
Insurance
For many companies, their vans are vital assets and securing their contents is an important priority. Not only can a strong van security system provide peace of mind, it can also reduce insurance costs since insurers take van owners' security measures into account when calculating premiums.
The year, model, and make of your van will affect your insurance premiums and your driving record. Your rates are also affected by the location in which you reside and work, because higher crime rates can result in an increase in premiums. Insurance companies will also take your van's use into account as commercial vehicles typically cost more to insure than personal ones.
If you're considering making any major changes to your van, it's important to consult with your insurance company prior to doing so as it could have an impact here on the policy price. The cost of insurance could also rise by adding any extras that aren't part of the standard vehicle. A Thatcham Category 2 -approved dash camera is an effective method to deter thieves, as they will think twice before trying to gain entry into.
Another important aspect of van life is insurance that covers the tools and equipment you keep in your vehicle, in case they are stolen. You can purchase complete physical damage insurance and roadside service plans that cover breakdowns as well as other emergencies.
When comparing insurance policies, it's important to keep in mind that the cheapest policy isn't always the best. Compare the limits of coverage along with deductibles, coverage limits and other benefits to determine the most suitable policy that meets your needs. In addition to full coverage, it's worth considering gap insurance as it can cover the difference between your car's actual cash value and any remaining balance on your loan, if it's totaled.