How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset that can transport expensive equipment and tools. Making My Source secure is an absolute priority and there are a variety of 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 that make frequent short trips or are prone to not locking the van. Other upgrades include security stickers covering windows, tinting or covering them and installing the tool vault with a lockable feature.
Security locks
It is important to protect the contents of vans, since they are used as a mode of transport as well as mobile storage. The right van security measures can deter criminals and safeguard your belongings, allowing you to embark on your journeys with confidence.
Door locks are the primary line of defense, protecting the van's doors and preventing access by unauthorized persons. Standard locks, often pre-installed by the manufacturer, offer an adequate level of security but can be easily bypassed by a determined thief. Upgrade to more secure locks that are impervious to drilling, cutting, and picking is a good investment in peace of mind.
Considerations when choosing the right van lock include quality of the material and construction and whether it's Thatcham-approved. This means that the lock is of high-quality and is more difficult to compromise or break. The slamlock is a further consideration. It automatically locks the doors of the loading area upon closing and requires a specific key to unlock. This is perfect for couriers that may not lock their vans between deliveries. The hook lock is a different option that can be used to secure the side and rear doors to guard against 'peel and steal' attacks.
It is essential to clean and lubricate your van locks in order to ensure their function and the integrity of the mechanism. This will help prevent rust and corrosion and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to identify any signs of damage or wear and address them promptly, preventing security vulnerabilities from emerging.
Installing the right security system can save you money on insurance for your van. Many insurance companies recognize the importance of strong security solutions providing favorable terms and additional coverage options in return.
Slamlocks
The strengthening of your van's lock is one of the most effective ways to deter robbers. Installing high-strength locks or slam locks will make the door of your van more secure and difficult to break into. This is especially important if you use your van to transport expensive tools or valuable cargo.
The lock is activated automatically once your door is closed. You don't have to press any keys to activate the mechanism. This means it's less likely to be compromised, making it ideal for courier drivers or tradespeople who are in and out of their van throughout the day long and forget to lock up at the end of each trip. It also helps to combat criminals who can simply open the door of your vehicle and steal whatever they can, which includes the tools that you need to do your job.
There are a variety of slamlocks available. Some have additional security features such as anti-drill and anti-pick technology, or a steelplate that stops drilling. Certain models are specifically designed for applications, like those used by multidrop drivers and those who transport a lot of valuable items.
Deadlocks are a great option for those who need more protection than what a slamlock can provide. They operate independently of the original locking mechanism that is supplied by the manufacturer and are only be unlocked by the driver using the supplied key. Alternately, you can buy hook locks that works in the same way however, it provides extra security by using a deadlocking hook bolt which engages into an opposing body section and is operated with the supplied key under total control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
If you want to make your car more secure and secure think about adding a dash camera. These cameras can help you avoid collisions and accidents when driving, and can also help in showing your innocence in the event of a traffic offense. They convert incoming light into electrical signals and then they transform those signals into digital data. They can be powered by your car's battery or a lighter in your cigarette.
A lot of dashboard cameras on the market have SD cards or flash drive to record. These devices overwrite old footage to make room for new videos. However they can be upgraded to accommodate larger memory cards if additional video data is needed. Some dashboard cameras also come with cloud storage capabilities, which can eliminate the requirement for memory cards. These types of dashboard cams connect to the Wi-Fi or smartphone network and upload their data at varying intervals.
Cameras that are hard-wired or wireless are also important to take into consideration. Hardwired models are less vulnerable to interference from cell networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some can withstand the elements.
Some vans have dual dash cams that can capture 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. Some cameras feature night vision, which can enhance the images in low-light conditions and enhance visibility. Many van owners have added this feature to the system. Certain dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored which is an enormous benefit for van owners who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular with those who like to travel and explore, but it's without risks. People who live in vehicles are often at risk of being robbed. Thieves could take aim at the vehicle and its contents. There are a variety of ways to protect your vehicle and its contents, but one of the most effective is to install an alarm system. These systems can be connected to your keypad so that you receive notifications in the event of a burglary. They also help reduce insurance costs, which could save you money over the lifetime of your van.
A good alarm system includes a base, keypad, and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Some alarms even have a built in motion sensor that can detect movement inside your van and notify your phone. This is a great deterrent to anyone who is a potential thief and could help you spot the criminal before they strike.
Installing deadlocks on all of your doors is an excellent option to ensure your van is secure. They require a key for operation and are much more difficult to alter than standard locks. You can also get locks that operate via a smartphone application. This will allow you to monitor your van while you are away.
A majority of van alarms are fitted 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 good security measure, but it will not stop a determined criminal from taking the entire engine. An alternative is to have a low-power tracker which stops the engine from starting and will notify you of the location of your vehicle when it is being moved.
Insurance
For many businesses their vans are crucial assets and securing their contents is a top priority. Not only can a strong van security system provide peace of mind, but it also helps reduce insurance costs since insurance companies take the security measures of van owners into consideration when calculating their premiums.
The year, make, and model of your van will affect the cost of insurance and your driving record. The area in which you live and work can affect your rates too, because higher crime rates could cause higher rates. Insurance providers will also consider the use of your van since commercial vehicles are usually more expensive to insure.
Check with your insurance provider prior to making any major van mods. This could impact the price of your policy. The cost of your insurance could also rise if you add any extras that aren't included in the standard vehicle. A Thatcham Category 2 -approved dash camera is an effective method to deter thieves, because they'll be cautious before attempting to gain entry into.
Insurance is another important aspect of van life. It protects the tools and other equipment that you store inside your van in the event they're stolen. You can obtain complete physical damage protection as well as roadside assistance plans that protect you from breakdowns and other emergencies that occur while you're driving.
When comparing insurance policies it's important to keep in mind that the most affordable option isn't necessarily the best. Compare the coverage limits, deductibles, and other benefits to find the right policy for you. In addition to full coverage, it's worth considering gap insurance as it can cover the difference between your vehicle's actual cash value and the remaining balance on your loan, if it is totalled.