How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset worth having, typically carrying expensive tools and equipment. It is crucial to ensure that your van is as secure as is possible. There are a myriad of ways to do this.
Slamlocks lock doors right after you close them. This is a great feature for couriers that do short drop-offs, or tend to forget to secure their van. Other options include a security stickers, covering or tinting the windows, and installing a lockable tools vault.
Security locks
With so many vans being used as a method of transportation as well as storage units that can be moved around it is essential to secure their contents from theft. The proper van security measures will deter criminals while protecting your belongings. This allows you to travel with peace of mind.
Door locks are the first line of defense, protecting the doors of the van and preventing unauthorized access. Locks that are standard, usually installed by the manufacturer, provide a basic level of protection but are easily manipulated by a few determined thieves. Moving to more sophisticated security locks that are immune to drilling, cutting and picking is a good investment in peace of mind.
When selecting a vanlock, you must consider the material, build quality and if it is certified by Thatcham. This designation ensures the lock is of top quality and is more difficult to compromise or break. Other important considerations are the slamlock system, which automatically locks the doors to the load area upon closure and requires a key to open; this is perfect for couriers who might 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 stop 'peel-and-steal' attack.
It is essential to clean and lubricate your van locks in order to maintain their functionality and the integrity of the mechanism. This stops corrosion and rust and promotes smooth operation. Regular inspections let you identify any signs of damage or wear and address them immediately, thereby to prevent security vulnerabilities from arising.
Alongside improving the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the right security systems will help you save money on your van insurance. Many insurers recognise the value of robust security solutions, offering favourable terms and additional coverage options.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective methods to deter thieves is strengthening your van's locks. Installing slam or high-strength locks will make the door of your van more secure and less difficult to break into. This is particularly crucial if you plan to use your van to transport expensive tools or other valuable cargo.
The slamlock activates automatically when your door is shut. You don't have to press any keys to activate the mechanism. This means it's much less likely to be stolen and is ideal for couriers and tradespeople who are constantly in and out of their van all day and may forget to lock up after each trip. It also helps to combat the petty thieves who just open the lock on your vehicle and steal whatever they can, including the tools you require to do your job.
There are a number of different types of slam locks that are available that come with extra security features, such as anti-drill technology and anti-pick technology, or a steel plate that prevents drilling attacks. Others are suitable for specific purposes, such as multidrop drivers or those that transport a lot of high-value goods.
Deadlocks are a good alternative for those who require more security than a slamlock can provide. These operate independently from the manufacturer's original locking mechanism and can only be removed with a key that is supplied with full control by the driver. You can also buy hooklocks that function similarly, but adds additional security by using a deadlocking bolt that engages in an opposing section of the body and is operated with the key supplied.
Dashboard cameras
Add a dash camera to your van if you want it to be more secure and safer. These cameras can aid you in avoiding accidents and collisions while driving, and they can also help in proving your innocence in case of a traffic offense. They work by converting the incoming light into electrical signals and they then convert those signals into digital data. They can be powered by your vehicle's battery or the lighter in your cigarette.
A lot of dashboard cameras on the market have SD cards or flash drives for recording. These devices overwrite old footage in order to allow for new recordings. However, they can be upgraded to accommodate larger memory cards if more video data is required. Certain dashboard cameras also have cloud storage capabilities, which can eliminate the requirement for memory cards. These types of dashboard cameras connect to either a Wi-Fi or smartphone and upload their data at different intervals.
Another thing to be considered is whether the camera is wireless or hard wired. Hardwired models are less vulnerable to interference from cellular networks or other sources. They are also more durable, and some can withstand the elements.
Some vans have dual dash cameras that record video from both the front and back of the vehicle. This is useful when you reverse in tight spaces or while parked. Some cameras come with night vision, which can make images appear brighter in low-light conditions and increase visibility for drivers. Many van owners choose to include this feature in their systems. Certain dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored, which is a huge benefit for van owners who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming more popular with those who enjoy traveling and exploring, but it comes with its own risks. People who live in their cars are frequently at risk of thieves who may target their vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are among the best ways to safeguard your van and its contents. These systems can be integrated with your keypad, so you'll be notified if someone is able to break into your vehicle. These systems can also lower insurance premiums. This could save you thousands of dollars over the life of your vehicle.
A good alarm system will have a base station, keypad and entry sensors that guard against door peal. Certain alarm systems come with an inbuilt motion sensor that detects movement inside your van. The alarm will send an alert to you phone. This is a fantastic method to deter thieves and even help you catch 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 manipulate than regular locks. A good option is to choose a lock equipped to operate with a smartphone app, so you can check on your vehicle while you're away.
Many van alarms also include an engine immobilizer which disables the motor of your vehicle if you use the wrong key to start it. This is a good measure to do, but it's not enough to stop a thief who is determined from taking away the entire engine. A better measure is to install an engine tracker with low power that prevents the engine from starting, and will send you the exact location of your vehicle whenever it is being relocated.
Insurance
Vans are an essential source for many businesses and securing their contents is a top priority. A van security system can give peace of mind and reduce insurance costs. Insurers take into account the security measures taken by van owners when calculating premiums.
Your driving history, as well as the make, model, and year of your van, will also affect your insurance rates. Your rates could also be affected by the region in which you live and work, as higher crime rates may cause an increase in premiums. Insurance providers will also consider the use of your vehicle, as commercial vehicles are typically more expensive to insure.
If you're thinking of making major van modifications, it's important to consult with your insurance provider prior to making any changes because it could have an impact on the policy price. The cost of insurance will also increase when you add any additional features that aren't included in the standard vehicle. 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.
Another important aspect of van life is insurance to cover the equipment and tools you keep in your vehicle, in case they are stolen. You can purchase comprehensive physical damage protection and roadside assistance plans that will protect here you from breakdowns and other emergencies while you're out on the road.
It's important to keep in mind that the insurance policy with the lowest cost isn't always the most effective. Compare coverage limits as well as deductibles and other advantages to find the most appropriate policy that meets your requirements. 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 amount on your loan if your van is totalled.