How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset worth having, typically carrying expensive equipment and tools. Making your van secure is an absolute priority and there are a variety of methods you can employ to deter thieves and ensure your tools are safe.
Slamlocks lock doors right after they are closed. This is a great feature for couriers that do short drops, or who are prone forgetting to secure their van. Other upgrades include security stickers covering windows or tinting them and installing a lockable tool vault.
Security locks
With so many vans being used as a method of transportation and storage units that can be moved around it is crucial to safeguard their contents from theft. The right van security measures will deter criminals while protecting your possessions. This will allow you to travel with peace of mind.
Door locks are the first line of defense, protecting the doors of your van and preventing unauthorized access. Standard locks, often pre-installed by the manufacturer, provide a basic level of protection however they are easily manipulated by a determined thief. Upgrade to more secure locks that resist cutting or drilling. This is a good investment in security that will give you peace of mind.
When choosing a vanlock, you should consider the materials, the build quality and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This means that the lock is of high-quality, making it more difficult to break or compromise. The slamlock is another important aspect to consider. It automatically locks the doors of the load area when it is closed and requires a special key to unlock. This is ideal for couriers who may not lock their vans between deliveries. The hook lock is another option that can be used to secure the side and rear doors to prevent 'peel-and-steal' attacks.
It is crucial to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks to keep their functionality intact and the integrity of the mechanism. This will prevent corrosion and rust, and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to detect any signs of damage or wear and address them promptly, preventing security vulnerabilities from emerging.
Alongside improving the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the right security system can save you money on insurance for your van. Many insurers offer favourable conditions in exchange for high-quality security solutions.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective methods to stop thieves is by strengthening the locks on your van. Installing slam or high-strength locks will make the door of your van more secure and harder to break into. This is particularly crucial if you plan to use your vehicle to transport expensive tools or other valuable cargo.
The lock is activated automatically once your door is shut. You don't have to press any keys to activate the mechanism. This means it's less likely to be tampered with, making it ideal for courier drivers or tradespeople who are in and out of their van all day and may forget to lock up after each trip. It also helps to combat the issue of opportunistic theft which is when thieves just unlock your vehicle's lock and take off with anything they are able to grab - which often includes the tools you require for your job.
There are many different types of slamlocks that are available. Some have additional security features such as anti drill and anti pick technology, or a steelplate which prevents drilling. Others are suitable for specific purposes such as multidrop drivers or those who carry a large volume of high-value items.
For those who want more security than a standard lock that slams can provide the option of deadlocks. These operate independently from the manufacturer's original locking mechanism and can only be unlocked with a supplied key under full control of the driver. You can also purchase a hooklock, which works similarly, but adds additional security by using a deadlocking bolt that engages in a different section of the body and is operated with the key that comes with it.
Dashboard cameras
If you want to make your car more secure and secure you should consider installing a dash cam. These cameras can help you avoid accidents and collisions while driving, and they can also be useful in showing your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic violation. They work by converting incoming light into electrical signals and they then convert those signals into digital data. They can be powered by your vehicle's battery or a lighter in your cigarette.
Many of the dashboard cams available on the market have SD cards or flash drives for saving recordings. These devices can overwrite old footage in order to allow 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 features, which eliminate the requirement for memory cards. These types of dashboard cameras connect to a smartphone or Wi-Fi network and upload their data at various intervals.
Another aspect to consider is whether the camera is wireless or hard wired. Hardwired cameras are less vulnerable to interferences from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable and some can withstand the elements.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cameras that can record video from the front and back of the vehicle. This is helpful when reverses in tight spaces, or while parked. Some cameras come with night vision, which can make images appear brighter in low-light conditions and enhance visibility for the driver. Many van owners choose to include this feature in their systems. Certain dashboard cameras are able to be remotely monitored. This is a great benefit for van owners who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular among those who like to travel and explore, but it's not without risk. The people who live in vehicles are usually at risk of being robbed. Thieves could take aim at the vehicle and its contents. There are many ways to protect your vehicle and its cargo but one of the best is to install an alarm system. These alarm systems can be linked to your keypad, so that you will receive notifications in the event of a burglary. These systems can also reduce insurance premiums. This could save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your vehicle.
A good alarm system should have a base station, keypad and entry sensors that protect against door peal. Some alarms even have a built in motion sensor that will detect the presence of movement inside your vehicle and send an alert to your mobile. This can be a great way to deter potential thieves and assist in catching them before they strike.
Installing deadlocks on all of your doors is a great option to ensure your van is secure. They require a key to operate and are more difficult to break than regular locks. It is a good idea to choose a lock equipped to operate with a smartphone app, so you can check the status of your vehicle while you're away.
A majority of van alarms are equipped 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 great precaution, but it will not stop a determined criminal from taking the entire engine. It is best to employ a low-power tracking device that will stop the engine from starting and send you the position of your vehicle once it is removed.
Insurance
Vans are a crucial source for many businesses, and securing their contents is a top concern. A van security system can give peace of mind and reduce the cost of insurance. Insurers take into account the security measures implemented by van owners when calculating premiums.
The year, model, and make of your van will impact your insurance premiums, as will your driving record. The location in which you live and work can also impact your rates as higher crime rates can lead to increased rates. ford transit security locks will also take into consideration the possibility of using your van, as commercial vehicles are usually more expensive to insure.
If you're thinking of making major van modifications, it's important to consult with your insurance company prior to doing so as this could have an impact on the cost of your policy. The cost of your insurance may also increase if you add any extras that aren't part of the standard vehicle. For instance the use of a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a great way to deter thieves, since it makes them think twice before attempting to break into your vehicle.
Another important aspect of van life is insurance that covers the tools and equipment you keep in your vehicle, in the event that they are stolen. You can obtain complete physical damage protection and roadside assistance plans that take care of breakdowns and other emergencies while you're out on the road.
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 determine the best policy for your needs. It is worth looking into gap coverage in addition to comprehensive insurance. This can pay the difference between your cash value of your van and the outstanding balance on your loan, in the event of a total loss to your vehicle.