How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset, often carrying expensive tools and equipment. Making your van secure is an absolute priority and there are numerous methods you can employ to ward off thieves and protect your tools.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as you close them and are useful for couriers that make short drops or are prone to not locking the van. Other improvements include a security sticker covering or tinting windows, and installing a vault lockable to tools.
Security locks
With so many vans being used as both a mode of transportation as well as storage space mobile it is essential to safeguard their contents from theft. The proper security measures for your van will deter criminals and protect your possessions. This allows you to travel with peace of mind.
Door locks are the primary line of defence, securing the doors of the van and preventing unauthorized access. Locks that are standard, usually installed by the manufacturer, offer an adequate level of security however they are easily manipulated by a determined thief. Upgrading to more advanced security locks that are impervious to drilling, cutting and picking is an investment in security.
When choosing a vanlock, you should take into consideration the material, build quality and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This means that the lock is high-quality and more difficult to alter. The slamlock is a further consideration. It automatically locks the doors of the load area when it closes and requires a key to unlock. This is ideal for couriers who forget to lock up their vans during deliveries. The hook lock is another option that strengthens the doors on the rear and side to guard against 'peel and steal' attacks.
It is important to clean and lubricate your van locks to keep their functionality intact and the strength of the mechanism. This will help prevent rust and corrosion, and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections will enable you to identify signs of wear and tear, and address them immediately. This will prevent security vulnerabilities from developing.
Installing a security system that is appropriate will save you money on van insurance. Many insurance companies are aware of robust security solutions, offering favourable terms and additional coverage options.
Slamlocks
The strengthening of your van's lock is one of the most effective ways to deter robbers. Installing slam or high-strength locks will make the van's door more secure and harder to break into. This is especially crucial if your van is used to transport expensive tools or equipment.
The slam lock is activated automatically as soon as your door is closed, meaning you don't need to press a key to activate the mechanism. This means it's much less likely to be tampered with, 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 the issue of opportunistic theft which is when thieves just open your vehicle's existing lock and then take off with whatever they are able to grab and often include the tools you require to complete your job.
There are many different kinds of slam locks that are available that come with extra security features, like anti-drill and anti-pick technologies or a steel plate that prevents drilling attacks. Others are suitable for a specific application like multidrop drivers or those that carry a significant amount of high-value items.
Deadlocks are a good alternative for those who require more protection than what is offered by a slamlock. They operate independently of the original locking mechanism that is supplied by the manufacturer and are only be unlocked by the driver using the key provided. You can also purchase a hook lock that works similarly, however, it provides extra security through deadlocking hook bolts that is inserted into the opposite body section and operates with the supplied key under full control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
Install a dash camera in your van if you want it to be more secure and safe. These cameras can help you avoid accidents and collisions while driving, and they are also useful in showing your innocence in the event of a traffic offense. These cameras work by converting light signals into electrical signals and changing the signals into digital information. They can be powered by your vehicle's battery or the lighter for your cigarette.
Many of the dashboard cams available on the market have SD cards or flash drives to save recordings. These devices typically overwrite old footage to create space for new videos, but they can be upgraded with memory cards that have high capacity if you want to save more video data. Some dashboard cameras also come with cloud storage features, which remove the need for memory cards. These kinds of dashboard cameras connect to a smartphone or Wi-Fi network and upload their data at different intervals.
Another thing to be considered is whether the camera is wired or wireless. Hardwired cameras are less prone to interferences from cell networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some can endure the elements.
Some vans come with dual dash cams. They can record footage from both the rear and front of the vehicle. This can be helpful when you have to reverse into tight spaces or when in a parking space. Some cameras have night vision that can make images appear brighter in low-light conditions and increase visibility for drivers. Many van owners have added this feature to the system. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This can be an excellent benefit for van dwellers that 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 not without its risks. People who live in vehicles are often susceptible to theft. Thieves may take aim at the vehicle and its contents. There are a variety of ways to secure your van and its contents, but one of the best is to install an alarm system. Alarm systems can be linked with your keypad, meaning you'll receive alerts if anyone gets into your vehicle. They also help reduce insurance costs, which could save you a fortune over the life of your van.
A good alarm system comes with an alarm base, keypad and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Some even have an inbuilt motion sensor that detects movement inside your van and send an alert to your phone. This is a fantastic way to deter thieves and even help you catch the thieves before they get to you.
Adding deadlocks to all of your doors is another great method to keep your van secure. These locks require a key for operation and are much more difficult to tamper with than normal locks. You can also get locks that you can operate via a smartphone application. This allows you to check on your vehicle while you're away.
Many van alarms are also fitted with an engine immobilizer, that will shut down your vehicle's engine if the wrong key is used to start it. This is a good security measure, but it can not stop a determined criminal from taking the entire engine. It is safer to employ a low-power tracking device that will stop the engine from running and will notify you of the exact location of your vehicle if it is removed.
Insurance
For many companies vans are essential resources, and protecting their contents is an important priority. A van security system can give peace of mind as well as reduce the cost of insurance. Insurance companies consider the security measures implemented by van owners when calculating their premiums.
The year, model, and make of your van will affect your insurance rates as will your driving record. Your rates will also be affected by the location in which you reside and work, since higher crime rates could lead to an increase in rates. Insurance companies will also take into consideration the possibility of using your van because commercial vehicles are typically more expensive to cover.
Consult your insurer before making any major changes to your van. This could affect the price of your policy. Likewise, adding on any accessories to your vehicle that aren't included in the standard can increase the cost of your premium. A Thatcham Category 2 certified dash camera is an effective method to deter thieves, as they will be more cautious when trying to break into.
Another important aspect of van life is insurance to protect the tools and equipment that you keep in your vehicle, in case they are stolen. You can purchase comprehensive physical damage protection, as well as roadside assistance plans that take care of breakdowns and other emergencies while you're on the road.
When comparing insurance policies it's important to remember that the most affordable option isn't necessarily the best. Compare the coverage limits and deductibles as well as other benefits to choose the right policy for you. It is worth looking into gap coverage in addition to comprehensive insurance. This can pay the difference between the van's cash value and any outstanding amount on your loan if your van is totalled.