It's The Ugly Truth About Van Secure
It's The Ugly Truth About Van Secure
Blog Article
How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that can carry expensive tools and equipment. Security for your van is an absolute priority, and there are many strategies you can use to ward off thieves and keep your tools safe.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as they are closed. This is beneficial for couriers who have short drop-offs, or tend to forget to lock their van. Other options include security stickers covering windows or tinting them and installing a lockable tool vault.
Security locks
It is important to protect the contents of vans, since they are used as a vehicle for transportation and storage on the move. The proper security measures for your van will deter criminals and protect your belongings. This will allow you to travel with confidence.
Door locks are the primary line of defense, protecting the doors of the van and preventing unauthorized access. Locks that are standard are usually installed and offer basic security, but they can be easily smashed. Upgrading to more advanced security locks that are resistant to drilling, cutting, and picking is an investment in peace of mind.
The factors to consider when selecting van locks include the material and build quality, as well as whether it's Thatcham-approved. This designation ensures the lock is of top quality and is more difficult to break or compromise. Other important considerations are the slamlock system, which automatically locks the doors to the load area upon closure and requires a key to open which is ideal for couriers who may not lock their vans between deliveries. Another alternative is the hook lock that provides reinforcement to front and side doors and stops 'peel and take attacks.
Regularly cleaning and lubricating your van locks is essential to maintain functionality and ensure the strength of the mechanism. This will prevent rust and corrosion and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections let you spot any signs of damage or wear and address them immediately, thereby preventing security vulnerabilities from emerging.
Installing a security system that is appropriate can save you money on van insurance. Many insurance companies are aware of security systems that are robust providing favorable terms and additional coverage options.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective methods to deter thieves is by strengthening your van's locks. Installing high-strength locks or slam locks will make your van's door more secure and harder to break into. This is especially crucial if you plan to use your van to transport expensive tools or valuable cargo.
A slam lock operates automatically when your door is shut and you don't have to press a key to trigger the mechanism. This means it's much less likely to be stolen and is ideal for courier drivers or tradespeople who are constantly in and out of their van every day long and might forget to lock up at the end of each trip. It also helps to combat opportunistic thieves who simply open the vehicle's lock and take what they can get, which includes the tools you need to do your job.
There are many different types of slam locks that are available and some of them come with additional security features, like anti-drill and anti-pick technology or steel plates that block drilling attacks. Other locks are suitable for a specific application such as multidrop drivers, or those that carry a significant amount of valuable goods.
For those who want more security than a slam lock can offer the option of deadlocks. They function independently of the manufacturer's original locking mechanism and can only be removed by a key supplied with full control by the driver. Alternatively, you could invest in hook locks, which operates similarly, however, it provides extra security by using a deadlocking hook bolt that is inserted into the opposing body section and operates with the key that comes with it under the full control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
Install a dash camera in your vehicle if you want it to be more secure and safe. These cameras can help you avoid accidents and collisions while driving. They can also help in proving your innocence in case of an accident or traffic offense. These cameras function by converting light incoming into electrical signals and then converting these signals into digital data. These can be powered either via the battery of your vehicle or the cigarette lighter.
Many dashboard cameras available on the market come with SD cards or flash drives to record. These devices typically overwrite old footage to make room for new recordings, however they can be upgraded with memory cards with high capacity for those who want to store more video data. Some dashboard cameras offer cloud storage, eliminating the need for memory card storage. These dashboard cameras are connected to a smartphone, Wi-Fi network or both, and can upload data at various times.
Another thing to consider is whether the camera is wireless or hard wired. Hard-wired models are less susceptible to interference from cellular networks or other sources. They are also more durable, and some models can endure the elements.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cameras which can record video from both the front and back of the vehicle. This is useful when you need to reverse in tight spaces or when parked. Certain cameras have night vision that can increase the brightness of the images in dim light conditions and enhance visibility. Many van owners add this feature to the system. Certain dashboard cameras are able to be remotely monitored. This can be an excellent benefit for van owners who are often away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming more popular with those who enjoy traveling and exploring however, it comes with its own dangers. People who live in their vehicles are often at risk of thieves who could attack their vehicle and its contents. There are many ways to secure your van and its contents however, one of the best is to install an alarm system. These systems can be connected to your keypad so that you will receive alerts in the event of a break-in. They can also be helpful in reducing insurance premiums, which can save you a fortune over the lifetime of your van.
A good alarm system should have an alarm base station, keypads and entry sensors that protect against door peal. Some alarm systems have built-in motion sensors that detects movement within your van. The alarm will send an click here alert to you phone. This can be a great way to deter thieves and assist in catching the thieves before they get to you.
Add deadlocks to your van's doors to make it more secure. These locks require keys and are more difficult to manipulate than standard locks. You can also get locks that you can operate via a smartphone application. This will allow you to check on your vehicle even when you're away.
Many van alarms are also fitted with an engine immobilizer which will disable the engine of your vehicle if a wrong key is used to start it. This is a sensible precaution, but it will not stop a thief who is determined to taking the entire engine. An alternative is to have a low-power tracker which will stop the engine from running, and will send you your vehicle's location when it is being removed.
Insurance
Vans are an essential source for many businesses and the security of their contents is a top priority. A van security system can provide peace of mind and reduce the cost of insurance. Insurance companies take into consideration the security measures implemented by van owners when calculating their premiums.
Your driving record, as well as the make, model and year of your vehicle will also affect the rate of insurance you pay. Your rates could also be affected by the region in which you reside and work as higher crime rates may cause an increase in premiums. Insurance companies may also take into account the use of your vehicle because commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to cover.
If you're thinking of making major modifications to your van, it's important to consult with your insurance company prior to doing so since it could have an impact on the price of your policy. The cost of your insurance may also increase by adding any extras that aren't included in the standard vehicle. A Thatcham Category 2 -approved dash camera is a simple way to deter thieves because they'll be cautious before attempting to gain entry into.
Another essential element of van life is insurance to protect the tools and equipment you keep in your vehicle, in the event of theft. You can obtain comprehensive physical damage protection, as well as roadside assistance plans that cover breakdowns and other emergencies while you're on the road.
It's important to keep in mind that the insurance policy with the lowest cost isn't always the best. Compare the limits of coverage, deductibles, and other benefits to find the best policy for your needs. In addition to complete coverage, it's worth considering gap insurance as this can pay the difference between your vehicle's actual cash value and any remaining balance on your loan if it is totalled.