How to Make Your Van Secure

A van is a valuable asset, often carrying expensive equipment and tools. Security for your van should be a top priority and there are numerous methods you can employ to stop thieves from entering your van and keep your tools safe.

Slamlocks secure doors when you shut them, which can be beneficial for couriers who make frequent short trips or are prone to not locking their vans. Other options include security stickers covering windows, tinting or covering them and fitting a lockable tool vault.

Security locks

It is important to protect the contents of vans, because they serve as a mode of transport and storage on the move. The proper security measures for your van will deter criminals while protecting your belongings. This will allow you to travel with confidence.

The door locks of the van are the first line of defence. They secure the doors and block unauthorised entry. Standard locks, often pre-installed by the manufacturer, offer the most basic protection but can be easily bypassed by a determined thief. Upgrade to more secure locks that can withstand cutting or drilling. This is a wise investment in security that will give you peace of mind.

Considerations when choosing the right van lock include material and build quality and whether it's Thatcham-approved. This means that the lock is of high-quality and more difficult to compromise. The slamlock is an additional consideration. It locks automatically the doors of the loading area when it closes and requires a specific key to unlock. This is perfect for couriers who may overlook locking their vans in between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock, that provides reinforcement to front and side doors and stops 'peel and take attacks.

Regular cleaning and lubrication of your van locks is crucial to keep them functioning and ensure the integrity of the mechanism. This will prevent corrosion and rust and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections help you spot any signs of wear or damage and address them promptly, to prevent security vulnerabilities from arising.

In addition to improving the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the appropriate security equipment can save you money on your van insurance. Many insurance companies are aware of strong security solutions, offering favourable terms and additional coverage options in return.

Slamlocks

One of the most effective ways to deter thieves is strengthening the locks on your van. By installing high-strength or slam locks your van's doors will be more secure and less difficult to break into. This is particularly important if you intend to use your van to transport expensive tools or other valuable cargo.

The slam lock is activated automatically when your door is shut, meaning you don't need to press a key to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be tampered, which makes it perfect for courier drivers and tradespeople that are in and out their vans all day. They may overlook locking it at the end of each trip. It also assists in fighting the petty thieves who just open the door of your vehicle and take what they can, including the tools that you need to complete your job.

There are a variety of slamlocks available. Some offer extra security features like anti drill and anti pick technology, or a steelplate which blocks drilling. Certain locks are specifically designed for applications, such as the ones used by multidrop drivers or those who transport lots of valuable goods.

If you're looking for more security than a standard locks that slam can provide alternatives like deadlocks. These locks operate independently of the original locking mechanism from the manufacturer and are only unlocked by the driver by using the key provided. You can also buy a hook lock, which operates similarly, but offers extra security by using deadlocking hook bolts that is inserted into the opposing body section and is operated using the supplied key under full control of the driver.

Dashboard cameras

If you're looking to make your vehicle more secure and safe, consider adding a dash camera. These cameras can help you avoid collisions and accidents when driving, and are also useful in proving your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic violation. They work by converting the incoming light into electrical signals and then they transform those signals into digital data. They can be powered via the battery of your vehicle or here by a cigarette-lighter.

A lot of dashboard cameras on the market include SD cards or flash drive for recording. These devices overwrite old footage to allow for new recordings. However they can be upgraded to accept larger memory cards if additional video data is needed. Certain dashboard cameras also have cloud storage capabilities, which remove the requirement for memory cards. These kinds of dashboard cameras connect to either a Wi-Fi or smartphone and upload their data at varying intervals.

Hard-wired or wireless cameras are also important to consider. Hardwired models are less prone to interference from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some models can endure the elements.

Some vans come with dual dash cams that can record video from both the rear and front of the vehicle. This is helpful when reverses in tight spaces or when parked. Some cameras come with night vision, which can make images appear brighter in low-light conditions and improve visibility for drivers. Many van owners have added this feature to their system. Some dashboard cams can be remotely monitored and this is a huge benefit for van owners who spend long periods away from their vehicles.

Alarms

Van life is becoming increasingly popular among those who enjoy exploring and traveling however, it comes with its own risks. The people who live in vehicles are usually at risk of being robbed. Thieves could attack the vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are one of the best ways to secure your vehicle and its contents. These alarm systems can be incorporated with your keypad, so you'll be notified if someone gets into your vehicle. These systems can also help reduce the cost of insurance. This can save you thousands of dollars over the course of your van.

A good alarm system will have an alarm base station, keypads and entry sensors that protect against door peal. Some alarm systems have a built-in motion sensor that detects movement inside your vehicle. The alarm will send an alert to you phone. This is a great way to deter potential thieves and also help you catch thieves before they do.

The addition of deadlocks to all your doors is another great way to ensure the security of your van. These locks require a key for operation and are more difficult to break than regular locks. You can also get locks that operate via a smartphone application. This allows you to check on your van while you are away.

Many van alarms also include an engine immobilizer that disables the vehicle's motor in the event that you use the wrong key to start it. This is a great precaution, but it will not stop a determined thief taking the entire engine. It is better to utilize a low-power tracker that will stop the engine from running and will notify you of the location of your vehicle when it is moved.

Insurance

Vans are a vital resource for many businesses and securing their contents is of paramount importance. Not only can a strong van security system give peace of mind, but it can also lower insurance costs as insurers take van owners' security measures into consideration when calculating their premiums.

The year, make, and model of your vehicle will affect the cost of insurance as will your driving record. Your rates could also be affected by the area where you reside and work, as higher crime rates may lead to an increase in premiums. Insurance companies will also take your van's use into consideration as commercial vehicles typically cost more to insure than personal vehicles.

If you're planning to make any major changes to your van it is important to speak with your insurance provider prior to making any changes as this could have an impact on the policy price. Also, adding any accessories to your vehicle that aren't included in the standard will increase the price of your insurance. For instance the use of a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a great way to discourage thieves, because it can make them think twice about attempting to break into your van.

Another crucial aspect of van life is insurance that covers the tools and equipment that you keep in your vehicle, in the event that they are stolen. You can buy comprehensive physical damage insurance as well as roadside service plans that cover breakdowns and other emergencies.

It's important to be aware that the cheapest insurance policy isn't always the most effective. Compare coverage limits along with deductibles, coverage limits and other advantages to find the most appropriate policy for your needs. In addition to comprehensive coverage, it's also important to consider gap insurance because this can pay the difference between your van's actual cash value and any remaining balance on your loan, if it is totalled.